Maastricht?
 

What can anyone tell me about Maastricht in the Netherlands?

I will likely be going there for a conference in September, and wanted to know what to expect. If I'm in meetings for 3 days, what sort of things are there in the area to keeping ms. jmd001 busy and/or entertained?

Since I don't know what will entertain or keep ms.jmd001 busy, I recommend you look at the Maastricht tourist office site: http://www.vvvmaastricht.nl/ Perhaps here you can get some ideas.

The central part of the city is mostly free of cars and filled with shops and food opportunities. If she is like my wife, this could be quite enough. Both Belgium and Germany are quite close by, so a half-day trip is also possible.

mikebe is understating a bit IMHO. Maastricht attracts shoppers and diners from quite far away. The Old Town is very nice for both and the green surroundings add to the pleasant feeling. The only downside I can think of are less than adequate train connections towards Belgium and Germany, don't really know how well the Dutch domestic connections work.

Hmmm. I found it quite connections to Liege and Aachen quite easy and frequent... (Not that I would seriously recommend either as a destination.)

Could always visit the Belgian fortress of Eben Emael. German paratroopers and glider infantry captured this place by landing onh top of it.