Where should BeerAdvocate host a fest?

San Diego for the convenience of being able to go. Some great breweries around, but the old home state of Michigan is putting out some great things and maybe a better mid-west location for people.

 

Asheville is a perfect choice, it's easy to get to, small enough to be convenient, has plenty of rooms, and places to eat, it's easy to get to and it's perfectly safe to walk around without getting yourself killed. Chicago can't say that.

 

Come to Rochester, NY. The central and western new york regions are home to nationally recognized but ands such as Ommegang, Ellicotville and Ithaca Brewing. The Rochester scene features fast rising powerhouse Three Heads Brewing, who are every bit the equal to any west coast brewer you can name. 3HB are now distributed as far afield as the Carolinas and are constantly opening new markets. The Rochester area also boasts Custom Brewcrafters, who partner with dozens of bars and restaurants in western New York to produce house label brews. New independent breweries are starting up all the time, and the culture of craft beer and the bars and restaurants it spins off has played a major role in the urban renewal that has surged forward in both Rochester and Buffalo in recent years. The beer community in central and western New York is ready for national attention, and Rochester is the perfect location to collect all of this talent for one kick ass beer fest.

 

Won't be anywhere near my home base, but I recommend an area with a concentrated pocket of BA members.

 

Easy to get to, maybe, unless you're on the West Coast. Small does not necessarily equal good. If I'm travelling a good distance, I'm probably spending a couple of days. I'd like to go to a city that offers a lot a vairety/options of things to keep me occupied for several days. I'd also like one that has real public transportation, I'm may be flying in or if I drive, I'm going to be having beers, so driving while I'm there.

As far as "getting killed"? Seriously? I hope that's a joke.

 

I vote Chicago. 2nd choice, Twin Cities.

 

Chicago, centrally located, access to a ton of great beers... No-brainer.

 

Saint Augustine Florida, Oldest City in the United States lots of history...not to mention thristy craft beer drinkers. Just saying.

 

Charlotte would be a great choice, great emerging beer scene, several great breweries, lots of good beer-centric restaurants and good beer bars. Great distribution of good beer from other parts of the country. Plenty of hotel space, and it's a large city with a small town feel.

 

This place has a large parking lot where it can be held. Plus, entertainment could be in the form of drunks falling off the pier. I would attend!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...gId=10051&langId=-1&appID=94&tab=3&storeID=21

 

Chicago or Grand Rapids...
Chicago travel and accommodations are definitely easier but Grand Rapids is Beer City. Tough call

 

New Orleans, LA

 

You don't need public transportation in Asheville, plenty to do , hiking, canoeing, rafting, fishing, heavy arts district. Airport within a reasonable drive. Chicago had over 80 people shot over the July 4th weekend, over 20 killed they have more killings in a week than Afghanistan has in months. They're moving in more Federal help to stop some of the senseless violence, unfortunately I wasn't kidding Chicago is dangerous right now especially so with out of towners who aren't very familiar.

 

I’ll tell you where. Someplace warm. A place where the beer flows like wine. Where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen.

But if not, than Baltimore, definitely Baltimore.

 

To not be a NC homer I'd say Vegas too, obviously rooms, restaurants, easy transportation to and from. Lots of space either inside or out.

 

Boise Idaho- our local beer sucks and they need someone to come learn 'em how to step it up. Plus I wouldn't have to travel far :-)
Other options- Bend or Portland OR.

 

Well, I do need public trans, I'm not walking everywhere and if the town is that small that I can cover it all on foot, it's too small for spend several day in. Ashville has 7K hotel rooms (http://www.exploreasheville.com/meeting-and-event-planners/), so figure half capacity at any given time, that doesn't leave too many, and I doubt I'll be able to walk anywhere from half of them.

Seriously, give up on the murder angle. Anyone who'd been to Chicago, or any other major city, knows that crime at that level happens, but it happens in certain areas. Places you'll never see. To be afraid of being caught in gun battle in the streets is a seriuos Mayberry attitude.

Thanks for the Las Vegas vote. That's all was really curious about, the 2nd choice.

 

Austin would be fun!

 

D.C. or Richmond, VA.

 

I've got to go Charlotte too (although I'm a homer)...

I know you've been, Todd - met you guys at Olde Meck. Serious up and coming brewing scene here - couple hours from Asheville, Raleigh, the coast etc. Our airport speaks for itself. We're also a few hours from the best breweries in SC as well. Depending on the size of the event - we're close to VA (spent a week there recently - killer beer scene), Georgia... etc.

Oh - lodging is cheaper here than a lot of the bigger cities mentioned... and we've got amazing BBQ.