You can do that by creating a shared map on Google (see link above).

I participated in one before but did not create it. The issue though, is with the one i used, it showed the coordinates of the people posting. You couldn't just tag "NYC area" for example.

Oh I guess I should have read that more closely. 😊. I think it would be great to see where we all are and it might inspire some interesting destinations.

Didn’t some private FB group (besides the Sophie’s kitchen) get set up afte Houzz acquired Gardenweb? I was more private back then and didn’t pay attention.

I was just fiddling around with it, and I even went into my Google settings to get rid of my location, and it didn't work. When I bring up google maps (which are sharable btw), it still shows my coordinates.

(Sign in to your Google account on a browser on iOS or your desktop, or through the Android settings menu. In the browser, access your account settings by finding Google Account in the dropdown in the upper right-hand corner, then head to Personal Info & Privacy, choose Go to My Activity, then in the left-hand nav click Activity Controls. Once there you'll see the setting called Web & App Activity, which you can toggle off.)

I am in!! As for where, I’m torn Between fun/ charming : Charleston, Santa fe, etc., vs. easy travel for all....somewhere most could fly to Nonstop-direct. Also , thinking of cost, somewhere in the middle?

Well, most likely then, that would mean a city that's a hub for a major airline...if there are any left in business by the time this is over...

In all likelihood, being practical, we might need an east coast gathering and a west coast gathering? Just thinking, I love all of you but I’m not sure if I’d be up for a meetup in Vancouver, from Boston. But I’d be happy to go to Charleston or Savannah or Mtn’s Maine house! 😜

It‘s fun to think about. I’m dying for a change of scenery.

Sue, I was thinking the same thing about dividing the coasts. And of course y'all are welcome at our place--Connecticut or Maine.

Santa Fe. Let's go to Santa Fe!

Sueb has a point. Maybe a place in the middle when we actually have a head count.

If people want to, you can simply post a list of places you'd be interested in going for a meet-up (whether because it is close or because you want to go there, doesn't really matter why). Then we could create a survey and link to it and people can vote on that list.

Perhaps in conjunction, we should vote on the month? or is it too soon to tell? I am thinking like Sept or October 2021, since summers can be busy

Yeah, what happened to a weekend on a Minnesota lake?

That should be on the list too of course. We should probably do ranked voting if it's a long list.

And is this spouses/partners as well or just us? (I would vote for just us; YMMV.)

Question: Where would you like to meet?

1929’s Answer: Yes.

Are we thinking about a destination to spend a few days - length of stay flexible depending on your level of interest? Might be too soon to decide on the date since we don't really know when it will be "safe" to travel. We could pick some top choices and then when it's safe decide on time of year and location. I kind of like the idea of some sort of resort where you could partake of its amenities but also in a location where there are other interesting places to go and things to see if you want. I rarely stay at a resort and can't stand staying in a hotel room but I've seen some that looked appealing. My DH would go if there were other DHs and golf. I could take him or leave him and he'd be on his own with the other DHs if he came along.

I think the 2020'a are going to be known for a lot of partying, just like the 1920's. I hate to think of history totally repeating itself though. Hate that I have become old enough to notice the patterns . . . But to the topic at hand, I've attended some GW get togethers, they are the BEST fun!!

Ida, I agree. Just us. The gathering would have a whole other feeling if we included the men. They just don’t have the connection that we all do.

3katz, We can all stay for as short or as long as we want. So, if it’s near you, you might only stay a day or two. For those traveling further, we might want at least 4 days.

One big main event/ activity can be the focus.

^ perfect.

I've traveled out of state a few times to meet online friends (from forums that now no longer exist), and twice I took DH with me. When I didn't is probably when I had the better time, as there was no worry about whether he was having a good time, feeling included, or just completely bored out of his skull and lost in the "foreign-to-him" discussion. I don't know for sure that I would be able to attend a gathering that this group is able to put together, although I do think I'd be much more inclined to try to make it if it were "just us." I tend to be a bit socially phobic in such situations anyway ... and absolutely not that it's all about ME, but I suspect there are a number of other introverts here who might feel more at ease with just the "known" parties in attendance.

Wait, what about Lars and Faron?

They're part of "us", aren't they? ;-) I'm not lobbying for "no men" ... would just prefer forum members without partners. My two cents only!

One part of my trip to Kips Bay that worked out well is that I travelled with DH, but he had his own people to meet. I’m clueless in airports, more so since DH because I just follow him blindly lol.

We have a nice decorator showhouse in my suburban town (and an stellar independent hotel!) but the showhouse is every two years, so next one is 2022. A few years ago I went on a Kitchens tour in another town, wow they were amazing. Who knows what events will be going in in Chicago next year!

That’s better, Ida, no partners. Except Bastian. And Emmett.

Hmm, speaking of Emmett, I’ve never been to Nova Scotia, or PEI, and I’m a big Anne fan. Can we swim from Mtn’s? Or charter a boat?

Yes, Ida that is what I meant. And, many in our group are single, divorced or widowed.

