Hustlin' Montana

Driving to Yellowstone? Or driving through Montana for any reason or another...without much cash, here is a way to help fill the tank.

Practically every exit in the state has a 'Lucky Lils' mini casino...it is very simple, a big chain of casinos, all over Montana, and they do not care how many you visit and do this. Walk in and sign up for the players club, they advertise it everywhere, no big secret. They give you $5 for joining to gamble with... go play a dollar and get your free drink, then cash out. Proceed to the next Lucky Lils in town or area or next town. With two people you get $9 guaranteed at each stop, or $10. With more people in the car, each of you sign up and pool together for the gas cash and voila. Seriously just got done doing this, no hassles, they even look you up in their system and do not care whatsoever that you joined 10 times earlier that day in different nearby towns.

Also there are other casinos just like this, actually ran by the same people I am sure...if you see a 'Suds N' Fun' or 'Montana Lils' they are the same exact deal, hit 'em up. Oh and I think 'Dotty's' does it also, but that's a different less apparent chain.

When you're not hustling, check out Missoula. The coolest little town, and probably the one stop other than Yellowstone you want to make. Culture and drinking here. The bars do not care if you walk out on the street with their draft beer in glass, and even walk into a new bar with the other bars brew. The people are very laid back and very drunkenly fun. There is a couchsurfing ranch there, http://www.orangeacresmontana.blogspot.com have not visited personally but heard good things.

A must stop is 'The Oxford'...a historic bar downtown that serves amazing breakfast for the hangover.

Phish West Posters

Here is a collection of Phish posters from the western tour 2011;


Gorge

Hollywood Bowl

Lake Tahoe

San Francisco

Chicago

Letter to the ymsb/hornings crew

I wrote this after summer tour of 2009, and actually got a reply. Hopefully it is entertaining or inspiring to someone..

Hey - whomever reads this,

I just wanted to thank somebody somewhere for the time of my life, the Summit really meant a lot to me. I have seen Yonder only once before the Summit which was in Flagstaff, AZ where I now live, and ever since been addicted. The music has gotten me through the toughest times in my life, and is very sentimental. Yonder opened my eyes to fun that I had never imagined exists. Northwest String Summit '09 was beyond my expectations, after being on the road with Phish for much of the summer, it was a refreshing new atmosphere. Phish was amazing don't get me wrong, but I don't think anything could have compared to String Summit. The people and vibe was so positive and loving, around every corner was a new friend, being alone never meant actually being alone. I had no idea what I was in store for, in so many ways. Friday night I had my first ever life changing experience, a moment crystallized in my memory forever. Its really impossible to put into words, but I had removed myself from the dust bowl and was on the hill witnessing the sea of people all bouncing along in time to 'New Horizons' and the jellyfish above in the air also dancing along. There was this flurry of banjo notes that sticks out in my mind right at the jam back into the song, and it brings tears to my eyes just to really remember and relive that moment, it was fucking beautiful. Those moments where your hair stands on end, goosebumps, euphoric..well it was not just another one of those, it was THE moment, at least in my life. This theme carried on throughout the weekend, and I left Horning's Hideout a changed person for the best. My parents generation had Woodstock, I had the String Summit, seriously a magical festival, keep it going I am never going to miss one. I would love to recap all the amazing little scenes and moments I had at the festival but it is too numerous and, you know, you had to be there. I had help when needed, whether it was someone taking my hand and into the dust bowl to get down, or sharing food and good times at the tent, it all came together in that beautiful peacock filled piece of heaven you guys have in North Plains. I read they do weddings there in the 'off-season' well if I ever get married I found the place Id like to do that, ha not saying it will happen, just how much Horning's Hideout now means to me. I remember this reoccuring theme of "welcome home", on t-shirts, announced by bands, and etched on every Kinfolks face...that is exactly how I felt, I found home at the Summit. Without sounding insane trying to capture the essence of it all, the only word I can find to sum it up is magical. From the psychedelic forest with the random after-shows and jams into the night, to the 'bridge parties' to the presence of some of the best musicians out there, you guys threw down the best festival I could dream up. This is what I always wished for and tried envisioning, it was perfect, and I am really looking forward to seeing you guys in 2010. Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,

------ -----------

Only about one week! See you there!

