The Calgary Stampede has recorded as high as 1.4 million visitors and thrilled people for more than 111 years, even running through two world wars. For the very first time, it was canceled in 2020 because of COVID, and the year after, a scaled-down event was staged. Last year, the organizers declared they were “back in the saddle” with the theme “Together Again.”

Back in 2013, we got to see the show for the first time while visiting my Calgary-based daughter. It wasn’t COVID but heavy rainfall and Alberta’s worst flooding that threatened cancellation at the time, but thousands of volunteers managed to get the show together. Coined in the late 1800s to describe cowboys having to cross flooding rivers to bring cattle to the railroads, “Come Hell or High Water” was on t-shirts that sold out. The theme became “We’re Greatest Together.” Interestingly, this is also the theme for 2023, scheduled from July 7–16.

Read on to find out why the Calgary Stampede is called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

Pre-Stampede Events

1. Pancake Breakfasts

Calgary is dubbed “Stampede City” and it takes on a whole different look on event days. Besides all the goings-on at Stampede Park, city offices and stores are bedecked in cowboy themes, residents dress in their best Western outfits, and hundreds of get-togethers are hosted by individuals and organizations.

My daughter’s office turned their parking lot into a Pre-Stampede Pancake Breakfast event. There was mini-golf and car racing for the kids, while buckaroo cuisine (pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages) and fruits were served while a DJ played great country songs.

2. Stampede Parade

The next day, we witnessed the Stampede Parade at my son-in-law’s pre-Stampede party at their fourth-floor office in center city Calgary. The mile-long spectacle had more than 50 organizations participating with floats, horses, clowns, cars, and ethnic groups including a Filipino contingent! Last year, the organizers staged a coup by having Kevin Costner, the Yellowstone star, as Parade Marshall. For 2023, fans are petitioning to have Pedro Pascal, star of the hit HBO drama series The Last of Us, which was filmed in Alberta.

Daytime Events

For 10 days, Stampede Park oozes with sights, sounds, and smells, giving lots of magic, music, and more. Imagine our tremendous luck seeing it for free on two of the days: Family Day gave families free admission if they reached the Stampede grounds before 9 a.m.; Senior’s Day gave free breakfast and free rodeo seats aside from free admission to those aged 65 or older.

3. Stampede Market 

The newest gadgets and gizmos were on sale at the Stampede Market. My older grandson was stuck at the Zoku Stand where a popsicle maker used blast-freezing to create healthier options. My son-in-law and husband just had to bring home miracle cleaners and sprays for their cars. On Senior’s Day, we explored the Western Oasis, which had everything Western, including a heritage art show and a wine and beer garden.

4. Stampede Midway

The Midway is where carnival rides and games are staged. Last year, favorite rides (Crazy Mouse, Wave Swinger, Zipper, Polar Express, Mega Drop, etc.) returned along with the kiddie ones at the Great FUNtier. This year, the giant Superwheel, North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel, will make its Stampede debut. There are lots of games to test hand-eye coordination. On Family Day, my grandson took home two prizes: a giant Teddy bear and a cuddly dinosaur.

5. Saddledome Steps And Other Side Shows

The globally-acclaimed Calgary Show Band performed along with other groups at the Saddledome Steps (the iconic Saddledome is nearby) where a show started every half-hour. Amazing Bendy Em squeezed herself into a foot-and-a-half cube and an acrobatic bicyclist wowed us with his grand finale — riding through a ring of fire on a low-foot-long bike.

At another section, we were able to catch Bell Ranch’s H20 Extreme Show (“Some ride horses, we ride waves!”). Both the jetski daredevil rides and the waterspout show were awesome. Luckily, our seats were high up in the bleachers, sparing us the wetness of the occasion.

6. Stampede Music

Lots of boot-stomping, two-stepping, line dancing, and beer-drinking happen at three venues with rousing Stampede Music. Over 100 acts are performed at Nashville North, the Coca-Cola Stage, and the Big Four Roadhouse. Last year, the latter featured Kevin Costner and the Modern West as their main attraction. This year, Lord Huron has been announced.

Outside the Stampede Park other music festivals and tents are held and they have also announced headliners: the Cowboy Music Festival, the Badlands Music Festival, and the Back Alley Stampede Tent. It’s a whole lot of music goin’ on!

7. Agricultural Shows

For families with kids, The Agriculture Shows and Competitions were a major draw. There were many interesting horses like the miniature and other breeds at Horse Haven. With our grandson, we saw the smallest rams and other cute animals at the sprawling stock “barns.”

We even got to watch our first World Stock Dog Championship on Senior’s Day. A stock dog and his trainer compete with other tandems for the shortest time to shepherd a trio of sheep to a fenced yard. (They figure eight around three barrels and slide through a fenced sidebar.) The fastest time of 117 seconds was clocked by a lady/dog tandem.

8. The Indian Village

Some Stampeders have a great interest in the different tribes of the First Nation who assemble as an Indian Village at the Eagle Bow River Camp. This part had the most damage from the flood but it’s also where I found my yellow teepee among all the different colors. That year, there was a small powwow, but last year, it was moved to the Saddledome as a major Powwow Competition.

9. Midway Food

One of the best reasons to go to the Calgary Stampede is to eat your favorite fair food. We had lunch at Cowshack, which had special burgers and drinks in a shaded and fenced-in area where we could rest, but it was the funnel cakes, blooming onions, and elephant ears that we enjoyed the most. Last year, our friends loved the deep-fried Oreo mini-donuts. But corndogs are the usual bestsellers and new versions are introduced each year (like the Korean squid ink style!).

10. The Rodeo, The Highlight Of The Calgary Stampede

But the highlight of the Calgary Stampede is the Rodeo held every day at 1:30 pm at the Grandstand, recently renamed the GMC Stadium (17,000 capacity). The quality of any rodeo is based on the caliber of the competitors, both men and animals (horses, steers, and bulls). This rodeo, having the world’s richest prize winnings of over $2 million, always attracts the best from around the world, mostly from the U.S. (Texas, Oklahoma, etc.), Brazil, Australia, and of course, Canada.

Expert contestants were divided into two pools, the first competing on the first 4 days and the other on the next four. The top four winners advanced to Showdown Sunday. The remaining six competitors from each pool compete on Wild Card Saturday, whose event winners also advanced to Showdown Sunday.

Unbelievable strength, stamina, and determination are required from both the cowboy and the animal, but in the first two events, the rider must stay in rhythm with the horse, properly use spurs, and stay on! Events two, three, and five are contests of sheer strength and skill.

There was also a ladies’ barrel-racing event and, of course, a queen and two princesses were “crowned.” The opening act was a sensational demo of motorcycle daredevil riders, while at the intermission, there was a massively spectacular Indian hoop dance.

Evening Events

We failed to join the evening events in 2013, and now that we know how much we have missed last year, we want to complete our Stampede experience this year.

11. Virgin Plus Concert Series

Also known as Stampede Saddledome Shows, this series features singers who have sold millions of albums and won many awards. Last year, the popular judge of The Voice! and country singer Blake Shelton was the headliner. This year, it was just announced that Pitbull will be on stage on July 7, the American rock band Alabama on July 8, and All Elite Wrestling on July 15. But in 2013, even if water was gone from most of the fairgrounds, it was still being pumped out of the bottom floor of Saddledome (capacity 19,300), so the concerts weren’t held.

12. Chuckwagon Races

The other part of the evening shows is the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races. With nine heats every night, 162 horses race, pulling chuckwagons. It has become a controversial part of Stampede, however, condemned by activists because many horses suffer and die. Last year, even with safety practices introduced, one still had to be put down. But they say the Stampede experience isn’t complete without it.

13. End Of Day Parties

At the end of each day, a fireworks extravaganza explodes at the grandstand. The Bell Grandstand Show can be seen from various viewpoints in the city, like Scotsman’s Hill. As the big party bursts, you can bet other parties are also being held elsewhere in the city.

The highest-ever attendance was recorded at 1.4 million in 2019. The year after, it closed its doors and lost $26 million. In 2021, the loss was reduced to $8 million with more than half a million people braving COVID risks. And 2022 registered a near-comeback of 1.2 million. This year, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” promises to surpass pre-COVID days. Watch out for more announcements!

Pro Tip: Experience Calgary Stampede, like we did, during these Value Days in 2023!

America has some of the best festivals and fairs around, especially when it comes to Renaissance fairs. Dedicated actors populate the grounds with authentic costumes; knights take to horses and joust with one another; vendors sell their medieval- and fantasy-themed wares, and we, the attendees, get to join in with our own costumes as we sample meals, select treasures to bring home, and cheer for the white — or red — knight as they take to the field on horseback.

There are literally dozens — even hundreds — of these fairs and fests taking place each year. These 13 are the absolute best ones you’ll find coast to coast. Any one of them is well worth a special visit to the area just for the Renaissance event.

1. Arizona Renaissance Festival

Gold Canyon, Arizona

February 4 – April 2, Saturdays, Sundays, and President’s Day

Taking advantage of the warm weather, Arizona Renaissance Festival starts in February. Fairhaven village lies east of Phoenix in Gold Canyon, Arizona, near Apache Junction. The 50-acre Renaissance-themed amusement park is made up of live entertainment on 16 stages, an arts and crafts fair, jousting tournaments, and more.

Feasting is also big here, with a pirate-themed five-course meal called The Pleasure Feast. Each weekend has a theme such as Battle of the Bards! or Wizards & Warlocks, Dragons, Unicorns, Mermaids; Mythical and Magical Creatures Abound! Shop handcrafted wares at the 200-plus elaborately adorned shops.

Don’t Miss: Popular shows such as Don Juan and Miguel, Ded Bob, Hey Nunnie Nunnie, and The Tortuga Twins.

Don’t Miss: Not only does the Minnesota Renaissance Festival Daily welcome dogs, but it also holds a daily dog race on the Joust Track.

2. Sherwood Forest Faire

McDade, Texas

March 4 – April 23 (Weekends) and Friday, March 17

For those looking to experience Merry Old England in a slightly different way, the Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, Texas, is a splendid opportunity. The fair highlights the fun and mayhem of Robin Hood and his band of merry men, who roam the grounds trying to avoid the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The fest has 40+ stage acts, a fairy tea party for the little ones, parades, family-friendly shows, rides, and games that the whole family can enjoy. Delicious food, of course, can be found throughout, along with more than 150 artisans selling wares and take-home treats. See crafting demonstrations, watch combat shows, or just hunker down for an afternoon of good mead.

Don’t Miss: The Hawk Walk! An experienced falconer takes guests on an educational, interactive experience on the historical art of falconry. In addition to getting to watch the bird of prey interact with its trusted human companion, guests get to hold out their gloved fists for a flying hawk to land on!

Don’t Miss: The fair’s daily pub crawl!

3. Medieval Fair Of Norman

Norman, Oklahoma

March 31 – April 2, 2023

Less than 30 minutes south of Oklahoma City, the Medieval Fair of Norman has been running since 1977 and is one of only a few free medieval fairs in the country. It lands on the first full weekend of April unless that is Easter. Yes, the fair only runs for one weekend, so plan accordingly.

Modeled after a spring market fair in the town of Avalon in the year 1360, the “MedFair” was started by a group of University of Oklahoma grad students. Today, the medieval-themed arts festival is a living history featuring educational exhibits, demonstrations, games, over 40 food vendors, arts and crafts, and entertainment on seven stages. You can enjoy the king’s court and witness mermaids, jousting knights, jugglers, dancers, and wandering minstrels as they keep the medieval village active from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all weekend.

Shop 180-plus artisan and maker booths in the 14th-century market. Offerings range from wood crafts and stained glass to armor, costume pieces, jewelry, hair garlands, and watches.

Don’t Miss: King Arthur and his knights, Lady Mermaid, and Simpkin the Fool.

to miss out. If you show up with friends or family members who are all decked out, just grab a tunic or gown and blend in with ease.

4. Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Waxahachie, Texas

April 8 – May 29, 2023 (Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day)

Another amazing Renaissance fair in Texas is the Scarborough Renaissance Festival hosted in Waxahachie, south of Dallas. The fest runs from early April to late May each year. It sprawls over more than 35 acres of land and boasts two dozen stages for live entertainment. With over 200 acts — including swordplay, comedy, and musical shows — you’ll never run out of things to watch and do all day long.

You can enjoy steak on a stake, shepherd’s pie, a mug of ale, and other Scarborough classics, all while perusing the wares of artisans selling handicrafts, costume pieces, old weaponry, and more.

Don’t Miss: Villagers, knights, nobles, and artisans march through the village for the Grand Parade, held every day at 1 p.m.

Don’t Miss: Stay for the Royal Fireworks that take place every evening.

5. Bristol Renaissance Faire

Kenosha, Wisconsin

July 8 – September 4, 2023 (Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day)

The Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is basically the Renaissance fair for Chicagoland. It’s only about an hour away from the city and runs all summer long — from early July to Labor Day each year. During the fair, the grounds are filled with more than 200 artisans selling wares like jewelry, pottery, wooden mugs, corsets and costume pieces, feather fans, pewter goods, and crafted leather.

Take in some jousting matches, watch hand-to-hand combat or knife-throwing shows. Or, if you want to try your hand at the sports of yesteryear, you can throw axes, shoot crossbows, and even do some sword fighting for yourself. Some of the more interesting shows you might catch include Moonie — a longtime attendee and performer at Bristol who communicates a lot more through whistling than you’d believe possible — and the Fire Whip Show by Adam “Crack” Winrich.

Bristol is a great fair for families thanks to the pony rides, kid-focused entertainment, and activities for the young fry, but you’ll also find specific shows in the evenings that are geared toward adults.

6. Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Shakopee, Minnesota

August 19 – October 1, Weekends, Friday, September 29, and Labor Day, 2023

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota, has nearly 50 years of experience bringing together one of the top-rated Renaissance fairs in the country. The village set up feels and looks like a slice of 16th-century England, complete with a stunning royal court, 800-plus entertainment opportunities, and hundreds of food booths and medieval-inspired artisans and vendors.

More than 300,000 folks attend the fair each year, celebrating the splendor of days gone by. It boasts a royal ale fest, a journey down the Silk Road complete with belly dancers, longbow events, armored jousting, and so much more.

7. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

August 19 – October 29, 2023, Saturdays And Sundays

About 15 miles north of Lancaster, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire can be found on Route 72 on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery. Each year has a scenario and each weekend, a theme. Over 100 unique merchants tout their wares, while some show off their craft, demonstrating art forms such as blacksmithing and glassblowing. Archery demonstrations and man-powered rides are offered as well. This is a dog-friendly faire, provided you’ve purchased the proper pass for your pup.

Pro Tip: Many Pennsylvania-crafted spirits, wines, ales, and ciders are served within the festival grounds, but they do require cash.

8. New York Renaissance Faire

Tuxedo, New York

August 26 – October 8, 2023 Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day

Tuxedo, New York, is home to the New York Renaissance Faire, a thrilling fest that recreates Elizabethan England. You’ll see flaming whips, mounted jousting tournaments, knife-throwing shows, dance performances, musical talent, and much more.

The fair’s schedule highlights each weekend’s theme, so decide if you’d prefer to don a costume that aligns with the activities of, say, Romance Weekend, Heroes and Villans, or Time Travelers, and plan your trip accordingly.

Don’t Miss: Perhaps New York Renaissance Faire’s proximity to Broadway makes the shows the best part!

include polka dancing, the Musketeer’s Banquet, the Magic Garden, a 55-acre theater, roving musicians, storytellers, and other entertainers.

9. Maryland Renaissance Festival

Crownsville, Maryland

August 26 – October 22 (Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day)

Experience a recreation of 16th-century England at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The fest is considered one of the region’s premier outdoor events and is the second-largest Renaissance Festival in the country.

Situated in the woods, the 27-acre grounds feature 10 stages, roaming minstrels and bards, and a cast of over 200 professional actors who will tantalize your senses with the wonders of early modern Britain. The festival’s jousting arena seats over 3,000 people, meaning great views and decent seats.

Enjoy the festival’s annual storyline. Some attendees really get into it and you can have loads of fun with it, too, along with your shopping, eating, and general merrymaking. The storyline is definitely an element that helps make this fest superior to many others. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is not merely a craft shop or entertainment venue. It’s a family tradition, an exploration of the past, and an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with magic, jousting, and stunning pageantry.

Don’t Miss: One unique feature of the Maryland Renaissance fest is its costume rental program. Those who love a good costume but don’t have one on hand no longer have

10. Ohio Renaissance Festival

Waynesville, Ohio

September 2 – October 29, 2023, Weekends And Labor Day

One of the largest renaissance festivals in the country, the Ohio Renaissance Festival runs weekends from late August through October near Harveysburg in Warren County, Ohio. Nestled on about 30 acres, the 16th-century English village hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. Over 100 shows run on its 17 stages each day. Highlights include The Kamikaze Fireflies’ comedic circus act, Judas and Magnolia performing dangerous escape stunts, musical acts such as Sirena, and more. Knights in full armor battle in three jousting tournaments a day.

Each weekend has a theme. Games and human-powered rides make it fun for the whole family. More than 150 artisans line the village, offering everything from hair braiding services to hand-forged weaponry.

Don’t Miss: Village trick-or-treating. Kids under 12 receive free admission the last weekend of the festival, October 28 and 29. Little ones are invited to bring a bucket or

11. Carolina Renaissance Festival

Huntersville, North Carolina

September 30 – November 19, 2023, Saturdays And Sundays

Another major festival with a medieval and fantasy bent is the Carolina Renaissance Festival, which takes place every autumn in Huntersville, North Carolina. The fest features over 100 artisans selling unique wares and handicrafts you won’t find anywhere else. Finds range from parasols and hand-forged copper roses to uniquely crafted hand-blown glasswork and masks.

Three jousting events take place daily, with 500+ costumed characters meandering the grounds looking for storytelling opportunities. You’ll also spot the Living Mermaids in their underwater homes and have the opportunity to watch falconers at work with their incredible birds of prey.

Don’t Miss: Meet a mermaid! See sirens flip, splash, and frolic about at the Living Mermaid exhibit, a 3,000-gallon aquarium. Get your photo with a mermaid upon her throne as part of the meet and greet.

pillow case and trick-or-treat their way around the booths.

12. Texas Renaissance Festival

Todd Mission, Texas

October 7 – November 26, 2023

Running from October into December thanks to the warmer weather in the southeastern corner of the state, the Texas Renaissance Festival is a top-tier Renaissance fair that attracts somewhere around half a million people each year.

The Texas fest features eight or nine uniquely themed weekends each year, including Oktoberfest, All Hallows’ Eve, Heroes and Villains, Barbarian Invasion, Highland Fling, Celtic Christmas, Pirate Adventure, 1001 Dreams, and Return to the Renaissance. Themes may vary from year to year, but the adventures are always fresh, exciting, and fun for the whole family.

The fair takes place in an interactive theme park that highlights forms of entertainment that became popular between the 14th and 17th centuries. Events and highlights

13. Northern California Renaissance Faire

Hollister, CA

2023 Dates TBD

Located at the Casa De Fruta roadside attraction in Santa Clara County, the Northern California Renaissance Faire can be found about 90 miles southeast of San Francisco in Hollister, California. Its village of Willingtown features musicians playing in the streets, live entertainment such as sword swallowing on stages throughout the marketplace, jousting, and more. Fine crafts including armor and chain mail, blown glass, leather work, sculpture, and more are displayed throughout the shire.

Dates for this year have yet to be released at the time of this publication, but it typically runs on weekends for about a month, from mid-September to mid-October.

Don’t Miss: Theme weekends such as Venetian Carnevale & Masquerade and Halloween Fantasy.

Related Reading:

• 2023 State Fair Schedule: The Complete List Of Cities And Dates
• 11 Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Festivals Around The U.S.
• 6 Of America’s Best Food And Wine Festivals

Fiesta, San Antonio’s 10-day spring festival, is back in full force this year. While many activities are geared toward families with children, the event has plenty to entertain grown-ups all week.

Fiesta dates back to 1891 — a simple parade to honor the memory of those who fought at the Alamo and in the Battle of San Jacinto. While the commemoration is still part of the festival, the event has morphed, much like New Orleans’s Mardi Gras, into a citywide party honoring the richness and diversity of cultures in the region. Today, Fiesta is full of spectacle and celebration, from colorful parades to fashion shows, live music, food and drink tastings, carnivals, golf tournaments, and more.

Events are planned and managed by a nonprofit volunteer organization, the Fiesta San Antonio Commission. By their estimates, it rakes in about $340 million per year. Some events are free, while others require tickets. Funds raised are earmarked for services for city residents, so you can feel good about where your vacation cash is going.

Here are some of the best experiences you’ll find at Fiesta San Antonio in 2023 from April 20–30.

1. Fiesta At HemisFair

April 20

The official opening ceremony to Fiesta is held at the HemisFair grounds — the farmlands of the Alamo in the 18th century. The property was transformed into a 92-acre park in the 1960s and it still features a number of historic structures.

As Fiesta’s kickoff party, this is a sort of sampler of individual events. You’ll find live entertainment, a parade, a military salute, and food and beverage vendors. A fireworks display closes out the event.

2. Fiesta Flower Show

April 21

The Woman’s Club of San Antonio has been organizing this loving ode to buds and blossoms for 107 years. The show features all manner of horticultural and floral design exhibits, from creative bouquets to artworks rendered in flowers. The event is held at the Woodward House, a Victorian mansion built in 1904 by Atlee Ayers, perhaps the best-known architect in Texas.

3. Fiesta Oyster Bake

April 21–22

Sponsored by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association, and held on the college’s grounds, this is a don’t-miss event for foodies and music lovers. It features more than 50 bands and live entertainers representing a variety of genres. A small army of volunteers serve up 100,000 baked and raw oysters, plus San Antonio favorites like fried chicken breasts with jalapeno (served on a stick, of course), hamburgers, and street corn. Proceeds go toward scholarships and other programs at the university.

4. Taste Of New Orleans

April 21–23

Back for its 36th year, Taste of New Orleans brings a bit of the Big Easy to the Lone Star State. Held at the open-air Sunken Garden Theater of Brackenridge Park, the event benefits, among others, graduating high school seniors by funding college scholarships.

From boisterous brass bands to small jazz ensembles, Taste of New Orleans brings the spirit of this Southern sister city to vibrant life. You can try everything from staple New Orleans dishes like gumbo, red beans, and rice to shrimp Creole, soft-shell crab, Cajun catfish, alligator, etouffee, and beignets.

5. This Hallowed Ground

April 22

If “Remember the Alamo” is about all you remember from high school lessons about the historic battle, lace up your sneakers and join this free walking tour. Courtesy of local historians in period garb, you’ll learn about 12 key sites along Alamo Plaza, and the events that occurred at each.

6. Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil

April 22

The enchanting San Antonio Botanical Garden is the backdrop for this masquerade event. Don your best mask and join the party on the indoor/outdoor patio. Tickets include live music and entertainment, a silent auction, an open bar with specialty cocktails, and a Fiesta-themed menu. Proceeds go toward a San Antonio LGBTQ nonprofit.

7. Ford Mariachi Festival

April 27

Stake out your spot on the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk for this celebration of Mariachi music. As colorful, decorated floats bob along the water, you’ll get a taste of the talent to be found in student bands from local high schools and colleges. Some boats include costumed folklorico dancers and musicians.

8. Battle Of The Flowers Parade

April 28

You might expect the Battle of the Flowers Parade to be big, bold, and blooming. Now, multiply that expectation by 10. The oldest parade in the country produced entirely by volunteer women, it was founded as a commemorative parade back in 1891. The Battle of the Flowers benefits a variety of nonprofits through the sale of 45,000 parade seats. While marching bands play, you’ll be treated to the sight of dozens of floats — and people — decked out in fresh and artificial flowers.

9. King William Fair

April 29

Along 15 residential blocks, many lined with handsome Victorian homes, in the quiet King William neighborhood, you’ll find this quirky event. A smorgasbord of Fiesta celebrations, it features a 2-mile parade with everything from mermaids to live camels.

More than 200 arts and crafts vendors from Texas and beyond are featured, selling a range of wares like handmade leather sandals, jewelry, local honey, and more. Five stages are dedicated to live entertainment. And there’s food and drink galore, with 65 vendors representing an array of cuisine styles and beverages. Proceeds benefit the preservation of this historic district.

10. Annual Fiesta Concert

April 30

The San Antonio Symphonic Band will send you off in high spirits with a selection of traditional and new concert band music that celebrates the culture of San Antonio. They’re slated to play a range of styles, from military to movies and show tunes. The event is free and takes place at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Southside San Antonio.

If you’re looking to explore more of San Antonio, check out these articles:

• The Best Restaurants And Hotels On San Antonio’s River Walk
• My 8 Favorite Places For Mexican Food In San Antonio
• The Incredible Food Tour Not To Miss In San Antonio

I moved back to Champaign County in 2020. I say “back” because I attended college at the University of Illinois in the 1990s. For most of my life, St. Louis was my home and Champaign was my “second home.” In 2020, I decided to flip the two.

Champaign County is centered by the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, home to the University of Illinois. The university itself is split nearly right down the middle by the two cities, with the main quad being in Urbana and most of the residence halls (and athletic facilities) being in Champaign. As a student, I believe I crossed from Champaign into Urbana and back nearly every day.

Any county anchored by a major university will always have a ton to do, especially when the weather begins to warm in the spring. And twin cities with two downtowns will always provide twice the outdoor dining opportunities. With the weather beginning to warm, here are seven events you’ll love this spring.

1. Ebertfest

The Virginia Theatre, Downtown Champaign

Roger Ebert, the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic with the Chicago Sun Times, was born in Urbana and was a student at the University of Illinois in the 1960s. (Fun fact only for me: I was a member of the same fraternity as Ebert, only 20 years later.) He partnered with Gene Siskel to more or less create the “television movie reviews” genre. Their PBS show Sneak Previews later became Siskel & Ebert and, after gaining national syndication, it became At The Movies.

Roger Ebert began Ebertfest in Champaign back in 1999. After his death in 2013, his widow, Chaz Ebert, took over the festival and continues as festival host to this day. In 2023, the festival will take place from April 19–22.

Roger Ebert’s vision for the festival was to feature overlooked films. He went looking for films which, in his words, “hadn’t received the recognition they deserved during their original runs.” Twelve films are screened across the 4-day festival with follow-up Q&A sessions with filmmakers, critics, and the audience.

And it all takes place at a fantastic venue. The Virginia Theatre is a 1920s theater with 1,500 seats. As you’re walking up to the theater, don’t miss the Roger Ebert statue on the sidewalk outside. He’s depicted in the middle seat of a row of theater chairs, giving a thumbs-up.

2. Japan House

The University Of Illinois Arboretum

The best time to visit the Japan House at the University of Illinois is in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming. It’s also spectacular in the fall when the ginkgo trees leave a carpet of yellow across the streets and sidewalks, but when the cherry trees are blooming, the Japan House cannot be missed. There’s no good way to nail down when the cherry trees will be blooming. Depending on whether the early spring has been warm or cold, the bloom is anywhere between mid-March and mid-April, but the best target date is the first week of April. 

There’s much more to the Japan House than just the cherry trees, though. On Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., they host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. If that interests you, go to the Japan House website and register for one of the Wednesday tea ceremonies.

Or just stroll the grounds of the Japan House and the surrounding arboretum. While there, look for the azumaya (gazebo) built by Illinois alum and Parks & Recreation star Nick Offerman. As explained in this video, Offerman, a woodworker, offered to design and construct a traditional Japanese azumaya on the grounds of the Japan House to honor one of his professors from when he was a student at Illinois. The azumaya — and the Japan House — are spectacular.

3. Boneyard Arts Festival 

Throughout Champaign County

In mid-April — Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16 in 2023 — the Champaign County Arts Council puts on the Boneyard Arts Festival. If you’re wondering why the word “Boneyard” is included, that’s the name of the creek that runs right through the middle of the University Of Illinois’s campus.

The Boneyard Arts Festival has been a staple of the community for over 20 years. It takes place in over 100 venues around the region representing over 100 local artists. Many local businesses get into the spirit and offer their buildings as pop-up galleries during the event. Luckily, it’s easy to travel from show to show to enjoy all the diverse artwork. The full list of artists and venues who will be participating in this year’s festival will be available soon.

Pro Tip: Check out BAM! Art Market, one of the many stops, at Lincoln Square in Urbana, which is also home to Urbana’s Market at the Square, taking place every Saturday morning. So if the festival opens up at 10 a.m., maybe arrive a little early (parking is free) and check out the farmers market. Check out the bread booth at the very end after you wind through all the rows. Just trust me.

4. Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

Lake Of The Woods Forest Preserve

There are several forest preserves throughout Champaign County, all maintained by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. In Mahomet, you will find the largest of these: Lake of the Woods. You’ll find a golf course, hiking trails, and the Museum of the Grand Prairie. 

But in the spring, perhaps the best attraction is the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden. Once the flowers are in bloom (again, for Champaign County, that would be the first and second weeks of April), a visit to the botanical garden is a must. The garden is right next to the Museum of the Grand Prairie, so perhaps your trip can be a two-for-one combining the free museum with the botanical garden.

5. World’s Largest Softball Tailgate

Eichelberger Field, University Of Illinois

Every spring since 2004, the University of Illinois softball team has hosted an event they call the “World’s Largest Softball Tailgate.” For one game, they encourage fans to show up early and tailgate like they’re attending a football game in the fall. There are food trucks, inflatables for the kids, and live music. In 2007, the World’s Largest Softball Tailgate was named the best Olympic Sport promotion by the Big Ten Conference.

The date for the World’s Largest Softball Tailgate is usually announced around a month before the game. If it’s a slower warmup to the spring season, it is usually moved to the final home series of the year. If it has been an early spring, the tailgate is held in mid-April. Follow the schedule to see which game is chosen for the tailgate in 2023. My best guess having attended this event last year would be Saturday, May 6.

6. Engineering Open House

Engineering Quad, University Of Illinois

The University Of Illinois is known for its engineering programs. And each spring, the students take part in what is called the Engineering Open House. Held on the Bardeen and engineering quads on campus, this open house allows for students to show off the projects they’ve been working on; and it isn’t like some big science fair. The projects will include robotic arms, solar cars, and many other engineering-based projects.

If you or maybe your child/grandchild are interested in science and engineering, this is a great way to interact with one of the top engineering programs in the country. What’s really possible with things like solar electricity and rocket propulsion in 2023? Come to the engineering campus on March 31 and April 1 to find out.

7. Peony And Annual Gardens

Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Monticello

Although across the county line in Piatt County, Illinois, Allerton Park is the gem of this region. I have always called it “Biltmore Lite” because it’s the same concept as the famous North Carolina estate; the house and grounds of the formerly-private estate are now open to public use. What were once Robert Allerton’s formal gardens are now open daily for the public to stroll. Another fun fact just for me: the Sunken Garden is where my college graduation ceremony was held. So I know this property very well.

Perhaps the best time to visit is when the peony garden is in bloom, typically in mid-to-late May. The Allerton Park website keeps a bloom calendar for all formal gardens and, as you can see from the chart, certain plants in certain gardens are blooming throughout the entire growing season.

The grounds and the gardens, which are maintained in partnership with the university, are exquisite. If you’re up for an adventure, there are numerous hiking trails throughout the vast park. Once the weather is warm enough, my wife and I always set a time to visit Allerton Park in the spring.

Pro Tip: Allerton Park has many sculptures throughout the grounds. Some are placed deep within the woods along the hiking trails. Grab a park map when you arrive and set out to find some of these sculptures. The most famous one is The Sun Singer. From there, see if you can follow the path to The Death of the Last Centaur. It makes for a fun hiking adventure.

To discover even more things to do around Champaign County, check out:

• My 7 Favorite Restaurants To Try In Champaign, Illinois
• 8 Reasons To Visit This Magical Reindeer Farm In The Heart Of The Midwest
• 9 Beautiful Hikes In Northern Illinois

If you love flowers, you will be especially delighted to hear that “Your Summer Fun Starts Here” at the 56^th South Carolina Festival of Flowers held the first weekend of June in Greenwood, South Carolina.

At this unique and wonderful event, there are thousands of colorful blooms in hundreds of fully landscaped flower beds and gardens around town. Amidst the bright snapdragons, daffodils, daisies, hydrangeas, mums, and other summer flowers and plants, visitors will discover the real stars of the festival: dozens of beautiful living topiaries.

Greenwood is located in the northwest Piedmont region, less than 1.5 hours from the South Carolina cities of Columbia and Greenville; just over 2 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina; and less than 3 hours from Atlanta.

SC Festival Of Flowers’ Humble Beginnings

Tired of the cold Pennsylvania winters, the George W. Park Seed Company moved south to Greenwood. The first South Carolina Festival of Flowers was held in 1968 in celebration of the seed company’s 100^th anniversary.

That first celebration became a yearly event that thousands of visitors look forward to each summer. In 2008, living topiaries were introduced at the festival for the first time. Drawing inspiration from Disney’s famous character topiaries, Greenwood’s master gardeners went to work creating dozens of gorgeous animals, school mascots, and other fun topiaries to be showcased at the yearly flower festival.

The Festival Today

13 topiaries debuted at the 2008 festival. This year’s festival boasts more than 44 live topiary figures! Visitors will find the living sculptures scattered around Uptown Greenwood and other spots.

The city of Greenwood’s horticultural supervisor, Diana Fetters, explained how much time and effort goes into each topiary.

“It is a lot of work,” said Fetters of the year-long effort by city staff members and dozens of volunteers, “but it is a labor of love. Our horticulture team loves what they do. The volunteers are excited to help. The whole community comes together and supports the project and festival.”

“Every year we try to do better than we did the year before”, explained Fetters. “We change the look of many of the topiaries every year and try to add different effects like spraying water, lights, baskets, and many other things. It’s so much fun to watch the changes the topiaries go through after we get them back to the greenhouse.”

Award-Winning Event

Greenwood’s South Carolina Festival of Flowers has been the recipient of many awards over the years. In 2013 and 2018, it was named the event of the year by the South Carolina Festival & Event Association. In 2020, Greenwood won the national America in Bloom Award as well as the Coolest Downtown Award.

“We are proud to receive these awards,” said Kelly McWhorter, executive director of Discover Greenwood, “but we are more proud of our community. The Festival of Flowers showcases not only our town, but who we are.”

Scheduled Events

The annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers runs the entire month of June, with the main weekend taking place early in the month. This year, the main weekend will run from June 8 to 10. The 3-day festival showcases the best of Greenwood and is filled with tons of fun for the whole family.

The signature topiaries are the star of the show. They are what attract thousands of people to travel from all over the South. Exciting news for this year: Greenwood is the host city for the America in Bloom Symposium at the end of September. For the first time, they will be keeping the topiaries out until the first week of October.

Other festival happenings kick off on Friday morning starting with the popular Juried Arts and Crafts Show held at the Uptown Market. At this exceptional artisan show, you’ll discover unique garden art, jewelry, pottery, and more, as well as food and concessions. It is open to the public with free admission.

This year, the Greenwood Railroad Historical Center will be offering tours all day Friday and Saturday. For a small fee, visitors can experience some of the most exquisite antique train car restorations in the Southeast, from the 1906 Baldwin steam engine to the bright red caboose and everything in between.

Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the Greenwood Community Theater on Main Street will be performing the classic production of Guys and Dolls. Guys and Dolls runs through June 18.

Also on Saturday morning is the Flower Power 5-kilometer run/walk and a 1-mile fun run/walk. Compete for cash prizes or just for fun and exercise as the course this year is on the 5k Certified Course: Capsugel/LONZA Running Track & Greenwood Rails to Trails. Register early to receive a free T-shirt.

The Saturday morning lineup of events includes the fun-filled family favorite Kidfest ‘23 at Uptown Market and splash pad. This part of the festival features arts, crafts, demonstrations, robotics, fire trucks, Carolina Choo-Choo train rides, food trucks, and concessions. Performances will be featured as well, though they’re still to be added at the time of this publication.

New to the Festival this year are Garden Tours all day Saturday, featuring the area’s unique gardens. Enjoy the horticultural gardens and greenhouse at Piedmont College, the John and Elizabeth Holman Community Garden at Wesley Commons, the Greenwood Extension Rain Garden, and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Gardens at the Gleamns Site.

Another festival favorite is the Saturday-evening Topiaries, Tastings, and Tunes event in partnership with Greenwood Performing Arts. Adults can enjoy a casual evening of wine tasting and music while strolling among topiary displays and Uptown businesses. A souvenir wine glass is included.

Other Festival Events

The festival is mainly a weekend event in early June, but there are many other events held throughout the month. These include a digital photo contest, aviation expo, Bee Buzzin’ Bike Tour, and men’s golf tournament. Oh, and did I mention that this year the topiaries will stay up for public viewing until October?

While visiting Uptown Greenwood for the Festival of Flowers, be sure to stop in at The Arts Center to see the BLOOM Art Exhibit and The Museum and Railroad Historical Center.

There is so much happening in Greenwood during the South Carolina Festival of Flowers. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details and a list of all events, locations, dates, and times.

Where To Stay And Eat

If you plan to stay awhile, the Inn on the Square is a charming, full-service boutique hotel conveniently located in Uptown. Housed in an early 20th-century building, the inn has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The dramatic three-story lobby is impeccably furnished — a place where one actually wants to sit and spend time. The Inn on the Square is the official inn of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers.

There are several major chain hotels in Greenwood as well as many fabulous eateries.

If you travel anywhere in the West or Northwest, you’ll probably have an opportunity to see a rodeo. I live in Arizona and have been attending and photographing rodeos for 10 years. I see around two or three per season and often see people who are bewildered because they don’t know what to expect and don’t understand the events or the scoring. So, if you plan to go to a rodeo, here are some things to know to help you make the most of the experience.

1. Some Offer More Than The Main Event

Most rodeos offer entertainment leading up to and during the main event, such as a parade, carnival rides and games, a concert, an air show, or a dance. Many also include Mutton Busting, children’s rodeo events where kids compete to see who can ride a sheep the longest.

Annual rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede draw thousands each year and feature a parade, carnival, and musical entertainment from top acts like Garth Brooks, George Strait, Aerosmith, Luke Bryan, and Miranda Lambert. Cheyenne Frontier Days features an air show, and you can see a dog show at the Calgary Stampede.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona, lasts for a week each February, and its rodeo parade is the longest non-motorized (horse-drawn) parade in the world. In Cave Creek, Arizona, a parade kicks off the week-long Rodeo Days festivities, along with a dance the same evening. There’s also a golf tournament during the week.

