Folks, here's a crazy idea. OK. I acknowledge that up front. But I'm going to float it anyway.
The Mount Wilson Observatory site in the mountains east of LA has a 60" scope (Hale/Cargenie circa 1908) that they make available to private viewing groups at pretty modest rates ($900 a half-night and $1700 a full night).
For this, they accommodate groups up to 25 but I would envisage a much smaller group of 4 or 5 perhaps. Have a look at their site and if anyone is as crazy as I am and would like to investigate a bit further, let me know - PM I guess would be best.
If anyone is knowledgeable about other US sites of interest that may be accessible and that could be wrapped into a bit of a pilgramage - well, so much the better.
http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astrono...p?p=0_10_2_0_0
Peter