We found West River, and realized last year that it's the near-perfect site for the Getaway--it suits our needs even better than Ramblewood, in term of many spaces to make music, comfortable heated bedrooms, flat and easy to get around for mobility-impaired people.

The glitch was that as newcomers, we couldn't get one of the coveted October weekends the first year or two, and had to settle for November. Now that we're becoming regulars, we've snagged the first weekend of October for 2008, and hopefully, we'll stay in October, though of course, we may have to move to dodge Jewish holidays in certain years (like 2011).

Yes, the food is utilitarian, but most of us are coming for the music and not the gastronomy.

The nearest motels--there's one small place in Galesville, and most of the rest of the nearest lodgings are either in Annapolis or Camp Springs--a drive of 15 to 20 miles or 25 to 30 minutes.

--Charlie Baum