Warren -
Now's the time for that shake down cruise!
We just got back from the Upstate summer run in Lake George, NY and got lucky with the rain (it didn't). You're SPF won't melt and it drys out real fast
Actually, the low return rate for the Stowe event may have a lot more to do with $350 / night rates than any other reason. A number of us locally have asked for day rates and Chris has chosen not to reply. There are quite a few Cobras within an hour or so of Stowe but no one is going to go if he won't respond. Next year, consider the Lake George event. Lots of cars and a great group of people. And the Hotelier isn't trying to drum up business.
As for a New England group, I think the issue is someone needs to organize and most of us don't seem inclined to do the organizing. A couple of us discussed this in Lake George and think a monthly breakfast / lunch get together may be a good start. It'll put a couple hundred miles on that car quick with the distances involved between Quincy and the Canadian border. Then again, you could start a Southern New England group.
Good luck
Tim