I've made a few VERY prelimenary inquiries and have found several petfriendly hotels in DC. One in particular is in NW district right off RockCreek Park, just down the street from the zoo and on the metro line. Very beautiful and safe part of town. Just as with TX they have a weekend special of about $80 per night.. a serious discount if you look at normal prices. One does NOT want to have to drive downtown if you don't have to. Metro goes right to museums and monuments. We would have to arrange for a pet sitter when going to attractions for those that would bring their babes. I could help with that. October would be good if Aly could get away from NY for a weekend (remember? she should be in NY for that period of time). That being said, I still would like to think about a mid-west meet so Phred could come. Whatever happened to that idea somewhere around some lake that was not too far from the Chicago area? Or am I just having a senior moment again Laurie