What ever happened to the idea of a Family Chess Vacation. It use to be way back when [i.e. 6+ years or more] that the U.S. Open could be treated as a vacation for the family. Of course whoever was doing chess was there for the tournament. However, the organizers use to always make sure there were side offerings that would/could appeal to the entire family. Now with the USCF as the main organizer about the only side events available are chess events.
The only exception to this is the annual golf outing, which is not organized by the USCF. Rather it has been run by chess players who want to play some golf during their chess vacation. I remember that the U.S. Open in 1994 in Chicago had a number of side events. These including a group shopping trip to downtown Chicago, a trip to Great America amusement park, a Cubs baseball game, and other activities besides just chess. This made taking the family to the U.S. Open into a Family Chess Vacation.
I hope the Cherry Hill people will try to organize some outside trips for the participants at the 2007 U.S. Open. The last time I was only there for the last weekend for the delegates meetings. I did manage to visit the Continental Congress, the Liberty Bell, & Betsy Ross House. Maybe a side trip for those interested in a day at Atlantic City. Although a game of chess is a bit of a gamble, a lot of chess players are bettors as well. A thing to remember is that a group tour of some site has benefits. You usually get a good guide and quite often you can get a group rate. On the other hand there is the logistic problems of arranging transportation and the need of a minimum number of participants to get the special perks that a large group receives over an individual.
Maybe around May a thread/subject can be started. It would be from people who will be attending the 2007 U.S. Open, with requests for specific side events. This could avoid the problem of having enough people for a specific event or tour. Also, it would show that such an event or tour is highly desired.
Lawrence Cohen
ps: For those who did attend the 2006 U.S. Open in Chicago I hope the list of local eateries was of help. I had put it together for the 2006 Chicago Open & had updated it for the U.S. Open. I hope those who used it found it to be a good guide.