2. Dress Comfortably

Bust Out Your Western Wear

You can wear just about anything you want to a rodeo but err on the side of comfort. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on (sometimes) uneven terrain. So, comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll also be sitting on wood or metal bleachers.

If you identify with the Toby Keith hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” or need a socially acceptable reason to wear a cowboy hat, you’ll feel at home at a rodeo. Wear your cowboy hat, embroidered shirt, turquoise jewelry, and belt buckles with pride, and don’t forget your cowboy boots. If you don’t own any Western wear, there are always vendors who sell cowboy clothing and accessories.

3. Rough Stock Events

A professional rodeo includes rough stock and timed events. Official rough stock events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding. To get a score, contestants must stay on a bucking bull or horse for at least 8 seconds.

Contestants are scored by two judges who award 50 points each — 25 to the rider and 25 to the animal. Horses and bulls are judged by their bucking action. Riders are judged on their spurring ability and how well they move with the horse and deal with multiple twists and turns. If a horse or bull isn’t active enough, the contestant is offered a “do-over” on a different animal.

• Bareback Riding: Contestants ride a bronc (unbroken horse) while holding onto a leather rigging that resembles a suitcase handle. Riders must pull their knees up and roll their spurs on the horse’s shoulders. They’re disqualified if they straighten their legs before the horse’s feet hit the ground.

• Saddle Bronc Riding: Contestants sit in a saddle on a bronc, hold a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter, and synchronize their movements with the horse’s. The rider must stay in the saddle and hold the rein with one hand. They’re disqualified if they touch the horse or their own body with their free hand.

• Bull Riding: Contestants hold a flat braided rope and must stay on a two-ton bull that bucks, turns, jumps, and twists while only using one hand to hang on. They’re disqualified if their other hand touches the bull.

4. Timed Events

Timed events include steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. Contestants race against the clock to get the shortest time.

Contestants pay to compete in each event, and every cowboy and cowgirl aspires to be one of the top 15 contestants in their event based on money won during the regular season so they can qualify for the National Finals Rodeo that’s held in Las Vegas each December.

• Tie Down Roping: A contestant chases and ropes a calf and dismounts while his horse stops. He picks up the calf, places it on the ground on its side, ties any three legs together, and throws his hands up in the air. Then he remounts his horse and rides forward to add slack in the rope. If the calf remains tied for 6 seconds, he receives a score. If the calf kicks free, he receives no time. If the contestant doesn’t allow the calf to get a good head start, he receives a 10-second penalty.

• Steer Wrestling: A contestant chases a steer, slides off a galloping horse, hooks the steer’s right horn with his arm, grasps the left horn with his left hand, and wrestles it to the ground. The steer must be on its side with all four feet pointing in the same direction. If he fails to allow the steer a good head start, he’s assessed a 10-second penalty. 

• Team Roping: Two cowboys or cowgirls who are skilled riders and ropers chase a steer. The first person (the header) ropes the steer around the head, neck, or horns and guides the steer to the left to expose its hind legs so the second person (the heeler) can rope them. Once both team members move so there’s no slack in the rope and their horses face each other, officials stop the clock and record the score. If the contestants don’t allow the steer enough of a head start, the team receives a 10-second penalty. The team gets a 5-second penalty if the heeler only ropes one of the steer’s feet.

• Barrel Racing: This is the only event where the ladies take center stage, and speed and horse(wo)manship are the name of the game. Contestants ride around three barrels placed in a triangle in a cloverleaf pattern and back to the starting point. Tipping a barrel is okay, but if a barrel falls over, the rider gets a 5-second penalty. An electronic eye marks when the race begins and ends, and times are recorded to the hundredth of a second.

5. Novelty Acts Between Events

Most rodeos feature novelty acts such as trick roping and riding between events. One or more clowns also banter with the announcers to entertain the crowd during and between events. However, rodeo clowns also have the much more important job of distracting angry bulls so they don’t attack contestants, workers, or field judges. During the bull riding event, they run after bulls to help guide them toward the exit and use large barrels to avoid being gored.

History Of The Rodeo

After the Civil War, Southwest ranchers organized cattle drives to train stations to transport animals east. Cowboys needed a wide variety of skills to wrangle cattle. So, they entertained themselves in their free time by competing against each other to see who had the best riding and roping skills.

By the late 19th century, rodeo was a popular spectator event throughout the American West. In 1945, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was organized to monitor eligible events and standardize rules. Other rodeo associations, including the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), were established midway through the 20th century to institutionalize and legitimize the sport.

Today, rodeos are serious sporting events, and human and animal competitors are seen as athletes on the same level as NFL quarterbacks and NBA pitchers. Fans have a deep knowledge of the events and come with scorecards and signs to support their favorite cowboys and cowgirls.

Rodeo is the official state sport of three states: Texas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It is so important to Wyoming that a bucking horse and rider is the state’s registered trademark.

Where To See A Rodeo

Rodeo season runs from spring through fall and culminates with the National Finals in December. Check the schedule to find a rodeo near you or in the area you plan to visit. It’s also important to consider the time of year. Outdoor rodeos in Arizona and Texas are usually held in the spring before the weather becomes too hot.

• Fort Worth, Texas, hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo each weekend at the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum.
• Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede are in July.
• Tiny Cody, Wyoming, hosts the longest-running and only nightly rodeo from June through August every year.

Next time a rodeo comes to your area, or you’re traveling in the American West, buy a ticket, don your cowboy hat and boots, and have fun watching the skill of both two- and four-legged competitors. Happy trails!

Related Reading:

• 16 Unique Towns To Visit In The Southwestern U.S. In 2023
• 12 Ways To Experience Authentic Cowboy Culture In Cody, Wyoming
• 8 Best Places To See Buffalo In Kansas

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have a special place in Japanese culture. They usher in the arrival of spring, the beginning of the farming season, and a time to congregate with friends and family to enjoy the pleasant weather. Many Japanese hold parties to celebrate hanami, the practice of watching the blossoms and contemplating life.

I visited in April of 2019, just in time to see the cherry blossoms and decide for myself whether they were worth the hype. Spoiler alert: They are. In fact, you could visit Japan just to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, provided that you know where, when, and how to plan your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about cherry blossom season in Japan.

1. Peak Season Is Late January Through Early May

Booking your trip for optimal cherry blossom viewing will require some planning since sakura season starts early in southern Japan and then gradually moves north. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), in 2023 “Northern Japan and eastern Japan will see flowering earlier than normal, while western Japan will see flowering at the same level as normal.”

In the south, Okinawa sees its first blooms in late January while Kyushu cities such as Fukuoka will start to see blooms in mid-March. Around Tokyo, the sakura bloom in mid to late March, while the Osaka area sakura trees begin blooming at the end of March. In mid-April, head to Aomori in the Tohoku region to see Ashino Park’s cherry blossoms. Sapporo cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in late April, while other areas of Hokkaido pop in early May.

If you’re planning a trip to a specific city, check the Japan cherry blossom forecast when booking your trip. It has data for cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya, Kumamoto, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Kagoshima listed by region, including the Shikoku regions (home to Hiroshima) and the Kanto region (home to Tokyo), and more. The first forecasts of the year are typically released in early January.

When in doubt, book a few days later than the expected bloom date. Cherry blossoms only bloom for a week or two, and you’ll want to land in Japan during the peak bloom period when most of the cherry blossom trees are flowering.

2. Different Varieties Bloom At Different Times

Because the cherry blossom season is fairly short, you might miss the peak bloom even if you plan carefully. The good news: Different varieties of cherry blossoms bloom at different times. Late bloomers and early bloomers aren’t too difficult to find, and if you head to an area with a large number of trees, you’ll still have a perfectly pleasant experience.

In Tokyo, for instance, Shinjuku Gyoen has more than 1,000 cherry trees of different varieties, so you’ll see at least some of them blooming for at least a week after the peak bloom. If you miss the bloom in Nagano, you can head to Takato Castle Ruins Park, which has about 1,500 cherry trees.

When in doubt, ask the locals where to go or head to the largest public park you can find. As long as you’re within a week or so of the bloom, you’ll find some cherry trees showing their colors.

3. Be Flexible When Booking Your Accommodations

One morning in Tokyo, I started my day with a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen. Rows of beautiful cherry trees waved in the breeze, and I finally felt like the trip was worth the jet lag.

That incredible experience was an accident; I booked the cheapest hotel room I could find, which happened to be a few blocks away from Shinjuku Gyoen. When booking your accommodations, exercise a little more planning than I did. Look for hotels near parks or public transit lines. Japan’s excellent public transportation infrastructure makes the latter fairly easy, but if you’re hoping to stay near a park, you’ll need to do some research.

More importantly, recognize that flexibility is key. You might need to change your flight or your hotel reservations to ensure that you actually arrive in cherry blossom season — a cold snap could delay your trip by a few days — so look for hotels that allow for late changes or cancellations. If your airline offers an add-on that allows you to change your flight for free, pay for it.

4. More Than 30,000 Cherry Trees Bloom On Mount Yoshino

Located in Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom seekers. More than 30,000 cherry trees bloom here each spring, covering the mountain in extraordinary color.

This is also a great place to try an onsen, or natural hot spring bath. The nearby town, Yoshinoyama, has quite a few hot spring hotels, and some allow travelers to use their onsen for a small fee. Take a stroll by the mountain, snap a few pictures, and then find a hotel with an onsen where you can relax and reset.

5. See Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Illuminations Mid-March Through Early April

Tokyo has plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces like Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, and if you head to the capital city, you’ll have plenty of viewing spots to choose from.

However, one of the best places to experience hanami is the Meguro River near Nakameguro. Each year, a small portion of the river is lit with red lanterns; the sakura reflect off the water, creating a truly enchanting sight.

Pro Tip: One of the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo is Ueno Park, which is home to the Ueno Zoo, museums, and over a thousand cherry trees.

6. Expect Crowds At Takato Castle Park In Nagano

The ruins of Takato Castle in Nagano Prefecture are well worth visiting at any time of year, but they’re truly incredible in spring. Book in advance, since the castle is extremely popular during sakura season owing to the 1,500 blossoming trees that cover the trails.

You’ll also get great views of the ruins, and if you’re interested in Japanese history, you’ll want to stop by the Takioyagura drum tower and the Shintokukan, a former samurai house. There’s even an art museum onsite, so plan on spending quite a bit of time here.

Pro Tip: Takato Castle Park just has the remains of a castle, but Hirosaki Castle Park in the Aomori Prefecture, another popular place for cherry blossom viewing, boasts a three-story castle complete with petal-filled moat and a botanical garden.

7. Some Over-The-Counter Allergy Medicine Is Illegal In Japan

When you’re surrounded by thousands of blossoms, they can certainly irritate your allergies. Of course, you can simply load up on allergy medication before your trip, but be careful. Some allergy medicines — including over-the-counter medications — can’t be brought into Japan legally in large quantities. Check out the U.S. Embassy’s page on the topic before your trip, and be sure to declare any and all medications when passing through customs.

You could also buy over-the-counter products during your trip, but note that they won’t include stimulants like pseudoephedrine, so they may make you drowsy. This Japan Drugstore Guide has an overview of Japanese allergy medications, along with pictures of their packaging (extremely useful if you don’t speak Japanese).

8. Cherry Blossoms Make Sweet Treats

Given that Japan has something of an obsession with cherry blossoms, it should come as no surprise that sakura-flavored desserts are a big deal throughout the country. To truly embrace the spirit of the season (and satisfy your sweet tooth), stop by a bakery and look for items adorned with cherry blossom petals.

If you’re looking to try something you can’t find anywhere else, stop by a café that serves sakura yokan. Yokan is a jelly made from the sweet red azuki bean mixed with honey or sugar. It’s similar to gelatin but much, much more flavorful. Sakura mochi, or sweet rice cakes, are also fairly easy to find during cherry blossom season.

Wrap up your meal with a sakura sake or a sakura tea. Both have a light, fragrant quality to them, though sakura tea is a bit easier to find (and a bit easier to drink, if you’re not a fan of rice wine).

Pro Tip: Be sure to follow proper dining etiquette; try to clean your plate completely, and if you use chopsticks, don’t raise them above your mouth.

9. Cherry Trees Have Special Significance In Japanese Culture

Every city will have public celebrations of hanami, including cherry blossom festivals. Regardless of where you head on your trip, you’ll encounter plenty of locals enjoying the sakura season.

For the Japanese, springtime isn’t just a time to enjoy pretty views; it’s a time to think about change and the impermanent nature of life. It’s a bittersweet time; high school students are graduating and leaving for college, the winter is ending, and unlimited possibilities are on the horizon.

To put it another way, sakura season is a time to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and enjoy every moment. It’s a time to stop and smell the flowers, literally. Keep that in mind during your visit, and you’ll see why cherry blossoms are so enchanting — and why they’re such an indispensable part of Japanese culture.

Pro Tip: How To Get The Best Photos Of Cherry Blossoms

If you’re planning on photographing the trees — and you absolutely should, by the way — you’ll want to turn off the automatic option on your camera or smartphone. Cherry blossoms tend to be light pastel colors, and cameras have trouble distinguishing them from the sky. If the blossoms make up the majority of your shot, it might end up looking underexposed.

Use your camera’s manual exposure mode to change the aperture and shutter-speed settings. Generally speaking, a slower shutter will give you a better result. Consider picking up a tripod to accommodate the slower shutter speeds.

Experiment with different settings, but don’t worry about editing your photos onsite. Try to shoot as much as possible. Remember, you can always edit out the mediocre pictures on your (extremely long) plane ride home.

Is there any more gorgeous a flower than the riotously colorful tulip? We adore these cheery harbingers of spring, and it turns out there’s a charming, picturesque city in Michigan that loves them just as much — if not more — than the rest of us. So much so that it hosts an 8-day bash devoted to these beautiful blooms each year, and it might just be the perfect destination for your next weekend getaway.

Holland, Michigan, located on the state’s western shore near Lake Michigan, is a 3-hour drive from Detroit and has a long and rich Dutch heritage. It’s also crazy for the flower that first became popular in Holland, a region and former province of the Netherlands. Since 1929, the Michigan town has played host to Tulip Time, a festival that features millions of blooming bulbs, art, entertainment, food, and lots of Dutch-themed fun.

Here are the best things to do during this terrific event.

1. Enjoy The Magnificent Blooms

You just can’t escape the festival’s lovely namesakes — nor would you want to! They are everywhere, a delightful riot of color spread throughout town. Holland’s parks and recreation Department plants a whopping 5 million bulbs across town every autumn. Sourced directly from the Netherlands, these beauties are typically in their full, glorious bloom the first week of May, when Tulip Time is held. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see festive splashes of red, pink, orange, yellow, and even purple, and there are perfect photo opportunities around every corner. Take in the floral splendor in parks and public spaces and along the roadsides — or tulip lanes — everywhere in town.

Tulip Time also features flower-specific activities and events for festivalgoers, including several walking tours, plus organized photo walks through the most scenic floral stretches of town. Also, back by popular demand, visitors can also take part in a special tulip immersion garden, featuring 50,000 tightly packed and perfectly planted blooms, with expert explanation and commentary from an internationally-lauded horticulturist. Talk about the perfect Instagram moment… be prepared to be dazzled!

New in 2023, you can even name a tulip bed after your family or a loved one. Talk about the perfect Mother’s Day tribute!

Even if you’re prone to allergies, you’ll have a great time: It turns out that tulips are some of the most hypoallergenic blooms out there.

2. Tulip Time Run

Want to flower-power your way through a unique and unforgettable workout? Then consider the Tulip Time Run to kick off your Holland visit. The event — which is held the first day of the festival and features both a 5k and a 10k — welcomes all paces, and you can’t beat the gorgeous views.

The race kicks off and also ends at Holland’s Kollen Park, right on the lovely shores of Lake Macatawa. You’ll run right through the tulip-lined streets of Holland, there’s terrific runner support, and we’ll challenge you to find a prettier spring race! Hint: it’s not going to happen!

3. Floral Arrangement Courses

Creating dazzling floral bouquets is an art, and if you’re inspired by Holland’s tulips to try it out, you’re in luck! Tulip Time is offering several hands-on floral arrangement sessions during the festival. In this hour-long course, you’ll learn the basics from award-winning floral designers, and even create your own masterpiece to take home. Tickets include your lesson and all the supplies you’ll need to build our own beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation.

4. Art Exhibits

Celebrating the arts has long been central to the Tulip Time Festival.

The Art in Bloem Fine Art Showcase focuses on pieces created by local artists. Here you’ll find the top 20 finalists in the Tulip Time artwork competition, and you can even participate in the Viewers’ Choice Awards by voting for your favorite image at the exhibit!

The Tulip Time Quilt Show is also a fan favorite, with the difficult and increasingly rare art form taking center stage. More than 100 hand-stitched quilts are on display, in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. Visitors can also buy raffle tickets for the chance to win a very special quilt: one created specifically to celebrate Tulip Time!

If you want to try your own hand at creating tulip-centered visual art, be sure to check out the Tulip Time Photo Walks. There, you’ll get tips and tricks from professional photographers about how to get the perfect image of these iconic flowers, and even have the chance to submit your photo to be considered for Tulip Time social media posts during the festival.

5. Windmill Island Gardens

The Only Authentic Dutch Windmill Still Operating In The U.S.

To experience Holland’s tulips in a truly Dutch setting, walk the 20 minutes from downtown to Windmill Island Gardens. The focal point of this beautiful spot is DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. When we say operating, we really mean it: The mill grinds wheat flour and cornmeal that you can purchase on-site.

Climb to the fourth-floor deck for a gorgeous view of the grounds and gardens, which are perfect for strolling when the 100,000 tulips scattered across the three lush fields are in full bloom. As you can imagine, the gardens are bustling during Tulip Time, and for good reason. Tickets cost $12.

6. Tulip Time Parades

Volksparade

You’ll want to make time for at least one of the parades that take place during Tulip Time. The Volksparade is a traditional Dutch march that encourages crowd participation. First, the mayor dons ceremonial white gloves to inspect the cleanliness of the route. If the streets need scrubbing (and they most likely will!), you’ll see folks in traditional Dutch costumes bring out buckets and brooms for the spring cleaning needed for the parade to step off. After that, you’ll be treated to dozens of bands, community floats, and other entertainment. There’s also a Dutch dance performance just prior to the parade kick-off. 

Kinderparade

The Kinderparade — or children’s parade — is a sweet Tulip Time tradition for Holland’s youngest residents. Elementary school children will line up with their teachers and school administrators in full costume and march together through downtown Holland. Each school and grade will have its own theme that celebrates Dutch heritage.

Be sure to head downtown early to claim a spot for whatever parade you choose to view.

7. Traditional Dutch Dancing

Dutch dancing returns in a big way during the 2023 Tulip Time festivities. Costumed performers will show off traditional Dutch dance steps at Centennial Park in the middle of town. Expect lots of clomping in those clogs! There are also performances featuring far younger dancers as children from 3rd through 8th grade will also show off their talents. There are dance demonstrations each day during Tulip Time; be sure not to miss them!

Eating In Holland

During the Tulip Time Festival, Dutch cuisine takes center stage.

DeBoer Bakery is locally owned, and the people who live in Holland know that its two locations are the best places to go for pastries sweet and savory, including buttery krakelingen filled with almond paste and saucijzenbroodjes, or Dutch pigs in a blanket. Russ’, another locally owned favorite, features Tulip Time’s favorite Dutch pea soup.

Of course, you can enjoy Dutch cheese, beer, and sausage from vendors in and around downtown. And if you feel like mashing up your Dutch and Italian food faves, head to Hops at 84 East. Located downtown, this spot bakes up wood-fired pizzas with crusts made by DeBoer Bakery from flour milled at the local windmill. It’s truly full-circle cuisine!

Shopping In Holland

The shopping scene in Holland during Tulip Time tends to focus on all things floral, with artwork, textiles, and other home goods emblazoned with the bright spring blooms the festival celebrates. You’ll find tulip-themed gifts in nearly every downtown Holland boutique. You can also take home some tulip bulbs to plant in your own yard or garden once fall comes around.

You’ll find special Tulip Time souvenirs and much more, at the Artisan Market on the grounds of Beechwood Church. More than 150 juried artisans will offer their wares for sale at the market. If you work up an appetite while shopping, no worries, as food trucks will also be on site. And as an extra bonus: Dutch dancing demonstrations will take place during the duration of the market!

Where To Stay In Holland

There are three downtown hotels in Holland, which tend to book up fairly quickly for Tulip Time: the newly revamped Haworth Hotel on the campus of Hope College, a Courtyard by Marriott property conveniently located along the main parade route, and the modern, chic CityFlatsHotel.

If you can’t snag a room downtown, don’t worry: There are 2,000 additional hotel rooms within 3 to 4 miles of downtown, with accommodations to fit every budget. Homesharing sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are other options to consider, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group.

What To Know Before You Go

There’s no getting around the fact that there will be crowds at Tulip Time, especially on the weekends. Saturdays tend to be the busiest. Be sure to pack your patience, and just focus on having a terrific time! 

Also, this should go without saying, but we’ll go ahead and mention it: Although it might be quite tempting to do so, do not pick or cut any of the tulips on display in Holland unless you have express permission. It’s the only way to keep the blooms beautiful for everyone who visits during this special event.

Related Reading:

• How To Spend A Beautiful Weekend In Charming Holland, Michigan
• The 8 Best Tulip Festivals In The U.S.
• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• 7 Gorgeous Gardens To Visit In Michigan

In April, we eagerly shed our winter gear, welcome the warm weather, and breathe in the sweet spring air. Dogwood festivals around the country are a way to join together with family and friends and celebrate the arrival of spring. From grand events to small-town gatherings, you will find a Dogwood festival to suit your adventurous spirit.

1. Atlanta Dogwood Festival 

Atlanta, Georgia

Head over to Piedmont Park for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. One of the largest in the country, it is known for its art exhibits and juried art show. Over 200 artists participate in the Fine Artist Market showcasing traditional paintings and photography along with goods made from wood and leather, plus pottery, jewelry, glass, and more. Another highlight of the event is the two performance stages that provide continuous live music. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is scheduled for early April.

Where To Stay: Gracious Southern hospitality, beautiful furnishings, and a short walk to Piedmont Park make Stonehurst Place the perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate after a day at the Dogwood Festival.

Where To Eat: Get the real flavor of Atlanta with a food tour. Enjoy a full-course meal including Low Country shrimp and grits with beverage pairings on this Atlanta Food and Cocktail Tour.

Pro Tip: Use public transportation. MARTA is the most convenient way to get to and from the festival. Parking near Piedmont Park will be very difficult.

2. Dogwood Arts Festival

Knoxville, Tennessee

Join in the flower fun at the Knoxville Dogwood Arts Festival that takes place in mid-April. Situated in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the festival is a celebration of fine art, live music, and fun for the young and young-at-heart.

Just in time for the spring blooms, Knoxville’s dogwood trails invite you to enjoy more than 85 miles of scenic walking and biking paths.

Where To Stay: The Tennessean Hotel offers luxurious Southern hospitality with the convenience of a downtown address close to great restaurants, pubs, and shopping. It is the perfect spot to rest after a day of festivities.

Where To Eat: The Central Filling Station rotates over three dozen food trucks, ensuring the selection changes daily and offers a variety of unique culinary creations for the foodie fanatic. Their online calendar lists “trucks of the day,” so you don’t miss your favorite foodie fix.

Pro Tip: World’s Fair Park, home of the 1982 World’s Fair Exhibition, in downtown Knoxville is anchored by the Sunsphere. The newly renovated Sunsphere is 26 stories tall and the fourth-floor Observation Deck shows off the city and surrounding Smoky Mountains with a 360-degree view.

3. Fayetteville Dogwood Festival 

Fayetteville, North Carolina

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is scheduled for late April. It kicks off Friday night with a concert series that runs the entire weekend featuring local bands. Saturday and Sunday there is a midway with carnival rides, arts and crafts, a car show, and lots of food. If you are looking for an old-fashioned festival, this is it.

Where To Stay: If you love nature but need one step above camping, try glamping. Find great camping and glamping options with HipCamp. No need to pack your gear. Find one where you can bring your toothbrush and everything else is already waiting for you.

Where To Eat: For a traditional Southern dinner, try Fayetteville’s Texas Roadhouse. You will leave with your tummy and wallet satisfied.

Pro Tip: The US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum brings the history of these dedicated men and women alive. The main exhibit hall begins with the 1940 U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon and follows it up with a series of significant events to current-day operations. It is a testament to these highly trained soldiers.

4. Vinton Dogwood Festival

Vinton, Virginia

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Vinton Dogwood Festival. The festival is over 65 years old and offers quintessential hometown events including the crowning of the Vinton Dogwood Festival Queen, the Dogwood Festival Parade, and a car show. The town of Vinton comes together at the end of April for this spring celebration.

Where To Stay: Vinton is located just outside of Roanoke, where you can find lots of great name-brand hotels that offer great stays for an exceptional value. The Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Roanoke is centrally located for easy access to all your Blue Ridge Mountain entertainment.

Where To Eat: With a focus on prime Virginia sourced products, Alexander’s offers fine dining in an elegant, relaxed restaurant.

Pro Tip: Read Mountain is 253 acres of preserved natural forest that includes several hiking trails. The two-mile trail to the summit, Buzzards Rock, affords a spectacular view of the Roanoke Valley.

5. Farmville Dogwood Festival

Farmville, North Carolina

The Farmville Dogwood Festival is held in late April in the town commons where you can enjoy the beautiful dogwoods and azaleas in bloom. The festival showcases eastern North Carolina artisans, music at the town’s gazebo, and a carnival.

Where To Stay: Find a charming log home — a dream cabin dropped in the North Carolina woods just a few miles out of town. Enjoy a relaxed, cozy stay while visiting the Farmville area.

Where To Eat: The best place to eat in Farmville is the Plank Road Steakhouse. This is a meat lover’s paradise, offering a grilled 14-ounce rib-eye steak.

Pro Tip: To sample a variety of the local barbecue and craft brews, take the Pitt County Brew and ’Cue Trail. Collect your “Passpork” at one of the establishments on the trail and begin your Southern pork and craft brew adventure.

6. Dogwood Festival

Camdenton, Missouri

The Dogwood Festival in Camdenton has been around for over 70 years. Come to this Lake of the Ozarks town for the pageant and parade and stay for the fish fry! Planned for mid-April, you will love the hometown Camdenton pride.

Where To Stay: A unique Vrbo stay overlooking the Big Niangua arm on the Lake of the Ozarks while enjoying the view from your two-bedroom house in the Sugarloaf Vineyards is the perfect stay in Camdenton.

Where To Eat: The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook is the perfect place to enjoy an evening meal with friends. With everything from wings and burgers to perfectly cooked steaks and seafood, you will be delighted by the delicious options.

Pro Tip: Get outside at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where you can enjoy a hike and explore castle ruins, caves, and sinkholes. It’s always a good day to get out and breathe some fresh air.

7. Grant Dogwood Festival  

Pollock, Louisiana

Down in Pollock, Louisiana, the Grant Dogwood Festival is ready with a warm welcome and lots of southern fun. Hosting a parade, vendors, classic car show, and a 5K fun run, there is tons of small-town fun to experience.

Where To Stay: Less than 20 miles down the road from Pollock is The Hotel Bentley, an early 1900s grand hotel in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Pro Tip: There are plenty of state parks in the area to plop a bobber in the water and try to hook a big one.

Final Bloom

Whether you are looking for a large, city-sponsored festival or a small, hometown gathering, one thing is certain: The blooming dogwood trees mean it’s time for celebrating spring and all the promise she brings.

You can also find fantastic dogwoods (and azaleas) in East Texas; our own Janie Pace has more.

Want to see cherry blossoms, too? Read up on the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

Tulips are some of the brightest, most beautiful harbingers of spring. When they start to bud — and then bloom — you know that warmer temperatures are right around the corner. Back in the 1600s, these flowers were so prized that in Holland, a single bulb could fetch the equivalent of thousands of dollars.

Today, tulips are celebrated across the country at festivals dedicated entirely to them. Usually held in cities or towns with a distinct Dutch heritage, these festivals are the perfect way to celebrate the end of winter.

Here are a few of our favorite tulip festivals across the United States — and the reasons why you should check them out.

1. Tulip Time

Holland, Michigan

It doesn’t get more Dutch than Holland, Michigan. The city, about a 3-hour drive from Detroit, is located on Lake Michigan and hosts one of the nation’s largest and best-known tulip festivals each year. Tulip Time is an 8-day celebration that features parades, traditional Dutch dance demonstrations, art installations, concerts, and five million blooming tulips planted by the Parks and Recreation Department across the city. New this year: You can even name a blooming bed for your family or loved one. Talk about the perfect floral gift!

Where To Stay

To be in the center of the action, consider staying downtown at one of several hotels there.

What To Eat

Nosh on Dutch favorites like buttery krakelingen, treats filled with almond paste, and saucijzenbroodjes, or Dutch pigs in a blanket. Locally-owned DeBoer Bakery has both.

Pro Tip: Weekends are typically the most crowded times. If you plan to visit then, be sure to book your accommodations far in advance. For more information and tips, see this piece.

2. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Mount Vernon, Washington

The fields near Mount Vernon, Washington — about 50 miles north of Seattle — have always been packed with tulips; the Dutch have planted bulbs in the area for more than 100 years. In 1984, after thousands began flocking to the town during bloom season, Mount Vernon leaders decided to add a series of events to the month, and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival was born. It’s since grown to include art shows, concerts, farm tours, a fun run, bike rides, and the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair. Many events that require tickets will be available online; check out the festival brochure here. 

Where To Stay

For a charming bed and breakfast stay just a few minutes from the tulip fields, consider the Nantucket Inn in Anacortes, Washington. You’ll love the waterfront view from the front porch.

What To Eat

Make plans to visit Kiwanis Salmon BBQ in Mount Vernon for locally caught salmon and terrific sides. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. almost every day of the festival. The event is held at the Hillcrest Park Lodge; outdoor seating and to-go orders are available. It’s a delicious way to help support the local chapter of this charity group, which sponsors children’s programs locally and globally.

Pro Tip: The weather along Washington’s coast during the month of April can be rainy and windy. Make sure you pack a waterproof layer!

3. Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest

Woodburn, Oregon

Sometimes, growers host huge parties to celebrate their blooms, and that’s the case in Woodburn, Oregon, about halfway between Portland and Salem. Since 1983, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm has raised and sold bulbs of all varieties. In 1985, the farm opened its fields on Easter weekend, and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest was born.

These days, the farm plants more than 40 acres of tulips and welcomes guests from the end of March until the first week of May. During the week, they sell cut flowers and bulbs. On the weekends, there’s plenty of family fun on the farm grounds, including shuttles to the flower fields, a children’s play area, and wooden shoe-making demonstrations.

Tickets must be purchased online.

Where To Stay

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest makes a terrific road trip from Portland; one of our favorite spots to stay there is the historic and funky Hi-Lo Hotel.

What To Eat

If available, try the fresh berry jam, jelly, or pie. Marionberries are the most famous — they are a cross between two native blackberries, and they were created in Oregon.

Pro Tip: Plan to stop in at the wine-tasting room to sample some of the farm’s vintages.

4. Tulip Time Festival

Pella, Iowa

The tiny town of Pella, Iowa, is about 40 miles from Des Moines; it was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands. Pella’s Tulip Time Festival began in 1935 as a small party to celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage. Since then, it’s become an entire long weekend featuring parades, performances, museum tours, a craft market, concerts, auto and tractor shows, and of course, several large tulip displays with hundreds of thousands of blooms in a whole host of colors.

Most events are free; tickets for others can be purchased on-site.

Where To Stay

While Pella has several charming bed and breakfasts, the Amsterdam Hotel is well worth your consideration with its luxe rooms and complimentary breakfast.

What To Eat

Street vendors sell traditional Dutch foods during the event, including delicious stroopwafels, or wafer-thin waffle cookies with caramel-molasses filling.

Pro Tip: Most of Pella’s Tulip Time sights are within walking distance, but paid golf cart rides are also available at the festival.

5. Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips

Cream Ridge, New Jersey

One of the youngest tulip festivals on this list is Holland Ridge Farms’ U-Pick Tulips Season in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, located between New York City and Philadelphia. In 2017, the Jansen family planted a million tulip bulbs on their farm in preparation for a festival to celebrate the flower. Thousands came out to enjoy the colors and, for a small price, pick some flowers to bring home. The festival has since become a popular place for families to take photos and have down-home farm fun. It’s also recently expanded its plantings — visitors may clip all the blooms they’d like for just $1 a stem. 

Where To Stay

There are a number of hotel chains and other accommodation options in nearby Hamilton, New Jersey.

What To Eat

The farm features a bakery barn for sweet treats; there are also food trucks on-site. While guests can bring their own picnics during the week, food and drink must be purchased on-site on the weekends. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to grab a bucket and clippers so you can snip your perfect bouquet.

6. Tulip Festival At Thanksgiving Point

Lehi, Utah

Thanksgiving Point is a nonprofit learning and recreation center that seeks to connect visitors of all ages with the natural world. And when it’s springtime, it’s Tulip Festival time at the destination, located just a short drive south of Salt Lake City. The park’s Ashton Gardens are awash with color from April through early May, with more than a quarter of a million bulbs blooming. Attractions include concerts, a children’s play area, and plenty of fresh-cut tulips to purchase and take home.

Where To Stay

If you don’t want to make the trek back to Salt Lake after tiptoeing through the tulips, there’s a SpringHill Suites by Marriott property conveniently located near Thanksgiving Point.

What To Eat

Try the pork osso bucco or prime rib at Thanksgiving Point’s Harvest Restaurant. Don’t just take it from us; here’s more on Thanksgiving Point’s dining options from the town itself.

Pro Tip: When you buy your ticket, keep in mind that you can also reserve a preferred time slot for your entry.

7. Albany Tulip Festival

Albany, New York

On Mother’s Day weekend, New York’s capital city of Albany comes alive with spring blooms, including more than 150 different varieties of tulips. For more than 70 years, the city has celebrated its Dutch roots at the Albany Tulip Festival that’s held at Washington Park. The fun includes fine arts exhibits, tulip tours, live music, and a street-scrubbing parade featuring participants in authentic Dutch costumes. More than 100 artisans sell their crafts in the park as well.

The best part? Admission to the event is free. The 2023 Albany Tulip Festival is scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend; the perfect opportunity to treat Mom!

Where To Stay

The Washington Park Inn is a turreted Victorian mansion located right in the park. Its five guest rooms are well-appointed and charming, but this spot books quickly for the Tulip Festival! This gorgeous spot is also pet-friendly!

What To Eat

You can’t go wrong with Dutch street food, but if you’re in the mood for something different, El Loco Mexican Cafe on Washington Park’s southeastern corner is convenient and delicious.

Pro Tip: When you’ve taken in your share of tulips, walk over to Center Square, a charming neighborhood chock-full of historic brownstones and boutiques.

8. Festival Of Spring

Nokesville, Virginia

Just 40 miles southwest of Washington D.C., you’ll find the small town of Nokesville, Virginia. It’s become a must-stop for the spring, thanks to Burnside Farms, a family-owned farm featuring more than 200 varieties of tulips at its Festival of Spring. More than two million bulbs are planted here each season! You can pick your own blooms, enjoy a picnic on the farm’s grounds, and take part in a whole host of activities, including wagon rides to the fields, cornhole games, and even wooden shoes so you can try out your Dutch dance moves! Tickets for all the fun are available online.

Where To Stay

You’ll find a whole host of lodging options in nearby Manassas; however, if you want to keep things cozy, check out the Inn at Evergreen, a stately inn dating back to the Civil War era. It’s located in Haymarket, about 16 miles north of Burnside Farms.

Where To Eat

For a quick bite (and brew!), head to Cedar Run Brewery at Evergreen Acres. It’s also located at a farm, and on the weekends, there’s a food truck parked to serve patrons. 

Pro Tip: Burnside Farms doesn’t put an exact date on its Spring Festival because, as they say on their website, “Mother Nature is in charge.” Check back with them in early spring for more information!

Related Reading:

• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• 7 Gorgeous Gardens To Visit In Michigan
• 5 Towns In Iowa Full Of European Charm
• 9 Wonderfully Warm Places To Visit In April

One of the best ways to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring is to attend a flower festival. Although cherry blossoms get a lot of attention, there’s nothing quite like seeing entire fields of colorful tulips blooming.

While Washington, D.C., may be known for its cherry blossoms, Washington state — and in particular the Skagit Valley — is known for its tulip fields. Hundreds of thousands of people from more than 85 countries and all 50 states attend the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year to see hundreds of acres of tulips and an equal number of daffodils.

Where Is The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival?

Located in the northwestern part of Washington, Skagit Valley has the largest tulip fields in North America. The area is easy to reach because it’s only 60 miles north of Seattle, adjacent to Interstate 5. Skagit Valley is only 70 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Either way, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Plus, Amtrak Cascades train service runs to Mount Vernon, the closest town.

When Is The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival?

The Tulip Festival runs the entire month of April, but the best time to see the bloom varies from year to year. Some years, tulips bloom the last week of March. Depending on the weather, they might bloom as late as the second week of April. What’s more, different varieties of tulips bloom at different times — and daffodils bloom before tulips.

Fortunately, Visit Skagit Valley provides a bloom update map to help visitors make travel plans. You can also check bloom status on the festival site and check for updates on Facebook.

Pro Tip: Visit in March for the La Conner Daffodil Festival!

Know Before You Go

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is intended as a driving tour, and there is no one location to visit. Although the fields are centrally located in the valley, they don’t have addresses, and their location changes each year as the crops are rotated. Plus, activities and events happen all over Skagit Valley. All of this means you need to plan on using a map and consulting it frequently.

In terms of getting around, exploring Skagit Valley on foot can be a great deal of fun — if you enjoy walking long distances. And, since many of the roads on the valley floor are flat, the walking isn’t strenuous.

Festival events take place all over the valley, so many of the fields, gardens, and attractions may actually be miles apart. Exploring Skagit Valley on bicycles can also be fun — especially since the roads are flat and easy to navigate. Since the weather in April can be unpredictable, be prepared for rain and wind.

Pro Tips

As is the case with most large festivals, the least crowded times are early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays. Weekends will be very busy, so if you’re planning to visit then, it’s best to arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the crowds.

