I used to go to all the big shows in my region. Everything was very expensive, from the hotel to food to parking. Now I just to to the Pigeon Forge Mountain Quiltfest. The hotels are reasonable, and classes are very reasonable. Of course the cost of venue food is out of this world. Four of us go down. We spend the whole week there. Take classes just about every day, and sew all night. I did go to Paducah this year ($50 for the bus ride) I will not go back.