I started going last year when I moved to Florida--there is a con in Orlando but since I only really want to fork out for a con once a year, Metrocon won.  It's a decent sized con, lots of vendors and all.  They have this scripted chess game they perform, which means they can have plot and chorographed swordfights... : D  Very fun.  It's nowhere near as big as Otakon was though (sigh.  The very thought makes me homesick.. )