Alpharetta, Georgia Camping

Camping for Phish in Alpharetta, Georgia

Looking for a place to camp for the shows in Georgia? Continue further for the closest spot but also there is a list of places provided by the amphitheater, here they are with distance calculations for your conveniance;


20 Mi. SE = Stone Mountain Park 6867 Memorial Dr, Stone Mountain – (770) 498-5600
19 minutes away = Twin Lakes Parks and RV 3300 Shore Drive, Cumming – (770) 887-4400
36 minutes away = Payne Campground – Allatoona Lake 2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth – (678)721-6700 
27 minutes away = Jones Rv Park 2200 Willow Trail Pkwy, Norcross, Georgia – (770) 923-0911
26 minutes away = Sawnee Campground 3200 Buford Dam Road, Cumming – (770) 887-0592
36 minutes away = Lake Lanier Island Resort 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford – (770) 945-8787


There were a few others recommended but they have been removed because of excessive distance from the venue. Looks like a designated driver may be the best option, or an expensive cab, or if any campground may offer a shuttle..but hotels may be most convenient here.


Past years there were some folks that ran a 'Phish Camp' nearby the venue in Alpharetta, it was Sweet Apple Art Studio & Farm at 12840 New Providence Road, Alpharetta, GA...if you can get in touch with them it could be another spur of the moment convenient spot.


The closest and perhaps best choice is Twin Lakes Park. The place Sawnee Campground off Buford Road is probably one of the most widely accepted choice but requires compliance, ie; lay low, sneak booze in.


The place in Buford, Lake Lanier, is amazing but a bit of a drive at about a half hour north of the venue. 


Some research and Wills Park in Alpharetta comes up...this place apparantly has camping! Very near the venue, 5 minute drive. See http://www.willspark.com/html/faq.html for full info.


*Wills Park 
11925 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA
call 678-297-6120 to arrange a spot..looks like atleast 40 are offered.
Otherwise, just get there very early! It is said to be a free for all. Claim your spot.


If nothing else, head northwest of Alpharetta past the suburbs and find a random place to camp, lots of open fields...a bit sketchy to plan on though.


Get Yourself a Picnic for Phish

The amphitheater has everything you need apparently, even a picnic basket. Don't miss out on the picnic basket, seriously...awesome potential, Picnic Basket at Phish .. for further picnic basket details go to http://www.vzwamp.com/plan-your-visit/food-beverage/ and scroll down to picnic baskets.

Tour Maps

Options for a tour, use it or get inspired. Just do it all if you can.

WSP & NWSS & Phish Leg 2 (Gorge)


Combination of bands to see, west coast mostly Panic with a dose of Yonder and Phish. It is their 25th Anniversary tour, and last tour before the hiatus of undetermined length..

Start


JUN 22 Taos, NM -WSP
JUN 24-26 Red Rocks, CO - WSP
JUL 1-3 Alta, WY - WSP
JUL 5 Seattle, WA - WSP
JUL 6 Eugene, OR - WSP
JUL 8-9 Oakland, CA - WSP
JUL 11 Reno, NV - WSP
JUL 22-24 NWSS, OR - Yonder
AUG 5-6 The Gorge, WA - Phish

If nothing else, WSP Fest in Wyoming and NWSS.


Personal Tour WSP, NWSS, Phish


Headed to String Summit, a little Widespread, and more Phish.

Start


(JUN 22 Taos, NM - WSP then back home before tour)

JUL 13-14 Los Angeles, CA - WSP
JUL 15-16 Las Vegas, NV - WSP
JUL 22-24 String Summit, OR - Yonder
AUG 5-6 The Gorge, WA - Phish
?AUG 8? Hollywood, CA - Phish ?  (may skip, distance/time)
AUG 9-10 Lake Tahoe, NV - Phish
AUG 12 San Francisco, CA - Phish  (day of, try single day)


Yonder Midwest and Phish

Start


JUL 3 Geneva, MN - Yonder
JUL 6 Bayfield, WI - Yonder
JUL 7 Milwaukee, WI - Yonder
JUL 8 Des Moines, IA - Yonder
(break - gap camping, sight-seeing, or go home)
AUG 20 - Red Rocks, CO - Yonder
SEPT 2-4 Commerce City, CO - Phish


During time gaps for all tours go camping, find a national park, see some other bands, maybe local, check out a small town..do something random.

Gas Hurting Your Tour?

Unleaded gas, not too many frijoles gas, it is the most expensive a Phish tour, or any tour, whether it be a road trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park or Widespread Panic's show in Taos --> Denver -> Wyoming etc. There are ways around the dilemma of gas prices, assuming you aren't yet flat broke.

