OTB tournaments are the best, but spending all day and into the night playing (e.g., in a place like Las Vegas) seems unappealing.  Just played in one:  Game 90 x 3 games; first game @ 11:00am; finished at 9:30 pm.  Not my idea of a great way to spend an entire Saturday.  

Any reasonable alternatives other than shorter games?  Anyone try games spread over 2+ days, but not all day?

Or is chess for the young or those with no other interests or (fill in the blank)?