Festival organizers point out that this is a rural area, and they suggest taking advantage of restrooms before making a trip to the valley. This is especially important considering that on busy days, it may take longer than expected to reach the tulip fields. All visitor information centers have public restrooms, as does the transit station in downtown Mount Vernon. Furthermore, The Shops at Burlington offer another chance to use public restrooms.

Related Reading:

1. How To Spend A Perfect Long Weekend Visiting Skagit Valley’s Tulip Festival
2. The 8 Best Tulip Festivals In The U.S.
3. 7 Fantastic Experiences At Holland, Michigan’s Famous Tulip Time Festival

Every April, a kaleidoscope of color, in the form of tulips, emblazons the otherwise lush, green agricultural lands of the Skagit Valley in Washington State.

Located 60 miles north of Seattle, the Skagit Valley becomes a very popular destination spot for springtime adventures and day trips, with the Tulip Festival front and center as its main attraction. The festival is designed as a driving tour with the majority of flower fields situated between two small towns: Mount Vernon and La Conner.

And with this being one of the largest tulip festivals outside of Holland, there are activities specifically centered around the bloom. You do not have to travel out of the country to gaze upon this iconic spring flower.

Things To Do At The Tulip Festival 

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been blooming for over 30 years, showing off its vibrant colors to thousands of visitors each year. The festival spans the entire month of April, from the 1st to the 30th. But of course, mother nature being mother nature, the bloom has its own special timing and can be seen in various stages during the month. Maybe more than one trip to the fields is something to consider.

If your springtime travels find you traipsing through the tulip fields, here are some gardens that are an absolute must to visit.

RoozenGaarde

RoozenGaarde Flower and Bloom is a multi-generational grower of tulips, irises, and daffodils. They are the oldest and largest producer of these flowers in the country. Every year they put out the RoozenGaarde® Bloom Map, which is a downloadable map displaying which tulip fields are currently blooming and at what stage they are in their growth. It includes many road names too, which makes finding these colorful fields a little easier.

At RoozenGaarde, there are over 5 acres of display gardens as well as 50 acres of farmland devoted to growing tulips and daffodils. Inside RoozenGaarde is a gift shop and greenhouses where visitors can purchase their own bulbs to take home. Select from the 150 varieties seen in the display garden and showcase your favorites in your own garden.

RoozenGaarde happens to be the largest wholesale and catalog retailer of tulips in the country. Thinking of buying a bouquet of tulips at your local grocery store? They most likely began at RoozenGaarde’s.

Admission to these spectacular displays is $15 for anyone ages 3 and up. The price includes parking and access to all the gardens and bloom fields. All tickets are general admission and can be purchased in advance online.

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance for guaranteed entry.

Tulip Town

Tulip Town is the other major grower in the valley. During the festival, they are a great stop for families with a variety of activities for every age and interest. Most days they offer face painting, trolley rides, and a café with good old-fashioned churned ice cream. These are all in addition to their display gardens, indoor flower show, and local vendors set up to share their wares.

Tulip Town offers several ticket packages including general admission, a Photography Pass, and the Experience Pass touring the farm. Packages begin at $15 for ages 12 and up, $7 for ages 6–11, with kids under 5 free. General admission includes parking, entry, a trolley ride, and access to the bloom fields and display gardens.

Garden Rosalyn

A newer addition, Garden Rosalyn is smaller than Tulip town and Roozengaarde but has more to offer than beautiful tulip fields. The garden also features designed flower beds, a windmill that makes for great photo opportunities, and a lake inhabited by geese and ducks.

Helicopter Tour

If seeing the rainbow of color from the skies is on your bucket list, then consider taking in the scenery from above in a helicopter or charter plane.

San Juan Airlines offers tours over the tulip fields throughout the month of April as do Atomic Helicopters, offering scenic flights of the Pacific Northwest variety, and Bellingham Helicopter Services. 

Tulip Festival Street Fair

Taking place over three days in April, the Tulip Festival Street Fair in Mount Vernon is one of Northwest Washington’s largest outdoor art shows. Half a mile of artisan vendors line up for the “Street Fair” as locals call it. For a full list of events including concerts and fairs during tulip time, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Brochure has it all.

What To Pack

Pack for the day’s outing by dressing in layers for any kind of weather (it is the Pacific Northwest after all). Be sure to bring rain gear and boots as the fields can be muddy, even if the sun is shining.

Bring along a stash of snacks to keep hunger at bay while wandering around the beautiful gardens. And of course, do not forget your camera!

Skagit Valley Restaurants

After a long day tromping in fields, a delicious meal is in order. With Mount Vernon on one side of the bloom fields and La Conner on the other, these two cities serve up a smorgasbord of food options to suit any palette.

La Conner is a quintessential small town. With a population of around 900 people, it exudes that small-town vibe. But do not be fooled, it holds more charm than its size leads you to expect. It is situated on the banks of the Swinomish Channel waterway and was once a vibrant fishing town. Today the downtown corridor is home to an array of craft stores, art galleries, and eateries. Walk through town along the boardwalk for serene scenery of the water and an eye-catching glimpse of the famous Rainbow Bridge which arches itself gracefully over the channel, connecting the city of La Conner with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Lands.

Additionally, finding yourself in Mount Vernon for the evening might also find you promenading along the river walk. This pedestrian trail parallels the waters of the Skagit River through Mount Vernon’s artsy downtown district. Stroll through cobblestoned courtyards while browsing the various antique shops, art galleries, and eclectic mix of restaurants and breweries.

Snow Goose Produce

It’s almost tradition for many Pacific Northwesterners to stop at the iconic Snow Goose Produce. This seasonal, open-air market is worth the visit for a little shopping while noshing on the biggest ice cream cone in these parts. Other cool finds range from local, organic produce to artisan jewelry and woven baskets (purchase one to hold all your flowers and goodies). The market is located on the south side of the bloom fields making it accessible from much of the area.

Pro Tip: Several flavors of locally sourced ice cream are served in handmade waffle cones, but you better have cash if you want a scoop!

Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro

While strolling through the town of La Conner, you can work up an appetite. When it is time for dinner, stop in at Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro for an upscale bistro vibe, water views, and exquisite entrées like their Polenta with shiitake gorgonzola sauce or any of their handmade gnocchi dishes. At Nell Thorn, using regional ingredients not only supports local farms in the Skagit Valley but also supports their ethos of sustainability while nurturing the earth by developing a lighter footprint.

Call ahead for a reservation, especially during tulip season. This restaurant becomes popular for a little respite as well as sustenance. Nell Thorn is open for both lunch and dinner but is closed on Mondays.

Pro Tip: Nell Thorn has their own parking lot, which makes finding a space a little easier during the busiest of times.

The Calico Cupboard

Maybe a hearty breakfast is your thing — especially if a full day of walking through gardens is on your itinerary. The Calico Cupboard serves all-day breakfast from traditional plates or recipes with a more modern twist, including gluten-free and organic ingredients. Calico Cupboard has two locations, one in La Conner and one in Mount Vernon, making this an ideal stop along your tulip trail adventures.

Pro Tip: Calico cupboard’s gigantic cinnamon rolls are a well-known trademark. Pick one up to-go and snack on it later for a treat.

Trumpeter Public House

Situated next to the Skagit Riverfront trail in downtown Mount Vernon, find the Trumpeter Public House, an old-world English pub-style atmosphere with an elegant, warm, and relaxed feel. The Trumpeter is the place to kick back and imbibe a cocktail or local brew — they offer the largest selection of spirits in Skagit County. Pair any refreshment with their locally-sourced dinner menu and call it “the perfect ending to a perfect day.”

Reservations are highly recommended and seating is limited. The Trumpeter is open Tuesday–Saturday from noon–9 p.m.

Hotels In Skagit Valley

With so many sites to see, extending your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival experience into a long weekend is the perfect solution to take it all in.

While Mount Vernon hosts a number of chain hotels that can be well-suited for families, it is La Conner that offers a lovely variety of options when it comes to lodging. There are quaint bed and breakfasts, small hotels on the water, and private rentals available online, all depending on your need and desire.

Katy’s Inn

Located in the heart of La Conner, Katy’s Inn has early Victorian architecture. this quaint bed and breakfast is a favorite among visitors and locals alike for its friendly, family-oriented service and the romantic antiquity of the home. Every morning, a full complimentary breakfast is served in the dining room, a nod to a bygone era. One of the rooms is pet-friendly so furry family members can join you for a flower-filled weekend.

La Conner Channel Lodge

At La Conner Channel Lodge, look over the waters of the Swinomish Channel from your balcony while sipping a complimentary glass of wine. This boutique hotel is situated in the small downtown area and is within walking distance of all the shops and eateries in La Conner. From street level, its architecture is in the classic Pacific Northwest style with its Craftsman rooftop and cedar siding. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning, which you may also enjoy out on the veranda, making this the perfect spot for a couples weekend or quiet getaway relaxing and watching the sunset, all after visiting the tulip fields, of course.

Book early, as La Conner accommodations fill up quickly.

Pro Tip: For a treat, take home a piece of the festival with you in a wine bottle by visiting the official winery of the tulip festival, Pasek Cellars. They are a family-friendly tasting room and they offer tours of their winery and wine-making process. They call it “wine in motion.”

Related Reading:

• How To Visit Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
• The 8 Best Tulip Festivals In The U.S.
• 7 Fantastic Experiences At Holland, Michigan’s Famous Tulip Time Festival

State fairs mean fried everything, dizzying rides, cotton candy, demolition derbies, beauty pageants, live entertainment, and more. Whether you’re looking forward to your state’s fair or you plan to travel to a faraway fair, we’ve rounded up a complete list of state fairs happening in 2023. If your state fair’s dates aren’t listed yet, don’t hesitate to bookmark this page as we will update it regularly!

Fun Fairs Ahead: The Complete 2023 State Fairs List

Alabama National Fair, Montgomery, October 6-15

Alaska State Fair, Palmer, August 18 to September 4

Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, September 22 to October 29

Arkansas State Fair, Little Rock, October 13-22

California State Fair, Sacramento, July 14-30

Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, August 25 to September 4

Connecticut Fairs, multiple cities, click through to see dates

Delaware State Fair, Harrington, July 20-29

Florida State Fair, Tampa, February 9-20

Georgia National Fair, Perry, October 5

Western Idaho Fair, Boise, August 18-27

Illinois State Fair, Springfield, August 10-20

Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, July 28 to August 20

Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, August 10-20

Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, September 8-17

Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, August 17-27

Louisiana State Fair, Shreveport, October 26 to November 12

Maine State Fair, Bangor, August 3-6

Maine State Fair, Skowhegan, August 10-19

Maryland State Fair, Lutherville-Timonium, August 24-27, August 31 to September 4, September 7-10

Massachusetts State Fair, West Springfield, September 15 to October 1

Michigan State Fair, Novi, August 31 to September 4

Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul, August 24 to September 4

Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, TBD

Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, August 10-20

Montana State Fair, Great Falls, July 28 to August 5

Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, August 25 to September 4

New Hampshire State Fair, Contoocook, August 31 to September 4

New Jersey State Fair, Frankford Township, August 5-13

New Mexico State Fair, Albuquerque, September 7-17

New York State Fair, Syracuse, August 23 to September 4

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, October 12-22

North Dakota State Fair, Minot, July 21-29

Ohio State Fair, Columbus, July 26 to August 6

Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City, September 14-24

Oregon State Fair, Salem, August 25 to September 4

Pennsylvania Fairs, multiple dates and locations

South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, October 11-22

South Dakota State Fair, Huron, August 31 to September 4

Tennessee State Fair, Lebanon, August 17-26

Texas State Fair, Dallas, September 29 to October 22

Utah State Fair, Salt Lake City, September 7-17

Vermont State Fair, Rutland, August 15-19

Virginia State Fair, Doswell, September 22 to October 1

Washington State Fair, Puyallup, September 1-24

West Virginia State Fair, Lewisburg, August 10-TBD

Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, August 3-13

Wyoming State Fair, Douglas, August 15-19

Related Reading:

• 5 Save-The-Day Items Everyone Needs In Their Bag At The State Fair
• My 12 Favorite Fried Foods At The Texas State Fair

Who doesn’t love glitzy, glamorous lights at Christmastime? There’s no better place to see the lights than New York City. 

Everyone knows about the lights the city is famous for, like those in Rockefeller Center or on Saks Fifth Avenue. But if you want a different way to experience the lights of New York at Christmastime, I suggest going to the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Southwest Brooklyn for an unbelievable display. 

What began in the 1980s with a couple of houses donning Christmas lights during the holiday season has grown into a friendly contest of one-upmanship with no neighbor wanting to be outdone by another. This neighborhood pulls out all the stops, and the homeowners here are famous for their tremendous Christmas decorations. This is a definite only-in-New-York experience that’s more than worth the trip.

Depending on your starting point, you may not immediately see what all the hype is about. However, once you get into the heart of the displays, you’ll be amazed. Twinkling blue lights, huge animated bears, toy soldiers — some of which are so big they had to be brought in with a crane — and giant snowmen are just some of the spectacular sights you’ll see in this holiday wonderland. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll see house after house on block after block decorated in their Christmas best. With towering evergreens and sparkling white lights, candy canes, and shimmering garland surrounding the doors to each house, it’s a magnificent scene. Everything in the neighborhood is aglow with holiday lights.

Some say it’s the best holiday light display in the whole New York City area. You can decide for yourself. After seeing the wonderful Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, I think you’ll be just a little happier than you were before — your smile will be a little brighter, and you may even feel like a kid again. One thing’s for sure: There’s no way you won’t be in the Christmas spirit after touring Dyker Heights.

1. Choose Your Transportation Wisely

The Southwest Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights is about 8 miles from Lower Manhattan. It is a predominantly residential, traditionally Italian-American neighborhood full of brownstones and brick houses. The best light displays are in the more exclusive area of Dyker Heights, located between 14th Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway. 

To start with, decide whether you want to view the lights on your own or with a tour group (more on tours below). If you go on your own, you will need to determine how you get to and from Dyker Heights. If you go on your own, two of the most common transportation options are taking the subway or driving your own car. Keep in mind that if you take the subway, you’ll still need to walk about 20 minutes from the closest subway stop to the decorated streets of Dyker. And you’ll have to walk back to the subway stop after viewing the lights. If you drive yourself, the traffic is heavy, and the parking is very limited in the neighborhood, so you’ll have to take this into account to make your decision. 

If you don’t want to drive or take the subway, other options are to take another form of public transportation like Uber, a taxi, or my favorite option, a bus tour.

2. Choose The Best Tour For You

If you’d like to go on a Christmas lights tour through Dyker Heights, there are a few bus tour options that depart from NYC. You’ll meet your tour group at the pre-destined spot and take the bus from there. Book early because bus tours are very popular and will most likely sell out. 

My favorite bus tour is the original, authentic tour from A Slice of Brooklyn. It proves to be very engaging and authentic as the tour guides are Brooklynites, complete with the accent you’d expect; and the tour owners actually know some of the families that live in the neighborhood, including some of the families that actually started the light displays back in the day. You’ll be getting the real deal along with the inside scoop on the history of the display with this Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour. 

The bus tour is offered every night beginning December 1 through New Year’s Eve, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tour times are 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. nightly. The tour meets in Union Square and goes to Dyker Heights from there, for a 3.5-hour tour. On the bus, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, heated ride to and from Dyker Heights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy vintage movies and hear traditional Christmas carols. Once you arrive in Dyker Heights, your guided tour will begin! The tour is less than $60 per person for adults unless you’d like priority seating, which is a little more. For kids 12 and under, the tour is less than $50.

Another tour option is a guided tour on foot. You’re responsible for getting yourself to and from Dyker Heights, but once you’re there, you’ll be escorted around by a knowledgeable tour guide who will take you to the best houses and provide you with the history of the area. At around $20, this walking tour is a lot less expensive than the bus tours, but it’s also a lot shorter, at about 2 hours. You’ll walk about 3 miles. And remember, December can be cold, rainy, or snowy. It just depends on the type of tour you’re looking for.

3. Know When And Where To View The Lights

Some houses are decorated right after Thanksgiving, but not all homes are decked out that early in the season. For prime viewing, I’d wait until December so you can make sure you see all the decorations. The best time of the day to go is the evening between 5 and 9 p.m. Most houses aren’t lit until everyone gets home from work between 5 and 6 p.m. Some families start turning off lights around 9 p.m. for bedtime. 

The best viewing is between 83rd and 86th Street between 11th and 13th Avenue. The most popular houses are the ones that started the tradition, including the Spata House and the Polizzotto House on 84th Street.

4. Dress Warmly And Bring A Thermos

It’s cold in New York in December, so remember to dress warmly. If you’ve opted to take the subway and walk to Dyker Heights, dress especially warm because it’s a good 20-minute walk. Also, think about bringing a thermos with something hot to keep you warm. There may or may not be any local vendors selling hot drinks in the neighborhood, so if not, you’ll be all set with your own thermos. 

If you’re bringing kids, make sure you bring along easy snacks and drinks for them, as there are no restaurants extremely close to pop into.

5. Bring A Portable Phone Charger

Even if you have the latest iPhone, do yourself a favor and bring a portable charger. You will be taking a lot of videos and photos, so your phone battery may not last like you’re used to. If you have a portable charger, you won’t have to worry about your phone dying just before you get that perfect shot. And if you’re not taking a bus tour, you’ll most likely need to use your phone to make arrangements to get back, so it’s doubly important to make sure it’s charged up for you.

6. Be Polite And Respectful, And Plan For Crowds

Keep in mind that this is a neighborhood. You’re not in Times Square. You’re in someone’s neighborhood where families live. So keep the noise level down, pick up your trash, don’t block driveways, and just be courteous overall. 

Also, remember, there are no public restrooms in the neighborhood, so make sure you use the facilities before you get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Be patient, as there will be a lot of excited kids running around and a lot of babies being pushed in strollers up and down the sidewalks. So don’t be in a hurry. Just relax and take in the surroundings.

7. Don’t Forget Cash

Many families collect money for various organizations and will have a box at the end of their driveway or near their display so you can slip a $1 or $5 bill in. Sometimes, people have small tables set up around the neighborhood where they’re selling hot chocolate or tea, and you’ll need cash to pay for a drink.

No matter which option you decide on, checking out the Christmas trees and holiday lights in Dyker Heights will be a highlight of your holiday trip to NYC. And since Dyker Heights is so close to Manhattan, you can pretty easily make time in your itinerary for this fabulous, over-the-top slice of cheer to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Lake Forest, Illinois, sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. This idyllic community of 20,000 is typically tranquil and reserved, but when the holiday season rolls around, everything shifts into high gear. 

1. Lake Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festivities kick off in earnest the day after Thanksgiving when the city hosts its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Starting in the late afternoon, families, friends, and their holiday guests gather in the town’s historic Market Square to soak up the holiday fun. There are sweet treats and hot chocolate, activities for kids, and live music. Santa even makes an appearance so families can capture impromptu holiday photos.

Every year offers something different. There have been ice sculptors, live reindeer, and chestnuts roasting, but one thing remains the same — the feeling of camaraderie between neighbors and strangers. 

The evening starts winding down when the high school choir begins to sing traditional Christmas carols and a hush falls over the crowd. It only lasts for a moment, until everyone decides to join in, creating a scene that is straight out of a Rockwell painting. Joyous voices raise everyone’s spirits as people are no longer individuals, but a community celebrating together.

Once the caroling and performances come to an end, the Lake Forest Dance Academy puts on a performance that rivals the Rockettes. Then it’s time for the big show. Everyone counts backward from 10 (and I mean everyone) until the switch is flipped and the tree shines bright for all to see. This is amplified by the trees that surround the square, also decked out in white lights and illuminating faces in the crowd.

Pro Tip: Parking can be difficult during this event, so we recommend parking at the train station and walking to the square, or taking the train to the east Lake Forest stop. This drops you off right in front of Market Square and all of the festivities.

As I said, that is only the beginning of the holiday festivities in Lake Forest. Here are some of the other fun events not to be missed in the community.

2. Gorton Community Center

Gorton Community Center is the heart of Lake Forest, offering holiday events and celebrations all season long. There are holiday-themed cooking, sewing, and painting classes, concerts with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra, Nutcracker performances, and even a mother-daughter holiday tea.

Every Christmas season, Gorton has the FA-LA-LA Film Fest in the John and Nancy Hughes Theater (yes, that John Hughes). This year will be Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story.

3. Deer Path Inn

The Deer Path Inn is styled after a 15th-century English manor house and has become the gem of Lake Forest through the years. It is known for its exemplary customer service and fabulous dining experiences in both its pub and traditional restaurants. For the last 4 years, it has been at the top of Travel & Leisure’s 10 Best Resorts in the Midwest list.

During the holiday season, the Deer Path Inn offers the ultimate holiday experience. Their Toy Suite package will elevate any stay by adding vintage toys to your accommodations. There’s everything from Rubik’s Cubes to Light Brites to a large floor piano (a la the film Big) and Care Bears. 

The package also includes treats from the local candy shop, Sweet’s, in-room snacks like boozy milkshakes and gourmet popcorn, and complimentary transportation via Range Rover to the Lightscape event at Chicago Botanic Garden. At the end of their stay, guests will have the opportunity to purchase one of the toys, donating to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. 

4. Market Square

Market Square is the main shopping center in town, and this holiday season they’re having Joy & Wonder in the Square, an afternoon event everyone can enjoy. There will be sleigh rides, live performances, ice sculpting, and even a live nativity scene. The event is free and it’s a great opportunity to support small businesses and finish your holiday shopping.

Pro Tip: When you’ve finished shopping, grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants. We recommend Francesca’s Intimo for Italian cuisine or The Gallery featuring a menu based on the artwork in a local gallery.

5. West Park Ice Rink

Every winter when the temperature drops below freezing, the city of Lake Forest floods part of West Park and creates an outdoor public ice skating rink. Anyone can join in the fun, just be sure to bring your skates!

6. Lake Forest Parks And Recreation

Lake Forest has an outstanding parks and recreation department that goes all in when it comes to the holidays. They have their French Market Holiday Boutique with hundreds of vendors that attracts thousands of shoppers from the northern Chicago area.

They also organize a Letters from Santa program where families drop off their requests and staff members respond to each letter individually. Additionally, there’s a drive-thru meet-and-greet with Santa and his elves.

7. The Second Annual Saturday Market 

Market Square isn’t the only place to shop for holiday gifts! The West Lake Forest Train Station will host its second annual Saturday market with hand-crafted gifts, holiday treats, and an opportunity to check off your to-do list!

8. Lake Forest Bookstore

One local gem that shouldn’t be overlooked is the Lake Forest Bookstore. This independent bookseller has quite a history as it was originally opened in 1949 by 12 local women. Since then, it has been female owned and operated and a constant source of literature for townspeople and visitors alike.

During the holiday season, the bookstore hosts local book clubs after hours so folks can meet and shop with friends. They will also arrange personalized shopping sessions during the month of December. Lake Forest Bookstore has wonderful employees always willing to help you find the perfect book for yourself or someone special. 

Pro Tip: The bookstore also has fun hostess gifts, games, and stationery. They will gift wrap any of your purchases for free and they have several types of wrapping paper to choose from. It’s a one-stop shop!

Lake Forest is one of those Midwestern towns where community is everything. Its focus is quite evident during the holiday season and we think you’ll agree that this charming winter destination has it all!

For more on Chicago, check out these stories:

• 8 Festive Places To See Holiday Lights In Chicago
• 10 Fantastic Free Things To Do In Chicago
• 12 Downtown Chicago Vacation Rentals Perfect For Exploring The City

Imagine riding in a horse-drawn sleigh through a quaint town blanketed with white snow as twinkling Christmas lights shine from the windows. If you are a Hallmark movie fan, you’ll know the kind of town I’m referring to. This year, Hallmark is releasing 40 new Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries that include many small towns like these in Colorado.

Here are several of our favorites for you to visit. These snowy towns made the list for their Christmas spirit, decorations, natural scenery, friendliness, and activities. They are listed in no particular order. 

If you are considering visiting any of these Hallmark towns in 2022, please check their websites and Facebook pages to verify times of the events.

1. Steamboat Springs

Dashing through the sparkling snow in a horse-drawn sleigh is a great way to kick off your visit to Steamboat Springs. With Christmas decorations throughout the village, magnificently decorated plus-sized trees, twinkling lights, and displays in a variety of colors, you can’t help but catch the holiday spirit. Everything around you in Steamboat Springs is merry and bright during the Christmas season.

The season kicks off in November with a Pioneer Christmas Storytime in the Festival of Trees at the Tread of Pioneers Museum. Museum workers in period costumes tell stories of pioneer and Victorian holiday traditions, and all guests are welcome to explore the Festival of Trees, a dazzling array of locally decorated trees.

The town of Steamboat Springs lights up the downtown tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving. 

The town is full of cozy, comfortable cottages you can rent to cuddle by the fireplace and watch the latest Hallmark movie premier as the snow falls outside. 

Santa arrives on horseback each year and will be available for photos the first three Saturdays in December. You can find some of Santa’s elves in various shops to assist you with last-minute shopping ideas. 

The Steamboat Ski area will host a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks.

If you are visiting after the holidays, you can enjoy the famous Winter Carnival, which includes loads of fun winter activities — from light shows to horse-drawn ski pulls — and was started “as a way to help residents cope with cabin fever during the height of the Colorado winter season,” says the Steamboat Springs Chamber.

2. Breckenridge

Breckenridge, with a population of 4,500, is full of Christmas spirit. It’s positively brimming with activities and unique and traditional events during the holidays. Dating to the 1800s, the mining town boasts historic homes and lamp posts that make it look like a charming Victorian-era Christmas town.

What’s more, every year, Breckenridge ups the ante on Hallmark-type holiday charm by transforming its historic downtown into a sparkling winter snow-globe scene with more than 250,000 LED lights. Everyone loves the Lighting of Breckenridge, when they flick the switch to turn on the town’s holiday light display.

There is something for everyone in Breckenridge during the holiday season. Dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and world-class skiing are what everyone thinks about, but there is so much more. One of the funniest and most photogenic events is the Race of the Santas. It is usually held the first weekend of December, and you will see hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits hitting the town for a 5-kilometer race. Another unique event is the Bernese Mountain Dog Holiday Processional, where the colossal pups (and any other interested breed) parade down Main decked in holiday gear.

If you happen to be in town for New Year’s, you will enjoy a torchlight parade down the mountain with fireworks.

The festive spirit shines in this community with a holiday lineup guaranteed to warm any Grinch’s heart. If you’re planning a family vacation for the holidays, Breckenridge is the perfect place for a multigenerational vacation, with plenty of multi-room condos available.

3. Vail

Put on your scarf and mittens and brave the chill on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through White River National Forest. Or stroll the Bavarian-style streets of Vail decked out in garlands, bows, and twinkling lights everywhere. Listen for Christmas carolers serenading visitors in this wintery paradise.

Vail is truly Hallmark movie material. In fact, a Hallmark movie, Winter in Vail, was filmed here in 2019 and premiered in January 2020. It showcased the bell tower, a covered bridge, and the town’s gorgeous Children’s Fountain in the opening scene.

Vail Holidays begins the second weekend in December with a tree-lighting event, and the merriment continues until January 1. Events include a Kris Kringle Market, where you can purchase all kinds of holiday gifts, and an Ugly Sweater Fun Run.

Landmark 116 | $343/nightly avg

Dreaming of Vail – your dream vacation awaits you

5 Stars (196 Reviews)

• Property Type: Condo
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 Guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 2

Top guest reviews

• Property was beautiful and very well appointed. Convenient to everything and easy access to trails and activities. Excellent communication from owner.
• Nice property. Owner/Manager very detailed and organized. Checked in regularly via text to see if we needed anything. The only negative issue was there was no view of the mountain or even the Village.
• Beautiful spot! The property met our needs beautiful. I would love to stay here again! I highly recommend this property!
• The property is extremely clean and well kept. The kitchen has everything you need and more. The location in Lionshead cannot be beatn and The Landmark pool and decks were a wonderful addition to our stay.
• Spotlessly clean, nicely appointed condo that was exactly as listed. Appreciated the ease of check in and check out. No problems with either. Everything we needed was here including soap and paper supples. King bed was comfortable. Owner was readily available for any questions or concerns (we had none). We don’t plan to visit the Vail area again but if we did we would stay here.

View Deal on VRBO from $343

Cabin Creek Condo | $150/nightly avg

Dreaming of Frisco – your dream vacation awaits you

5 Stars (20 Reviews)

• Property Type: Condo
• Maximum Occupancy: 8 Guests
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 3

Top guest reviews

• I love everything about this property. Great place, great for big families, lot of space for everyone, nice layouts, super comfortable, nice furniture, super clean, appliances, heating and all TVs working perfectly. We really enjoy our stay. We’ll definitely come back!!!!
• We loved our stay the the beautiful condo. Love the location with trees and steam yet close the the main road. The decor was fantastic. Could have used an info sheet operate the TV and a channel guide. Rent was very reasonable but the cleaning fee was high for 2 guests.
• Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was very clean.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:We really enjoyed our stay at the Cabin Creek Condo. Great location but away from the crowds. We enjoyed our morning coffer while looking out the greenhouse kitchen window. We also enjoyed the comfy king size bed. We would stay here again!
• This place was fantastic! The three full bathrooms and multiple sleeping areas made for plenty of options for our family. The kitchen had everything we needed to prep meals. The creek that runs behind the unit provided some easy outdoor fun for the kids.
• Property was cute, clean, and stocked with everything you could possibly need. Great location! Just a short walk to downtown Frisco. Would highly recommend!

View Deal on VRBO from $150

4. Estes Park

Estes Park is another charming Hallmark-type town. I adore this little town of 6,000 people that truly encapsulates the magical Christmas spirit. It is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is open year-round.

Filled with cafes, hotels, and little shops, Estes Park is the perfect place to cuddle up and watch the snowfall. But don’t get too comfy, or you’ll miss the merriment of the Catch the Glow Parade & Celebration, featuring marching bands, floats, dancing, and live music. Starting November 25th, and every weekend in December, the town hosts holiday events.

5. Frisco

A cute little mountain town, Frisco is the epitome of the Hallmark movie town. With a population of only 2,700 people, everyone feels like family, and this friendly town sparkles during the holidays.

They host an Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar in mid-November to get everyone in the mood and shopping early. The event features jewelry, photography, hand-sewn and knitted items, wood art, Christmas décor, food gifts, and grab bags for charity. 

The Christmas festivities begin with a town tree lighting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continue through the Christmas season. They host Wassail Days, which is loaded with winter and holiday traditions, including Wassail sampling, 12 Sips of Wassail Cards (including the commemorative free mug), Santa Visits, Wassail Night at the Museum, caroling, and a whole lot of Hallmark-type holiday cheer.

Mature travelers will enjoy the free sleigh rides, and if you’re adventurous, you can even try snow tubing.

6. Aspen

Aspen is truly a winter wonderland. This former mining town receives an abundance of snow, so you are pretty much guaranteed a white Christmas.

Holiday magic reigns in Aspen during the yuletide season. Quaint shops, steaming cups of hot cocoa, Victorian caroling, and sleigh rides are just a few of the things you can enjoy.

This town is a perfect place for mature couples to enjoy a romantic Christmas for two. There are numerous adults-only events, and the 12 Days of Aspen celebration occurs during the last 12 days of December every year. It features fireworks, magic shows, ice skating, film screenings, and more.

There is also a mountain torchlight parade on New Year’s Eve.

If you happen to be in town in January, you can attend Wintersköl 2023. Aspen’s annual “toast to winter,” features snow sculptures, fireworks, soup tasting, outdoor activities, and more during the 4-day event. 

7. Salida

Every Hallmark movie town is a bit different. They all have that warm holiday feel, but they celebrate in different ways.

The town of Salida certainly has a unique way of celebrating. They don’t just decorate their town; they decorate a mountain. Instead of the traditional town tree, they use thousands of vibrant lights to outline a 750-foot Christmas tree on Tenderfoot Mountain. It is often referred to as Christmas Mountain. Now that sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie!

The lighting ceremony includes an indoor and outdoor festival with free cookies and hot chocolate for everyone in the community, and it is capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

Salida truly pulls out all the stops at Christmas with its holiday events, such as the parade of lights and a free screening of White Christmas.

8. Georgetown

The quaint, quiet town of Georgetown is home to only 1,000 people. The town, located just off Interstate 70, is surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains, and the postcard-perfect scenery alone is enough to draw visitors.

The community comes together to put on a variety of events for the holiday season. With carolers in Victorian costumes and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll be reminded of an old-world Christmas market in Europe. The Georgetown Christmas Market is regularly ranked among the top Christmas markets in the United States and features unique handcrafted ornaments, gifts, a tree lighting, and horse-drawn wagon rides through the town. This year marks the 62nd anniversary of this special Christmas market.

9. Telluride

Telluride is a beautiful mountain town in a remote part of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The white Rocky Mountain peaks make up its backdrop, and its historic downtown and Victorian homes trimmed in bright holiday lights reflecting on the snow will make you think of Hallmark from the first moment of your visit.

Looks aren’t the only thing going for this festive town of 2,400 people. The Holiday Prelude festival gets everyone into a joyful spirit. Other events such as the Telluride Arts Holiday Bazaar, Noel Night, and the lighting of the ski tree are also fun to attend.

10. Ouray

Sitting between the towering granite walls of a box canyon, Ouray is a classic Colorado Hallmark town. Known as the Switzerland of America, it offers unmatched winter scenery.

Winterfest Ouray kicks off the season with spectacular Christmas light displays. The main street is decked out with holiday lights against the snow-draped Rocky Mountain backdrop. You’ll feel like you are in a winter wonderland where holiday magic reigns supreme.

If you are an adventurous traveler, you can try Ice Climbing during your visit.

Mature travelers will love relaxing after a day of activity in one of the town’s mineral hot springs.

11. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is my favorite Hallmark movie town for mature travelers. Located on Colorado’s Western Slope, the town is home to the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and so much more. Soaking in the natural hot springs pool is a treat year-round, but doing it while Christmas lights twinkle all around you is magical.

For the most beautiful scenery you can imagine, ride the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs. The snow-covered Rocky Mountains glisten as the sun hits them, looking like something out of a picture book. There is just something about riding a train that rekindles the old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

There are dozens of little shops and eateries in Glenwood Springs, and the whole downtown area sparkles with lights and decorations. The trees along the main street are covered in dazzling lights. The Hotel Colorado hosts a magical light show every year.

Since 1893, the Hotel Colorado has hosted a magical light show every year with extravagant decorations. This year, they will be decorating over 60 Christmas trees and more than half a million holiday lights will be used. They will also use lights to decorate the lobby, dining areas, banquet rooms, signature suites, and the life-sized gingerbread house that is Legends Coffee & Gift Shop.

The Hotel Colorado’s 32nd Annual Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving. During the ceremony, the hotel illuminates over half a million lights on its exterior and shoots off fireworks from both bell towers. You can check out the hotel’s holiday event schedule here.

12. Durango

Located in Colorado’s southwestern corner, Durango is a picture-perfect town at Christmastime. The small downtown is wonderfully decorated, lit with thousands of lights throughout the Christmas season.

During the holidays, this town transforms into a vision of white, offering various activities for a magical time, including a tree-lighting ceremony, singing with Santa, an arts and crafts fair, and a variety of boutiques selling unique Colorado-made gifts.

New this year will be the month-long Holiday Station event that involves the entire county. Be sure to check out the Durango website for the latest information.

If your grandkids are traveling with you, they will love riding the Polar Express to the North Pole, operated by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The railroad offers several holiday-themed rides. Adults will enjoy the Cascade Canyon Winter Train ride with the glistening San Juan Mountains. 

13. Pagosa Springs

I can think of nothing better than sitting in the Pagosa Hot Springs surrounded by twinkling lights glistening off the snow and reflecting from the river. But guess what, it gets even better — they are holding an Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration on December 17 from 4:30–7 p.m. It is a walking tour along the riverwalk trail in downtown Pagosa. The route is decorated with lights and there are numerous entry points.

The route includes festive displays, free hot chocolate, cider, choirs, games, treats, live music, a scavenger hunt, and Santa Claus. Santa’s workshop will be set up outside the visitor center the entire holiday season.

The town celebrates the holidays with live theater productions, a Festival of Trees fundraiser, a community-wide lighting contest — last year there were about 50 participants — and more.

Colorado is filled with adorable small towns that will make you think of Hallmark movies. From sleigh rides to Santa runs, the state excels at holiday festivities. These towns are full of Christmas spirit and sparkling lights sure to help you make Hallmark moments of your own.

Looking for more Hallmark holiday experiences? Check out these charming towns in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Deep in the heart of Texas, they’re celebrating life with pints of cold beer and bratwursts. Forget tacos, barbecue, and Texas chili; in New Braunfels, it’s Wurstfest time. For more than 60 years, people from around the world have gathered in the Texas Hill Country city, located midway between San Antonio and Austin, to celebrate its German heritage. This year’s Wurstfest happens November 4–13.

Why New Braunfels? Wurstfest’s history dates back to the mid-1840s when Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels led a group of German immigrants here. New Braunfels was named for the prince’s hometown of Braunfels in the German state of Hesse. Situated near the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, New Braunfels offers beautiful natural landscapes, which helped the Germans settle the area. With thousands of people expected to pack the city of about 90,000 over the 10-day event, here are a few fun facts and tips to enjoy Wurstfest 2022.

History Of Wurstfest

In 1961, a local meat inspector thought it would be a good idea to create a festival to celebrate all things sausage. The city’s mayor agreed, and Wurstfest was launched. The first Wurstfest drew about 2,000 people, primarily from the New Braunfels area. Two years later, Wurstfest had grown in popularity and nightly events were hosted. In 1967, as the annual celebration grew, Wurstfest moved to Wursthalle in Landa Park. Wurstfest expanded to 10 days in 1968 and Myron Floren from the Lawrence Welk Show made his first appearance as a featured musical act. A new Biergarten was added in 1974 as the event continued to explode in popularity.

1. When Is Wurstfest?

New Braunfels’s version of Oktoberfest kicks off from 4–11 p.m. on November 4. Wurstfest then celebrates bratwursts, beer, music, and dancing daily through November 13. The party is hosted from 11 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday, 5–10 p.m. from Monday–Thursday, and 5–11 p.m. on the final Friday.

2. Where Is Wurstfest?

Settling in Wursthalle at Landa Park, the fairgrounds near downtown New Braunfels has hosted Wurstfest for about 55 years. With Midway rides, fair games, beer tents, concession stands, and dance halls, Landa Park is the perfect site for the celebration.

