When and Where?

[kvnband]

I like the idea of having 2 in a year...Granted, I wouldn't (nor would most people) be able to go to both of them, but it is a good idea....

Atlanta is well within my driving limits, so that would work perfectly for me. Also, as it is a bigger place, there would be more things to do, more things to see, and easier to get in and out of (theoretically)....

[Irish]

West coast, between Seattle, WA and the northern CA border. We're not likely to fly to other parts of the country, although we might take Amtrak as far as mid-CA. Because of mountain passes (snow in the high country!), anytime between May 1st and mid-October would be fine with us.

[Tiki]

Just to stop all the arguing about which state to have it in.................come to the Land of the Parrots-Australia of course! Wild cockatoos on your doorstep! OK, let's see you top that!

Whoops, forgot the time-Oct-Nov is lovely here-springtime!

[The Outlaw]

Atlanta:

Dirty and crime ridden. Try again.

[fatma]

[grandma]

You are right, Atlanta is a hub for many airlines.

[FeathersNFur8]

Atlanta

If there is going to two gatherings planned (for each coast), I'd like to see a location more central to each coast. For the east coast maybe Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Carolina, W. Virginia, Virginia. I know nothing about these areas, as far as safe, airports, hotels etc. Just throwing a thought out there.
Maybe a location near an attraction?
http://parrotmountainandgardens.com/

[kvnband]

Karen, I was looking at the member map, and I noticed that too...There are very very few members in that area.....On the flip side, there are a TON of members around it forming a perfect circle. To me, that would be the best place to go (I, too, know nothing about what to do there)...Granted, I would have to drive further, but I think ultimately we would have more people there........

[The Outlaw]

I can personally vouch for Pigeon Forge Tennessee for being absolutely beautiful and with tons of hotels and things to do. However, the closest airport, in Knoxville, is small and many larger airlines don't fly in. I used to go there every year. It has so many cool attractions (like Disney World in the mountains) great accomodations and lots of shows (I'm not into country, but if you are, it rivals Nashville). I would recommend that area in late September. Its packed all summer and in autumn the tourists come in for the fall colors. Again, though, air travel is a problem due to the small airport. If memory serves, Knoxville is about 40 minutes from Pigeon and Gatlinburg.

[FeathersNFur8]

Here's my thought: Pigeon Forge, TN. There are many area hotels, motels, cabins and chalets for rent. Plenty of attractions, for those that will make this their vacation as well as BB gathering.

A Meet N' Greet/Picnic would be held on a Saturday. There's a possibility of finding a nice open air lodge in one of the parks. Depending on how this arranged, prepared picnic food can be bought locally and the picnic dinner can be purchased for a price, or everyone bring their own.

A group outing to Parrot Mountain & Gardens could be planned for Sunday. Many members have expressed an interest in going there.

I would suggest a spring date, to beat the heat. No too cold, not too hot! Someone familiar with the weather in that area can probably advise what date would be best.