Hmm, I wonder what’s going to be going on at the FargoDome next year?

I'm in for anywhere I'm so ready to go!

Ohhh I really like Chicago.

The idea of waiting until fall of 2021 is just a bummer. I get it, but it stinks.

I’m all for a spouse free GW convention! 😎

A person's gender is not always what you might think from their screen name.

I'm pretty open. I just threw out Oct '21 because summer is busy and May might be too soon. But we could plan for May and adjust as needed?

Im late to the party but i would love to join also..

• Fall 2021 sounds great to me,
• I don't care if spouses come or not-- if some will be traveling far distances, i get that they might want to bring a spouse. Doesn't mean they need to join everything we do.
• Much as I love the west coast, i am unlikely to be able to swing enough time off to travel across country -- and stay long enough to make the trip worthwhile. East Coast and parts of the midwest would work though!

I would also love to be part of this! Ideal - east coast or midwest but I wouldn't kick Santa Fe out of bed.

What about Asheville, NC? See the Biltmore estate?

I think probably best not to plan any earlier than late summer/fall 2021 - just based on my opinion that we aren't going to come out of this for at least another year. But first things first - we have to identify some cool potential destinations. Do people want to be in a big city/urban environment or a resort type place or some other non-urban environment? I will just throw some centrally located ideas out there to get you started.

• Colorado is kind of central - The Broadmoor was a cool place the last time I was there which was a very long time ago - this would be more of a resort destination
• Chicago - someone mentioned that; nice (assuming riots/looting/etc. die down) centrally located big city
• Ozarks - I know nothing about it but it's in the middle of the country
• Texas - some cool places - Austin, San Antonio, etc.
• Memphis - I liked the music when I was there a long time ago for work; didn't see any of the surrounding attractions
• Minnesota/Wisconsin - some nice resorts if the timing is summer; fall is very nice but summer is optimal for lake activity

A couple not centrally located places I've been that I thought were cool:

• Oregon wine country (and Mt. Hood, Oregon coast, etc. etc.)
• Kiawah Island - great private beach/resorty location near Charleston

Okay - what else????

Actually, the Southern Living Showhouse was supposed to be open for tours this fall in Asheville. Since that is on hold, I wonder if they will defer tours to 2021 or let it go?

3Katz, you are on it!

I do think we need an easy fly in and out with not too much time to reach the destination.

If you want me to, 3Katz, after we have all the suggestions, I could set up an online survey for people to vote for their top 3 destination choices and preferred month.

Ok just for fun (not mandatory) I am trying a google map with 2 layers: one is where you're at and one is a place or two you might suggest. I think you might need a google account to edit the map so I'm not sure how useful it is.

This link is open to everyone to edit (so a teenager could come in and delete it all -- I'm taking a chance here!) or if you want I could add places by checking in here every once in awhile. Or neither!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=11vhii6XxPpgdplQAQzUgfxoDooI6PFX7&usp=sharing

It does add coordinates but just based on where you click so I don't think your current location is revealed if you're not precise with the clicking.

.

Click the layer you want to add a pin to - then click the marker button - that should pin the map.

Emmett is at an awkward stage for travelling and is basically a huge rampaging handful so the special guests might be limited to Bastian who is cute enough for ten get togethers!

Sounds good Mtn!

Thought I’d throw this idea out there. A number of years ago i went to a conference at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, CA. The accommodations are rather basic but the location is breath taking, right on the ocean. It would be a great place to gather.They may even do a bonfire for us. When I was there I took a few extra days to visit Monterey and drive along Big Sur. https://www.visitasilomar.com/?_ga=2.150363702.1618906109.1596053341-1772771239.1596053341&_ga=2.150363702.1618906109.1596053341-1772771239.1596053341

Jojo, Asheville is on my bucket list!

I agree. Asheville can tick off quite a few boxes!

um, I vote for Asheville - about 30 minutes from me ;-) Biltmore is fabulous, been there many times but have never gotten around to the rooftop tour which is supposed to be amazing. The gardens and conservatory are gorgeous at all times of year but I think spring is particularly lovely. But there is a lot more to Asheville besides the Biltmore. The Grove Park Inn is another must see for architecture, grounds, restaurants and views. Just having a drink on the terrace is worth the trip.

However.... and this can be a big however.....depending on where you are coming from flights into Asheville can be pricey and problematic if you want a direct flight - they are limited. Hard to check right now because so many routes are on hold.

Asheville works for me. I was there once but not for long enough. I think flights from Philadelphia are easy. I could even do a road trip and drive.

Asheville - spent my 50th there! Stayed at the hotel on The Biltmore property and went on several tours; also spent some time at The Grove Park Inn. Though I’d love to go somewhere new I’d do a repeat here with my GW friends

Flights to AVL are pretty easy from the east and FL but get trickier for people who live west.

I would love to meet up. Asheville is very appealing because of proximity and because I love Biltmore and the city, but I would try to go most anywhere.