3. How To Enjoy Wurstfest

If you’ve been to an Oktoberfest in Germany or across the United States, you’ll know what to expect. If this is your first Wurstfest, be prepared to have your socks knocked off. People — including police officers — dress in traditional German folk costumes, such as lederhosen and dirndls (dresses), enjoy pints of international and domestic brews, listen to music ranging from polka to rock-and-roll, and dance a few jigs. Enjoy a walk around the fairgrounds, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. You’ll soon be welcomed into the fold and become an honorary resident of New Braunfels’s Wurstfest.

Pro Tip: Dress appropriately for the festival. Check weather forecasts to see if jackets are necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be logging several steps during your visit. Of course, lederhosen and dirndls are strongly encouraged.

4. Where To Enjoy Music And Dance

Wursthalle is home to the largest section of the festival. You’ll find dance halls with dozens of bands performing polka and folk songs. People take to the dance floor and perform old-fashioned polka moves, as well as dance to their heart’s content. You’ll find bands in other outlets as well, including Das Grosse Zelt (The Big Tent), Das Kleine Zelt (The Little Tent), Stelzenhaus, and Stelzenplatz.

5. What To Eat At Wurstfest

With a name like Wurstfest, you know there will be plenty of bratwursts. In fact, if you’re so inclined, you’re likely to find an exhibit of someone making sausage. After that tasty view, head to Marktplatz — home to more than 30 food stands — and grab a traditional bratwurst. Or consider other morsels such as potato soup, Dusseldog on a pretzel roll, wurstkabob, goulash, and potato pancakes. You can also enjoy traditional fair food, including corn dogs, funnel cake, and sweet kettle corn. If you’re seeking out new dining options, look for a Reuben quesadilla, tamale pie, pork ribs, and onion schnitzel. While at Wurstfest, make sure to stop by the Naeglin’s Bakery stand, home to authentic German pastries and other treats. The bakery, oldest in Texas, also has a permanent location in downtown New Braunfels.

6. Best Way To Enjoy A Drink

Raise a pint and say, “Prost!” While Wurstfest is known for its German beers (it is a German festival, after all), plenty of American, Mexican, and craft beer will be flowing from kegs at the Biergarten and other tents around the fairgrounds. From a glass to a pitcher, you can purchase tickets online for your liquid refreshments, instead of standing in line to purchase them at the festival. You can even pre-purchase a 1-liter souvenir stein. Wine and White Claw, as well as bottled water and soda, are also available for purchase at Wurstfest. However, outside drinks aren’t allowed to be brought into Wurstfest.

7. Where To Enjoy The Carnival

Wurstfest’s Midway features a Ferris wheel, as well as slides and other rides suitable for kids of all ages. The Midway has grown from a couple of rides to more than a half-dozen. Open daily during the festival’s hours of operation, a ride on the Ferris wheel offers excellent views of the celebration. You can also check out the games located around the Stelzenplatz.

8. Best Way To Purchase Tickets

You’ll want to pre-purchase your admission tickets so you’re not spending time standing in line to buy them, instead of enjoying a drink or soaking in the atmosphere. Tickets are good for the entire day. Admission gets you into all the entertainment acts and shops. If you want to leave and come back on the same day, have your hand stamped before leaving.

Pro Tip: Wurstfest uses metal detectors at its entrances, as well as bag searches. Among prohibited items are weapons, drones, laser pens, chairs or stools, pets, radios or walkie-talkies, and flammable items. Service animals are allowed.

9. Where To Park

With limited parking available at Wurstfest — lines are long to find a parking spot on the grounds — you may want to either park downtown and take a short walk to the festival or consider parking near one of the area’s hotels and reserving a shuttle ride. Downtown New Braunfels has limited parking available, but if you arrive early enough, you should be able to find a spot.

10. Where To Purchase Souvenirs

Whether it’s a miniature beer stein or boot, or perhaps a Christmas ornament, Marktplatz is home to excellent souvenir shops. You’ll find plenty of gift ideas at the stores.

11. Explore Historic New Braunfels

With Wurstfest taking place during the evening, weekdays are perfect for exploring Historic New Braunfels. The city’s downtown is home to vintage architecture, classic businesses — such as Naeglin’s Bakery — and murals chronicling the area’s history from Native Americans to the Spanish influence and German migration. The New Braunfels train depot museum shares the city’s history, next door to a mural celebrating the city’s entertainment story. Walk through New Braunfels’s past at the New Braunfels Conservation Plaza, with a living history town including a vintage school, general store, farmhouse, and gas station.

For an entertaining day trip, head to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. With more than four dozen species of animals, most native to Africa (the ranch has an American bison), visitors can take a self-guided drive through the park or hop aboard an open-air cart for a guided tour. Pick up a bag of pellets to feed the animals alongside the ride. From giraffes to ostriches and wildebeests, the ranch is a terrific place to enjoy an African safari without leaving Texas. If you prefer underground tours, visit the neighboring Natural Bridge Caverns, where you can walk 180 feet into a cave on a guided tour, taking in views of impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and soda straws. Consider the combo tour, which combines the Hidden Passages Tour with the Discovery Tour for an impressive 90-minute experience inside the caverns. Natural Bridge Caverns also offers surface activities, including a zipline and rope course.

12. Where To Eat

New Braunfels is home to outstanding eateries. From coffeehouses and breakfast shops to casual upscale dining, the city has a diverse dining menu. One of my favorites is Alpine Haus, specializing in German cuisine (one of my preferred foods). With a variety of schnitzels (including wiener, rahm, and jager), rouladen, and a bratwurst platter, Alpine Haus is the go-to for German dining. It also has a variety of German beer, including my favorite — Bitburger. Of course, New Braunfels has a variety of places featuring American fare as well. Pat’s Place is a classic restaurant to visit and enjoy dishes such as a bacon cheeseburger and chicken-fried steak.

13. Where To Stay

With several national chain hotels, such as Courtyard by Marriott River Lodge and Best Western Inn and Suites, as well as local lodging, including Gruene Mansion Inn and The Resort at Schlitterbahn, you’ll have plenty of options for accommodations. We enjoyed our stay at the Prince Solms Inn, a classic boutique hotel located a few steps from downtown New Braunfels and Wurstfest.

Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a 2-day holiday on November 1–2 reuniting the living and the dead. The Disney Pixar movie Coco created a newfound fascination with the holiday for me. An annual celebration honoring relatives who have passed on but have a continued presence in our lives speaks to me. Latin American families create ofrendas (offerings) to celebrate their family members who have passed.

Photos of the departed decorate the altars, displayed with bright yellow marigold flowers, plus their favorite food and drinks. The offerings encourage visits from beyond as the departed souls hear our prayers, smell the food, and join in the celebrations. Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrating life and death, where mourning exchanges for celebration.

Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) starts at midnight on November 1, when the spirits of all deceased children reunite with their families for 24 hours. An ofrenda is constructed with the departed child’s photograph and favorite snacks and toys to encourage a visit from the child. Often a sugar skull displays the child’s name.

Día de los Difuntos is celebrated at midnight on the following day, honoring departed adults. Bottles of Atole (a thick beverage of corn, cinnamon, and vanilla), tequila, pan de Muerto (bread), mezcal, and favorite foods decorate the ofrenda as the night fills with laughter, fun memories, games, mariachi bands, dancing, and reminiscing about loved ones.

Dia de los Muertos is the grand finale and public celebration of all the spirits of the dead. People come together and have parades in the streets, dressed up with Calaveras painted faces (skeletons). Families visit the cemetery to decorate the gravesites with marigolds, sugar skulls, and gifts with the departed’s names on them. The grave is also cleaned and restored.

Calaveras (skulls) are often drawn with a smile to laugh at death itself, taking many forms like sugar skulls that are decorated and placed on the ofrendas. La Catrina, the ancient queen of the Aztec underworld, is depicted as a skeleton wearing a feathered hat, meant to encourage you to live your true self, not trying to be someone you are not, since we all end up as skeletons in the end.

Mexican marigolds (known as “Flor de Muerto,” or “Flowers of the Dead”) are the pathways that guide the spirits to their ofrendas. As they return to feast on their favorite foods, the vibrant colors and the scents of the flowers attract them, representing the beauty and fragility of life.

The Ofrenda offering is the whole celebration, the collection of offerings dedicated to the honored person. A brightly colored oilcloth covers the table with added photos, papel picado (paper flags with skulls and skeletons), personal items, candles, and favorite foods like tamales, tortilla soup, chalupas, sopes, caramel flan, or mole. The archway covered with palm leaves and bouquets of marigolds represents the doorway to the other world.

There are seven local civic and cultural groups in major cities in Texas — San Antonio, Austin, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Houston, Fort Worth, and San Angelo — that celebrate Día de los Muertos, with costumes, dancing, food, wine, parades, decorated altars, and more.

1. San Antonio

The 10th annual Día de los Muertos in San Antonio is October 29–30, 2021, at downtown Hemisfair, one of National Geographic’s “7 Best Fall Festivals in the U.S.A.” The 2-day event is free and open to the public, with festive celebrations including live music, a large open-air altar exhibition, original artwork, live poetry, dance, drums, giant puppet processions (mojigangas), and workshops.

For the 10th anniversary celebration, the signature procession will have an expanded roster of participants. Other festivities include a four-stage lineup of bands, dancers, poets, a curated arts market featuring original Day of the Dead artwork. There will also be a “drum, dance, and puppet procession,” as well as workshops, children’s programming, and much more.  

Interesting Fact: Day of the Dead is not Mexican Halloween. The two holidays are separate. Most people of Latin America do not decorate their houses with spiders and bats or wear scary costumes.

Pro Tip: Stay at Inn on the River Walk, three early 1900s homes featuring 13 luxury guest suites on the River Walk at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. See my article about San Antonio hotels and restaurants on the River Walk here.

2. Austin

Hosted at Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum annually, the Día de Los Muertos festival is known as Viva La Vida Fest, the longest Day of the Dead festival in the city, this year on October 29, 2022. The Grand Procession, a parade showing very elaborate Día de los Muertos costumes, starts off the celebration. Live music, local art, and retail vendors are the main attractions. Browse through the Education Pavilion to view art demos and interactive displays, plus indulge in traditional Mexican cuisines like tamales and mole. Watch for news about the annual Catrina Gala en Familia, serving the museum’s operations and underserved schools.

Interesting Facts: It is not a sad time, but a time of celebration, viewing death as a part of life. You will see brightly colored smiling skulls and skeletons as a friendly nod to death. This view of death began during the 1-month Aztec festival where the dead were celebrated people paying homage to Mictlancihuatl, the lady of death, who protected their departed loved ones and helped them in the afterlife.

Pro Tip: Stay close to the festivities at The Driskill, a historic Texas landmark in the heart of downtown Austin. With 189 luxury guestrooms and 14 spacious suites, three exquisite food and beverage venues, and unmatched service, The Driskill is a stay you won’t forget.

3. Victoria

October 29, 2022, Victoria will celebrate Día de los Muertos with community, tradition, and culture. Latin Americans have celebrated the holiday since 1800 B.C. You won’t see pictures or images of dead people, ghosts, witches, or the devil. The celebration is a Catholic Christian ritual intermixed with folk culture, reflecting on our lives, heritage, ancestors, and the purpose of our existence.

The festivity will take place at The Nave Museum and De Leon Plaza, featuring mariachis, ballet folklórico, art, vendors, live entertainment, and food trucks.

Pro Tip: See my article about things to do, places to eat, and where to stay in Victoria.

4. Corpus Christi

On October 29, 2022, the 15th Annual Día de los Muertos Street Festival takes place in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. This solemn yet joyous event includes family-friendly live music, dancing, educational talks, workshops, and beautiful face painting.

The Hecho-A-Mano Arts and Crafts Expo will showcase handmade art, jewelry, floral crowns, home decor, and baked goods. The Walk of Remembrance at the Ritz Theatre and businesses across downtown feature ofrendas decorated with personal items, sugar skulls, and photographs. 

The El Regreso de las Almas Art Exhibit at K-Space Contemporary will be on display October 15 to November 11, featuring work by local artists depicting the return of souls in honor of the Days of The Dead. 

Interesting Fact: Day of the Dead is a widely celebrated holiday all over the world. Many commemorate All Souls Day during the same time as Day of the Dead. The celebration is unique in its traditions, the ofrendas, the Calaveras, the style influenced by La Catrina, and the festivals in the streets.

5. Houston

Houston’s celebration on October 29–30, 2022, is sponsored by MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts). You can enjoy Mexican and Latin American altar and retablo exhibitions, community workshops, a variety of foods, and a fun run. The art-filled campus at the nationally recognized Historic Dow School in the heart of the Old Sixth Ward will host the event in its 22nd year.

Pro Tip: Hyatt Regency Houston, downtown, is near the MECA. Indulge in a mouthwatering steak at the only Shula’s Steakhouse in Texas. Grab a quick breakfast at Einstein Bros. Bagels or savor a margarita in the chic lobby bar.

6. Fort Worth

October 29, 2022, the 19th Annual Día de los Muertos en Fort Worth Celebration Parade & Festival takes center stage on North Main Avenue, in the heart of the Historic Northside of Fort Worth.  Artes de la Rosa proudly presents the event in partnership with the City of Forth Worth, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino Police Officers Association, and Visita Fort Worth. 

Pro Tip: The Fort Worth Kimpton Harper Hotel is now open, a landmark boutique hotel blending the city’s unique history with modern style. Take the elevator to the 24th-floor lobby with city views, plus a lively bar scene with craft cocktails and small bites. Savor contemporary Italian cuisine at Modo, on the ground floor.

When fall dresses the Carolinas in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, leaf peepers and vacationers unfettered by children’s school schedules descend upon North and South Carolina to make the most of the spectacular scenery and cooler temperatures. But all that fresh air and natural eye candy can work up a powerful appetite. Carolina food festivals to the rescue.

From September through November, the Carolinas come alive with joyful celebrations of nature’s bounty and human creativity, making it possible to feed the body and mind without taking your eyes off autumn’s glorious presentation.

This selection of festivals is a balanced representation of the many options available in North and South Carolina during the brief respite between the Southern summer swelter and the holidays.

Pro Tip: Festivals go on rain or shine, so come prepared with rain protection gear.

1. NC Oyster Festival

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

For over 40 years, the mid-October NC Oyster Festival has been bringing together families, friends, and oyster lovers of all ages to celebrate the ocean’s bounty on the North Carolina coast. Produced by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, this family-friendly festival has become an annual tradition for multiple generations of festival goers.

Ocean Isle Beach is a North Carolina barrier island located halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Take State Route 17 south out of Wilmington toward Myrtle Beach, and turn left at the Ocean Isle Beach sign. Follow your nose and ears to Town Center Park, and join the festivities.

The $5 adult admission will get you into the Oyster Festival, where you’ll find live music, an impressive lineup of contests, children’s activities, area craft and food vendors, and oyster dishes galore.

The festival kicks off Friday evening with a live concert. Saturday features the annual oyster shucking contest, which promises to be a lively event.

2. The Barbecue Festival

Lexington, North Carolina

You can’t list food festivals in the Carolinas without including barbecue. And the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival, or simply The Barbecue Festival, is considered to be the premier event. The irresistible combination of extraordinary food and unending fun will leave you wanting to return next year.

In late October, this one-day barbecue festival attracts approximately 200,000 attendees to the festivities in Uptown Lexington. Since its inception in the mid-1980s, the festival has been recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Food Festivals in America. The reason is obvious. It’s the famous Lexington-style Barbecue.

Admission is free, and there’s plenty to do between platefuls of barbecue while meandering the 10 Main Street blocks closed to traffic. Browse the antique car show and the Corvette display. Marvel at the “Chop Shop” Lumberjack Sports show. Get caught up in the live pig races and other forms of entertainment throughout the day. Let the kids play in the special section featuring rides and games, then reward yourself with a little sit-and-sip at the wine garden.

Lexington is located in the Piedmont, just 20 miles south of Winston-Salem at the intersection of US 29/70 and US 52.

Pro Tip: The Lexington Barbecue Festival is the one day each year when Amtrak’s Raleigh to Charlotte train stops at Lexington’s depot.

3. Mush, Music & Mutts

Shelby, North Carolina

At the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 45 minutes West of Charlotte, the historic court square in Uptown Shelby plays host to the unmistakable sounds, smells, and tastes of Mush, Music & Mutts on the third Saturday in October. This one-day festival held annually in Shelby, the seat of Cleveland County, celebrates the unique regional delicacy called liver mush.

Liver mush is a combination of boiled pig’s head meat and ground-up pig’s liver and cornmeal, all seasoned with sage, black pepper, red pepper, and salt. Its seasoning is similar to sausage, but that’s where the similarity ends. Instead of links or patties, the concoction is pressed into a loaf for slicing. It’s fully cooked and ready to eat — but is best fried to a crunchy crispness. Liver mush has a subtle liver flavor that is not at all overwhelming, and if you choose the spicy variety, it’s hardly noticeable.

The traditional way to eat liver mush is deep fried, on a bun or white bread, and slathered with mayo, mustard, or grape jelly. It’s also scrumptious under spicy salsa or pimento cheese.

Festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of food and beverages, including freshly prepared liver mush sandwiches sold by local producers, a liver mush eating contest, and a recipe contest. Other events feature live music; craft, food, and beverage vendors; as well as an adorable Little Miss Liver Mush contest for cuties up to 6 years old. As for the mutts, a pet costume contest, parade, K9 demo, and trick shows keep the dog lovers happy.

Pro Tip: Admission is free, and you’re welcome to bring your pet.

4. Pork & Beats Festival

Elizabethtown, North Carolina

The 2-day Pork & Beats Festival, held the first weekend in November at the Cape Fear Farmers Market, celebrates the proud agricultural heritage of Elizabethtown and Bladen County. Located between Fayetteville and Wilmington, this area is home to Smithfield Foods, one of the largest pork processing plants in the United States.

Enjoy savory and sweet festival foods from local vendors as you listen to live music. Watch world-class pit masters vie for honors at the North Carolina Whole Hog Sanctioned BBQ Competition, then purchase a plateful of some of the best barbecue in the state as an extra-special treat. Proceeds go to local charities.

When you’re not chowing down on barbecue, meander through the festival site and visit vendors selling art, crafts, and other items. And on Sunday, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the Cape Fear Farmers Market before you leave for home.

5. Hogs & Hens

Abbeville, South Carolina

Since the first festival in 2013, Hogs & Hens has claimed the third weekend in October as its own, drawing thousands to the charming town of Abbeville. Or perhaps it’s simply the tantalizing aroma of slow-smoking barbecue from the pits that attracts visitors like an olfactory Pied Piper. Either way, barbecue-hungry festivalgoers are never disappointed.

For the competitive aspect of Hogs & Hens, Abbeville partners with The Southern Barbecue Network to ensure fair competition. The organization is comprised of experienced, certified judges who work with barbecue competitions throughout the Southeast.

Along with the barbecue, the festival features local craft vendors, live music, and the Mullet Pageant. Any mullet is eligible to participate. Mullet categories include manly mullets, kiddie mullets, femullets, and family mullets. Mullets must be registered. Prizes will be awarded.

6. euphoria

Greenville, South Carolina

euphoria is an annual food, wine, and music festival that showcases the best of Greenville’s culinary scene, along with some of the most celebrated guest chefs in the United States. Unlike the above-mentioned free food festivals, euphoria is a 4-day culinary extravaganza featuring over 40 events, each charging a separate admission fee. This high-end festival has earned multiple James Beard nominations in recent years, and Greenville was named one of Food & Wine‘s Best Food Cities.

The euphoria event offers tastings, multi-course dinners, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and live music performances. The cozy atmosphere offers guests the opportunity to mingle with musicians and chefs to share stories, recipes, and techniques.

euphoria’s food and events are outstanding on their own, but the festival’s not-so-secret ingredient is the generous serving of support it generates for the local community. The non-profit celebration of Greenville’s vibrant food scene not only makes a substantial economic impact on the city, but proceeds from euphoria are distributed through annual grants to local charitable organizations.

Although euphoria 2022 has come and gone, its local impact continues through the end of the year via the $46,300+ in proceeds donated to charities from euphoria 2021. Once tallied, the proceeds from this year’s event will keep the euphoria effect going until 2023, which promises to be even more exciting and generous.

7. Fall For Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville is a city obsessed with festivals. To a Greenvillean, a month without at least one festival would be like July without sweet tea. That is why Fall for Greenville is here before the euphoria has faded. Two months, two festivals, and two different ways to celebrate Greenville’s love affair with food.

Celebrated for 40 years and still growing, the 3-day Fall for Greenville festival brings together restaurateurs, brewers, distillers, and musicians to put on an unforgettable autumn event. With 50 restaurants, 250+ menu items, and a variety of locally produced libations, no one goes hungry.

Greenville’s tree-lined Main Street is transformed from a high-traffic thoroughfare into a pedestrian area with a party atmosphere. You can purchase sheets of 10 tickets and use them to sample some of the city’s best. Take your food and drink, wander over to one of the six stages for some musical accompaniment while you munch, and thank your lucky stars you’re at Fall for Greenville.

Pro Tip: Although autumnal brilliance can be savored throughout the Carolinas, the mountains of North Carolina are particularly busy during this time. Be sure to reserve your accommodations as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Want to celebrate Oktoberfest but can’t make it to Munich? Consider the Canadian twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. 

Located just 62 miles from Toronto, these two cities each have their own municipal governments but travelers usually consider it one destination. That’s for good reason as there are so many incredible attractions and festivals that unite the two cities — and many of the small towns around them. The best event of all is Oktoberfest.

The city of Kitchener was actually known as the city of Berlin until 1916 when World War I-era nationalism demanded a more British-sounding name. But the German heritage of the region is still flourishing, something reflected in the area’s incredible Oktoberfest celebrations. While the annual autumn festival takes place in late September and early October, Kitchener-Waterloo is an incredible place to visit all year round if you love art, history, and culture — something I learned for myself firsthand on a recent press trip.

How To Get There

Visiting Kitchener-Waterloo is easy. It’s a short train or bus ride from Toronto and the cities also have their own airport. Those driving up from the United States will be happy to know that Kitchener-Waterloo is just over 2 hours from Buffalo and just over 3 hours from Detroit. 

Oktoberfest

Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest is the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world (after Munich, of course). It’s also North America’s largest Bavarian festival of any kind and Canada’s best Thanksgiving parade. By any measurement, this is a huge event and not just because of the number of people who attend (about 700,000 in pre-pandemic times). 

At Oktoberfest, visitors can expect live music, traditional feasts and harvest dinners, and golf tournaments. Oh, and there’s beer — loads of it! The Biergarten is open every Friday and Saturday throughout the festival (which, in 2022, runs from September 23 to October 15). The official ceremonial keg tapping takes place on October 7, but don’t worry – there’s plenty of brew free flowing in the weeks beforehand. 

What really makes the Kitchener-Waterloo event stand out isn’t the long calendar of events or the fun of the Biergarten but what organizers call Gemütlichkeit. On their website, they explain that the event is all about: “Friends, family, and having a GREAT time! That’s what the Ultimate Oktoberfest Experience is all about.” Around Oktoberfest, it’s called Gemütlichkeit and it has no direct English translation, but essentially means “coziness.” Other people translate it into “kind-heartedness.” In any case, it’s all about having a good time with the people and neighbors you love.

As you may well have guessed, there’s a large community of people with German heritage in Kitchener-Waterloo, but at Oktoberfest, everyone is welcome to eat, drink, and be merry. The event is as much about community spirit as it is about cultural connections. Some 70 charities and nonprofit groups benefit from the event.

Celebrating A City Of Festivals

While Oktoberfest is undeniably the best-known festival in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, the city really boasts a year-round schedule of amazing events. During my August visit, the annual Kitchener Blues Festival was taking place. I was shocked by how many big-name acts were in attendance, and also that the festival was free. The annual event likes to boast that they are the largest true blues festival in Canada (as many events that feature blues have migrated over to pop and rock). Visitors can expect everything from intimate performances to large-scale concerts, plus tons of dedicated volunteers keeping everything running smoothly.

On the list for my next visit is the Christkindl Market. This German-style Christmas market offers skating, hot mulled wine, a live nativity scene, choir performances, European-inspired holiday treats, and lots of shopping opportunities. 

Art lovers will also appreciate the lineup at the Grand River Film Festival taking place in May. The week-long event offers up local, Canadian, and international films, plus plenty of lively discussion panels. 

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival. Homemade apple butter is one of those products that I go crazy for. Whenever I see a new bottle, I have to buy it. As such, when I heard that the community of Wellesley had an entire festival dedicated to it, I knew I needed to spread the message far and wide. Taking place on the last Saturday in September, this delicious event is much more than a small foodie festival. It’s really a robust celebration of the harvest season. My only regret about this event is that there doesn’t appear to be an apple butter contest, as I was clearly born to judge such an event.

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

Sometimes, community-history museums can be a bit dull and dusty. That definitely isn’t the case here! Of all the places I’ve ever visited, the Ken Seiling is one of the best-organized museums of its kind. Artifacts and exhibits are well curated and there is a strong focus on the people of the area, rather than just relics of the past. For instance, I had no idea that there was such a strong community of Newfoundlanders living in Kitchener-Waterloo — a fun case study of internal migration shaping different regions of Canada. 

Doon Heritage Village

I’m being a bit cheeky by listing the Ken Seiling Museum and the Doon Heritage Village as two separate things to do, as they’re really a combo package. The Doon Heritage Village starts directly outside the backdoors of the museum, a setup that nicely compliments all of the information you learned inside at the exhibitions. This step back in time showcases a heritage village with the help of costumed interpreters. Based on my visit, kids get a real kick out of the blacksmith pounding away at his red-hot metal. One of the final buildings — which holds gleaming red, old-fashioned fire fighting equipment — was a poignant reminder of just how vulnerable these communities and their timber buildings once were.

Canadian Clay And Glass Gallery

The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery is the only institution of its kind in the country dedicated to contemporary ceramics, glass, and copper enameling. I admittedly hadn’t given this medium much thought before my visit and I was blown away by just how colorful everything was. If you (like me) think about clay as being a bit muddy and glass as being translucent, prepare to have all your assumptions turned upside down. The gallery also has an extensive lineup of special events, programming, workshops, and even summer kids’ camps. Admission is free, in case you need an extra temptation to pop in and check out this remarkable space. I think it would be perfect on a chilly winter’s day when you need an extra jolt of color and light.

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market

One of Toronto’s largest and best-known markets, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is much more than a spot to grab fruits and veggies (though, when I was there, I fell in love with the peaches and saw other people hauling home huge bushels of pickling cucumbers!) Since 1952, this is really a place to see and be seen — market style. People connect with their neighbors, chat about the crops, and ponder recipes. In addition to the classic outdoor market stalls, there’s an indoor building that has prepared foods, crafts, toiletries, and more, plus another building for antique vendors. In 2023, things will get even bigger when a coffee roaster and brewery are added to the site.

West Montrose Kissing Bridge

I thought covered bridges had plenty of charm, but when I learned that they’re nicknamed “kissing bridges,” I knew that things couldn’t get any cozier! The nickname is a nod to the fact that courting couples riding in a horse and carriage could use the seclusion of a covered bridge to steal a kiss away from the prying eyes of neighbors. And, the one in West Montrose, just a short drive from the city center, is about as romantic as they get. It’s also the last of its kind in all of Ontario. If you’re able to find a safe spot to pull over (and not block any driveways), be sure to do so while also grabbing a great photo. 

Incidentally, there’s lots of discussion in the area about how to best preserve the West Montrose bridge. Should heritage materials be reinforced with modern steel? This is the very dilemma that’s being debated right now.

Pro Tip: Grab A Readable Souvenir At Words Worth Books

A vital part of the community since 1984, this charming independent bookstore is filled with interesting titles and a full calendar of events. Six different book clubs are supported by Words Worth Books — and yes, visitors are welcome! The shop frequently hosts author readings and their selection of mystery and cookbook titles is especially good.

For more annual events occurring all around the country, check out these articles:

• 6 Of America’s Best Food And Wine Festivals
• 7 Best Dogwood Festivals In The U.S.
• 8 Festive Mardi Gras Celebrations To Experience On The Gulf Coast

Crisp air, vibrant autumn leaves, the smell of apple cider and funnel cakes are just a few things that make you think of fall and the fantastic festivals in Pennsylvania. From the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival and the Ebensburg Potato Festival to the Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival and the Lancaster County Balloon Festival, there is a festival in Pennsylvania for everyone to enjoy. 

You can find a multitude of extraordinary Keystone State events during autumn. Here are a few favorites. These events were selected by reaching out to the various tourist destinations across the state and learning which fall festivals in their area would best attract visitors. I’ve been fortunate to visit many over the years. They are listed in alphabetical order. 

Note: All dates are for 2022, and the events were scheduled as of September 15, 2022. Please double-check the websites for festival details. All events are subject to change.

1. Annual Fort Ligonier Days, Ligonier

October 14–16

Fort Ligonier Days commemorates a critical French and Indian War battle with picturesque fall foliage as a backdrop. Battle reenactments, craft booths, musical entertainment, delicious foods, wine tasting, a 5K run, and a parade are highlights of the 3-day event. 

Pro Tip: History buffs will enjoy the reconstructed fort and museum in this quaint town. 

2. Autumn Leaf Festival, Clarion

September 24–October 3

Over 300 vendors will participate in a crafters’ day during Autumn Leaf Festival. This internationally award-winning festival attracts over half a million visitors each year.

You won’t want to miss the “Tournament of Leaves Parade,” considered the largest daytime parade in Pennsylvania.

Pro Tip: The Autumn Leaf Festival Facebook page provides info about the live entertainment each evening. 

3. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, Bedford

October 1–2, 8–9

Pennsylvania is home to a variety of trees, so no matter where you go in the state, you are guaranteed a spectacular fall foliage show. Many festivals have celebrated the vibrant colors of fall with foliage festivals.

In its 58th year, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival is one of Pennsylvania’s largest fall festivals. Annually held the first two weekends in October, approximately 100,000 people attend from all over the United States. Not only can they enjoy the fall foliage, but the event is host to live music, a classic car show, several parades, a pageant, and more. There are over 400 participating food, craft, and informational vendors. Plan to spend the day. 

Pro Tip: Arrive early if you need a parking place. They do run shuttle buses from various locations, and details will be on the website. 

4. Autumfest, Seven Springs Mountain Resort 

October 8–9, 15–16, 22–23

Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s Autumnfest showcases the stunning fall beauty as you explore southwestern PA. Over 100 vendors attend, and there is live entertainment each day. Kids and adults will enjoy riding the Alpine Slide down the mountain. 

Pro Tip: Visitors can also ride the resort’s chairlifts to the top of the mountain for amazing views of the spectacular foliage in the Laurel Highlands during autumn.

5. Fall Foliage Festival, Jim Thorpe 

October 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22–23

Weekends devoted to fall fun make the Fall Foliage Festival in Jim Thorpe an event to remember. A quaint town in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe offers old-fashioned train rides, ethnic food, antiques, entertainment, arts, crafts, and more.

Pro Tip: What better way to take in the fall foliage than riding the Reading & Northern steam train?

6. Pumpkin Festival, Pocono Mountains

September 24–October 30

Held at Country Junction, the “World’s Largest” General Store, northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pumpkin Festival offers an entire month of fun. Enjoy great food, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and other fall games every day. On the weekends there is live entertainment. Special events for 2022 include a scarecrow-making contest, a kids’ costume contest, a pet costume contest, plus Nite Time 3-D Paintball Hayrides.

7. Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival and Country Fair, Bird In Hand

September 16–18

Ride in one of the Lancaster County Balloon Festival hot air balloons and lift off with approximately 40 balloons that will dot the Lancaster County skies several times over the weekend. Or watch the panoramic scene from the ground when the mass balloon launch takes place. 

There will also be a balloon glow each evening after dark. Pennsylvania Dutch food, food trucks, tethered balloon rides, live entertainment, an Amish market, a corn maze, buggy rides, bounce houses, other children’s activities, and more will be available on the grounds. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to take your camera for this scenic photo opportunity.

8. Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving Competition, Forksville

October 9–10

Lumberjack and carving competitions will be the highlight of this Sullivan County festival. You can watch as a carving is created and bid on at the daily auction. There will be craft vendors, kids’ activities, a quilt show, and an art expo at the Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving Competition and Festival.

9. National Apple Harvest Festival, Biglerville

October 1–2, 8–9

Apple festivals are also a popular theme in Pennsylvania. Adams County is the largest apple harvesting region in the state, and it hosts one of the best apple festivals in Pennsylvania approximately 10 miles north of Gettysburg. National Apple Harvest Festival showcases a variety of apple drinks, apple-based foods, and other products.

Hundreds of vendors also attend, and there is live music and craftsman demonstrations throughout the festival. This year features steam engine displays, antique cars, orchard tours, pony rides, tastings, and more.

Pro Tip: You can pick your own apples at various orchards in the area. 

10. New Cumberland Apple Festival, New Cumberland

September 24

The New Cumberland Apple Festival features approximately 270 food and craft vendors. You will find caramel apples, apple pie, and apple everything. Games, live music throughout the day, a pig roast, barbecue chicken, and pony rides are also available. New Cumberland is across the river from Harrisburg.

Pro Tip: Park at Bridge Street and ride the trolley. 

11. Peddler’s Village OctoberFeast, New Hope

October 15–16

Peddler’s Village in New Hope offers a weekend of German-themed fun, food, and beverages. It has live entertainment, a Scarecrows in the Village competition, and more at its OctoberFeast event. Grab your stein and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Peddler’s Village has excellent shopping with 60+ specialty shops and boutiques. Most are small, locally owned businesses.

12. Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival, Renova

October 14–16

The Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival in Clinton County is in its 73rd year. Held in one of the most tree-covered corners of Pennsylvania, you are sure to view some beautiful fall leaves. 

The festival features a large parade, a pageant, and a 3-day craft show with 150+ craft and food vendors Friday through Sunday.

13. PotatoFest, Ebensburg

September 24

If you are a potato fan, you will enjoy all things potato at PotatoFest. Fun activities such as a potato sack race and potato peeling contest are highlights of this Cambria County event.

Over 200 artisans and crafters will attend with food of all kinds (not just potatoes) and homemade wares. Bingo, face painting, and live entertainment are also featured. 

Pro Tip: You can park and ride the Tater Express Shuttle (free) from various locations.

14. Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival, Howard 

October 22

You might be wondering what exactly is Punkin’ Chunkin’. Imagine catapults and maybe air cannons launching pumpkins through the air for hundreds of feet till their splash down into the lake at Bald Eagle State Park. 

This one-day festival isn’t just about Punkin’ Chunkin’. Nearly 100 craft vendors and local food vendors will be at the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival. Various games and activities, hayrides, pie-eating contests, and more are on tap.

Pro Tip: Visitors can try their hand at Punkin’ Chunkin’ with small trebuchets (catapults). 

15. Pumpkin Fest, Enola

October 8–9

The Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest has loads of pumpkin-related activities and over 260 vendors. Near Harrisburg, it features kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, live music, and an antique car show. 

Pro Tip: Pets are NOT permitted to attend this event. 

16. Smicksburg Fall Festival, Smicksburg

October 1–2

Visit the Smicksburg Fall Festival and slow down to experience a simpler way of life in an area near Indiana, Pennsylvania. Enjoy specialty shops in this Amish community. Horse-drawn wagon rides in the park are a highlight of the event. Other activities include entertainment, food, and a Civil War encampment. 

Pro Tip: Plan to take some of the delicious homemade baked goods home with you.

When the State Fair of Texas opens at Fair Park in Dallas on September 30, I’ll be there with my husband. We both love the fair and go several times every year.

The Texas State Fair is famed for its creative fried foods, and the theme of the 2022 exposition (September 30–October 23) is Treats of Texas. Each year, the fair holds its Big Tex Choice Awards competition, encouraging concessionaires to create wildly different and amazing fried dishes in three categories: Best Taste-Savory, Best Taste-Sweet, and Most Creative. Fried butter, fried ice cream, and even fried Coke are examples of past entries.

Winning a Big Tex Choice Award translates into big bucks for the concessionaire. Last year’s big winner, whose fried seafood gumbo balls won both Best Taste-Savory and Most Creative, said they sold over 40,000 of the crispy gumbo balls at the 2021 Fair. 

At the August 28 awards ceremony, we sampled all ten 2022 finalists, and they were all great. The fair’s concessionaires have earned their own TV series, Fried Food Dynasty, so creativity was off the charts this year.

“Concessionaires begin preparing for the Big Tex Choice Awards months in advance, spending countless hours perfecting their most creative culinary concoctions with the hopes of being crowned a winner at the annual competition,” said Karissa Condoianis, State Fair of Texas’s senior vice president of public relations. “With a slate of unique dishes unlike anything that has been seen at the fair before, the stakes for the competition have never been higher.”

As a frequent fairgoer for over 50 years, I’ve compiled a list of new dishes that stole the show and old favorites that can’t be replaced. Here is a list of my 12 favorite Texas State Fair fried foods, in no particular order, and where to find them.

The first three entries on this list are the 2022 Big Tex Choice Award winners in the Best Taste-Savory, Best Taste-Sweet, and Most Creative categories.

1. Fried Charcuterie Board

By Tami Nevins-Mayes and her daughter, Josey Mayes, their fried charcuterie board won Best Taste-Savory. Only 22 years old, Josey Mayes (a fourth-generation concessionaire) dreamed up this dish to sell at her family’s booth.

“Because I love serving charcuterie boards when friends come over, I thought why not turn it into a perfect bite-sized, fried treat that’s easy to eat at the fair?” she said. 

It combines chopped up mozzarella, salami, and green apples tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs, encased in a wonton wrapper, fried, topped with goat cheese, and drizzled with hot honey.

This is the 73rd year for Nevins Concessions at the fair. They operate nine booths, including one “at the back side of Big Tex’s left jean pocket,” Josey says.

Pro Tip: The award-winning, Best Taste-Savory Fried Charcuterie Board is available at Nevins Concessions booths N28F and N7F. A full list of fair booths is listed on the Visitor’s Guide food map, or online at the State Fair of Texas website.

2. Peanut Butter Paradise

Best Taste-Sweet went to new concessionaires Chris Easter and Nicole Sternes for Peanut Butter Paradise. This incredibly decadent dish starts with a deep-fried honey bun, injected with caramel, topped with peanut butter, layered with Reese’s Pieces and Butterfinger crumbles, and finally topped with peanut butter cups, drizzled caramel, and powdered sugar. Find their winning entry at Booth CBP18F.