GasBuddy trip calculator
More than just a gas price calculator, enter your start and finish points and it brings up the gas stations in route with the cheapest gas prices, and can save you a lot of cash. It plans your trips gas stops for you to maximize savings. Everyone should try this.

The Basics Fund Bus
If you haven't already heard about this or used it, see it now, a great deal to many shows including Widespread Panic. About $20 for a party bus ticket, no dui's.

On The Train
Who does that? Awesome people. You can find some great deals, cheaper than driving yourself, if you try. For example to go from String Summit's nearby station Portland to the Phish shows at the Gorge's nearby station Seattle, it would cost you a ticket fare of $30. Might have to rent a car. Worth it? Maybe, trains are fun.

Sell Stuff on Shakedown
Why not? Fund your own trip, quit slacking. Theres already enough grilled cheese, maybe something different.

Blossom Camping and More, Phish Ohio

Good Blossom Camping for Phish in Ohio

Going to Blossom?


This is a good place to be stopping in for an evening of Phish. With less than a 4 hour drive from Michigan the night before, and the show starting at 7:30pm makes for less rushing and more sleep, maybe. There will be the routine traffic jam but a bit worse in this little town. Here is some camping information..

Blossom Camping;

Woodside Lake Park - not the closest but a safe bet for a chill spot with lots of other heads.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Great spot, parking lots open 24 hours / day and you can find a spot to pitch a tent down a trail, try looking up Towpath trails.

Good's Woods Campground - pretty close
4301 Stow Rd
Stow, OH 44224
330-738-6792

Tamsin Park - also relatively nearby
5000 Akron-Cleveland Rd
Peninsula, OH 44264

Stanford House Primitive Campsites
6093 Stanford Rd
Peninsula, OH 44264

Cherokee Park Campground
Mogadore, OH
330-673-1964

Countryside Campground
Mogadore, OH
330-628-1212













On the Road from Pine Knob?

Heres some side-trips and ways to go things to see;

Gas in the area is at $4.22, if you plan it right, you won't even need to fill up, this is a 4 hour drive max. Which means you have time perhaps for a stop, before or after the show.
Take I-75 S to
I-280 S to
I-80 E
Cost you about $35 in gas if your driving a 2005 Subaru Outback or something similar...

Check out:

Put-In-Bay - little island off of Sandusky coast on the way. While you are there check out the Crystal Cave, where you can see the world's largest geode, the headiest crystal ever mann.

Cedar Point Park - ride some rollercoasters at this theme park situated between Sandusky and Lake Erie.

Eat Skyline Chili somewhere, Toledo or wherever, a restaurant and line of chili that is loved and hated.

Nelson Ledges State Park - Newbury, Ohio very nearby Cleveland, awesome hiking and outdoors area.

Almost SCI YarmonyGrass

Skipping the Gorge? Want to see String Cheese but don't want to do the huge festival circuit, ie; bonnaroo and electric forest. Give YarmonyGrass a glance. There is a decent line-up that includes all of the members of SCI;

The Trancident - New SCI side project w/ Travis, Hollingsworth, Kang, and Hahn

Emmitt Nershi Band - Speaks for itself

Nershi-Law - Scott Law is great with Nershi

The Grant Farm w/ Keith Moseley - Keith's thing

That makes for a slight chance of a impromptu taste of an Incident for the late Saturday night session where a collaboration is scheduled, or whenever else...but highly unlikely. This idea got some speed in an article in the Vail Daily 'String Cheese Incident Members all Scheduled for YarmonyGrass'. Hey, in 2008 it happened, at Yarmony all members except Keith got together for 'Will it Go Round in Circles'. If you are in Colorado Aug. 4-6th, don't miss what could be the best low key festival of the season.

Don't miss the float trip this year, check out this video from last years http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=737now8RdUA&feature=related
and heres another video from 2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ-MZtAbYuQ&feature=related

Other great bands to see on the Yarmony lineup;

Greensky Bluegrass
The Travelin' McCourys
Head for the Hills
Dead Winter Carpenters
Pete Kartsounes band

Looking for other shows or pre/after-parties?


At State Bridge Lodge see The Wailers on Aug. 3rd complete with sand dance floor on the Colorado River.

