I'd say the best tournaments are probably the
NAQT Sectionals and TRASH Regionals, of the non-CBI
officially sanctioned events. In your area there are also
tournaments that are held in Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee,
Pennsylvania, and similar throughout the year. Most or all such
tournaments tend to be announced right on this board, making
it (it seems to me) pretty easy to get involved
right away.
Flax
NUQB