3. Cha-Cha Chata

The Garza family’s Cha-Cha Chata won Most Creative. It’s made with vanilla ice cream and the longtime vendor family’s secret horchata recipe. It also features deep-fried arroz con leche bites (their previous Big Tex winner), poured into a cup rimmed with caramel and cinnamon, topped with whipped cream, crushed candy, cinnamon galletas de gragega, and sipped through a churro straw. Cha-Cha Chata’s are available at Garza Family Booths G45F and TB14F.

4. Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs

While the Big Tex Choice winners have long lines at their booths each year, the longest lines are still at Fletcher’s stands. The Fletcher Brothers started selling the corny dog at the State Fair of Texas 80 years ago. Still a family-owned business, Fletcher’s sells over 500,000 corny dogs each fair season. 

A top-quality hot dog on a stick is dipped into their proprietary cornmeal batter and deep fried to a golden brown. There are now several varieties of Fletcher’s corny dogs like jalapeno cheese, all beef, or even veggie dogs, but the best seller is still the original. Large mustard and ketchup containers are available to drizzle over your corny dog. It’s the perfect fair food since you can easily carry it with you as you continue strolling through the fairgrounds.

This year, Fletcher’s is giving away 80 original corny dogs to the first 80 customers every Friday at each of their seven booths throughout the Fairgrounds to celebrate their 80th anniversary. Since the Big Tex Circle booth is so popular, your chances to win a free anniversary corny dog are probably better at one of the smaller booths.

Pro Tip: Arrive early on a weekday to avoid long lines at Fletcher’s. We try to arrive right at noon when the gates open for the fair’s first day (Friday, September 30 this year). After buying a handful of coupons ($1 each), our first stop is usually the large Fletcher’s booth in Big Tex Circle for our corny dog fix. We grab napkins and carry ours next door to a table on Old Mill Inn’s shady patio to savor our first corny dog of the fair.

5. Fried Turkey Legs

These are my husband’s perennial favorite, and he claims they taste better at the fair than anywhere else. They can be found at a number of food stands throughout the Fairgrounds. You won’t have to wait in a long line, but it still takes a long time to finish one!

6. Candied Apples

These were my favorite fair delicacy as a kid, but as I grew older, I outgrew trying to eat these delicious but tough-on-teeth sweet treats. I miss those candy apple days!

7. Belgian Waffles

Everyone knows how delightfully delicious these strawberry and whipped cream-covered waffles are, since they’re served at festivals all over the world. The fair’s most popular Belgian waffle stand is located near the entrance of the Centennial Building, where imported autos are displayed.

The Centennial Building

This is a great location to take a pause, find a spot to sit on a bench by the bank of the nearby Esplanade, and enjoy every bite while watching Fairgoers go by. Gazing out at the water can help you feel cooler, even when the sun’s beating down. And yes, it’s still hot in September and October here in Dallas, so it’s wise to dress for comfort over style. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably closed-toe. Sandals and flip flops might be cooler, but people drop all kinds of sticky stuff — cotton candy, melting ice cream, etc. — on the ground.

8. Bacon

This is a favorite foodie stop because — bacon. You can’t go wrong with anything made with bacon. Bacon Nation serves all kinds here, sweet or savory, and all yummy. Their booth is located in the air-conditioned Tower Building along with numerous other food vendors, just follow your nose to the smell of frying bacon. 

The Tower Building

The Tower Building food court features plenty of table seating. It’s a great spot to share samples of several different kinds of food with friends or family. Even if you’re solo, you won’t be lonely in this food court, where everyone is eager to talk about or share their favorite finds. 

9. Greek Food

This Tower Building booth features a number of Greek specialties like Dolma and Baclava, but my favorite is their large Greek salad. I love feeling like I’m eating something healthy along with all those fried foods.

10. Cinnamon Rolls

Another irresistible smell leads us to the booth selling freshly-made cinnamon rolls in the Tower Building. It’s a favorite shareable food with my girlfriends and me.

11. Tex-Mex

Enjoy all kinds of foods like Frito pie, nachos, bowls of chili, and tamales. You can buy a dozen tamales to take home if you have someone to carry them for you. You can find it all in the Tex-Mex booth in the Tower Building.

12. Corn On The Cob

A number of booths sell roasted corn on the cob. And if you love it like we do, it does seem to taste better when it’s roasted at the fair. It’s served with butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper for those who like it spicy.

The GO TEXAN Pavilion On Nimitz Circle

This is usually our last stop to pick up jars of Texas honey, salsa, or other items made in the Lone Star State to take home. You don’t need coupons here since they take cash or even credit cards. It’s a good stop for those of us who’ve long since run out of coupons.

More On The Texas State Fair

Thrifty Thursdays are the best day for senior citizens (over 60) to save money at the fair. Admission is discounted, and so are coupons for food, games, and rides. Many fair activities are free, though. 

The state’s largest auto show is held in the Automobile and Centennial Buildings. New pickup trucks are scattered throughout the grounds in outdoor displays. Livestock auctions, rodeos, cultural performances, dog shows, pig races, and kid shows, plus live concerts by famous musicians on the outdoor stages, are all free. Cooking demonstrations in the Food & Fiber Building are also free. Here, celebrity chefs come to the State Fair of Texas to offer samples of their creations.

Parking can be difficult. Some good advice for those staying at hotels — and/or wise locals — is to take DART. Their Green Line lets fairgoers out right at the front gate, saving you both money and unnecessary stress. Check the schedules here. For those unable to do a lot of walking, scooters are available for rent at the fair.

For more on state fairs all around the U.S., check out these articles:

• 5 Save-The-Day Items Everyone Needs In Their Bag At The State Fair
• 2022 State Fair Schedule: The Complete List Of Cities And Dates
• 11 New England Fall Fairs The Entire Family Will Love

Going to the state fair is exciting and adventurous, but it can be a long and dreadful day if you aren’t properly prepared. To make sure that you are ready from sun up to sun down, and to get the most out of your time at the state fair, we rounded up the top five must-have items to help save the day!

Editor’s Note: To find your state fair’s 2022 schedule, click here.

1. Sunscreen

Shop Now $9.58

Nothing is worse than being sunburnt and tired from the sunlight, so we put sunscreen at the top of our list. Neutrogena’s ultra sheer sunscreen is water resistant, has an SPF of 70, and is made with a non-greasy formula. Available on Amazon and eligible for free Prime member shipping, this 3-fluid-ounce bottle is recommended by dermatologists to help protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UVA rays. Not to mention, it can be used on both your face and body!

For a higher SPF and sunscreen that comes in a spray bottle, try Banana Boat’s broad spectrum sunscreen spray. It has an SPF of 100 and is resistant to both sweat and water for up to 80 minutes.

2. Sun Hat

Shop Now $25.99

Another way to protect yourself from the sun at the fair this year is by wearing a hat. Furtalk’s sun straw hat has a UPF of 50 that helps waid off the sun instantly. It is made with high-quality paper straw that makes for a great accessory to any state fair outfit! If you are inside and need to take a break, just fold up this hat and put it in your bag until you need it again.

If a straw hat isn’t quite the look you’re going for, but you’re still wanting sun protection for your head, try Mission’s cooling bucket hat. Not only does it have a UPF of 50, but when the hat gets wet (with water or sweat), it cools to 30 degrees below average body temperature in under 30 seconds! What better way to stay cool and protected from the sun at the same time.

3. Personal Fan

Shop Now $17.99

If being overheated at the state fair is a worry of yours, this mini fan can help alleviate those worries. This fan is small enough to fit in a bag, and better yet, your pocket! Its long battery life — 21 hours on one full charge — will last you the whole day at the state fair. To recharge it, plug the charger into the USB port and plug it into the wall. Possibly the best feature of this fan is that it doubles as a flashlight, making it a handy gadget to have when it turns dark at night. With over 27,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this item is one you will not want to pass up.

4. Refillable Water Bottle

Shop Now $22.95

The portable mini fan will help you from getting overheated, but one of the best ways to avoid this is to start by staying hydrated. Iron Flask water bottles, available on Amazon, can help you achieve this by keeping water cold for up to 24 hours. Not to mention, refilling this water bottle and not buying one-use plastic water bottles is a win-win for both you and the Earth! This insulated water bottle is made with stainless steel and comes in over 20 different colors, making sure that everyone can find a color and style they like. It does feature a collapsible straw top that makes drinking easy and efficient.

If a straw isn’t your favorite way to drink water, try a Nalgene. This water bottle has a twistable top that is leak-proof and can hold up to 32 ounces of water. This water bottle is made out of plastic and is 100-percent BPA-free. The loop top makes it easy to hook onto a backpack or harness. Both of these water bottles are great options to stay hydrated this year and both are available on Amazon.

5. Hand Sanitizer

Shop Now $14.99

Our final item to be well prepared for the state fair, believe it or not, is hand sanitizer. Over the last few years, hand sanitizer has been a staple of going out anywhere. There’s no exception for the fair; after touching all of the different rides and before you eat that third corndog, sanitizing your hands is a must. Our favorite hand sanitizer is Purell’s variety pack. This set includes an eight pack of 1-ounce bottles with a gel strap to make carrying it easy and convenient — available on Amazon.

It’s never a bad idea to be prepared for the state fair, and having these items will ensure just that; all while making your day both fun and safe!

The Midwest is home to many wonderful apple festivals of all sizes. Although it’s difficult to select just a few, from Amana Colonies in Iowa to Sparta in Michigan, plus small towns in between, here are some of the best.

1. Murphysboro Apple Festival

Murphysboro, Illinois

The Murphysboro Apple Festival has been a community tradition for more than 70 years! The Festival is Southern Illinois’ oldest and largest alcohol-free festival, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year in September. This four-day event packs downtown Murphysboro with family-friendly activities, including free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, an arts and crafts fair, a fiddle and banjo contest, and a menu of apple-themed treats. Click here to see the entertainment schedule.

In 2022, the festival runs from Thursday, September 14, to Sunday, September 17. The Grand Parade will be held on Saturday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is one of the longest parades in Illinois, with fire engines, marching bands, floats, visiting royalty, and horses. 

A Taste of Murphysboro ($26) offers food and drinks from a variety of locally-owned restaurants. Ticket availability is very limited; this event usually sells out the first day. Ride tickets can be purchased in advance (10 tickets for $30).

• Admission: Free for festival, some ticketed events
• Parking: Any public parking lot downtown
• Contact: (618) 684-3200, murphysboroapplefestival@gmail.com

2. Applefest At Living History Farms

Urbandale, Iowa

The family-friendly Applefest celebrates apple harvest season! Visitors to the historic sites see how past cooks prepared apple treats, such as apple butter, cake or pie, and cider. They can print an apple recipe in the print shop and purchase apple goodies and tasty treats from vendors.

In 2022, the Applefest at Living History Farms will be on Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticketed (but free) events include the Medicine Show at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Historic Baseball at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended.

• Admission: All activities included with general admission ($17 for adults), $10 for children (ages 2 to 12), free for children 1 and under, and $16 for seniors (ages 60 and older). Military discounts are available.
• Parking: Free, on-site
• Contact: lhf.org, (515) 278-5286

3. Apfelfest, Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies, Iowa

Experience the Amana Colonies Apfelfest when the leaves are turning and there is a slight crispness in the air. Visitors love the apple treats, gifts, and desserts, and they especially enjoy sampling treats along the Apfelfest Sampling Stroll. A local orchard sells fresh apples for those treats you want to make at home.

A culinary highlight of Apfelfest is the Amana Meat Shop’s Apple Gouda Brats. You can purchase some to take home or head to the brewery where they’ll be on the grill. They will taste great with a little Millstream beer or root beer.

Several restaurants at the Colonies feature apple dishes. The most popular apple item on the menu is the yummy German-style apple strudel. 

In 2022, Apfelfest will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 17–18. Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there is a nature walk to the Iowa River and back. This event is weather-dependent, so if it is raining, call ahead at (319) 622-7622.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free, on-site
• Contact: Events@amanacolonies.com

4. Louisburg Ciderfest

Louisburg, Kansas

When there’s a crispness in the air, Louisburg’s Ciderfest comes to mind. Every year since 1977, Louisburg Cider Mill has offered family fun and yummy apple cider and donuts. Last year, the event drew more than 20,000 people each weekend.

Visitors can start their Ciderfest activities by watching how apples are freshly pressed into 100 percent pure apple cider — from initial washing to the actual press. They will enjoy a guided tour of the Mill, watching cider-making in action, and learning how the signature cider donuts are made.

Entertainment abounds at Ciderfest! Enjoy live country or bluegrass tunes on the stage, the aroma of smoked turkey legs, and, of course, apple cider donuts and apple cider! Also at Ciderfest, kids (and grown-ups!) can ride the hay wagon out to a huge pumpkin patch to pick their own pumpkins. They can experience this year’s themed 10-acre corn maze, visit farm animals, enjoy the picnic areas, and take advantage of great photo opportunities.

In 2022, Louisburg Ciderfest will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free, on-site
• Contact: (913) 837-5202, contact form 

5. Michigan Apple Festival

Sparta, Michigan

The Michigan Apple Fest is a family-oriented event celebrating the harvest in Sparta, the heart of Apple country. More than 10,000 people attended this event last year! Family events include free inflatable bounce houses, games, balloon animals, fall decoration making, live music, local eats, Michigan beers and wines, a couch race, and much more!

On Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24, enjoy artisan booths, food trucks, farm market vendors, hard apple ciders, “apple box” tractor rides, bounce houses, chainsaw carver, beer gardens, moonshot band, and an adult pedal tractor pull.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Public parking downtown
• Contact: (616) 887-2454, michiganapplefest@gmail.com

6. Four Flags Apple Festival

Niles, Michigan

The Four Flags Apple Festival from September 29 through October 2 offers visitors a parade, food booths, kids’ activities, carnival rides (there is a charge, wristband needed), contests, and free entertainment on two stages! The 50th Annual Grande Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, in downtown Niles. The parade route is about 5 miles long. 

In 2022, the Four Flags Apple Festival runs from Thursday, September 27, to Sunday, October 2. On both weekend days, there is a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., sponsored by AMVETS. Arts and crafts vendors in more than 100 booths offer their wares. Visitors can enjoy the car show and puppet shows, and taste craft beer and wine. A full schedule of events is found here (PDF).

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free ($5 donation requested)
• Contact: (269) 683-8870, info@fourflagsapplefestival.org

7. Charlevoix Apple Festival

Charlevoix, Michigan

Join the fun at the 43rd annual Charlevoix Apple Festival, where you’ll find more than 30 varieties of apples, including “antique” varieties. The festival takes place October 14 and 15 from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and on October 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This three-day event includes a craft show featuring 100 craftsmen, face painting, apple bobbing, a petting zoo, hand-led pony rides, and more. In addition, there is a local farmer’s market offering pumpkins, mums, squash, jam, maple syrup, pies, bagels, mustard, crepes, cider, honey, meats, eggs, soups, and a variety of baked goods. Local non-profit organizations are on-site to tempt visitors with hot food items such as chili, hot dogs, apple flappens, soup, Irish apple cake, hot cocoa, and kielbasa.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Public parking
• Contact: (231) 547-2101

8. Afton Apple Orchards Festival

Hastings, Minnesota

The annual Afton Apple Orchards Festival offers a cornucopia of activities: pick your own apples and pumpkins, hayrides, cider pressing demos, a large playground, petting farm, straw mountain, retread hill, chainsaw carving demos, face painting, live music, balloonologist. Concessions offer apple cider, jam, jellies, maple syrup, honey, and many more apple favorites! 

In 2022, Afton Apple Orchards Festival occupies the first three weekends in October. Hayrides will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the huge Jump Pad and Cow Train will be open weather permitting. Each activity is $2 per person.

• Admission: General orchard admission is $7 for ages 5 and older and $5 for ages 4 and younger. Some activities are $2 per person.
• Parking: Free
• Contact: Cindy at (651) 436-8385, info@aftonapple.com

9. Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival

Kimmswick, Missouri

The Apple Butter Festival is the largest in Jefferson County, Missouri, drawing over 100,000 visitors. Attendees enjoy the small town ambiance, strolling through streets lined with 500 to 600 food, drink, and craft vendors. There is lots of live entertainment throughout the town including bluegrass, country rock, and dulcimer music. For the children, there is a miniature train, petting zoo, and pony rides. Visitors can help stir the apple butter and enjoy the ambiance at the pavilion.

In 2022, catch it the last weekend in October, from the 29th to the 30th.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Park at the Windsor School, and catch a shuttle bus into town. Limited parking off Highway K, a short walking distance into town.
• Contact: Connie Schmitt at (636) 467-1436, getinfo@gokimmswick.com

10. Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival

Versailles, Missouri

The 38th Annual Olde Tyme Apple Festival offers three stages for local music and entertainment, a parade (10 a.m. on Saturday), the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall, The Cinderella Apple Play at the Royal Theatre, an apple pie contest, a fiddlers’ contest, and 50 food booths. Last year, 25,000 people attended the festival.

The festivities kick off with a pancake breakfast and continue with the grand parade, a tractor and engine display, a special Fun Zone for kids, and museum tours. The festival takes place October 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free, various locations
• Contact: (573) 378-4401, vchamber@sbcglobal.net

11. Weston Applefest

Main Street/Downtown Historic District, Weston, Missouri

Since 1988, visitors have enjoyed Weston’s Applefest. The event kicks off with a hometown parade along Main Street that begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Additionally, there will be children’s activities like face painting, a straw bale maze, pony rides, and interactive games. Vendors offer festival favorites to eat, including Weston’s famous apple dumplings, apple pies, and cookies.

Visitors can attend the festival on October 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on October 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Parking and shuttle service is $10 from the Weston Historic Orchard and Snow Creek.
• Contact: (816) 640-2909, info@westonmo.com

12. Apple Butter Makin’ Days

Mt. Vernon, Missouri

Everyone’s invited to Stir the Pot and learn how apple butter is made on the historic Lawrence County Courthouse lawn. The festival features live, free entertainment all weekend. On Saturday, enjoy the parade starting at 9 a.m. and the amazing wiener dog races at 2 p.m. Featuring 450+ booths of handmade crafts and food, this event draws nearly 90,000 visitors each year.

This festival takes place on October 7–8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, October 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free and paid parking in designated lots lining the streets of the town. 
• Contact: (417) 466-7654

13. Applejack Festival

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Nebraska City’s historic AppleJack Festival draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people each year. The festival has been named one of the “Top 10 Fall Harvest Festivals in America” by USA Today.

On the first weekend (September 16, 17, and 18), Festival-goers can enjoy apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts, candy apples, caramel apples, apple fritters, apple salad… pretty much anything apple. On Saturday, the festival begins with The AppleJack Pancake Feed from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $35 by August 31 and $45 starting September 1.

There will be a parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday, as well as the Extreme Bull Riding Tour, Water Barrel Fights, Vendor Fair, and Food Truck Street Fair. Food trucks will be on-site on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The River City Carnival runs on Friday evening and all day Saturday (wristband fee). Sunday, September 18, is the River City Classics Car Club Show.

The second weekend of the festival (September 24 and 25) is all about food! The Third Annual Nebraska City Food Truck Street Fair will be held downtown on Saturday, and the Taste of AppleJack “All Things Apple” Contest will be held on Sunday at the Historic Barns at Arbor Day Farm.

Guests can attend the festival on September 16 – 18 and September 24 – 25. Event hours and locations vary.

• Admission: General admission is free; fees for some events are posted here
• Parking: Varies by event
• Contact: (402) 873-6654, AmyA@nebraskacity.com

14. Gays Mills Apple Festival

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

The 63rd Annual Apple Festival in Gays Mills celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, and food. Friday events include a carnival at the fairgrounds (wristband night), Main Street vending, and music at Dante’s.

On Saturday, enjoy the carnival, the Flea Market at the Fairgrounds, Main Street Vending, the Cornhole Tournament, and Arts and Crafts. Sunday’s main event is the Apple Festival Parade at 1:30 p.m. The Parade runs from Main Street to Riverside Park.

The festival runs from Friday through Sunday, September 23, 24, and 25. Event hours vary.

• Admission: Varies
• Parking: Varies
• Contact: Dawn at (608) 735-4341, dmccann@haysmills.org

15. Roscoe Village Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival 

Coshocton, Ohio

The 51st Annual Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival offers homemade apple butter, live music, free crafts for kids,100-plus craft and food vendors, History of the Canal Town, Spirit Tours, and more! The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 21-22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 23.

Roscoe Village is a charming restoration of a community that was once a thriving port on the Ohio and Erie Canal. Restored in 1969, the original 1800s buildings are the hallmark of this quaint, entertaining, and scenic village nestled in the rolling hills of beautiful Coshocton County. The village brings history to life through fascinating tours, adventures, and fun-filled festivals like the annual Apple Butter Stirrin’, an event that averages 10,000 visitors annually over the 3-day weekend.

• Admission: $8 at the gate; $5 online 
• Parking:  Multiple free parking lots at both ends of the street 
• Contact: (740) 622-7644, Cbrown@roscoevillage.com, Contact Form

16. Lebanon Country Applefest 

Lebanon, Ohio

The Lebanon Country Applefest features more than 300 arts, crafts, and food vendors as well as live entertainment each day. A large variety of great food will be available, including apple fritters, apple pies, caramel apples, fudge-covered apples, barbecue sandwiches, pork chops, kettle corn, ham sandwiches, brats, melts, hot dogs, and burgers. A new requirement that all booths offer something apple-related should make an exciting adventure for foodies!

Visitors can attend Lebanon Country Applefest on September 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Admission: $1, under 12 free
• Parking: On-site, free; handicapped parking available
• Contact: Contact Form

17. Jackson Apple Festival

Jackson, Ohio

The Jackson Apple Festival has been welcoming visitors for 81 years. National country artist Mark Chesnutt will perform on Saturday at 9 p.m. Visitors should be sure to experience the largest lighted parade in Ohio, including 20+ marching bands; the Columbus Zoo (Saturday); and “Big O Amusements” throughout the weekend. See all of this, plus apple-filled exhibits and great food vendors.

The festival runs from September 20 through 24. A full schedule is available on the festival’s website.

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Downtown 
• Contact: (740) 288-6714, Jafe.oh@gmail.com

This August, more than 800 Native American artists will gather in Santa Fe, offering their finest jewelry, weavings, pottery, and other artistic pieces for sale, with an opportunity to compete for recognition and awards. 

Thousands of collectors, buyers, spectators, and attendees besiege Santa Fe to shop and buy, creating a significant source of income for Native American artists and their families, plus an economic boost for Santa Fe and New Mexico. 

Here are the details and how you can visit.

The Centennial Santa Fe Indian Market 2022 Lineup

The Santa Fe Indian Market celebrates its centennial anniversary from August 20–21, an art mecca supported by Santa Fe’s top galleries and cultural institutions. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is the non-profit producing the Centennial Santa Fe Indian Market 2022. Since 1922, the Santa Fe Indian Market, North America’s largest and most acclaimed juried Indigenous art market, has expanded its notoriety to include Indigenous artists across North America.

Now 100 years later, the SWAIA continues its mission to “bring Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships.”

The Indian Market on the Plaza is free to the public on August 20 and 21, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. See the world’s largest and most significant juried Native North American art market, featuring jewelry, textiles, baskets, pottery, sculptures, wooden carvings, beads, quillwork, and diverse arts. I love to shop one-of-a-kind art pieces from U.S. and Canadian Indigenous artists. You can listen to live music and watch dance performances. Don’t miss the Native food vendors, rounding out Indigenous culture and art.

Santa Fe Native Cinema Showcase 2022

From August 18–21, The National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Cinema Showcase celebrates the best in Native films. It will be held at the New Mexico History Museum Auditorium during Santa Fe Indian Market Week. Learn about Native filmmakers from Indigenous communities throughout the Western Hemisphere. Admission is free. See a free community film screening Saturday at the Railyard at sundown.

SWAIA Silent Auction

From noon–6 p.m. on Friday, August 19, and noon–7 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, bid on Native American artwork donated by SWAIA artists at the Santa Fe Convention Center. It is a global opportunity for Native art collectors and market attendees to bid online and in person.

Native American Clothing Contest

On Sunday, August 21, a market favorite and free to the public, the Native American Clothing Contest presents a vast array of regalia and hand-made clothing from North American Indigenous Nations. You’ll see Native traditional and contemporary clothing as contestants compete for ribbons in men, women, and youth categories. Early registration is 8–9 a.m., and the contest runs from 9 a.m.–noon.

Ticketed Events At The Santa Fe Indian Market

Friday

Exclusive to SWAIA members only, the Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon awards the year’s top artists in all 10 juried market categories with the Best Of Classifications and the year’s overall Best Of Show winners. The luncheon, sponsored by the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), follows the Santa Fe Convention Center Courtyard ceremony. The luncheon includes guests and SWAIA ticket holders.

On Friday, August 19, the members-only Sneak Peak event and the General Preview for the public offer sneak peeks and general previews of the award-winning art with your ticket purchase. The Sneak Peek lasts from 2–4 p.m. and the General Preview lasts from 4–6 p.m., both at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Saturday

The Indian Market’s biggest night out is the SWAIA “Shiny Drop” Gala Live Auction and Indigenous Fashion Show on Saturday, August 20, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. This fundraising event for the SWAIA features the Indigenous Fashion Show with seven designers and a live auction of artistic masterpieces. Come dressed in your best Indian Market style with your exclusive ticket and celebrate the evening offering extraordinary art, Indigenous fashion, food, and fun.

Sunday

With your exclusive VIP ticket, see the Indigenous Fashion Show on Sunday, August 21, from 3–4 p.m. It is produced by Indigenous art historian Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, presenting eight designers and their collections from North America. VIP seating, general admission, and standing room are options.

The Indigenous Fashion Trunk Show happens Sunday, August 21, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Ticketholders can purchase and place orders directly with the designers at the Fashion Trunk Show. Only 100 tickets are available.

Tips For Visiting The Santa Fe Indian Market

First-time visitors should leisurely explore the market across downtown Santa Fe. Talking to the artists is a great way to learn about North American Indigenous people. Visit the food vendors and attend the fashion show on Sunday with your pre-purchased ticket. Attend the free Native American clothing contest on the Plaza Stage Sunday morning. Arrive early to get a good seat, since the show starts at 9 a.m.

Indian Market artists come from over 250 nations in the U.S. and Canada. Attend the Native Cinema Showcase at the New Mexico History Museum and be curious and open-minded.

Pro Tip: If a piece of jewelry or art speaks to you, just purchase it. 

Check out some of our past articles about Native American and Indigenous cultures, including:

• 5 Things To Know About The Native American Occupation Of Alcatraz
• 9 Questions I’m Asked The Most As A Native American
• It’s The World’s Oldest Sport With Native American Roots: Everything You Need To Know

When you think of pop culture locations that people from around the world travel to see, chances are a cornfield in the middle of Iowa won’t immediately come to mind. But thanks to the 1989 blockbuster Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner as farmer-turned-baseball field architect Ray Kinsella, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, has become an enormous tourist attraction, drawing movie and baseball fans alike and routinely hosting celebrities and sports stars. Recent attention from Major League Baseball has also reignited interest in the film site and its legendary field. 

Here’s what you need to know about the real-life Field of Dreams and what you can expect to experience when you visit this special spot. Because after all, if you build it, they will come!

1. It’s A Little Piece Of Hollywood In The Heart Of Farm Country

In 1987, the Lansing family of Dyersville got an interesting visit from a member of the town’s Chamber of Commerce. Universal Studios was scouting locations for its new project, wanted to build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield, and thought the Lansing farm might just fit the bill. After a series of meetings and test shoots, the producers chose the Lansing land, the field was constructed, and filming for Field of Dreams began on the site. The Lansing home also made an appearance in the film as the Kinsella farmhouse.

Dyersville is located 26 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa, part of the Quad Cities metro area. It’s a 4-hour drive from Chicago and a 3-hour drive from Des Moines. The area is served by the Quad City International Airport, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away in Moline, Illinois; the airport is serviced by carriers American, Allegiant, Delta, and United. While the area isn’t a major metropolitan center, it’s still quite accessible for those who want to experience this unique baseball site beloved by movie buffs and MLB fans alike.

2. You’ll Ask If It’s Heaven

As you approach the farm, it’s impossible not to feel both nostalgia and anticipation. Half-hour tours of the home are on offer and can be booked online in advance. They cost $20 for adults and $12 for children, but they are a great way to take a peek inside the home, where several pivotal scenes from the movie were shot.

Admission to the field and the surrounding area is free, and you can snap as many photos as you’d like. Plan to take your time, play a few games of catch, get your selfies in, and savor being there. In one of the most famous scenes from the movie, the ghost of legendary outfielder Shoeless Joe Jackson emerges from the cornfield, looks at the diamond, and asks, “Is this Heaven?” You’ll likely wonder the same thing.

Aside from the home tour and field, there’s a great gift shop on-site where you can purchase movie memorabilia and trinkets, baseball-related items, and much more. Be sure to check it out and grab something to remember your visit by.

For the ultimate over-the-top evening, consider staying in the farmhouse itself! If you opt for the luxe Kinsella Experience, you will have access to a homey bedroom on the upper level of the home, be personally greeted by the site’s staff, and receive all sorts of fun items, including an official MLB Field of Dreams baseball. You’ll also get a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket so that you can recreate the scene where Ray and his wife picnic centerfield. It’s not cheap — prices start at $500 per night during the off-season — but you’ll get a one-of-a-kind stay and a great story to tell!

3. There Are A Variety Of Lodging Options

If an overnight stay at the farm isn’t in your budget, don’t fret. There are plenty of other places to stay nearby.

In Dyersville, you’ll find low- to mid-level chain hotel options. Keep in mind that their prices are elevated because of their proximity to the Field of Dreams, and you won’t get a whole lot of bang for your buck. If you’ve driven to the site, or you have a rental car, consider staying at one of the nicer options in the nearby Quad Cities. You’ll pay just as much for a hotel room, but you’ll end up having a more upscale experience.

Nearby Dubuque is home to a variety of bed and breakfasts, most located within the town’s charming and historic downtown district. The Redstone Inn & Suites is a spot with a fascinating past: Constructed as a home for some of the town’s elite, it was used as a tavern before it was saved from the wrecking ball and converted into an inn. There’s also the Hotel Julien Dubuque, with its modern chic, historic touches, array of amenities, and on-site spa.

4. You Can Make It Multigenerational

Our best tip for visiting this iconic spot: Splurge and make it a whole-family trip. Baseball is all about nostalgia. Love for the game and its traditions is sewn into our country’s fabric and is passed down from generation to generation. The Field of Dreams was made famous by an Academy Award-nominated film that has inspired baseball fans for 30 years, so when you visit, invite the extended family to come along.

You’ll see fathers and sons, moms and daughters, and grandparents and grandchildren playing catch, taking terrific family portraits, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Some wear jerseys from their hometown teams; others pose near the corn where the players of yesteryear mysteriously emerged in the movie. It’s a touching and endearing thing to see and experience.

This is a bucket-list trip that will delight the whole family. With that in mind, consider including older relatives, especially if they love the game of baseball. You won’t regret it.

5. The Best Time To Go Is During Baseball Season

While the Field of Dreams and the Kinsella farmhouse are open year-round, Iowa can and often does get pretty cold in the winter. To avoid the crowds, consider a late fall or early spring trek to the site; the temperatures will be bearable, and you’ll still be able to run the bases, play catch, and tour the home.

That said, the place really comes alive in June, July, and August, once it’s warmer. Just like in the movie, the corn is high, the sun is hot, and the boys of summer are up to bat on diamonds — Major League and Little League — across the country. The bottom line is this: Summertime is baseball season, and it’s really the best time to visit this iconic spot dedicated to the game and all the things that make it great.

6. The Site Plans to Host A Major League Baseball Game Again In 2022

As aluded to earlier, the most-quoted line from Field of Dreams is, “If you build it, they will come.” It’s the ghostly, mysterious message that Ray Kinsella keeps hearing, and the one that ultimately compels him to plow over his cornfields and construct a regulation baseball field. It’s also the mantra that Major League Baseball will be banking on again in 2022.

After the success of its White Sox/Yankees matchup in 2021, the MLB will host another primetime game Thursday, August 11, 2022, between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. The league expects a capacity crowd at the 8,000-seat ballpark, adjacent to the actual Field of Dreams. The game will be televised to a national audience, and fans, both in-person and watching from home, will get to see their favorite players once again emerge from the cornstalks. Tickets were only available via a June lottery, so if you haven’t scored them yet, plan on watching the game from home.  

Planning a road trip through Iowa? Here are the best things to see and do in Des Moines. When you’ve seen everything the capital has to offer, make one of these amazing day trips from the city or check out these family-friendly activities in Cedar Rapids.

And why not make the Field of Dreams part of a baseball road trip? Here are the best places to explore baseball history in the Midwest.

Think of events or festivals in Germany, and most likely Oktoberfest and the traditional Christmas Markets will come to mind first and foremost. Maybe even the various asparagus festivals, celebrating the Germans’ beloved seasonal vegetable, come to mind. But otherwise?

Well, fret not. There are plenty of fun events and superb festivals in Germany to plan a vacation around, with some being awe-inspiring, such as the Kieler Woche, while others are based on history and culture. Yet, some festivals are rather bizarre and completely crazy, but utterly hilarious.

Here are some of the best and most unusual festivals and events to experience in Germany. Some you can even sign up for and participate in. Are you game?

1. Wattoluempiade

Brunsbuttel

With a play on two words, Watt and Olympics, for German speakers, there are clues in the name of this extraordinary event. The Watt is the muddy expanse of the River Elbe estuary by Germany’s North Sea coast. It’s an intertidal zone that leaves miles of flat, muddy ground perfect for getting, well, muddy. Add in “Olympics,” and there you have it: The Mud Olympics. 

They are played out every year at low tide and bring together sports enthusiasts who are willing to get dirty and silly. Numerous teams from across Germany and neighboring countries team up to play football, or the like, in the mud, get thoroughly filthy, and raise plenty of cash for a cancer charity in the process.

Pro Tip: The Wadden Sea is a remarkable ecosystem that is well worth exploring, and, as long as you go with a guide and don rubber boots, you won’t even get terribly muddy, nor will you get caught by the incoming tide. There are gorgeous, tiny islands — the Halligen — on some of which you can stay to really experience this unusual terrain.

2. Kieler Woche

Kiel

This sailing event is one of superlatives: Not only is it the largest sailing and regatta event in the world, but also the largest summer festival in Northern Europe. The Kieler Woche, or “Kiel Week,” brings together countless classes of sailing boats, grand old tall ships, and everything in between, even Viking ships and classic yachts, schooners, cutters, and more. 

Attracting millions of visitors throughout the week, the Windjammerparade — the tall ship parade where 100-odd tall ships sail into the bay at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of the week — is especially breathtaking. Add other non-sailing events — such as live music, a funfair, food stalls, and much more — taking place on land and you can easily spend the entire week there.

Pro Tip: The harbor city of Kiel on the Baltic Coast, some 60 miles northeast of Hamburg and 90 miles south of the Danish border, is a perfect hub from where you can explore the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.

3. Drachenstich

Furth Im Wald

Furth im Wald lies right on the Germany-Czechia border 100 miles east of Nuremberg in Bavaria. Here there is a lake called Dragon Lake; the city is called Drachenstadt, or “Dragon City;” and the forested region is steeped in folklore and myths. So, the clues are there. 

Each year, the city re-enacts the legend of St. George slaying the dragon with a festival that will enthuse every dragon lover. After all, it seems that dragons are found around the world and there is no denying their appeal, even if they tend to get slain. The Drachenstich, the “Slaying of the Dragon Festival,” brings in not only the world’s largest walking dragon but also transforms the old city into a veritable time-warp destination. Throughout the old town, you’ll see medieval decorations, people donning medieval costumes, parades, and plenty of fun to be had everywhere.

Pro Tip: The only negative about this event taking place in the summer is that you will not be able to combine it with the Christmas Market in Nuremberg. But instead, why not go for a drink in Pilsen, the Czech city famous for its beer, some 45 miles east? The city is lovely and worth staying overnight.

4. Hirschrufen

Dortmund

Hirschrufen, or deer calling in English, is an artform — apparently. Those who participate in traditional hunts will know that there are numerous ways of imitating the call of wild deer, thus attracting them, only to then shoot the poor creatures. But this deer calling competition itself does not involve any bloodshed and instead makes you wonder why you have never seen anything like it over the years. 

Taking place annually in Dortmund at the Hunt and Hound trade fair in North Rhine Westphalia, the competition is one of the fair’s highlights and draws even non-hunting enthusiasts. Dressed in traditional green outfits, the various contestants pull out either cow horns, or more modern implements looking like funnels, to compete in this centuries-old tradition.

Pro Tip: While this part of Germany is infamous for its coal and steel industry, the region is also dotted with cities such as Dusseldorf and Cologne, which are great for city breaks, as well as being a jumping-off point for the Rhine Valley.

5. Panem Et Circenses

Xanten

Bread and Games, also known as Swords, Bread, and Games, is one of the largest Roman festivals in the world, taking place every 2 years in the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Xanten, known for its Roman history. Formerly the expression for a politically-corrupt way of taking and not giving back to the common people, today it focuses more on social activities in the name of history and fun. 

Some 500 “Romans” — be they gladiators, legionnaires, market-sellers, or humble citizens — descend on the city of Xanten to participate in a week-long festival of all things Roman, from gladiator fights and market displays to playing traditional games and eating the typical foods of the time. 

The 2022 event has recently been canceled. But, look out for next year’s festival, currently slated for June 2024.

Pro Tip: To stick with the Roman theme, while you are there, don’t miss the 180-plus-acre Xanten Archaeological Park, which houses the remains of a Roman temple and settlement.

6. Entenrennen

Tübingen

In the southwest of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, a race with less serious contestants takes place every year in a rather scenic setting. The contestants are small, bright yellow, and normally swim in private bathtubs. Since 1999, 100 or so rubber ducks have been taking to the river, racing it out in the name of charity. 

But, while seriously cute, the race is only a good excuse to visit the old university city of Tübingen with its colorful half-timbered houses lining the River Neckar. Here, you can go punting, or explore the old market square, the beautifully decorated 15-century town hall, the castle, and the quaint cobbled streets.

Pro Tip: Tübingen is surrounded by vineyards, and it would be a shame to miss out on those. Why not enjoy a tour of the surroundings and taste their best produce? 

