The US Masters is set to make it's second consecutive appearance in North Carolina from August 29 to September 2, 2013. This year's edition will be held the same venue as last year, The Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro, NC.

 9 GM's and 5 IM's are already committed, with many more expected to join. Boding well for norm status, 10 foreign players are also registered.  Here is a link to the current field.
 

Tournament organizers Dr Walter High and Gary Newsom have built up a big-time tournament atmosphere in the Tar Heel state, taking over the North Carolina Open in 2010 and doubling attendance to 200+ the first year. Taking on the 2012 US Masters was a natural progression after the success of the state event. 

Last year's event had the feel of a “chess festival” with almost 350 in attendance including 11 GM's and sections for everyone from elite players down to scholastics.

Link to a report on last year's event:

http://www.uschess.org/content/view/11885/676

This year's event is promises to be even bigger and better. Again it is paired up with the NC Open, offering 4 sections for the weekend warrior. Again there will be a U1000 Saturday only scholastics for the kiddies. 

Oh and there is the unconditionally guaranteed cash payout of $30,000 for the weekend. Not bad for a sleepy southern chess festival!

With a comfortable hotel at a discount rate, low EF proportional to prize fund, book vendors, GM lectures, simuls and all the chess excitement you can stand, the US Masters/North Carolina Open would be an excellent choice for a Labor Day weekend chess getaway.

Link to tournament details:

http://www.carolinaschessinitiative.com/tournament-info.html