Local vs National tournaments

Hi all,

I'm curious as to what everyone's experiences/opinions are on tournaments that are held in a local area, like a <insert state name here> chess club tournament, vs big open tournaments, like the North Amercian Open. 

Aside from the obvious increase in the number of players for national tournaments, what do you notice differently about the two types? I'd interested in if you prefer to walk around more at big tourneys, the atmosphere between the two types, etc. 

Thanks!

-Coinkidink

Local tournaments are mainly for fun/practice, while the national tournaments have way larger prizes, and more serious tournament play. Of course national tourns are more expensive, but the atmosphere is much better, with lots of GM games to observe during rounds.