7. Almabtrieb

Bavarian Alps

In the south of Germany, as well as in neighboring Austria, Almabtrieb is an annual event and celebration welcoming the cows, which spend the summer up on the green, wild meadows of the mountains. In September, they are herded back down into the valleys for the winter. But these are not just plain cows coming down into the valleys, these cows are decorated with flowers, ribbons, and tasseled garlands. Their big bells are polished and rung throughout the villages, which are in celebratory mode, and people line the streets to see the cows parade past. 

Accompanied by traditionally dressed milkmaids and cowherds, this is a unique parade of beautiful cows and a much-loved culture. But, if there is a herd where the animals are not decked out in finery, that means that one of the animals sadly died up in the mountains.

Pro Tip: These parades usually take place around St. Michael’s Day, September 29, and each village and each farmer decks out their prized cows in different attire. Try to catch the celebrations in a few different places for variety.

8. Fingerhakeln

Bavaria

Pulling someone’s finger might not seem like a sport to you and me, but to some, it is a very serious undertaking indeed. It’s even deemed a martial art. Every year, in annually-changing locations throughout Bavaria, the Fingerhakeln Meisterschaften (Finger Pulling Championships) take place. 

They were traditionally carried out by men because these “fights” originated often in pubs over women, when men dueled for their favor. The tradition might seem truly Bavarian, but is indeed practiced in other countries such as Norway, Denmark, Finland, and further afield. Basically, the fight consists of two men sitting on opposite sides of a table and they either hook their middle or index fingers together, or sometimes use a strap instead, and pull. There is technique, skill, and pain involved, but eventually one opponent is pulled across the table and loses.

Pro Tip: Want to try it? If you want to stand a chance, you’ve got to train by putting your finger through a proper workout. Here are some instructions.

For more unique experiences in Germany, check out these articles:

• Why This Quaint German Town Was A Perfect Base For Our European Adventure
• 7 Fabulous Experiences In Germany’s North Sea Islands
• How To Spend A Day In The Best Preserved Medieval City In Germany

This year marks the 75th anniversary of one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets, Jekyll Island. Purchased in 1947, the state transformed it from a private getaway for the ultra-rich and famous to a state park open to all. The island has a storied history, and today offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. With 10 miles of pristine white sand beaches and lush forestlands, Jekyll Island is a nature lover’s paradise and still one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets. 

Have you ever visited Jekyll Island? I was fortunate to visit in May and stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Greeted with an anniversary reminder made of flowers at the entrance of the island, I knew I was visiting someplace special. While on the island, I learned some interesting things about the island and resort.

Jekyll Island, Georgia, is a barrier island off the coast, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from both Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. The state of Georgia owns the entire island, requiring at least 65 percent of the island to remain undeveloped. Jekyll Island is the perfect destination for a vacation full of relaxation, peace, and quiet.

Jekyll Island Club Resort hosted our visit. All opinions are my own.

Jekyll Island History

The Rockefellers, Carnegies, and other rich and famous families used to come to Jekyll Island for a winter retreat. They built “cottages” the size of mansions and an exclusive clubhouse on the island. Many visit today to learn about the history and get a glimpse of a bygone era.

Over 3,500 years ago, the island was inhabited by Native Americans. When the colony of Georgia was founded in 1733, Jekyll Island was part of it. It was named after a financial supporter, Sir Joseph Jekyll.

Prosperous plantations were part of the island until the Civil War ended.

Purchased in 1886 by several wealthy families, Jekyll Island was the winter retreat for America’s most influential and affluent individuals of the era. The wealthy families enjoyed the mild winters and lush beauty for 56 years. Leaving behind a rich heritage that is now a National Historic Landmark District. You can visit some of the homes still intact and revitalized.

The Club closed in 1942 and sat empty for a few years. The State of Georgia purchased Jekyll Island in 1947. From then on, there were island improvements, such as an amusement park and an olympic-sized pool at Aquarama Dive Club

Jekyll Island Fun Facts

During our visit, I learned many interesting facts about the island and its role in history. In 1858, the last slave ship, the Wanderer, crossed the ocean and landed at Jekyll Island with 409 enslaved people. The Wanderer Memory Trail pays homage to black history. 

During a secret meeting on Jekyll Island in 1910, the plans for the Federal Reserve Bank were created. 

The first-ever conference call originated on Jekyll Island with Watson and Bell in 1915. Important dignitaries from San Francisco, Boston, and New York City were on the call. Phoning in from the White House was President Woodrow Wilson.

The Mosaic Museum On Jekyll Island

Take a walk through time and Jekyll Island history with a visit to the Mosaic Museum. You will find memorabilia from the last slave ship and its arrival on the island. Memorabilia and an interactive activity about the first conference call are highlights as well. 

The Mosaic has a special anniversary exhibit running through the summer. The museum is well worth a visit, and be prepared to spend some time with the interactive exhibits about summers at the club, the first conference call, and more.

Historic Jekyll Island Tram Tour

While at the Mosaic, you can purchase tickets to ride the Landmark Trolley Tour, taking you through the historic district and pointing out important places of interest. You have the opportunity to tour one of the cottages and learn more about the island. The tour was fabulous, our guide was very knowledgeable, and it lasted approximately an hour and a half.

The Jekyll Island Club

Visiting the Jekyll Island Club for just a few hours is like returning to yesteryear. Originally built as a hunting retreat, the carefully preserved leaded art glass and original woodwork are just a few of the beautiful things you will see. While you enjoy the modern amenities of the club, you still feel the wealthy influence of its founders.

Luxury abounds everywhere, from the giant “cottages” with 22 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms to the original pool, the hall of mirrors, and rooms named after prestigious members. 

The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, with giant live oak trees covered in Spanish moss, and everything green and well-manicured. We sat in the rocking chairs that overlooked the grounds and enjoyed the view.

Fourth Of July Fireworks On Jekyll Island

This year’s fireworks display will be spectacular as they celebrate the 75th anniversary. 

Block Party At The Beach Village

One of the anniversary events, the Block Party at the Beach Village is scheduled for August 6.

Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival

The Shrimp & Grits Festival is returning from November 4–6, 2022. Enjoy delicious shrimp and grits while taking in some family-friendly entertainment, live music, and a craft brew fest. The island is hopping with people during this fun-filled event.

Holly Jolly Jekyll

Each year, the Christmas celebration in the Historic District is magnificent with half a million sparkling lights. Don’t miss this holiday tradition that starts after Thanksgiving and runs until January 8. This year, Holly Jolly Jekyll promises to be extra special.

Other Jekyll Island Activities

Other island activities include an outdoor tennis complex, 63 holes of golf, a fishing pier, the Summer Waves Water Park, horseback riding tours, nature centers, Jekyll Island dolphin tours, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and 20 miles of bike trails. And don’t miss Driftwood Beach on the northern shore of the island. There is a lot to see and do on Jekyll Island. 

Pro Tip: A vehicle entry pass is required to visit Jekyll Island. Single, multi-day, and annual passes are available and can be purchased online in advance, at the entry gate, or at the visitor center upon arrival on the island. Pedestrians and bicycles can enter at no charge. The pass is required even if you are staying at a hotel on the island. 

Jekyll Island is a treasured spot in Georgia that often remains a secret to those outside of the state. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit this breathtaking island, now is the time! From its rich history to its picturesque beaches and signature events, there is much to celebrate on Jekyll Island. Whether you want to relax or explore all the island has to offer, Jekyll Island is worth adding to your travel list! Help Georgia commemorate the 75th anniversary of one of its best-kept secrets.

Don’t miss these amazing Georgia destinations: 

• 8 Delicious Restaurants To Try In Columbus, Georgia
• 10 Fabulous Things To Do In Beautiful Columbus, Georgia
• A Dozen Fabulous Things To Do In Charming Dawsonville, Georgia

From Panama City Beach to Biloxi, the skies over the Gulf Coast will light up with more than just incredible blazing sunsets this summer. Adding to nature’s amazing light show are dozens of must-see 4th of July fireworks displays and celebrations. Here are some of the best Independence Day events the Gulf Coast has to offer. 

Florida 

1. Navarre Beach’s Hometown 4th 

Described as Florida’s most relaxing place, Navarre Beach is well known for its pristine white beaches, calming emerald Gulf shoreline, and incredible sunsets, but that tranquility is short-lived on the 4th of July with the town’s Hometown 4th celebration. 

Grab your beach blanket or chair and join the fun with live music on the sugary beach, then catch the dazzling firework display over the Gulf.

2. Panama City Beach’s Star Spangled Spectacular 

With its small beach town feel, the seaside community of Panama City Beach holds claim to the most beautiful beaches in the world. With 27 miles of glistening white sand hugged by crystal clear emerald Gulf water, it’s hard to argue with them. 

The town rocks to life the 4^th of July weekend with its annual Real Fun Fourth. Each night there is a fireworks spectacular beginning with Light Up The Bay on July 2^nd at Papa Joe’s Bayside. The next night, it’s Light Up The Gulf at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center and the Freedom Rocks Fireworks Show at Grand Lagoon.

The holiday is capped off with what is described as the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast – the Star Spangled Spectacular at the M.B. Miller County Pier. The show begins at 9 p.m.

3. Destin Commons’ Smoke On The Coast 

With almost 70 stores and 20 restaurants, Destin Commons is a must-visit shopping destination for visitors to Florida’s Emerald Coast. The vibrant colors and inviting atmosphere of the Commons makes your shopping experience a pleasure. The Commons is even pet friendly. Leashed pets are allowed to stroll the streets with you. There are even dog-friendly restaurants, including World of Beer, Starbucks, and Smashburger, where dogs are allowed to dine with you on their patios. They even have treats for your pup. 

But the Destin Commons really comes to life on the 4th of July as the best pitmasters along the Florida panhandle descend on the center for a charity fundraiser —  Smoke on the Coast. The party kicks off around dinnertime as the smokers are opened and visitors are treated to inexpensive samples of the mouthwatering barbeque. The walkways are filled with music and activities, then the sky above reverberates with the sound and spectacle of their Independence Day firework extravaganza. 

Admission is free, but during the celebration, parking meters are set up in front of your favorite stores and you are asked to drop in a coin or two (or use a credit card). Those coins go to fund the Destin Commons Coins for a Cause program, a charity that has raised over $1.5 million for a variety of local charities benefitting at-risk youth and education, animal welfare, and disaster relief programs. 

4. Pensacola July 4th Fireworks 

With a light sea breeze blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico, the sugary white beaches of Pensacola light up each year with a spectacular firework display at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk along Santa Rosa Sound. 

The boardwalk is filled with incredible shops, dining experiences, and live entertainment that will fill your day with fun before the big show lights up the sky at night.

And while in Pensacola, how about a little baseball? The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a Miami Marlins AA affiliate, knows how to celebrate the 4th of July with a bang. When at home, the team celebrates with a week of fireworks following each game culminating in a spectacular, extra-long display on the 4th.  

Alabama 

5. Mobile Fireworks 

The skies will light up along the Mobile, Alabama’s famed waterfront at Cooper’s Riverside Park for the city’s big fireworks show. 

Spend the day visiting the city’s fascinating museums, like the Carnival Museum that celebrates the birthplace of Mardi Gras, the Gulfquest Maritime Museum, or the Mobile History Museum. Maybe do a little shopping at one of the city’s eclectic stores or grab a bite to eat at one of Mobile’s amazing restaurants. 

6. OWA 

Next to fireworks, picnics, ice cream, and a day at the beach, nothing screams summertime fun more than spending a day at an amusement park, and the 4th of July is the absolute best time to visit OWA park in Foley.

Get there early and spend the day riding the park’s thrill rides, like the twists, turns, and sheer drops of Rollin’ Thunder and the Alabama Wham, or cool off in the Gravity Island Water Obstacle Course. Admission is required to the amusement park side of OWA. 

For those of you who aren’t thrill-seekers, spend the afternoon shopping in the many stores that line the streets of Downtown OWA, then grab dinner at one of the park’s eight amazing restaurants, including Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar and Restaurant, before the big show kicks off. Live music fills the streets, and the sky hosts one of the largest synchronized fireworks displays on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Downtown OWA and the OWA’s 4th of July celebration is free. 

7. The Wharf 

Ready to party? The Alabama Gulf Coast’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment venue, the Wharf, is gearing up for its annual Independence Day Street Party. 

Dance down the streets with live DJ music throughout the day. Have a sweet treat, lunch, or dinner, or grab a drink at one of the Wharf’s 18 restaurants and snack shops. If you have kids, there are always plenty of activities for them.

After the sun goes down, those same streets come alive when all of the palm trees that line the route are lit in blazing red, white, and blue lights before the big show, the fireworks display, ignites the night sky. 

Oh, and if you can’t make it the day of the street party but want to see fireworks, the Wharf shoots them off every Monday night throughout the summer with their Sparks After Dark show.

The Street Party is normally held on July 3, but as of this writing, the management tells us the actual date may change. Visit the Wharf’s event calendar for updates. Admission to the Street Party is free; however, some attractions do charge a fee. Check the Wharf’s website for current pricing.

8. Flora-Bama 4th Of July Celebration 

Straddling the border between Alabama and Florida, the world-famous Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar hosts a lively day of fun in the sun along the Gulf’s beaches beginning at 11 a.m., with live music, drinks, and amazing Southern barbecue throughout the day. The celebration is highlighted by the Miss Firecracker Bikini Contest and the annual Freedom Run with participants donning their most patriotic running wear for a 4K run/walk or 1-mile fun run/walk. 

The night wraps up with a raucous firework display over the beach. Registration is required to participate in the Freedom Run.

9. Grand Bay Watermelon Festival 

It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without watermelon, now, would it? For two days — July 2 and 3 — the town of Grand Bay opens up Odd Fellows Festival Park for a good old fashioned Independence Day celebration featuring live music, rides, games for old and young alike, an open car show, pretty baby contest, and of course, all of the free, ice-cold watermelon you can eat. 

See the Grand Bay Watermelon Festival website for time and pricing information.

Mississippi

10. Ship Island Fireworks Cruise

The sunsets over the Gulf are breathtaking. As the sun slowly dips over the horizon, it bursts into one final gasp of brilliant orange then morphs into a purple hue before vanishing. 

The Ship Island Excursion ferry normally shuttles visitors to beautiful Ship Island, one of the Gulf’s beautiful barrier islands and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, for a day lazing on the beach, hiking, and bird watching, but on the 4th of July, they offer a unique way to view the spectacle of a Gulf sunset and the dazzling fireworks show in Gulfport. 

The cruise leaves from Yacht Harbor at Jones Park and heads into the Gulf. The cruise concludes with the fireworks show. Visit the Ship Island Excursion website for pricing, times, and to reserve your seat.

11. Gulf Port 4th Of July On The Schooner 

How about viewing fireworks not only from the Gulf but also aboard a beautiful schooner? The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum’s Biloxi Schooner sets sail on the 4th for a cruise around Biloxi Bay and the Deer Island Coastal Preserve before returning to view a spectacular sunset over the Gulf and the Biloxi fireworks extravaganza.

Related Reading:

• Best Small-Town Fourth Of July Celebrations In The Midwest
• 7 Best 4th Of July Celebrations In New England
• The Best Summer Towns For A Fourth Of July Weekend Getaway

Bordeaux is a port town on the river Garonne in South West France and is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It’s known, in part, for its historical significance, beautifully restored architecture, and lovely, pedestrian-friendly city center.

It is also known as the world capital of wine. Bordeaux is home to the world’s most important wine exhibition, Vinexpo; and while that exhibition takes place in uneven years, Vinexpo is helping put a spotlight on Bordeaux in 2022 by building a wine extravaganza around the city’s returning bi-annual Bordeaux Wine Festival. Wine lovers won’t want to miss it.

Bigger Than Ever

The Bordeaux Wine Festival, or Fête le Vin in French, has been held every 2 years since 1998. After a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, the festival returns to Bordeaux this year from June 23–26. With extra time to plan, though, comes extra festivities — and alas, wine-centered events will begin in Bordeaux on June 16 courtesy of the first ever Bordeaux Wine Week, co-organized by Vinexpo.

The Bordeaux Wine Festival, as it has since the turn of the last century, will showcase wines from Bordeaux and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Wine previews will begin on June 16 in restaurants, wine shops, and pop-up cafés on the Garrone riverside. Come June 23, the festival will be concentrated on the Garonne waterfront and in the fabulous Place de Quinconces, one of the largest and most spectacular squares in Europe. 

To give you just an idea of the festival’s size, Rising Vacations reports that eight pavilions in Place de Quinconces will offer 57 appellations of Bordeaux and 23 of the surrounding Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Bordeaux Wine Week, like the previews, will begin on June 16 with the Grands Crus Weekend: a showcase of Bordeaux’s Grand Cru–classified wines through exclusive dinners, a golf tournament, and more. Then a two-day public symposium called Act For Change will commence on June 20; hosted at Cité du Vin, prominent figures in the wine industry will speak and debate the industry’s future regarding sustainability. This will give way to the Vinexpo Meetings, a closed-to-the-public gathering of wine-business bigshots on June 22–23. A who’s who of wine will occupy the town.

All told, Bordeaux Wine Festival and Bordeaux Wine Week will run from June 16–26. They will give the public a unique opportunity for wine tastings as well as culinary and cultural experiences. 

Things To Do At The Bordeaux Wine Festival

Admire Bordeaux

The beauty of the festival is not only in the sampling of the endless varieties of wines and spirits, but also in the chance to explore one of the most beautiful cities in France — especially since Mayor Alain Juppé decided to give a neglected and dirty city a new lease on life in 1995. Sandblasting throughout uncovered the beautiful, honey-colored limestone of the historical, elegant buildings that now make Bordeaux one of the most desirable French cities to live in. Any spare time you have between events and wine tastings, you should use to just walk around and admire — or even take a boat trip on the Garrone.

Visit Cité Du Vin

Dominating the skyline and the river is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic landmarks, the modernistic Cité du Vin. 

This interactive museum documents wine cultivation through the ages with videos, artifacts, graphics, and paintings. A circular walkway leads through the various levels of the museum, with huge windows that give views over the Garrone flowing below, the majestic buildings of the city (like the beautiful Bordeaux Cathedral), and the Water Mirror, the world’s largest reflecting pool, outside Place de la Bourse. The museum provides audiotapes to guide you on your tour. 

The museum also offers wine tastings at any time of the year and has a shop that sells a great selection of local wines.

Pro Tip: Cité du Vin is rather dimly lit, so watch where you step so that you don’t stumble over the carpet or the odd cable on the floor.

See Picasso: The Effervescence Of Shape

From June 15 onward, the Cité du Vin will host Picasso: The Effervescence Of Shape. The exhibition will be the first to celebrate the role and route of wine in Pablo Picasso’s work. Many of the paintings and sculptures will be on loan from other museums.

Bordeaux Grands Crus Weekend

From June 16–19, along the waterfront, the Bordeaux Grands Crus weekend will provide the opportunity to taste 120 Grands Crus of the region at various events. Enjoy the wines during a golf tournament, a vineyard tour, or a dinner at Château Lynch.

Bordeaux Wine Festival Pro Tips

To discover all the beauty and secret corners of Bordeaux, it is best to go on a guided walking tour. A good one will lead you, among other places, to the most famous book shop, Mollet; the best pastry shop, Baillardan, where the local dessert canale is made; the Bordeaux Cathedral; backstage at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux; and along the river. I found this walking tour, conducted by local guide Hubert, to be the best. Be prepared, the tour takes several hours but does not include a visit to Cité du Vin.

Most nights, a sit-down meal is not really necessary. During the wine week, you will taste and nibble so much to soak up all that wine that you’ll hardly find room for a three-course meal. 

If you stay for the full Bordeaux Wine Week — and it is highly recommended to take in all there is to offer, including talks and wine symposiums — you need to plan for your accommodations.

When I went, I did not stay in Bordeaux but in a delightful little village called Bouliac, just a few miles south. The luxury hotel Saint James Bouliac is located in a renovated farmhouse with plenty of rustic charm. It is surrounded by vineyards, and the hotel produces its own wines and features a first-class chef. They even offer cooking classes. Apart from the hotel restaurant, there is a small bistro a few feet away, as well as a church, a little convenience store, and not much else. A bus runs from Bouliac to Bordeaux center, but a taxi is more convenient if you want to go out in the evening, if only to admire the fountains and water effects on the Place de la Bourse when they are illuminated.

Related Reading:

• How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Bordeaux, France 
• 7 Tips For Navigating Bordeaux’s Wine Region
• 3 Regions In France Perfect For A Cycling Wine Tour
• 4 Reasons I Never Miss This Incredible French Wine Festival

The pandemic had forced one of the Caribbean’s most popular festivals to be put on hiatus, but it’s back this year.

Sweet.

The Eleuthera Pineapple Festival is returning to the Bahamas June 3-4, celebrating the people and products from the islands’ pineapple industry.

Held in a settlement known as Pineapple City in the Eleuthera, the event is one of the largest in the Gregory Town region of the Bahamas.

Started in 1987, the weekend festival brings out a large number of local residents and attracts tourists from all across the globe to taste different styles of the sweet, locally grown pineapples.

Those who attend will also participate in interactive games, and a variety of live entertainment will take place. A special kids area will be set up with games and sports for them to enjoy.

“Fierce culinary competitions, pineapple eating contests, and plaiting of the pineapple pole are just a few of the activities persons can take part in at this sweet island festival,” festival officials said in a release.

Live entertainment will include performances by the festival house band, Team Blue Waters, as well as Ebony, Puzzle, Sweet Emily, Funky D, and Cupid.

Among the highlights are fire dancers and a Junkanoo, the local term for a street parade.

Eleuthera is away from most of the resorts and hotels in the Bahamas. This is not Paradise Island. Known for its white and pink sand beaches, tourism officials tout Eleuthera as a place where seclusion and relaxation are key.

Located to the northeast of Nassau on a separate island, it’s a journey worth the trek.

Admission to the festival is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds go toward local infrastructure projects.

If you want to learn more about the Bahamas, check out these articles:

• 13 Best Things To Do In Bimini During A Day In Port
• How To Spend A Fantastic Weekend In Nassau, Bahamas
• 6 Reasons To Fall In Love With Incredible Half Moon Cay

Home to breathtaking peaks, outdoor fun, and craft beer, Colorado is a mecca for adventure. But try taking a break from the normal Colorado activities to visit one of the Centennial State’s rather unique festivals. Here are some of my favorites celebrating food, a dead guy, and even nothing at all!

1. Frozen Dead Guy Days

Nederland

There’s no better place to start than the small town of Nederland. Home to less than 1,500 people, Nederland is often a pass through to nearby Eldora Ski Resort or Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. But swing by in the winter and you may just stumble upon an entire festival dedicated to a frozen man. 

Frozen Dead Guys Days honors a man from Norway — Grandpa Bredo — who is still on ice inside a shed in town. Upon his death in 1989 in Norway, his body was put on ice to transfer him to his family in the United States. He spent 4 years at the Trans Time cryonics facility in Oakland, California, before being sent to his daughter in Colorado. Years later, he became somewhat of a celebrity when the city council passed an ordinance allowing Bredo’s body to stay. Today, one man is the designated “Ice Man” and is in charge of hauling up dry ice to the shed and packing it around the frozen body.

For more than 2 decades now, residents and tourists have come out in force for 3 days to celebrate Grandpa Bredo. The Frozen Dead Guy festival celebrates all things dead including coffin racing, a hearse parade, and all things frozen, like ice turkey bowling, ice sculptures, and a frozen T-shirt contest. Anyone can enter the brain freeze competition, where you try to down slushies as fast as you can for prizes, or try their hand at the human foosball competition to raise money for the local high school. All the activities are accompanied by live music, street performers, plus beer and creative “spirits.”

Don’t Miss: Have something to say to the frozen dead guy? Tell it to the crowd at the Frozen Dead Poet Slam where amateurs make up poems and songs about him. Who knows, maybe he hears it all!

2. Mike The Headless Chicken Festival

Fruita

If you can celebrate a frozen dead guy, then why not a headless chicken? Every summer, the western Colorado town of Fruita gathers to honor the Guinness Book of World Record holder for longest surviving headless chicken. Back in the ‘40s, Mike the chicken was supposed to be dinner one night, but the fateful axe blow didn’t do its job, and the chicken lived for another 18 months without a fully-attached head. Scientists said it was because his brain stem was still in place.

During his time, thousands lined up to see Mike the headless chicken. At one point, he was worth $10,000 and, of course, took home the world record. Today, he’s remembered with a 2-day festival — aptly named Mike the Headless Chicken Festival — that celebrates everything chicken-related. 

There’s a chicken wing eating contest and a peep eating contest, plus a 5K run where dressing like a chicken is encouraged. Weekend events also include a car show and disc golf tournament. With live music, games, and plenty of food to eat, you may just find yourself fully celebrating a headless chicken.

3. Colorado Mountain Winefest

Palisade

Just 25 minutes east of Fruita on Interstate 70 is the small town of Palisade. Think of it as the wine region of Colorado. Colorado’s weather and altitude create a unique environment for growing grapes which results in distinctly tasting wines. Colorado’s elevation is the second highest in the world (only behind Argentina) and its dry weather is too harsh for pests that ruin grapevines.

To support the growing wine industry in Colorado, winemakers created what is now known as Colorado Mountain Winefest. Typically held in the fall, the wine festival raises money for the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE), which works to develop winemaking across the Centennial State. Wine lovers from across the globe gather at the award-winning festival to taste new wines, tour the area, and partake in continued education. A popular event is the Tour de Vineyards, where cyclists can travel between vineyards to taste wine and sample food. I have done this ride (on my own, not as part of this event) and it was a delightful way to experience the area. 

Don’t Miss: Colorado Winefest is the culmination of an entire wine week in Palisade. Be sure to check out all the other events happening in town, like a wine and chocolate pairing class, paint and sip class, and open houses at local wineries with live music. 

4. Bacon And Bourbon Festival

Keystone

Bacon, bacon, and bourbon! This festival in the ski town of Keystone is all about celebrating the pork provision and its spirited counterpart. River Run Village — Keystone’s main square — is packed with tents, live music, games, and more during this weekend-long summertime event. 

Your main mission is to experience culinary delights either created with or inspired by bacon. There’s bacon ice cream, bacon pie, fried bacon, and more! As you fill your belly with food, wash it down with bourbon tastings from around the country. And if you’re not full by the end of the day, consider entering the bacon eating festival!

The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival is a family-friendly event, with the addition of Camp Bacon. The kids can partake in a bacon bingo scavenger hunt, craft corner, face painting, and photo booth. A kids’ Piglet Pass ($35 per child) allows young ones to taste bacon and drink lemonade with you throughout the festival.

There is an array of ticket options, depending on how much you want to eat and drink, ranging from $60 to $90 per person. You’ll always get the best deal (and avoid long lines) by buying your tickets in advance online. 

A Personal Note: I am partial to this festival because I got married during the first ever Bacon and Bourbon Festival. I got to try some bacon in my wedding dress and smelled like bacon walking down the aisle!

5. FIBArk

Salida

With the sole mission to bring education and access to whitewater paddling sports, FIBArk — which stands for First In Boating On The Arkansas — launches a festival every year in the summer. Noted as the country’s oldest whitewater rafting festival, FIBArk is a 4-day event showcasing watersports in Salida (about 2 hours southwest of Colorado Springs). 

The festival’s signature event is the Classic Downriver Race. It’s touted as the longest and most prestigious race of its kind in North America. Competitors navigate Class III and IV rapids for 26 miles. The Classic Downriver Race began in 1949 when six boats tried to paddle 57 miles from Salida to Canyon City, but most of the boats pulled off due to the intense rapids. Over the years, the course length and starting point have evolved, culminating with the marathon length used today. 

The festival also allows boaters to compete in slalom races, a raft sprint, and a freestyle competition. But there are a few events that are a little less serious. The raft rodeo, for instance, awards prizes for silly moves and costumes. Then there’s the Hooligan Race, where teams are racing down the Arkansas River in anything but a boat, and the crowd determines the winner. Your furry friend can even participate by competing to retrieve various items from the water. 

Don’t Miss: Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is gaining in popularity, and FIBArk is paying homage to the sport by hosting three SUP competitions, including a skills course. But the one event you should watch out for is the SUP boxing championship, where people stand on paddle boards and try to knock the other person into the water using gigantic boxing gloves. 

6. Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

Olathe

If you have not had sweet corn from Olathe, Colorado, I can personally tell you that you are missing out! This small town in western Colorado is home to just under 2,000 people and hundreds of acres of sweet corn. Known for its sugary taste, sweet corn harvest marks the unofficial start of summer. And what better way to celebrate than by throwing a festival? The summertime Olathe Sweet Corn Festival features all the corn you can imagine, plus live music from local artists for you to feast your “ears” on, family-friendly activities, and local food and craft vendors. The day-long festival kicks off with a parade through town and is free to attend. 

Don’t Miss: If you can’t make the trip to Colorado for the corn festival, don’t worry! Sweet corn is typically distributed through various distributors nationwide. You can call your local grocery store to see if and when it will be offering Olathe sweet corn. 

7. The Nothing Festival

Telluride

Head an hour and a half south from Olathe and you’ll hit the popular ski town of Telluride. Tucked within the rugged San Juan Mountains, Telluride is an old mining town that likes to celebrate everything, except for one weekend in the summer. That’s when “nothing” happens. There is no bike race, outdoor concert, no tickets, nothing! The Nothing Festival is a not-talked-about tradition where locals enjoy calmer streets, emptier restaurants, and otherwise just a normal weekend. If you’re not a local, you may not even hear about this “festival” because there’s no promotion for it. 

Don’t Miss: Sometimes, during the Nothing Festival, locals like to hold a night parade on Sunday. Some of them even wear (you guessed it!) nothing! (Aside from an appropriately placed prop.) Have fun!

Pro Tip: Best Colorado Festivals

Dress in layers! It doesn’t matter what time of year you are visiting Colorado; the weather tends to shift from warm to chilly once the sun goes down. It’s also not unheard of to get snow early (October) or late in the year (May). Come prepared with clothing options, especially in the higher elevations. And wear sunscreen — the mountain sun is strong!

Check out all there is to do in Colorado:

• 10 Gorgeous Waterfalls To Visit In Colorado
• 10 Reasons To Visit The Largest Flattop Mountain In The World
• Amazing Things To Do In Historic Cortez, Colorado

The Festival Flamenco Alburquerque is celebrating its 35^th year from June 11 to 18, 2022. The thrilling week-long event, sponsored by the National Institute of Flamenco and the University of New Mexico, is the most significant flamenco event outside of Spain.

The festival takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and uses the original Spanish spelling of the city’s name: Alburquerque.

Above all, the Festival Flamenco Alburquerque manifests the power and legacy of flamenco. More than 75 of the finest flamenco artists from the U.S. and Spain perform here. They also teach over 40 workshops and classes in dance, music, and related flamenco topics. This year, the festival sponsors more than 20 performances on mainstage theater, late-night tablao, and black box theater, as well as outdoor renditions and free family-oriented programming.

La Emi And Her Flamenco Entourage

Last December, I saw my first flamenco performance in Taos, New Mexico. La Emi and her entourage of musicians and dancers put on a show at El Monte Sagrado Resort. The concert was captivating, artistic, and alluring, leaving me wondering about the history, artistry, and the culture of the dance. 

Emmy Grimm, known professionally as La Emi, has danced and toured across the world, training under Carmela Greco of Spain and is the protégé of renowned dancer Maria Benitez. Based in Santa Fe, La Emi leads her professional company EmiArte Flamenco, her school, EmiArte Flamenco Academy, and a youth company, Flamenco Youth de Santa Fe. 

Flamenco Youth de Santa Fe will perform at the Festival Flamenco Alburquerque during a free afternoon of family-friendly programming featuring student companies from around New Mexico. EmiArte Flamenco regularly performs at the Maria Benitez Cabaret Theatre at the Lodge at Santa Fe.

An Interview With National Institute Of Flamenco’s Operations Director

Flamenco explores the “full range of human emotion,” Annie d’Orazio, Ph.D., operations director of the National Institute of Flamenco, told me. It preserves and promotes the flamenco communities’ artistry, culture, and history. This premier, one-of-a-kind event attracts thousands of students and patrons with its quality and scope of programming.

Dr. d’Orazio kindly answered my questions about flamenco. We discussed the diverse origins of flamenco, the basic steps of the dance, the role of cante flamenco (the singing that accompanies the dance) in the art form, and more.

Flamenco And Cante

Janie Pace: Has flamenco always been teamed with a singer and Spanish guitar? What is the significance of the singer? It seems Vicente Griego, the cante flamenco performer with La Emi, has a significant following, watching the audience’s reactions that evening.

Annie d’Orazio, Ph.D.: Flamenco stems from cante, the flamenco song. Cante flamenco … has many different structures, melodies, and points of origin. It’s a vast topic that I couldn’t do justice to here, but there are some great resources for learning about cante. Not all cante can be danced to – some cante is unaccompanied by guitar or dance, some is accompanied by music only, and some are accompanied by [only] dance. Cante itself is not an accompaniment or a decoration. The guitar became a part of flamenco later in the art form’s development.

Often the content of the text or lyrics is metaphoric and inspires the guitarist and the dancer, giving them the impetus to create and express themselves within sets of shared musical and movement conventions.

The Culture Of Flamenco

Pace: From what cultures does flamenco originate?

d’Orazio: Flamenco originates from many cultures and has a long, complex history. It contains Arabic, African, European, Roma, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultural influences. [But] the influence of Gitanos — Spanish Roma people — on flamenco is enormous.

The Flamenco Dance

Pace: Can you describe the basic steps of the dance and how they are combined?

d’Orazio: There are various steps and gestures: marcajes, footwork variations, escobillas, and falsetas, all used in different parts of the [dance].

There are generally conventional structures in each dance, but dancers have a creative license within those traditional structures to incorporate the steps. Flamenco dance is intrinsically linked to music; dancers must understand and pay attention to the cante and the guitar.

Pace: What part does the University of New Mexico play in developing the dancers, guitarists, and singers?

d’Orazio: The University of New Mexico has a unique program that offers the Flamenco concentration within the Dance Program. Festival Flamenco Alburquerque and National Institute of Flamenco Founding Director Eva Encinias established the Flamenco Concentration at the university and retired in the fall of 2021. Marisol Encinias, her daughter, is [an] assistant professor in the department.

Undergraduate students can get a Bachelor’s in Dance with a concentration in flamenco. Graduate students can get an MFA in Choreography and choose to focus on flamenco or a Master of Arts in Dance History and Criticism. The investigation of the process is very in-depth, and students have the opportunity to work with incredible faculty and visiting guest professors in flamenco and Spanish dance.

The Evolution Of Festival Flamenco Alburquerque

Pace: How has the festival evolved over the past 35 years?

d’Orazio: The festival began in 1987 when the College of Fine Arts approached Eva Encinias to produce an event celebrating the college’s 50^th Anniversary. 

The first Festival Flamenco Alburquerque was a 2-day event. As the event grew, Eva Encinias saw the need to bring guest artists from Spain to give students and the community other reference points for flamenco, expanding their understanding of the art form. Eva Encinias and her daughter Marisol and son Joaquin have ensured the artistic excellence, relevance, and accessibility of Festival Flamenco Alburquerque for decades. 

Festival Flamenco Workshops

During the festival, you’ll find dance workshops at levels from beginning to advanced, and music workshops, too, including cante, guitar, and percussion, plus a flamenco appreciation workshop. Be sure to learn the Bata de Cola Technique, the back catch.   

Festival Flamenco Performances

Purchase tickets for flamenco performances at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque theater at Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town, the Albuquerque Journal Theatre in the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Rodey Theatre, and The X inside the UNM Center for the Arts Building. Ticket packages for Festival Flamenco Alburquerque provide a ticket to seven nightly mainstage performances.

Flamenco. Ole!

Pro Tip: Stay at one of the Heritage Hotels & Resorts, a partner with Festival Flamenco Alburquerque.

“Flamenco is so much more than a dance and music form — it is a profound emotional expression, it is culture, it is a way of life.”

Eva Encinias

Imagine that you’re living in a tiny German town in 1633 when news comes that the Bubonic plague is racing through Europe, leaving millions dead and cities decimated. Knowing that your village is in the path of this destruction, and that some of your friends and neighbors have already become sick, what would you do? To whom would you go for help to avoid the deadly epidemic?

The people of Oberammergau, Germany, once faced this horror, and the entire community turned to God for deliverance. The residents of the Bavarian village made a vow that if their town was spared obliteration by the plague, they would give thanks every 10 years by reenacting the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

From that moment on, no one in Oberammergau succumbed to the plague. In 1634, the residents honored their promise with the first reenactment of the Passion of Christ. Ever since, from generation to generation, the play has been performed, and 2022 (a COVID postponement from 2020) marked the 42nd production of the now-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The next performance will be in 2030.

The people of Oberammergau originally performed the play in the parish church. The audience grew, so they moved to the church graveyard. By the 18th century, even the graveyard was too small, so they moved to a nearby field, building a new stage for each performance. Toward the end of the 19th century, a permanent open-air theater was constructed, which has since been enlarged and modernized. The current theater can accommodate more than 5,000 people. The daylong event takes place from May through October, and hundreds of thousands attend.

Some 2,000 residents of the village take part in the play. Only residents may participate, and rehearsals and preparations are conducted for nearly a year prior to the public presentations. On Ash Wednesday, the men of the town grow out their hair and beards to lend authenticity to their roles. Those who do not appear on stage provide support as crew members, costumers, or stagehands or take on other roles to ensure a successful season. Music plays a powerful role in the production and a full orchestra and choir bring it to life. Those who are not directly involved in the play are busy operating shops, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses to accommodate visitors from around the world.

What To Expect From A Trip To Oberammergau

Oberammergau is a Bavarian village of some 5,000 residents located about 50 miles south of Munich. The facades of many of the village’s buildings are painted with frescoes called Lüftlmalerei. A bit of mystery surrounds the name. One theory is that the originator of the paintings, Franz Seraph Zwinck, was known as the Lüftlmaler, or “air painter.” Another theory is that Zwinck had to work quickly because the fresh air made the paint dry rapidly. Whatever the reason, the beautiful artwork that adorns the buildings often depicts events portrayed in the Passion Play. It gives the town a fairy-tale quality and reminds passersby of the village’s deliverance and its promise to God.