Also, Aug. 4 - YarmonyGrass PreParty at the Lodge

In Colorado and want something earlier, a pre pre-party.. at thee20south in Breckenridge they will have Pete Kartsounes Band with the Drunken Hears June 10th. Also, The Grant Farm w/ the Drunken Hearts July 1th. They will be diving out YarmonyGrass gear and raffling a pair of festival tickets, enter at the parties.

Tahoe for Phish! Camping, and Riff Raff

Lake Tahoe is sold out and promises to be a summer highlight. If you are looking for some camping spots, here are some recommendations;

Camping Tahoe for Phish

'Campground by the Lake' - nearest to Harvey's.

Tahoe Valley Campgrounds - Good place to party.

Emerald Bay Campground - Beautiful views, a bit more family oriented, quiet.

Hotels


Want to get a hotel? Can't handle nature? The lake + Phish is too much for some people, maybe too cold also, but do you really want to risk bed bugs? If so continue to read;

Best Western - just a couple blocks from Harvey's.

Stay at Harvey's...as close as it gets one would assume.

Montbleu - closer

Rent one of these little cabins http://tahoelodging.escapia.com/Unit.mvc/Details/14880


After Party? Night Life, Bars

The Divided Sky - A sweet little bar with music usually at night, food, and a full bar. Their signature drink is the fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit and finlandia vodka, refreshing and healthy especially after a 2 day phish run.

Montbleu Showroom - 8/9 Karl Denson's Tiny Universe w/ Mama's Cookin' 
Doors at 10pm, Show at 11pm


Great after-show/party option; 8/10 Lotus w/ Big Gigantic at Montbleu Showroom '    '

8/9 EOTO at Montbleu
8/10 Dumpstaphunk at Montbleu

Try this for bars and pubs..it is pretty cool; beermapping

Driving from Hollywood?


Take the 395 Route, which is awesome. It takes about 3 1/2 hours to get to Lone Pine and then there are a few places you can crash, motels, camping and even a hostel. Theres also a hostel downtown Lake Tahoe you may want to check out, $30/night usually, it's called the Monaco. Also the AAE Shamrock and Cal Lodge are nearby hostels.

Visit the ghost town of Bodie...there are over 150 some abandoned buildings you can explore and smoke out.

Have fun and resist the urge to use fireworks or have a fire pretty much in general and you won't be hassled while camping down in the basin.

Phish Holmdel...Jersey. Camping and good stuff, side trip.

Holmdel, New Jersey


What a place to be seeing Phish. Jersey. Anyways, after Bethel it will be fun despite anything else. Looking for a place to camp? Trying to avoid the police? Read on...

Camping @ Holmdel

Keep it cheap and camp out at the nearest chillest place, that you're going to find in NJ, and just be generally careful of law enforcement presence out there, bad reputation, but so does anywhere.

Goto Cheesequake State Park;

It will only take 13 minutes if you take Garden State Parkway North, 8 miles from the venue. Not quite walking material..also it is a state park so be cool with alcohol etc.

There is a lake, showers, big green flies, hiking, and campsites with firepits what more do you want?

Other things to do? Goto Holmdel Park...it is as close as you are going to get for rolling countryside here. Beautiful park with hiking and happiness abundance. Honestly there is nothing to do in Holmdel, after Phish quickly pack up the tent and get to Michigan or Ohio.

Going to Pickin' in the Pines Flagstaff?

Pickin' in the Pines


Flagstaff, AZ - Home of Ponderosa Pines, quaint bars and downtown, hippies & hobos...and a decent little bluegrass scene. This year they got Sam Bush. Finally, it has been a long time coming that they book a decent name to help put Pickin in the Pines on the map. Always this festival has been great, the town and location, and vibe. If you go be sure to see Muskellunge Bluegrass whom are local Flagstaff folk that are truly a kick ass bluegrass band. Here is some local info for anyone travelling;

Flagstaff


If you aren't camping at the festival, or are looking to extend your trip, there is an abundance of amazing camping sites in the area. Try down Lake Mary Rd. take a left at the only road you can inbetween lower and upper lake mary..then go around the curves and head straight down the road towards Marshall Lake. The drive alone is worth it, only a few minutes but lots of lakes and forest scenery.

Post-Party

Undoubtedly there will be post-shows announced, where bands performing at the festival will also perform downtown at a local bar. These bars would be one of these options;

Mia's Lounge - good place for always free live music, lots of college-hipster type kids in the crowd. Nice patio out back.

The Green Room - great stage and floor space for shows, the bar is popular and gets packed. sometimes a cover charge.

