LdyAnne let me defend my home state though i do have my own issues with it.
Their are many Hotels in New Jersey that would be fine for the fest and no worse then Burbank or Westchester. The New Jersey Crowne Plaza Meadowlands for one has been home to Beatlefest and other major conventions for many years and i have never heard a bad thing about it. Your right that the Dark Shadows Fest seems to have a good relationship with Marriott so it is unlikely they switch to Crowne Plaza.
DLA75,
If they want to hold the Dark Shadows Festival in New Jersey again , they should really have it at the Hilton Hotel in Long Branch, New Jersey. The Dark Shadows fans would be afforded with a spectacular view of the beauty of the New Jersey shoreline. In additon, fans would also be able to observe the majestic New York City skyline (not to mention breathtaking views of both Bayonne, N.J. and Staten Island) from Mount Mitchill, overlooking the Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook on the Atlantic Highlands, where the beautiful beaches of New Jersey start as they extend down all the way to the equally stunning Long Beach Island.
There are so many beautiful seaside communities along the Garden State's coast, including Deal, West Allenhurst, Spring Lake (the world-renowned "Irish Riviera") and Sea Girt to name but a few. In addition, you can always hop on the Garden State Highway (regarded as one of the most beautiful state highways in America) and travel down to either the Monmouth Race Park (Exit 105 on the GSP) or drive down to Atlantic City and its popular casinos (Exit 38 on the GSP).
Let's not forget that Carl "The Comedian" Collins met his lovely soulmate, Pansy Faye, on the much-acclaimed Atlantic City boardwalk.
And, as the late, lamented Michael Stroka (a proud son of Passaic, N.J.) was wont to say:
"Always be proud that you're from the Garden State!"
Bob, an unabashedly "proud" Jersey boy!