Oberammergau is also well known for its woodcarving heritage. Many recently carved figurines are sold in shops around town, and historical examples of the craft are on display at the Oberammergau Museum, which also offers tours of the Passion Play Theater. One of the favorite activities of playgoers is looking through all of the Nativity carvings in the shops during the play’s intermission.

We went to see the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2010. The small town was full of activity, and there were people everywhere. We attended a performance in June, when the weather was quite comfortable. It got cool in the evenings, so we brought jackets with us, and they came in handy during the later hours of the performance.

The play itself took place in two parts. Everyone left the theater for dinner during the 3-hour intermission. You can arrive earlier and walk around the town a bit before finding your way to the theater, but plan to hit the sack once the play is over.

The plot covers everything from Jesus’s entrance to Jerusalem to his resurrection. Important events such as the Last Supper and Jesus’s arrest, interrogation, condemnation, and crucifixion are portrayed. The performers speak in German, but you can buy an English translation of the text to follow along. The play’s text evolves from production to production as does the music, which forms an integral part of the experience.

Between scenes, live actors make tableaux vivants, or “living images,” motionless representations of biblical events. Accompanied by music, these are intended to provide time for contemplation.

During the intermission, you will need to have a meal. There are several establishments in the village that cater to the large crowds. Each one has its own character, but all are part of the Passion Play experience. We ate at the Ammergauer Haus, a community center that was set up to serve a full German meal. We sat at large tables with other playgoers and exchanged pleasantries as best we could, since people spoke various languages. The menu offered soup and salad to start. Entrées included roast beef, wild salmon, and Bavarian dumplings. For dessert, there was warm apple strudel with custard or red fruit jelly with whipped cream. Beverages included German beer, international wines, and soft drinks. It was a fun experience, though a bit odd having so many people in the same space at one time.

The Passion Play is not only a theatrical masterpiece, but a unique cultural experience, a chance to get a sense of the mystery and history of this event. Seeing the sun set and the moon rise behind the stage is affecting. Add to that the live animals and hundreds of people reenacting events as their ancestors have for some 400 years, and it’s hard to remain unmoved by the experience. To be honest, we were tired after such a long day. But we would recommend the experience to anyone who asks if they should go.

While the Passion Play is an incredible experience, the town of Oberammergau is also full of history and magic. Visiting the shops and watching the townspeople deal with the onslaught of visitors can be an enlightening experience. Thinking about the history of the play, the promise that the current residents’ ancestors made, and the fact that several hundred years later they continue to honor that promise is humbling. We enjoyed the time we spent meeting the townspeople, whose shops were full of goods for people from all over the world to take home with them. We recommend that you take at least a little time to get a sense of these special people with such a unique heritage.

Planning A Visit To Oberammergau

It’s never too early to start saving for the 2030 event. Numerous tourism organizations can provide you with a package that includes accommodations, tickets to the play, and meals. We went that route, and it made things much easier. People plan a year or more in advance to get the tickets and itinerary they want, so start planning early!

The town itself is a lovely village, though quite busy during the Passion Play season. Attending the play is a major commitment, but if the idea appeals to you, then you will not want to miss it. It is a truly mystical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Explore more of TravelAwaits’ Germany content:

• 5 Unique German Festivals That Celebrate This Underappreciated Vegetable
• 9 Amazing Castles To Visit Along Germany’s Rhine River
• 7 Fabulous Experiences In Germany’s North Sea Islands

Our cabin is about 2 miles from Walnut Springs, a small town (population less than 750) 13 miles south of Glen Rose and about halfway between Waco and Fort Worth. The community is most known for its annual Rattlesnake Roundup, held the first weekend in March. We have 10 acres west of the town with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin. We added the complete wrap-around porch 3 feet off the ground so the grandkids could run, play, and be safe at our getaway.

Knowing that this is scorpion and rattlesnake country, one of the first things I purchased when we bought the property was a pair of women’s Chippewa 15-inch snake boots, leather with a thick 1,000-denier Cordura Viper cloth shaft from my ankle up to my knee. I feel safe wearing my snake boots.

Speaking of rattlesnakes, have you ever attended a rattlesnake roundup? We always stopped by every year, bought a t-shirt, scanned the vendors, and purchased a souvenir. This year, I attended my first rattlesnake roundup, where I paid for a $5 ticket and went inside the snake pit arena to learn about the snakes and support the youth in agriculture. It creeped me out! Let’s find out more.

What Is A Rattlesnake Roundup?

The first weekend in March, Walnut Springs held its 11^th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup, a fundraiser sponsored by the Walnut Springs Business for Youth in Agriculture. For years, the community hosted a Rattlesnake Roundup, first started by the Lions Club, then taken over by the Business for Youth in Agriculture in 2011.

This little town of under 750 people swells to several thousand over the 3-day weekend, raising funds for agriculture youth and providing a kick to the local economy. It seems to be a big draw for bikers.

Over 50 vendors sell barbecue, kettle corn, turkey legs, sausage on a stick, cotton candy, snacks, leather goods, knives, purses, and handmade crafts. A vendor sells snakeskin belts and wallets and shows a stuffed snake and snakeheads right at the entrance to the rattlesnake arena.

There is a barbecue cook-off, carnival, street dance, bands, cornhole contest, camping hookups, and a dealer selling the annual Walnut Springs Rattlesnake Roundup t-shirt, koozies, and caps.

And every hour, tickets are sold to see the Annual Rattlesnake Demonstration by dare-devil snake handlers who sit in the den and allow snakes to cover their legs, place them on their heads, and demo venom milking. An announcer tells the crowd about rattlesnakes, their role in nature, caution in the wild, recommended snake bite kits, and “don’t try this at home” demonstrations.

On the first day, prizes are awarded for the most snakes caught by weight, at 49 pounds, the largest snake, and the smallest snake. The snakes are bought and sold when the roundup is over, and the rest travel to the next roundup. These snake charmers make their rounds to eight roundups across Texas annually.

Reasons Texans Love A Rattlesnake Roundup

I think the reason Texans love a Rattlesnake Roundup is the intrigue. I’m afraid of snakes, but I want to see the captured snakes in a controlled environment where I know they can’t hurt me. My skin still crawled!

These roundups are historically significant events in small towns and attract larger crowds than a rodeo, fair, or carnival. They boost the economy and help raise funds for charity or a community cause.

How To Visit A Rattlesnake Roundup

Most rattlesnake roundups in Texas happen in the spring, in late February and early March. Watch for roundup promotions, plan a weekend, and go. Usually, there are events, cookoffs, vendors selling wares, carnivals, street dances, and the intriguing snake arena with a grandstand to accommodate the crowds. On average, you’ll pay $5 for an entry ticket.

Since 1958, the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup has reigned as the world’s largest and one of the oldest traditional festivals in central Texas. A parade, carnival, and Miss Snake Charmer Pageant kick off the weekend with awards for the most snakes brought in and the largest snake.

Here, you can enter a snake eating contest or watch a snake cookoff. Sweetwater is probably the most PETA-critical of the roundups, where they harvest about a thousand pounds of rattlers for the cookoff.

In mid-March, the Lone Star Expo and Rattlesnake Roundup in Brownwood promotes 3 days of food, vendor booths, and programs about rattlesnakes.

Oglesby Lions Club Rattlesnake Roundup is a March celebration that’s been around since 1969. Hunters compete for prizes for the longest snake and the most by weight. Learn about snakes, frequent the food and vendor booths, and enjoy the carnival rides.

Big Spring Rattlesnake Roundup, about 90 miles south of Lubbock, happens every spring, where snake handlers go ankle-deep in a snake pit with “can you top this” demonstrations.

Facts I Learned About Rattlesnakes

• Rattlesnakes live throughout North and South America, with the most significant population in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.
• Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlers, more than any other state.
• Rattlesnakes can range from 1 foot to 8 feet long, with a thick body and patterned dark diamonds or hexagons on a lighter background with a triangular head. 
• Rattlers have heat-sensing facial pits, hinged fangs, produce venom, and have vertical pupils like a cat’s eyes.
• Young rattlesnakes don’t have rattlers yet but can be as dangerous as adults.
• Their rattles are a very effective warning signal. They are segments of keratin that fit loosely inside one another at the end of a snake’s tail. When the snake holds its tail vertically and vibrates its rattle, you hear an alarming buzzing or rattling sound. Each time a snake sheds its skin, it adds another segment to the rattle.
• There have been 86 rattlesnake bites reported to the Texas Poison Center Network for the first half of 2021, compared to 75 in the first half of 2020.
• 28 percent of those bitten by a snake are intoxicated.
• In 2020, Texas poison centers had a 54 percent increase in snake calls, probably due to more people venturing outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On average, five Americans die from a snake bite every year.
• Honeybee stings and lightning strikes kill 20 times more people annually than all the rattlesnake bites combined.
• 57 percent of snake bites happened to people handling a snake.
• 85 percent of bites are to the hands and fingers.
• Only 13 percent of bites occur on the legs or feet. Also, it’s infrequent for a snake to bite above the ankle.
• The most poisonous snake in the U.S. is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, with a 30 percent mortality rate. It is a giant venomous snake in North America with one of the most dangerous bites.
• With veterinary care, up to 80 percent of bitten dogs will survive a snakebite.
• Ophidiophobia, or fear of snakes, is common. Between 1988 and 2001, people feared snakes the most.
• As of 2019, people fear spiders the most, with snakes remaining a close second.
• In colder climates, rattlesnakes hibernate during the winter in dens made in rocky crevices or holes in the ground. They may use the same shelter for years.
• Rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous; eggs incubate inside the mother’s body, and the babies are born alive, encased in a thin membrane that they puncture after birth.
• Rattlers mate during the spring and summer, and the mothers can store sperm for months before fertilizing the eggs. They carry their babies for about 3 months, giving birth to 10 baby rattlers every 2 years. Mothers don’t spend time with their young, who slither off soon after birth.
• Rattlers can live for 10 to 25 years.
• Rattlesnakes eat about every 2 weeks, small rodents and lizards that they paralyze with a speedy strike. They swallow the victim whole after the venom paralyzes the prey.
• The most significant ongoing debate continues to be the gassing method to collect rattlesnakes. Texas Parks and Wildlife works with snake collectors to promote safe and effective collection practices.
• Snakes provide a lot to ecosystems worldwide, and we need them.
• We need to do our part to help reduce our environmental impact and protect the reptile’s natural habitat.

What To Do If A Snake Bites You

• If possible, get a quick photo of the snake to help get the correct antivenom.
• Call 911, and while you wait, clean the wound with soapy water and cover it with a clean dressing. Remove jewelry.
• Keep calm, remain as still as possible, and keep the bite area below the level of your heart to keep the venom from spreading.
• Dying from a snake bite after getting the antivenom is very rare, but knowing what to do ahead of time is good.

How To Avoid A Snake Bite?

• I wear long pants and my snake boots and watch where I am stepping.
• Avoid tall grass and stay on the trail.
• We keep the area around the cabin mowed and trimmed, so there are no convenient hiding places for snakes.
• Never put your hand where you can’t see what’s near it when climbing.
• If you spot a snake, keep your distance.
• Never pick up a snake, even if you think it’s dead.

Fun Fact: The opossum is a lifesaver. It can withstand up to 80 rattlesnake bites. Thanks to the opossum, there is an antidote to poisonous snake venom. Also, they eat ticks and don’t get rabies.

After you visit a rattlesnake roundup, explore the rest of the Lone Star State:

• 8 Unique Spots To Visit In Historic Fort Stockton, Texas
• My 7 Favorite Stops On A Road Trip From Austin To El Paso
• My 12 Favorite Birding Sites In Texas

Every spring, Ottawa residents are itching for a warm sun and mild days. It’s not just that we’re anxious to put the long winter behind us; it’s because we are a city obsessed with tulips!

More than a million tulips will bloom across Ottawa (Canada’s capital) and nearby Gatineau, Quebec, as part of the Canadian Tulip Festival — often known locally as the Ottawa Tulip Fest. To say that Ottawa is transformed by these tulips would be an understatement. As someone who lives here, I think that we’re pretty proud of our city year-round. We’re a good looking capital! But come spring, there is spectacular color everywhere and the result is simply breathtaking.

The Canadian Tulip Festival (running from May 13–23, 2022), is the world’s largest tulip festival. In peak times, nearly 650,000 people would visit the blooms in a given year. These visitors don’t come simply to admire the gorgeous flower beds but also to enjoy other special activities that are offered as part of the festival. In past years, there have been concerts, lectures, children’s activities, special exhibits for art, culture, and history, and much more. 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Tulip Festival. My neighbors and I are looking forward to extended viewing hours, outdoor movie nights, and a new blacklight art installation beside one of the biggest flower beds. But most of all, we’re eager to celebrate the origins of the festival, which commemorate an incredible war story.

How Did The Canadian Tulip Festival Originate

The origins of the Canadian Tulip Festival date back to WWII. Princess Juliana, heir to the Dutch throne, was evacuated to the United Kingdom with her family. However, even London couldn’t assure her safety, as the city was under bombardment. After a short stay, she and her children moved on and relocated to Canada. They settled in Ottawa and Juliana endured herself to local residents by living just like a local would and taking care of her own shopping.

In January 1943, Princess Juliana’s third child, Princess Margriet, was born in Ottawa’s Civic Hospital. The Canadian governor general declared her hospital rooms to be extraterritorial so the baby would have sole Dutch citizenship. As such, Princess Margriet was included in her country’s line of succession. She became the first European royal to be born in North America and her birth was greeted with incredible fanfare across Canada.

The already warm relationship between Canada and the Netherlands deepend even further towards the end of the war, as Canadian troops played a significant role in liberating the Dutch from occupation. 

When Princess Juliana and her young family safely returned to the Netherlands after several years of exile, the bonds of friendship held fast. In 1945, the Dutch government sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada to express their gratitude. Princess Juliana followed suit, donating an additional 20,500 bulbs the next year. From these early gifts, the origins of the Canadian Tulip Festival were born. The Dutch government has sent the gift of tulip bulbs to Canada every year since.

The festival owes a debt of thanks to Ottawa photographer Malak Karsh. Together with his brother Yousuf, the Karshes were two of the most prominent photographers in the world. Malak was famous for his nature scenes while Yousuf was an acclaimed portrait photographer. Malak’s interest in the tulips can be tracked back to 1949, when he photographed the blooming bulbs gifted by then Queen Juliana. In 1952, Malak suggested the idea of an annual festival to the Ottawa Board of Trade and the event officially began. He was the honorary president of the Canadian Tulip Festival until his death in 2001.

How To Visit The Canadian Tulip Festival

The festival’s in-person events take place primarily in Ottawa and across the river in Gatineau, Quebec. Ottawa is located in southeastern Ontario, about 4 hours from Toronto and 2 hours from Montreal. The American border is about an hour away, connecting the community of Cornwall with upstate New York. Ottawa is easy to access via car, bus, train, and plane.

While in Ottawa, festival sites and flower beds are within walking distance of each other — but sometimes those walks are on the long side. Public transit will cut down your commuting time significantly but there’s an even more convenient option: The Tulip Trolly! This shuttle bus makes getting around to the different sites a breeze. You can see ticketing information and shuttles here.

There is no admission fee for the festival nor any cost associated with visiting the tulip beds. Most activities are free as well. However, some special events (like guided tours) have a small fee and there are the usual travel expenditures (like snacks, drinks, and souvenirs). 

Visitors looking to stay downtown (where many of the flower beds are located) will want to book in advance. The Westin, the Lord Elgin, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier are three of the most popular and well-situated hotel choices. Photography fans will want to note that Malak’s brother Yousuf once lived in the Chateau Laurier and there is an excellent display of his famous portraits in the lobby, as well as a statue commemorating his life and art outside.

Another strong choice is the Hilton Garden Inn. Also located downtown, it’s a few blocks away from the other recommended hotels, but still in the heart of the action. And there is a subtle tulip theme throughout the property. Plus, their in-house restaurant is called Tulip! Cute name aside, it has some serious culinary chops and is one of my favorite places to eat in Ottawa.

Visitors who can’t make it to Ottawa will be happy to learn that there’s a virtual component to the festival as well.

Where To See The Blooms

Your first stop is Dow’s Lake, a neighborhood southwest of downtown along the Rideau Canal. It’s home to Commissioner’s Park, where 300,000 tulips bloom. Visitors often wonder if it’s the same bulbs that are blooming year after year and the short answer is no — for the most part. While some bulbs are replanted, most are dug up and donated to non-profits and schools and some are composted. A huge team of gardeners tend to these beds, preparing them in the fall and keeping them looking fresh in spring.

While in Commissioner’s Park, keep an eye out for the Queen Juliana Gift Bed. This is the primary flower bed where the bulbs gifted annually by the Netherlands are planted. The others are at the Civic Hospital, where Princess Margriet was born, and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized. The church recieves 100 bulbs from the Dutch embassy each year. The remainder of the bulbs you see are purchased primarily by the Canadian government. Another point of interest in Commissioner’s Park is a statue entitled The Man With Two Hats. It celebrates the relationship between the two countries — and it has a twin in town of Apeldoorn in the Netherlands. (Princess Margriet was on hand to unveil both of them).

Following the Rideau Canal towards downtown, you’ll see lovely flower beds alongside the water and Queen Elizabeth Driveway. If you’re a runner, this is where you’ll want to get in your training miles. There are gorgeous tulip beds on the lawn of Parliament Hill, where the Canadian government sits. Looking across the river to Gatineau, you’ll see even more tulips in the distance, including a large bed beside the Canadian Museum of History. Known as “Malak’s Bed,” these flowers honor Malak Karsh. They allow the viewer to take in a scene that inspired one of Malak’s most famous photographs, with tulips in the foreground and the Canadian Parliment in the background.

While all these tulip beds are beautiful, my favorite spot to enjoy the blooms is in residential neighborhoods. Ottawa residents are justifiably proud of how their city transforms under the gorgeous blooms each year and we’re keen to be a part of it. Feel free to stroll and explore and you might just find your own personal favorite spot!

This green and pleasant land is the ideal place for plants and flowers to grow abundantly. In the UK, we have sun, rain, and every other type of weather constantly alternating, so we have good fertile soil and the perfect conditions for growth. All this makes the UK a great place to hold a flower festival. We’re also eccentric, and I love how quirky some of the festivals we organize can be. From large well planned and delicately designed festivals to small local festivals held in churches and parks and even some that sprawl across cities and counties, the UK has some of the most interesting flower festivals you’ll ever have the fortune to experience. Here’s my pick of flower festivals to visit in the UK.

1. The Great Gardens Of Cornwall

Cornwall

The Great Gardens of Cornwall is perhaps the most unusual flower festival in the UK, as it’s spread over an entire county. This festival includes 13 of the most historically and horticulturally important gardens in Cornwall. It runs at the end of March in order to best take in the beautiful blooms. The celebrated magnolia trees — originally from the Himalayas — are the exotic supermodels of the botanical world, with their stunning goblet-shaped bright pink flowers, some as big as dinner plates, providing a dazzling catwalk of floral color around Cornwall’s Great Gardens. Each year, the Great Gardens of Cornwall team closely monitors the flowering of the most prized Magnolia campbellii trees, waiting for them to reveal their stunning, goblet-shaped pink flowers. Once the magnolias from six of the 19 champion trees in the Great Gardens reveal their first 50 blooms, spring is officially declared to have started in Cornwall. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, they are expected to bloom up to a month before any other part of the UK. A milder winter so far means that the first day of spring may be declared even sooner this year.

Pro Tip

“Magnolia Mania” in Cornwall also heralds a further explosion of vibrant color as the gardens’ rhododendrons, daffodils, tulips, and bluebells unfurl to put on a dazzling show. The magnolia trees steal the show here, but don’t miss the lesser-visited flowers of daffodils and tulips, which are equally beautiful.

2. Glorious Gardens At Penshurst Place

Kent

Penshurst Place in Kent runs an annual Glorious Gardens event every June to show off the Grade I listed gardens at their best. This is when the famous 100-meter-long border of double pink peonies tends to be in bloom. The Peony Border has a glorious display of four different varieties of soft pink flowers that have a heavenly scent. People travel for miles to see the annual display, and you can sign up to a special alert line to be sent notice of the moment the first flowers bloom. This is to give you the best chance of seeing them since the peony bloom season is notoriously short, often not lasting any longer than 2 weeks. There are 11 separate garden rooms that were laid originally in the Elizabethan era, each with a distinct theme and planting. During Glorious Gardens, the Rose Garden — which will be in full bloom and offset by silvery underplanting — is especially beautiful. The double herbaceous border of the Jubilee Walk with hot poker reds and oranges fading through the color palette into cool blues and purples creates added perspective.

3. Belgravia In Bloom

London

Belgravia in Bloom, happening at the same time as Chelsea Flower Show in late May, celebrates flowers at various locations in the area. There is a huge maypole adorned with ribbons and flowers erected outside the Judith Blacklock Flower School in the mews, which is amazing to see. This year will be like no other as it is also a precursor to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and Belgravia in Bloom will help pave the way with incredible floral installations such as the British Maypole to be seen at the Judith Blacklock Flower School. The Chelsea in Bloom theme is “British Icons” whilst the Belgravia in Bloom theme is “Beautifully British” as it all happens in the run-up to the Queen’s Jubilee. To honor the show’s long-standing patron, each satellite Chelsea Flower Show celebration is drawing upon all things traditionally British. This is why this year, the Judith Blacklock Flower School is creating this very British Maypole, traditionally decorated with ribbons and adorned with colorful, seasonal flowers. The Maypole was chosen by Judith as it originally represented fertility and rebirth following on from spring when the flowers started to bloom, which is mirrored in the show returning this year at the usual time. But it is also a long-standing tradition just like the Chelsea Flower Show. Maypoles date back to the Middle Ages, when tall poles were erected and dancing took place around them at folk festivals and brought the community together. These then began to be dressed up with ribbons and flowers.

Pro Tip

There is also a special class during the week that teaches students how to make a hand-tied bouquet followed by the refreshing Judith Blacklock cocktail at Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor bar.

4. The Manchester Flower Show

Manchester

This annual event of flowers signifies the start of the summer with floral displays across streets, retailers, and businesses in the city of Manchester. When you visit for The Manchester Flower Show, you can see the city burst into color with Manchester’s urban take on the traditional British flower show. It’s unusual to hold a flower festival across a big busy city like this, but it’s a breath of fresh air to wander around and see the bursts of color and smell the aroma of flowers amongst city life.

5. RHS Garden Bridgewater

Salford

In neighboring Salford, RHS Garden Bridgewater is also set to host the Interflora Florist of the Year finals this July and the Interflora World Cup in 2023. You can watch the competitors create their floral designs and root for your favorite. The RHS garden will welcome a New Blue Peter Garden in 2022, the centenary year of the BBC TV show. The original Blue Peter Garden was relocated from Television Center to Media City in 2012 when production of the show moved to Salford. The New Blue Peter Garden will be previewed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and will then move to RHS Garden Bridgewater in the fall.

6. Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Woodstock

A riot of color, fragrance, and weird and wonderful plants, the 20,000 square foot Grand Floral Pavilion forms the centerpiece of Blenheim Palace Flower Show and features the UK’s finest nurseries and growers giving expert advice and gardening ideas. Visitors can enjoy Garden Talks with experts and enthusiasts, fabulous food and drink, more than 300 exhibitors, an outdoor Plant Village, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Blenheim Palace Flower Show is the perfect place to discover your favorite plants, flowers, and an array of gardening goodies from unique garden gazebos, greenhouses, and arbors to beautiful flowers, gardening sundries, and hundreds of other products.

Pro Tip

If you want to do it all while you’re here, you can, as entry is included with Palace, Park, and Gardens tickets. Buy a palace ticket and enjoy the gardens as well as the house.

7. The RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Worcestershire

The RHS Malvern Spring Festival, held in early May, is a glorious celebration of flowers and has the annual RHS flower show included as part of the event. The festival makes a blooming brilliant weekend, with talks by TV gardeners and workshops on growing and cultivating flowers, plus, of course, the beautiful flower gardens you can wander around. Brand new for 2022 is the Floral Green, which is an area dedicated to floristry with displays and demonstrations from some of Britain’s top-cut flower experts.

8. The Chichester Cathedral Festival Of Flowers

Chichester

The Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers is a 4-day flower spectacular that runs in early June. The cathedral themes the festival differently each year, and this year, it’s “Life in All Its Fullness.” Visitors can admire 60 spectacular flower arrangements created using over 50,000 blooms displayed within the 900-year-old cathedral. The arrangements will respond to the theme of “Life In All Its Fullness,” exploring the benefits of art, nature, and music in healing, and will be portrayed as picturesque tableaux, gardens, and pedestal arrangements.

9. The National Flower Show

Chelmsford

The National Flower Show is held at Hylands Estate in late May, and it’s a stunning celebration of flowers, plants, and stalls and shops that carry everything you need for your home and garden. The festival has enough to keep you busy for the entire 3 days it runs, including the Outdoor Plant Village, a magnificent Floral Pavilion, the Food and Drinks Pavilion, and a Home and Country Pavilion. You can even browse the stalls for original handmade giftware and jewelry, making this much more than a flower festival. The flowers are still the stars of the show though, and a stroll past the lavender display will remind you of the beauty of these incredible creations.

My first visit to the Saint-Vincent Tournante Wine Festival in Burgundy was in 2001. It was cold, as usual, on the third weekend of January. As we walked into town, there were dark snow clouds covering much of the sun, but between them were large columns of golden sunlight. It seemed biblical in portend, and indeed it was. 

The festival was in Meursault that year, one of the heavens of white chardonnay. For a small fee, you were given a tasting glass to hang around your neck and, at the time, unlimited tasting possibilities as you walked through these ancient cobblestoned streets from one wine cave to another.

Each year there is another new reason to participate in the Saint-Vincent Tournante Wine Festival in Burgundy. Here I will note four specific reasons to make this festival a yearly highlight of your calendar.

1. Traditions

The Saint-Vincent Tournante Wine Festival, sponsored by 85 different mutual aid societies, has been a yearly dance of changing villages since 1938. It “turns” from one village to the next each year.

This year, 2022, it turned to one of the best white wine making areas in the world: the communes of Puligny-Montrachet, Blagny, and Corpeau. In the area’s best chardonnay wines, every element of quality is intensified: They are a radiant golden color; with the nose in the glass we get lasting hints of vanilla and hazelnuts; and on the tongue a persistence and succulence of these notes combined with a hint of butter, green apple, soft touches of honey, and a complexity of other notes that are incomparable and lasting. 

St. Vincent is, of course, the patron saint of winemakers, and he has been celebrated in the Burgundy region since medieval times. This is, fundamentally, a religious festival, for a region blessed with some of the world’s best terroir and an exceptional tradition of winemakers that allow this blessing to come to fruition. With increasing concern for the environment among winemakers, the theme this year was the four elements: earth (terroir), water (the source of all life), air (oxygen), and fire (the sun). It is the combination of these four elements that provide our winemaker alchemists with the material to produce the golden wines of the Puligny-Montrachet grand cru, and the excellent premier cru and local (village) wines. 

In the typically elegant but sober and modest tradition of Burgundy, the logo for the festival, found on all of the tasting glasses, was a cabotte, “a small circular cabin traditionally used for storing material and finding refuge from bad weather.” An actual cabotte was built for the festival, between Corpeau and Puligny-Montrachet. They also kept the originally planned date of 2021 (pre-COVID planning was for January 2021) on all of their promotional material; this festival has been in Puligny-Montrachet every 30 years since 1961. They would like to continue to emphasize this very special tradition of the date for their village. 

Pro Tip: The city at the center of activity for this festival every year is Beaune. Few cities in the world will have the tradition and history of excellent wine that you will find here. You will also find an assortment of hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs. The choice of restaurants is also extensive and excellent.

2. The Entire Town(s) Shut Down

This year, the festival involved three neighboring villages. As usual, the various entrance gates into the villages were closed to traffic, and attendees bought a tasting kit for 20 euros. These can often be reserved ahead of time via the website. 

The tasting kit this year consisted of an official Saint-Vincent wine glass engraved with the logo (Absolus 36 by Lehmann Glass), a wine glass carrier (for around your neck), a map of the villages, and tickets for six tastings. 

With the tasting glass around your neck, you will walk through village streets full of joyful visitors. There are multiple points of music and a variety of street artists on your walk connecting the wine cellars. This year six varieties for tasting were offered at the entrance: Burgundy Côte d’Or White 2018, Burgundy Côte d’Or Red 2018, Puligny-Montrachet 2017, Puligny-Montrachet 2018, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2018, and a mystery vintage to test you and to puzzle over. 

The first festivities are always local and religious, so it can be best to arrive mid to late morning, and then think of slow food and slow tasting. Enjoy each step with the other revelers. There are catering possibilities, and this is Burgundy, with excellent food, all well matched with the wines. There was also, in necessary French fashion, a mobile bakery with pastries. Spread throughout these three beautiful villages, and the connecting roads, there were 125 artists: bandstands, fanfares, craftsmen and women, and street artists.

3. “A River Of Like-Minded Wine Lovers” 

There were 50,000 visitors this year. Fifty thousand wine lovers going from winemaker to winemaker. Puligny-Montrachet is built upon a bed of stone, so there are few caves built underground. The winemakers’ “caves” are generally above ground. In traditional Burgundy style, these are modest in appearance, but anything but modest in the quality of the wines. So visitors move, with a river of like-minded wine lovers, from one winemaker to another. In addition to the six wines offered with the wine kit given at the entrance, there were 11 official places to have a tasting, with restaurants and bistros along the way as well. The March weather was exceptional in warmth this year, as was the atmosphere among the visitors as we enjoyed live music, a variety of artisans, and an exceptional array of food. The festival is usually the third weekend of January, so preparation for colder weather is often necessary.

Pro Tip: The festival can require a lot of walking, often in a crowd and on uneven village streets. Anyone with restricted mobility will need to investigate the location in any given year and think about how to manage these challenges. There will always be street cafés to provide a seat, and a glass, or bottle, of wine.

4. The Future

Burgundy is so rich in wine tradition and creation that each new year can, and does, create another special reason to come to this event. 

Following a year in exceptional white wine territory, the master of the Brotherhood of The Knights of Tastevin announced during the weekend of this year’s festival that 2023’s will be in Couchey (a village adjacent to Dijon) and will return to the traditional third weekend of January. 

So the Saint-Vincent Tournante Wine Festival turns to the northernmost village in the Côte de Nuit. Couchey has the special distinction of being the only village in Burgundy with the three colors of wine — white, rosé, and red — with AOC village labels of wine quality. From this northern head of Côte de Nuit, there is a tail of the best red wines in Burgundy, and some of the best pinot noir in the world. The name Côte de Nuit comes from that of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the southern edge of this magnificent beast, and in between we have ten other terroirs that should be known to all wine lovers. 

All of these villages connect geographically and in name, with the region this year (Côte de Beaune) being within what is called collectively the Côte d’Or, or the “Gold Coast” of wine. Worldwide, it is difficult to find a wine region more “golden” in quality, and in price, than the Côte d’Or. Selective, well-informed choices will leave you with wines that truly improve, tremendously, in quality and value with age. 

All of the wines of the Côte de Nuit are said to have “muscle and strength,” but they all, as well, age to a balance of velvety tannins and wonderful complexity. From the subtle, soft power of Marsannay wines, with possibilities of rosé, the wine offerings will add tannin, depth, and potential for aging as they move towards the south in Nuits-Saint-George. 

So next year we can look forward to the contrast of an extraordinary red wine region, adding a balance of rosé, with memories of the nectar of this year’s exceptional white wines. Each year we turn from one village to another in this Côte d’Or, a wine lover’s heaven. 

Pro Tip

There is so much here to enjoy, but be sure to take some home with you. For any wine buying in Burgundy, it is helpful to understand the specific wine quality categorization system of the region. This site will help you understand the differences between grands crus, premiers crus, and village and regional wines.

Imagine tasting the creations of some of the hottest restaurants in the country without making a reservation or waiting for a table. In cities from San Diego to New York, you can do just that at wonderful food and wine festivals.

In cities large and small across the country, food and wine festivals showcase the best cuisine and beverage options that communities have to offer.

After attending festivals in locations around the U.S., I am convinced that attending a food and wine festival is one of the most entertaining ways of immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine of a region.

Of course, entrance to the festivals can be a bit pricey — usually upwards of $100 per person, and more for VIP treatment. But when you consider that you have unlimited access to the Cajun flavors of New Orleans or the foodways of Southern Appalachia in Asheville, North Carolina, plus entertainment unique to the communities, it can start to sound like a bargain.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt to some of the festivals in 2020 and 2021, many of the popular events are back on in 2022 and 2023. 

From longtime community institutions to trendy upstarts, here are six of America’s best food and wine festivals, listed in order from January through November.

1. Key West Food & Wine Festival, Key West, Florida

January 

For 5 days in January, Florida’s southern island city of Key West showcases its diverse wines and inventive food scene at the Key West Food & Wine Festival. The festival comprises a series of unique events ranging from waterfront wine tastings to winemaker/chef collaborations.

The combination of a tropical setting and culinary creations brings thousands of visitors from around the country to the festival to escape the winter and delight their senses.

2. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, New Orleans, Louisiana

June 

From a parade-style Royal Street stroll that showcases fine art, live jazz, and outstanding wines, to a grand tasting event featuring foods served by New Orleans’s finest chefs, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has been delighting food and wine lovers for 30 years.

The grand tasting event takes place in the Sugar Mill venue, just across from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center near the Mississippi River in the historic Warehouse District, while the Royal Street stroll passes through New Orleans’s iconic French Quarter.

3. Taste Of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 

July

Unlike many of the other major U.S. food fests, Taste of Chicago doesn’t have an all-inclusive entrance price. Rather, admission is free, and visitors buy strips of tickets that they use to pay for food and drink samples.

The festival — known for regional favorites such as Chicago-style pizza, Polish sausages, hot dogs, pierogi, and barbecued turkey legs — also features live music on multiple stages, as well as carnival rides. It takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park along Lake Michigan.

Pro Tip: With its numerous menu items, Taste of Chicago can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. Veterans suggest getting a list of the offerings beforehand and deciding which ones you want to try.

4. Chow Chow, Asheville, North Carolina

June, August, September

Even its name conjures up a tasty treat. The Chow Chow culinary event series in Asheville, North Carolina, is named for the region’s traditional pickled slaw/relish that consists of colorful vegetables.

Like its namesake, Chow Chow’s offerings focus on the unique foodways of Southern Appalachia. The culinary event series promises to highlight all aspects of the supply chain, “from farmer to maker, mixologist to chef, brewer to baker, artist to potter.”

Pro Tip: Chow Chow tickets will go on sale on the website in mid-April, and the complete schedule of 2022 programming will be announced in tandem with ticket sales.

5. New York City Wine & Food Festival, New York, New York

October

For a star-studded affair that includes hundreds of chefs and dozens of events, head to New York City in October for the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival.

The festival got its start in 2007 with a one-night event and has since grown to an extravaganza that brings together some of the world’s greatest culinary talents. Events range from culinary demonstrations to intimate dinners to a grand tasting.

Pro Tip: Tickets are expected to go on sale on the event’s website during the summer.

6. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, San Diego, California 

November

If sailboats and sandy beaches sound like an irresistible backdrop for a food festival, then the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival should be on your November travel itinerary.

The weeklong festival features dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, and a grand tasting finale on San Diego’s scenic Embarcadero. The festival regularly attracts celebrity chefs, legendary winemakers, and James Beard Award-winning authors.

Pro Tip: While November might not seem like the most inviting time for an outdoor food festival, San Diego enjoys nearly year-round sunshine, and its average high temperature in November is 69 degrees. 

Other popular food and wine festivals were still in the planning phases early in 2022. Events to watch for dates and schedules include the Feast Portland festival, the Austin Food + Wine Festival, and Devour Phoenix.

For more food festivals that will pique your interest, be sure to check out these articles:

• 8 Best Seafood Festivals On The Gulf Coast
• 5 Unique German Festivals That Celebrate This Underappreciated Vegetable
• This May Be The Tastiest St. Augustine Festival In 2022 And It’s Happening Next Month

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world with massive parades, parties, and plenty of great food. People love celebrating their Irish heritage — even if they don’t have any Irish heritage.

In its country of origin, Saint Paddy’s Day isn’t just a day for partying and, ahem, over-imbibing. It’s an important holiday with a rich history, and should you find yourself in Dublin, Belfast, or any other Irish city, you should know what to expect.

Here are a few fast facts about Ireland’s most famous cultural export.

1. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day Is A National Holiday

March 17 is a bank holiday in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Schools are closed, as are some (but not all) businesses. Restaurants and bars may change their hours, but they generally remain open. In major Irish cities, businesses catering to tourists (pubs for example) may actually extend their hours to accommodate the influx of tourists.

2. Saint Patrick Wasn’t Actually Irish, But He Was An Important Part Of Irish History

Born in Britain, Patrick was taken by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland when he was 16 years old. He escaped from slavery 6 years later, sailing back to Britain and reuniting with his family. Around the second half of the 5th century, he returned to Ireland as a missionary.

Numerous apocryphal legends popped up around Saint Patrick over the next few centuries. The most popular held that he drove the snakes out of the country and taught the theology of the Holy Trinity by using a three-leaved shamrock.

Unfortunately, there’s not much historical evidence to support those tales. In any case, the saint’s efforts were extraordinarily successful: Today, 80 percent of Irish people identify as Roman Catholic.

3. You Can Visit The Places Saint Patrick Visited

Throughout Ireland, you’ll find a number of historic and religious sites where visitors can pay homage to Saint Patrick. Croagh Patrick (Patrick’s Mountain), or “The Reek“, as it is known locally, is perhaps the most famous example. Saint Patrick was said to have fasted at the top of the mountain for 40 days. In 1905, a tiny chapel was established nearby. Travelers from far and wide hike the 4.3-mile path to the summit to follow in Patrick’s footsteps (while getting fantastic views of the Atlantic Coast).

Saint Patrick built his first churches in Armagh, a city that is now the seat of both Catholic and Anglican archbishops in Ireland. Dublin also has a Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, constructed on the site of an ancient well that was supposedly used by Saint Patrick himself.

4. Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Are Simple

While the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day for more than 1,000 years, they didn’t always do so with parades. That tradition started in New York City, which held the first official Saint Paddy’s Day parade in 1762.