Flag Brew - one of the coolest little bars, frequent 'patio parties' with bands playing outdoors, kind-of a Dead bar.

Monte Vista - on half of the vintage hotel is a vintage bar...that has a pool area, and stage and frequent live music usually free.

Charly's - great bar in the Weatherford historic hotel downtown, has two stories and a bar on each floor, the upper featuring a balcony to get drunk and yell and throw things at the maloneys and collins bro bar crowd. And free popcorn!

Also while you are downtown getting drunk and watching music, make a stop at Primo's across the street from Mia's Lounge and The Joint strip club...awesome little chicago hot dog place that does a lot of business around 2am (last call).

Avoid drinking and driving, this town is crawling with police that love to bust drunk drivers..it's a college town, and definitely a drinking town.

The best or most fun hotels to stay at would be the Weatherford at Charly's or the Monte Vista hotel. Very historic and a hopping bar with music at night.

Side Trips

Make sure to check out Sedona if you have never been. Red rocks galore and new agey tourist mecca. There are vortex's mannn.

Take the scenic route which is a fun drive from Flag to Sedona down 89a...Head south from town or the venue. Only a 30-45 minute drive. Oak Creek Canyon is on the way and is beautiful. Check out Grasshopper Point (obvious sign before town entrance) for cliff jumping and swimming. Oh yeah..and if you really want to do a scenic/fun drive, and have 4x4 (must have 4wd!) take the exit for Schnebly Hill rd off the highway towards sedona/phoenix, and follow that rocky switchback road down to Sedona. It is beautiful, a lot of old westerns were shot in the area.



If you are fighting a hangover during the festival goto Altitudes Bar & Grill by the railroad tracks downtown, and get yourself a bloody mary, they make them the best here. Also on Sundays is a 'bloody mary bar' where you build your own, delicious day-starter.

 Apparantly there are some hot springs in the area of sedona/prescott, if you want a real hike with a reward at the end, check out Verde Hot Springs..google it. Another great hike is in Flagstaff, up Mt. Elden. Will post more random area info as it comes to mind...

Going to the Gorge/NWSS Continued..

Vashon Island, Washington

During your gap time before or after the Gorge shows, you may want to consider checking out the Pike Place Market etc. in Seattle...then for something more unique take the ferry from Seattle to Vashon Island...it's practically out of the movie 'The Wicker Man'. You can stay in a teepee at the Hostel on the island. This is a very affordable awesome place. Then head into the village on the island for a reggae or related show at the one of maybe two bars the Red Bicycle...and meet some local Vashonians..hippy island folk.

• While at Pike Place Market....

Stay at the Tortoise! The Green Tortoise is a hostel downtown literally across the street from the Pike Place Market. It is cheap and fun, do the pub crawl if your alone and bored. There is a little burlesque place on the corner there, you'll see it, where you can get an absinthe buzz. 

Widespread Panic Taos show Tips

Going to Taos? Check out the hot springs;

There are two hot springs in the Rio Grande river canyon just outside of Taos, NM. The more public of the pair is located on the western bank of the river, accessed by a relatively short trail leading from the first tight turn of the dirt road after crossing the bridge over the river.
Turn off NM 522 at Arroyo Hondo, NM.

The more private is on the east side of the river, a couple miles below the other spring. It is accessed via US 64, turning on Tune Dr a dirt road, before crossing the Gorge Bridge across the Rio Grande river. From there about 5 miles until the parking area and trailhead. A foot trail leads downriver from there a bit over a mile to the springs at the edge of the river. 

• Camping @ Taos 

The word is that the on-site camping may not be ideal, so here are other options;

(it has been said that the venue camping is in a school yard, no fires, no smoking, no alcohol, across the street from a police station)

Check out Carson National Forest camping;

6 + miles from the venue, off Hwy 64 southeast of town or off Hwy 150 north of town. Or just get a room nearby, or deal with the camping, because all you want is the option to stumble to your tent after the show anyways.

Best places for a pre-game happy hour; 'The Gorge' 3-5, 'Alley Cantina' 5-7, Shadows Lounge 4-6.

Pre-Summit Prep

String Summit requires minimal planning, other than a cooler, money, lighter, maybe a portable stove, sleeping bag and tent. But here are a few other pointers for those of you about to experience your first Summit. This is the best festival or music event. The place to be is Horning's Hideout this time July.

