It seems to me that if there were folks coming across the pond (expecially for the first time) to the U.S., they would want to have access to other nearby attractions in order to do the tourist thing when not at the gathering. Reasonable proximity to an international airport could be an important factor as well. As much as I would want to see such a gathering happen in the western part of the States, (knowing that there are 'Catters out there who are quite nearly as geographically separated from eastern U.S. folk events as the 'Catters in the U.K.,) I think that Ramblewood seems to fill the bill. It has lots of sleeping space, seems to tolerate tent-campers as well, has a huge central meeting area, large-enough dining facilities and plenty of "break-out" areas for workshops, etc.. Besides, the grounds are really quite pretty.

Another consideration is that if we were expecting any sort of commercial support from music-oriented companies, they would be more likely to support something that is located not too far off the beaten track. The Getaway has so far been a rather un-commercialized event; but something like what we are considering might need to have more involvement along those lines to help subsidize costs.

Autumn is generally the best time for any such gathering because the temperatures are usually more tolerable and rain is less of a possibility (I think) than it is in spring. Besides, as has been pointed out, the whole area is really quite beautiful at that time of year.

If we planned to hold the international gathering just before the annual Getaway, some of the visitors might possibly be able to stay over for that (unless, of course, the two events were somehow combined [hint, hint]).