Pen Shows for Noncollectors

Pen Shows for Noncollectors

Most pen show reviews concentrate on how good they are for collectors. Many collectors cannot or do not wish to attend solo, however, raising the question of which shows are best for those noncollecting friends and family members who are going to be dragged along.

Although our ratings below are necessarily subjective, they are based on certain widely-applicable considerations: most importantly, the immediate location and nearby facilities, and the accessibility of other places of interest. Shows are listed in calendar order, and include only those which we have attended personally.

Philadelphia's main problem is timing: so soon after New Year's, many potential participants would just as well stay home, and the show has had its share of bad weather over the years. The current hotel is rather sterile and not as central as the old Warwick of times past, but it is still quite easy to get everywhere on foot or by taxi.

Los Angeles is a favorite destination. It offers a balmy break when much of the country is still wintry, and it is held in a comfortable hotel with good amenities, including a handsome golf course. A wide choice of good food is within walking distance, as are movie theaters and basic shopping. The beach is not far, and can be reached by using the hotel shuttle. Rental cars can be obtained through the hotel as well.

Boston (actually Somerville) is another metropolitan show sited just a bit too far from the center for convenient sightseeing. The hotel does have a large indoor swimming area that always seems to be full of children (except when under renovation), but food choices in walking distance are very limited and the neighborhood bleak. Public transportation is available, although not convenient.

Chicago is the best collector's pen show of all, but the only thing good to be said about the venue is that it is close to O'Hare. It is far from the city center, and though one can take the El into town, it is a bit of a walk to the station and a substantial train ride from there. Hotel food choices are poor, surroundings are sterile, and there is little else in walking distance.

Washington DC is a good choice for a family vacation. The hotel is good and the rates excellent; other hotels (including apartment hotels) are in walking distance. Several major shopping malls can be reached by hotel shuttle or taxi, and central Washington is not far away. Crime is a problem in the DC area, so avoid using the Metro for evening outings.

New York City is held at a great time of year for a Manhattan visit. One can hardly complain about a venue such as New York, and the show is sited centrally.

London is typical of European shows in that it is not held in a hotel. Setup is limited to one day, but other related events allow one to make a long weekend (or full week) of it. With a central location and rationed pen hours, this show is one of the very best for noncollecting companions.

Columbus is a fine show, now held at a new location -- somewhat better than the old for access to decent food and shopping, but still, not a place to be stuck in without a car.

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