• Beer and Liquor

Is strictly forbidden...the security will confiscate your goods, and you will be making multiple trips to the gas station throughout the weekend. You can get booze in then, easily, if you are smart enough to get other things in. Here is a quickie; Take the spare tire out of your compartment (assuming you have a subaru or something with that compartment in the rear/trunk. Replace tire with 30 packs of PBR and ice bags. Enjoy the best weekend of your life!

• Camping Spots

The best spots will be found by those who show up the early-bird night. Thursday...and why would you miss it when Greensky Bluegrass will be performing that night! Get the early-bird special! If you walk towards the stage from parking, up the dirt road just before the top right main entrance is camping area to the left in the trees. Just follow a path to the left into the trees and you can score a spot right by the concert entrance! Any spot is a good spot at Horning's really though.

• Don't lose your wristband/bracelet

This can become a huge pain in the ass, if it falls off while you are setting up tent and you don't realize it until showtime..it is a big disappointment and hassle.

• Best spot to have a preshow safety meeting

If you're looking for a good place to take a seat and enjoy some fresh air and other fun things, check out towards the water to the left of the stage, there is a small bridge walkway, and an island thing. Go sit there, and enjoy a beverage and smoke.

• Bring a hammock

Seriously, this is a nice thing to have. 

Going to the Gorge or String Summit?

If you are headed to the Gorge shows, or Northwest String Summit, or even the

Widespread Panic Eugene date, be sure to take heed..

Some great spots to check out for a quick tour stop or to fill those gaps between String Summit and the gorge...

1. Bagby Hot Springs

Not far from Portland, or String Summit, or the Gorge depending on what the terms of far are...just between Oregon City and Portland sort-of..in the woods, surrounded by beauty;

This place is a great place to 'renew' and 'heal'...so the Indians say, natural hot springs heal all sorts of ailments and trouble in life, what better way to keep a road trip in the right direction. There are individual little rooms, private tubs, made of logs carved out, with a door and all, this is a really cool part of this place. It is a short hike in, takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can camp at the entrance as well, or down the road you came from at multiple great spots.

2. The White Eagle Rock & Roll Hotel

This is the coolest little bar and hotel/hostel in Portland. Private rooms with shared bathrooms, European style. Cheap rooms usually 40-60 bucks/night. Free live music practically every night, awesome food and beer, you can live here for a week somewhat cheaply and comfortably.

3. Canada

Why not? It's like 2 hours or less from the Gorge shows...There is a little town, the last stop from the border that your can exit and go bury your stash in some yard or something. Once in Canada, head to Vancouver and line up a hostel or go camping.

4. McMinnville (Oregon Hotel)

A really nice rooftop bar and classy vintage feel rooms.

Rate the Venues (Phish Post)

Rate the Venues - Phish 1st leg

What follows is some Phish info, please go to next post if you are not here for Phish information. This is based on a phantasytour post...rated the venues, were they good/bad for one reason or another? Whether the security sucked, or you just sucked. Good lot scene, etc..;


Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
DTE Energy Music Theater, Clarkston, MI
Blossom Music Center, Cleveland, OH
Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center, NY
Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
Verizon Wireless @ Encore Park, Alpharetta, GA
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion, Raleigh, NC
Ntelos Pavilion at Harbor Center, Portsmouth, VA

Now here are the results;

taking cops, traffic and overall venue sound and sight into the equation 1-10 scale

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY 7
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ 6
DTE Energy Music Theater, Clarkston, MI 7
Blossom Music Center, Cleveland, OH 7
Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH 5
Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA 5
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Darien Center, NY 4
Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ 5
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD 5
Verizon Wireless @ Encore Park, Alpharetta, GA 7
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC 6
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion, Raleigh, NC 7
Ntelos Pavilion at Harbor Center, Portsmouth, VA 7

Nothing that great here. Sheds are sheds. Bethel is nice before they put the fence up around it - traffic and cops in the lot are also a big issue.

Blossom, Mansfield, Camden, MMP all lack camping it I remember right.

Verizon Wireless @ Encore Park = no security, beautiful venue, easy going ushers, small, cozy 

MPP has camping at nearby state parks..can come and go as you please..it's a 30 minute drive, but cheap as dirt.

Portsmouth- beautiful small venue on the water 

Darien = Grass parking lot, theme park, big white tent. Darien is like a giant cop trap also.

Blossom is laid back and incredible. inside and out. the place was built for the cleveland symphony so the acoustics are great.