St. Patrick’s Day occurs during the Catholic season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and repentance. While Irish families would dance, drink, and feast during the holiday, the modern tradition of holding massive parties came from Irish-born settlers in the United States. Gradually, Ireland adopted the American attitude toward its national holiday, and today, Dublin holds a 4-day festival, which is similar in tone to the celebrations that Americans know.

5. Corned Beef Isn’t Generally Eaten On St. Patrick’s Day

On St. Patrick’s Day, Irish folk traditionally spend time with family, the same way that Americans do at barbecues on the Fourth of July. They eat hearty meals, but not corned beef; the true national dish is bacon and cabbage, which you can find at restaurants like Stag’s Head in Dublin.

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might have access to other Irish favorites like lamb stew, boxty (a type of potato cake), and smoked haddock. You can find corned beef in many restaurants since it’s becoming popular with younger Irish folk, but it’s not exactly a traditional comfort food.

6. People Wear Green, But Not Due To Superstition

Green is unquestionably the national color of Ireland, but that wasn’t always the case. Back in Saint Patrick’s time, the country’s flag was blue. That likely changed during the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641, when commander Owen Roe O’Neill led his men in a war against the English while flying a green flag with a harp. Centuries later, Irish immigrants brought their country’s flag to the U.S., and wearing green gradually became shorthand for Irish pride.

Travel in Ireland during St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll see plenty of green, and quite a few shamrocks symbolizing both national pride and Patrick’s religious devotion. However, you won’t find bars serving green drinks (unless those bars cater to American tourists). In fact, prior to the 1960s, Irish law prohibited bars from opening their doors on March 17, owing to the religious nature of the holiday.

Ireland is a stunning destination at any time of year, but St. Patrick’s Day is an especially great time to immerse yourself in Irish culture. If you’re hoping to party in the streets, you can certainly do so, but if you’re more interested in history, tradition, and culture, you can build a great itinerary to satisfy your curiosity.

Just remember to book your tickets early, since hotels fill up quickly during the first few weeks of March — oh, and wear something green. Hey, it never hurts.

Related Reading:

1. The 9 Biggest Surprises During Our Trip To Ireland
2. 7 Most Popular Road Trips In Ireland
3. Sean’s Bar Is The Oldest Pub In Ireland, And Possibly The World

The Seafood Festival in St. Augustine, Florida, has been an annual tradition for decades. Now, after a 2-year hiatus, the festival returns to St. Augustine with a new name: St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival.

“This is truly a community event and local Lions, whose motto is ‘We Serve,’ are able to raise the funds needed to fulfill our claim that ‘Where there is a need, there is a Lion,’” Dominic Mercurio, long-time festival chairman, said in a statement. “We invite everyone to join us because ‘We’re Havin’ Fun Now!’”

The St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival, which will be held March 26 and 27 this year, has been the primary fundraising event for the St. Augustine Lions Foundation every year since 1981. The proceeds from the event are used to fund charitable needs and services in the community, with a focus on youth, the deaf and blind, disaster relief, and veterans’ aid.

More than 28,000 people are expected to attend the Lions Spring Festival this year, Mercurio added.

A Historic Location

St. Augustine, located on Florida’s Historic Coast, is about 40 miles from Jacksonville. Often called “America’s Oldest City,” St. Augustine is in a section of Florida Juan Ponce de León claimed for Spain in 1513 while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. 

Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who later became Florida’s first Spanish Colonial Governor, founded St. Augustine in September 1565. He named the site St. Augustine because he first spotted it on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine, History.com explains.

St. Augustine is also home to Castillo de San Marcos, a fort built by the Spanish in 1672 to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. Castillo de San Marcos — the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. — is now a national monument managed by the National Park Service.

Fun For The Family

The St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival will be held Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27. On Saturday, the event’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., while on Sunday, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The main attraction, which is only fitting, is the food. As usual, vendors will offer traditional fish and shrimp, lobster rolls, and Cajun specialties. This year, however, other types of food will be offered as well.

In addition to the food and an “arts and crafts village,” live music also figures prominently in the event. Attendees can expect performances from jazz, Latin, country, folk, classic rock, Motown, and contemporary music acts.

Activities for kids include the chance to meet Disney characters Rapunzel, Mirabel, and the “Snow Queen,” as well as Sal the Lion mascot, and Spiderman. Rides and entertainment for kids include a mechanical bull, a climbing wall, giant slides, and bumper cars.

Know Before You Go

The St. Augustine Lions Spring Festival will be held at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine.

Admission, which covers event entry, live music, and family entertainment, is $5 for adults and free for children 15 and under. There are additional fees for food, beverages, and activities. All net profits go to charitable causes and individuals.

Free shuttle service will be offered both days. You can find more information about the shuttles, including their routes and schedules, here.

This is my fourth winter in Mazatlán since 2018 and I have been dazzled by its pre-Lent Carnival three times. Last year, however, I didn’t go because the event didn’t happen. 

So when it was announced last week that the Carnaval de Mazatlán would be held this year with the theme, “Lanao, El Viaje Continuar,” I was excited. The 124th season of one of the largest carnivals in the world, alongside the 10-day Rio and the single-day New Orleans, will take place from February 24–March 1. It’s a 6-day Mardi Gras of coronations, fireworks, concerts, games, parades, and parties celebrated along the 13-mile-long Malecon, the longest boardwalk in Latin America.

1. The Coronation Of The Carnival King

The first events will be the coronations of the Royal Carnival Family who will preside over the festivities: the king, the queens, and the child queen. These events are held at the Teodoro Mariscal Baseball Stadium with a capacity of 16,000 and feature lots of dancing, animated video effects, and epic fireworks.

From 1898–1928, the Carnival King was called the King of Madness, celebrating the satirical role kings sometimes play. From 1929–1964, the coronations were suspended. When the organizers brought back royalty into the Carnival, it became the King of Joy. This coronation will be held at 8 p.m. on February 24. It will be a fun and rowdy opening night followed by a huge concert.

2. The Coronation Of The Carnival Queens

The queens are chosen from among the winners of many beauty contests held all around Mazatlán. The winner is declared the Carnival Queen and the runner-up is the Queen of the Floral Games. People dress casually for the King’s Coronation but for the queens’ celebrations, they come out in their best party attire. The Carnival Queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. on February 26.

On the day before, a poetry and literature contest that started back in 1925 called the Floral Games, will be staged. It includes an award for the best literary work published in Mexico that year. Its name comes from the flowers originally given as prizes, but now, with the myriad of entries it receives, the literary awards have become very prestigious featuring many famous authors among past winners. The Queen of the Floral Games is crowned at 8 p.m.

3. The Burning Of Bad Humor And Naval Combat

Right after the Coronation of the Carnival Queen, an unusual event is held. The Burning of the Bad Humor is a Mexican tradition. A giant puppet that has been filled with firecrackers is hanged and then burned to banish something bad that is hovering over the city. Most of the time, it is of an unpopular public figure, but in 2020, it was coronavirus. The virus has not left us, however, so they may burn it again this year!

Immediately after, the most popular event of the week bursts onto the scene. Over 500,000 people congregate at Olas Atlas, the iconic golden beach of Mazatlán and the Carnival party zone at the southern end of the Malecon. An extravagant fireworks display will accompany “Naval Combat,” the reenactment of the battle between a French naval ship that tried to invade Mazatlán and the residents who fiercely fought back. The event has been the symbol of Mazatlecan valor and victory. This year, we are trying to arrange to watch it aboard a rented ferry boat. Others reserve spots on the roofs of hotels and condos.

4. The Carnival Parade

But, it is the Carnival Parade that highlights the week. About 300,000 people watch as it slowly travels along the Avenue del Mar that hugs the long boardwalk of the Malecon. Families stake out their spots early and carry their folding chairs and coolers on long walks from distant parking lots. In 2019, we watched from a raised platform built by the Hotel Hacienda. Our front row seats were a strategic spot from which I took pictures of the revelry late into the night. Others reserve a table at a high enough restaurant deck or book a night at one of the many hotels with balconies fronting the Malecon.

The parade leaves at about 4:30 p.m. from the Fishermen’s Monument going north to the famous Valentino’s, a stretch of 6.8 miles on the Malecon. A pre-parade will see participation from businesses like Pacifico tossing out freebies to the crowd. The main parade rolls out 30 minutes later. This year will see 30 (previously 40) elaborately decorated, themed floats, thousands of dancers, musicians, dancing horses, and present Carnival royalty. In the past few days, huge monigotes (creative stick men) have been quickly installed alongside the permanent Malecon monuments.

5. The Children’s Dance And The Child Queen Coronation

And the children will have their own day at the Carnival! At 10 a.m. on Monday, the Children’s Dance will be held at the Salon Spectaculare which fills up with eager little children dancing to the delight of family and friends. There are lots of awards and prizes for both choreography and costumes. At 6:30 p.m., the Coronation of the Child Queen, a tradition that started in 1921, will be held at the baseball stadium.

6. The Second Parade

On the last day, Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), a second parade marks the end. The parade flows along the same route, but immediately after, an epic party bursts and lasts long into the night. It is the last chance to party before the solemn observation of Lent begins. In this parade, which starts earlier at 4 p.m., everything is more casual, relaxed, and less crowded.

The Carnaval de Mazatlán encapsulates vibrant Mexican culture and history with an abundance of typical Mazatleco music and brass bands at every corner, festival food at every turn, and costumes and pageantry at every hour. During Carnival week, many, many more satellite events will occur all week long, everywhere, as the whole city is in party mode. It dazzles every year and 2022 will be the same!

Pro Tip: Carnival 2022 will be managed at 75 percent capacity in keeping with the Mexican COVID Traffic Light System which puts Mazatlán at “Code Yellow.” We have felt safe here. People stick to wearing masks not only indoors but even outdoors. Temperature-monitoring and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere.

For more to do near Mazatlán and surrounding Mexico:

• 4 Things To Know Before You Road Trip Through Mexico
• How To Spend A Perfect Long Weekend In Magnificent Mazatlán, Mexico
• The One Day Trip Not To Miss When You Visit Mazatlán, Mexico

It isn’t hyperbole when Panama City Beach touts itself as having “the world’s most beautiful beaches.” The city has 27 miles of sugar-white beaches outlined with the amazing emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay. 

The city and its incredible beaches have been a favorite destination for vacationers for as long as anyone can remember, offering fun and exciting outdoor adventure, award-winning dining, and some of the best music festivals in the country. 

When planning your trip to Panama City Beach, schedule your vacation around one of these toe-tapping, hand-clapping music festivals. 

1. Panama City Beach Mardi Gras And Music Festival

February 11-12 

Shouts of laissez les bon temps rouler (“let the good times roll”) pierce the evening air as revelers gather for the annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival. 

This 2-day family-friendly event is a joint party hosted by the city and Krewe of Domonique Youx’s mystic society at the Pier Park Shopping Mall and Aaron Bessant Park. 

The party kicks off on Friday with a float tour on Pier Park. This is your chance to get up close to the spectacular ornate floats that will be featured in the parade the following day and where masked riders will be tossing trinkets and goodies to the revelers who line the parade route. 

Friday is set aside for the kids with a children’s parade and fun zone with activities before the music fest kicks into high gear with an authentic Second Line Parade where you can dance down the street behind a wailing brass and drum combo followed by the music of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday is wall-to-wall music at both Aaron Bessant Park along the beaches of the Gulf and Celebration Stage at Pier Park featuring the music of the Swinging Medallions, the “rocking fiddler” Waylon Thibodeaux, and the great 60s group the Guess Who, bringing their big hits “These Eyes” and “American Woman” to the stage. 

The Krewe of Domonique Youx’s Mardi Gras Parade begins at 4:15 p.m. through Pier Park with the day ending at 7 p.m. with another fireworks display. 

Pro Tips

It helps if you come armed with the downloadable parade route map to help you navigate to the festival stages and for the best place to view the Mardi Gras parade. 

There is plenty of parking at Pier Park and best of all, you can do a little shopping while you’re there with over 124 stores and dozens of eateries ranging from quick snacks at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels to the country and downhome cooking (and honky tonk atmosphere) of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. 

2. Cajun Festival

April 18-24 

What could be better than a day of fun in the sun on the gleaming white beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf? How about strolling up to an open-air hangout for a frozen margarita? Now add to that a bit of foot-stomping Cajun music. 

That’s what you will find at Schooners. Known as Panama City Beach’s “last local beach bar,” the vibe at Schooner’s hasn’t changed much since it first opened in the 1960s. Located directly on the beach, the bar and restaurant hosts this 7-day festival that will have you shouting “aiyee!” 

Each day of the festival, Schooner’s celebrates Cajun culture with the spicy hot sounds of the Bayou Boys, the Zydeco Gents and Heat, and more Cajun bands. Of course, there is also incredible Cajun food including crawfish gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya. 

And if you can handle it, you could win a cash prize in the annual crawfish eating contest. Each contestant gets 3 pounds of the crustaceans, and the first one to finish wins. Think you have what it takes? Just don’t look them in the eyes. 

3. ParrotHead Rendezvous

April 21-24 

As the song says, oh, “the stories they could tell.” And that’s the theme for this year’s ParrotHead Rendezvous, a gathering of Jimmy Buffett fans (ParrotHeads) that is touted as the “best ParrotHead party north of Key West.” 

Each year, over 500 people flock to Sharkey’s on the beach, where you’re invited to bring your own cooler, rent a tent, and catch the Caribbean vibe with great Trop Rock music and musicians performing on the Rendezvous deck. 

The Friday and Saturday night events wrap up with a huge nighttime jam session. When you get hungry, Sharkey’s has some incredible dishes on their menu including Caribbean Nachos and Gator Bites (yes, real alligator) for appetizers and delicious main dishes like their highly recommended Mango Mahi Salad.

Pro Tips

Parking is extremely limited at Sharkey’s, but additional public parking is available only a few short yards north on the opposite side of Front Beach Road. 

4. Seabreeze Jazz Festival

April 20-24 

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is as cool and smooth as its name implies. For 5 days, top national and local smooth jazz artists take to the stages at Aaron Bessant Park right on the beach with those sea breezes making it even more extraordinary. 

Now entering its 23rd year, the festival has been rated one of the top 10 best jazz festivals in the country by JazzIZ Magazine. Each day the festival ends with an exciting all-star jam session. A highlight of the festival is the jazz brunch and dinner cruises aboard the Solaris Dinner Yacht, which takes you around the beautiful St. Andrews Bay with live jazz music filling the air from the open-air deck. 

The lineup of performers for the Seabreeze Festival is growing. Check the latest schedule online. There are many different ticket packages available running the gambit of prices. Visit the fest’s official website to purchase the package that’s right for you, but get them quick! The festival is wildly popular and some ticket packages are already sold out. 

Pro Tips

Front Beach Road, which runs parallel to the beach, is lined with affordable accommodations. Some offer discounts for festival attendees. Visit the Festival accommodations page online. 

5. Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam

June 2-5 

The biggest names in country music head to the Gulf for 3 days in June for the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. This year’s lineup includes Brooks and Dunn, Old Dominion, Florida-Georgia Line, and more.

It all happens at the Frank Brown Park Festival Site beginning Thursday night with a special kickoff concert. There are single night tickets available for the kickoff and 3-day tickets for the remainder of the festival. The 3-day pass includes admission to the Thursday kickoff. There are also discounted tickets for first responders and military, VIP seating, and more. Visit the festival’s website for ticket information. 

Pro Tip

Onsite parking is available at Frank Brown Park but it comes at a premium — $50 for general parking and $75 for platinum, which puts you closer to the main gate. You may want to consider riding one of the free shuttle buses. 

6. Summer Concert Series

Every Tuesday From June To August 

Rock and roll and the beach go hand in hand. Every Tuesday throughout the summer, Panama City Beach hosts its Summer Concert Series, and it’s not only rock music that’s featured. In fact, the concert series features an eclectic array of musical genres performed by some of the best singers and musicians in the area. 

Admission is free, so grab your cooler, pack a picnic dinner, stretch out a picnic blanket, or unfold the lawn chair and enjoy the show with its gorgeous backdrop – a Gulf Coast sunset. And your leashed pet is welcome, too.

Pro Tips

Getting to Panama City Beach is easy with non-stop flights to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport via Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines.

7. SandJam Music Festival

September 30-October 2 

Alternative rock takes center stage at the fourth annual SandJam Music Festival. And what a stage it is. All performances are directly on the white Panama City Beach with the crashing surf of the Gulf of Mexico in the background. 

The lineup for this year’s event hasn’t been announced yet, so keep an eye on the Panama City Beach website for updates and ticket information. 

8. Grand Lagoon Bloody Mary & Music Festival

November 4-5 

Grand Lagoon is a beautiful area of Panama City Beach that is known as the “epicenter of entertainment, adventure, and dining.” Each year, the Grand Lagoon hosts a variety of music and events including the Bloody Mary & Music Festival. 

Held at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort on Jan Cooley Drive, the festival celebrates the cocktail by pitting local bars and restaurants against each other to win the coveted “Big Tomato” award. 

Besides paying homage to the cocktail, the festival also features music by local entertainers. 

Pro Tips 

Leave plenty of time during your visit to Grand Lagoon to spend some time with Shell Island Shuttle. Shell Island offers dolphin cruises, kayak trips, and snorkeling in the stunningly clear bay at the St. Andrews State Park jetty.

For more on Panama City Beach, check out the following articles:

• 7 Reasons Panama City Beach Is Fun For The 50+ Crowd
• 6 Tasty Panama City Beach Food Festivals To Experience In 2022
• 6 Gorgeous Beaches To Visit On Florida’s Panhandle

Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, they’re all the same: the day before Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent. On this day, revelers let it all hang out for one grand party before beginning the 40 days of fasting and prayer before Easter. 

The question rages on to this day: Who held the first Mardi Gras in America? Was it New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama? It all depends on who you talk to and where they’re from. It’s safe to say that Mardi Gras as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without either one. Since they began celebrating Mardi Gras, the two cities expanded from a single day to 2 weeks long and created new traditions and rituals that each city shared with one another while keeping their own unique stamp on the party. 

Today, this festive time of year has spread across the South like wildfire, especially along the Gulf Coast, where the holiday was first celebrated. You can now see ornate paper-mache floats rolling down the streets with masked riders tossing trinkets of candy, Moon Pies, and those coveted and colorful beads in cities across the country.

Pick your city along the Gulf Coast and you’re sure to find a fun and festive celebration of the holiday. Laissez les bons temps rouler (“let the good times roll”) at one of these eight festive Gulf Coast Mardi Gras celebrations. 

1. Busch Gardens — Tampa, Florida

A fun celebration for the entire family takes place at one of the largest theme parks in Florida, Busch Gardens, but instead of celebrating for just 2 weeks – and to avoid the perpetual question everyone asks of “when is Mardi Gras this year?” – they celebrate from January through March. That should cover it. 

The park’s restaurants serve up traditional New Orleans beignets and spicy Cajun cuisine such as jambalaya and gumbo. Parades roll down the streets with brass bands blaring music that will make you want to dance. Just watch out for those flying beads. 

Pro Tips

• Mardi Gras celebrations take place on weekends, Friday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. 
• Busch Gardens offers a variety of ticket packages suitable for any budget. 

2. St. Andrews Mardi Gras — Panama City, Florida

Each year, over 50,000 people flock to the historic St. Andrew Bay on the Florida panhandle for the annual 3-day Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras celebration. 

Over 30 colorful floats and 14 krewes (or mystic societies) take to the streets for a lively party that is filled with music, food, and fun. Oh, and lots of beads and doubloons. 

The family-oriented celebration begins Friday at 4 p.m. with a festival that lasts the entire weekend and is crammed wall-to-wall with music, food, and activities for young and old including a kid’s parade. 

The main parade takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m. On Sunday, bring your pet dressed in their festive Mardi Gras colors for the pet parade. 

Pro Tips

• Parking is always a challenge during any Mardi Gras celebration, but at St. Andrews, you can reserve a spot close to the actions – though it will cost you. 
• For the best view of the parade, consider purchasing a VIP ticket that includes exclusive catering, a private bar, and more.

3. Panama City Beach Mardi Gras And Music Festival — Panama City Beach, Florida

The Krewe of Domonique Youx’s mystic society and the city of Panama City Beach let the good times roll with their annual Mardi Gras and Music Festival that is staged at the Pier Park Shopping Mall and Aaron Bessant Park. 

The party is a 2-day family-friendly event that kicks off on Friday with a float tour on Pier Park. It’s a chance to get up close to the spectacular ornate floats that will be featured in the parade the following day. 

Friday is a day for the kids with a children’s parade and fun zone packed with activities before the music fest swings into high gear with bands and an authentic Second Line Parade where you can dance down the street behind a wailing brass and drum combo. 

The following day along the shimmering white beaches of the Gulf, the Celebration Stage at Pier Park gets rocking with non-stop music followed by the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s Mardi Gras Parade through Pier Park. It all culminates at dusk with a gigantic fireworks spectacular. 

Pro Tip

Be sure to download the parade route map. It will help you navigate to the festival stages and find the best place to view the Mardi Gras parade.

4. Mobile’s Eastern Shore Mardi Gras – Daphne And Fairhope, Alabama 

Mardi Gras madness spills over across the bay from the city dubbed the “Mother of Mystics” (Mobile) to the towns Daphne and Fairhope – who continue the revelry with their own 2-week celebration with parades and gala balls. 

Both towns have several mystic societies including the Maids of Jubilee, Apollo’s Mystic Ladies, and the granddaddy of them all on this side of the bay, the Knights of Ecor Rouge, who roll elaborate parades to the delight of revelers lining the streets shouting, “throw me something, mister!” in hopes of snagging some trinkets. 

One highlight of the Eastern Shore celebration is the Mystic Mutts of Revelry, one of the first parades created especially for pets and their owners where they can dress up in costumes and parade through the streets of Fairhope. There is a small fee to join the parade, but all proceeds help the Haven, one of Baldwin County’s no-kill animal shelters. 

Pro Tips

• The latest parade schedules and routes can be found online. 
• A good source for all information on Mardi Gras madness in the Mobile area is the Mobile Mask website. 
• And while you are in the area, head across the bay to Mobile to visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to learn of the history of Fat Tuesday celebrations and view spectacular trains worn by past Mardi Gras queens. 

5. Dauphin Island Mardi Gras — Dauphin Island, Alabama

Alabama’s barrier island, Dauphin Island, joins in on the fun by hosting the first Mardi Gras parade of the season on the Alabama Gulf Coast 2 weeks before the Mobile celebration begins. 

The first is hosted by the Krewe de la Dauphine and rolls down the island’s main street the Saturday 2 weeks before the Mobile celebration. 

The following Saturday, it’s the People’s Parade, during which everyone gets to join in the fun and experience what it’s like to be in a Mardi Gras parade. If you’re really ambitious, you can create your own float for the procession. 

Pro Tip

There are two ways onto the island. One is via the Dauphin Island Bridge, but the best way is by taking the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan across Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island. The ferry departs about every 45 minutes (one way) and you can drive or walk on.

6. Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras – Lake Charles, Louisiana 

Of course, the biggest and most popular Mardi Gras celebration happens each year in the Crescent City, New Orleans. If want to experience an authentic NOLA parade without the crowds, then check out the Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration in nearby Lake Charles. 

The city is serious about their Mardi Gras starting the celebration 2 months before Fat Tuesday!

Put on your tux and ball gowns, grab a mask, and get your tickets for one of the many Mardi Gras balls that dot the city’s calendar. Sample some of the best gumbo in Louisiana at the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off, and of course, grab a spot for one of many, and I mean many, parades that take to the streets throughout the celebration. 

Pro Tip

Lake Charles has a spectacular Mardi Gras exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum that you need to check out while in the area. The exhibit features displays of gowns, costumes, krewe banners, and more. Each year, the museum hosts an open reception for the public with free admission to view the display. Visit their website for details. 

7. Mardi Gras Galveston — Galveston, Texas

For over 110 years, the city of Galveston has been celebrating Mardi Gras with a flair that’s all its own but with traditional New Orleans’ style. 

Over 15 traditional Mardi Gras parades put on by local mystic societies roll down the streets during the 2-week celebration, but Galveston adds some unique and fun parade twists of their own to the mix like the Zaniest Golf Cart Parade, the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade for pets, a fire truck parade, a Jeep parade, and the Funky Uptown Umbrella Parade. 

The Sunday before Fat Tuesday, the atmosphere turns Latin with Fiesta Gras! Non-stop Latin music fills the air from the day’s two parades and a central stage. 

Pro Tips

• Tickets are required for Fiesta Gras! The best view of the parades – and best parties – are in the balconies that line the parade route. Get a ticket and party with your friends. The balconies offer cash bars, music, and a guaranteed good time.
• After a night of celebration, you will probably want to spend the night. Many local hotels offer special Mardi Gras packages.

8. Beaumont Mardi Gras — Beaumont, Texas

The town of Beaumont near the Louisiana state line knows how to let the good times roll with their annual Mardi Gras weekend. Actually, it’s more than that — it’s four days packed with fun, folly, music, and merriment. 

The family-friendly celebration kicks off the Thursday before Fat Tuesday. Throughout the weekend, two stages will be rocking downtown Beaumont with local and national musicians and bands while revelers line the streets for throws during one of the twelve parades.

Besides the traditional mystic society parades, there is a motorcycle showcase parade, a parade for the kids and pets, and an umbrella parade. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing carnival food that adds to the festive atmosphere.

Pro Tips

Hours for Mardi Gras Beaumont are Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, Friday 6 p.m.– midnight, Saturday noon–midnight, and Sunday noon–8 p.m. The parades, concessions, and kid’s activities are free, but you will need to purchase a wristband for the concert stages and carnival rides.

Spain is known for numerous fiestas (festivals) all year long, but the most raucous and outrageous is beyond doubt the carnival that has the entire country, from North to South, in an 11-day long party. The dates vary from year to year depending on the date of Easter but are generally held in February or March. In 2022, the beginning of carnival is early — that is to say in February. The origins of this festivity of drinking, dancing, parades, humor, masks, parodies, and music are thought to date back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia. In Christian times, the weeks of carnival mark a period of uninhibited indulgence and celebrations before the fasting of lent.

Carnival in Spain is especially diverse and colorful as each region has its own traditions that are strictly adhered to and the preparations for the elaborate costumes, floats, and parades begin long before the start of carnival. Carnival is not only for spectators, just don any kind of costume, mask, or headdress and merrily join in the fun. Don’t expect much sleep though; the celebrations go on day and night.

Here are the 11 most popular, spectacular, and famous carnivals in Spain.

1. Carnival In Aguilas, Murcia

Murcia in southeast Spain is the capital of the province of the same name, located near the Mediterranean Costa Calida. It’s often referred to as the Garden of Europe due to its abundance of fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The carnival in Aguilas is famous for its colorful parades (where the flowers play a great part), competitions for the best costumes, and two local carnival traditions: the throwing of eggshells filled with confetti and the consumption of a ‘magic drink’ called cuerva, made from wine and lemon which supposedly enhances the carnival spirit.

2. Carnival In Cadiz

The port town of Cadiz in Andalusia celebrates a much larger carnival than some others in Spain. It’s basically an 11-day street party with parades and floats prepared by the several carnival societies of the city. They are also the ones that perform a special tradition of Cadiz carnival: groups with musical instruments that roam the streets, singing songs full of irony and political criticism. They are called comparsas, coros, and chiringotes and they represent the music and parody aspect of Spanish carnival. Again, this is a carnival where everybody joins in the fun.

3. Entroido In Xinzo De Limia, Galicia

Xinzo de Limia is a small town approximately 30 miles from Ourense in Spain’s northern province of Galicia. Whereas many carnivals in Spain have a distinctly Brazilian feel to them, Xinzo de Limas is very different. Galicia is a land of legends of witches and the devil, and that is reflected in the main characters and traditions of this carnival. It’s also the longest in Spain, beginning on Fareleiro Sunday, three weeks before Carnival Sunday, and ending on Piñata Sunday. So, as you can see, it’s much longer than the usual 11 days.

The devil comes into play in the form of characters called pantallas. They represent the devil and open every event of the carnival. Wearing frightful masks, bells on their belt, and filled pigs bladders in their hand, they make a lot of noise as they roam the streets and their main task is to make sure that everybody is wearing carnival costumes — be they local or not. If they catch someone who doesn’t, he is dragged off to the nearest bar where he is punished by having to buy several rounds of drinks. Another opening ceremony is a mock battle between all of the town’s population where they get covered in flour as ammunition. And finally, on yet another occasion, water is thrown from earthen pots on the crowd below until someone falls, totally soaked on the floor. There are floats and parades too, the most important on carnival Tuesday. If you plan to visit this carnival, just make sure you don’t venture out without a mask or costume and be prepared to be either drenched with water or powdered with flour.

4. Carnival In Santa Cruz De Tenerife

If you can’t make it to Rio, head for 11 days of unabashed music, flamboyance, and luxury in Santa Cruz, the capital of the Canary island of Tenerife. Known around the world as the most Brazilian carnival in Spain, be blown away by the sheer extravagance of the costumes, sequins, plumes, and bouncing headdresses. All of these beauties in their fineries (some barely there) have one goal: to win the coveted title of Carnival Queen. Guys participate too, although there is no title of Carnival Prince to be won.

5. Carnival Las Palmas Gran Canaria

This carnival is a great competitor for popularity in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s also the oldest that has been celebrated since the 16th century. Highlights of this carnival are the Gala of the Queen and, since 1998, the Gala of the Drag Queen. After a preselection, the Drag Queen candidates perform on a stage erected over the Santa Catalina Park.

In between there are parades, music, dance performances, and a cabalgata, or a “horse parade.” You’ll also encounter murgas, groups of friends singing humorous or ironic songs at all hours.

6. Carnival In Sitges, Barcelona

Approximately half an hour from Barcelona lies the lively seaside town of Sitges. It is well known as a popular holiday location for the LGBT community and the colorful carnival reflects that. It lasts from February 11–17, but this year, due to COVID, much of the entertainment is virtual. The Rio-style carnival of Sitges attracts over 2,000 participants and 50 floats, parading through the streets. The two most important parades are called Extermination and Debauchery. The end of carnival is marked by another ritual: the Burying of the Sardine. It’s a mock funeral procession where a huge symbolic figure in the shape of a sardine is carried at the head of the parade and burnt to symbolize the death of all the fun and excesses before the severity of lent begins.

7. La Palma TBC White Party

The Canary island of La Palma, that has recently made headlines because of a massive volcano eruption, is nevertheless defying the misery that catastrophe brought and making preparations for their very special carnival. Whereas all other carnivals in Spain are dominated by color, the Parade of Los Indianos is a vision of white. Held on February 24 and also known as the TBC White Party, ladies dress in elegant white dresses and men wear white linen suits, topped with white straw hats. The streets are resounding with Caribbean music. The history behind this all-white carnival is the reenactment of immigrants who have returned from Cuba.

8. Carnival In Aviles, Asturias

The city of Aviles in Asturias has a well preserved medieval center that becomes the focus of its carnival. The city center is transformed by parades and “disguises” such as covering statues and monuments in foam. People walk around wearing full face masks and half of the fun is guessing who might be hidden behind the mask. Bars and restaurants are also covering up their facades. The last 3 days of carnival have a gastronomic focus. Asturias is famous for its delicious and hearty food, among them the white beans dish called fabada, so it’s no surprise that food is an essential part of the carnival celebrations.

9. Castell Platja D’Aro, Catalonia

Platja d’Aro is located on the Northeast Coast of Catalonia and is a rather small village with pristine beaches, churches, and other monuments. Small it may be, but come carnival, celebrated between February 15 and 26, the picture changes. It’s one of Spain’s larger carnivals with no less than 4,000 musicians and 70 local groups, called comparsas, who exhibit their colorful costumes and themes in over 50 floats. Nearly 500,000 visitors come to the carnival of Platja d’ Aro every year to celebrate.

10. Carnival In Verin, Galicia

Verin is not far from Xinzo de Lima and the carnival of Verin has a few of the same features and traditions, as Galicia is very different from the carnivals in other regions of Spain. The festivities begin on Corredeira Sunday with fireworks and the first groups of masked men called cigarrones roam the town and encourage everybody to wear masks and costumes with bells and whistles. In the evening, a masked ball is held in Plaza Mayor and Thursday is women’s day. The women of Verin leave the men at home, dress up in their costumes and masks, parade around Verin, and go out for dinner. On the other days, floats are paraded around town and a lot of music, dancing, and entertainment takes place until at night when another ball ends the carnival. There are also flour fights.

11. Carnival In Madrid

Spain’s capital, Madrid, is of course a huge city with many districts and each one has their own traditions and celebrations. Carnival in Madrid lasts from February 12–17 and has a great resemblance to the carnival in Venice. The emphasis is on the elaborate costumes and masks with brocade, velvet, and silk very much in evidence and much less “flesh” on show than in the other Brazilian-style carnivals. The highlight is the Parade of Buffoons that also features ironic songs and court jesters.

Pro Tip: Whichever of the many carnivals in Spain you might choose to visit, always remember that it is essential not to be a spectator but a participant. If you don’t, you might even get punished like in Xinzo deLima, Galicia.

If you’re visiting Spain for carnival, be sure to check out these destinations:

• 9 Treasures To Discover In The Medieval City Of Avila, Spain
• This Tiny Village Is One Of The Most Photographed Places In Spain
• 9 Best Tapas Restaurants And Bars In Seville, Spain

The Gulf Coast is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only does it boast some of the finest beaches in the country rimmed with the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but just a short distance inland, you will find dark and mysterious swamps and bayous and maritime wetlands and forests. 

This unique combination of environments makes the Gulf Coast an incredible destination for birders, with a multitude of species either calling the area home or migrating there in spring and fall. To celebrate the birds that call the Gulf Coast home, many of the towns along the coast have created annual festivals that are sure to please not only the diehard bird watcher but outdoor lovers as well. 

Here are seven of the best festivals you should check out this year. 

1. Birdiest Festival in America — Corpus Christi, Texas 

We begin our trip around the crescent of the Gulf of Mexico in Corpus Christi, Texas, where the residents lay claim to having the Birdiest Festival in America. 

The festival begins the third Wednesday in April and runs a full five days. Each day is crammed with fun and informative presentations by professional ornithologists and is highlighted with demonstrations by the Raptor Project. They bring their flock of non-releasable hawks, falcons, and owls and put on a stupendous show. 

The main attraction to this festival are its many, and I mean many, outdoor adventures to nearby sites, where birders of all stripes can check a species or two off their list. In 2021, organizers said that attendees were able to view 314 species of birds, including the rare and endangered whooping crane. 

There are so many events and trips planned, it’s impossible to list them all here. Visit the festival’s schedule page for the lineup. 

Pro Tips

The home base for the festival is the South Texas Botanical Gardens. There is a registration fee to attend, then each field trip has a separate fee. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets and field trip reservations in advance online. 

If you can’t get enough of the festival, there are special pre and post-festival tours available. 

2. Whooping Crane Festival — Port Aransas, Texas 

A trumpet-like call that can be heard for several miles heralds the arrival of whooping cranes to Port Aransas, Texas. 

Whooping cranes, or whoopers, are an endangered species of bird. In fact, their numbers declined to only 15 in 1941, but strict laws protecting the bird have seen a gradual increase in numbers. There are now over 100. 

Whooping cranes spend their summers in Canada but migrate to Port Aransas to spend the winter and spring. To celebrate their return, the city holds the annual Whooping Crane Festival. The four-day event begins on the fourth Thursday of February with a schedule that is packed with presentations by authors and ornithologists, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to view these beautiful and rare birds in the wild. 

But the weekend isn’t only about the whoopers. Daily tours are offered to do a little birding and to watch dolphins at play in the Gulf. 

Pro Tips

Be sure to visit the festival’s Host Hotel webpage, where you can score some great deals on accommodations while you’re in Port Aransas for the fest. 

3. Galveston Feather Fest — Galveston, Texas 

Any time of year is a wonderful time to visit Galveston, Texas. The barrier island has been described as being “trapped in time.” Many of the streets are lined with row after row of beautifully restored historic homes. And, of course, there is that spectacular beach. 

In spring, the island welcomes birders for the annual Galveston Feather Fest. This four-day event begins the third Thursday of April, and again, it is packed wall-to-wall with birding and photography field trips, birding and photography workshops, and evening socials. 

Pro Tips

Field trips are priced individually and can be purchased online. Find the field trips you would like to attend, and register as soon as possible to secure a spot. You can elect to be placed on a waitlist so that if a trip is full, you will be notified when a spot opens. 

4. Eagle Expo — Morgan City, Louisiana 

The largest overflow swamp in America, Atchafalaya Basin in Morgan City, Louisiana, is the home of one of the most majestic birds in North America: the American bald eagle. For four days beginning the third Thursday in February, the town of Morgan City opens its doors to visitors to celebrate the eagle with their annual Eagle Expo. 

Several boat tours are scheduled to the basin and Bayou Long to view the eagle as it soars through the deep blue Cajun sky. In past years, attendees viewed over 60 eagles. 

Other field trips scattered throughout the weekend take you to the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge and other properties in the area, where you will see an amazing array of species that includes white pelicans, great egrets, red-shouldered hawks. The list goes on and on. 

The weekend begins with a special presentation at the Patterson Civic Center Thursday night, then the kickoff Friday Night Social at the Lake End Park and Campground, where you can meet other like-minded birdwatchers while enjoying beverages and snacks. 

Tickets can be purchased online. 

Pro Tip

Morgan City has incredible restaurants you should visit while in town. Two favorites are the Atchafalaya Café, which serves up delicious Cajun seafood (try the Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits), and Rita Mae’s Kitchen, which has been cooking up warming Southern comfort food since 1957. 

5. Great Louisiana Birdfest — St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana 

Staying in Louisiana, we make our way two hours west of Morgan City, crossing Lake Pontchartrain to St. Tammany Parish and the annual Great Louisiana Birdfest. 

Birders will tell you that the parish is a hot spot for birding, with over 1 million birds migrating in each spring. It’s not unusual for attendees of the Birdfest to spot over 150 distinct species. 

The event takes place the last weekend of March and runs through the following Monday. The festival hosts two birding workshops the Saturday of the event and one on Sunday. The bulk of the weekend is filled with field trips to a variety of different habitats where you may catch loons, brown pelicans, several species of bitterns, ibis, and more. 

Tickets range from $5 to $45. You are encouraged to contact the festival host, the Northlake Nature Center, for ticket details and schedule. 

Pro Tips 

Unlike the other birding festivals mentioned that offer rides via tour bus or van to a field trip, the trips of this festival are self-drive. You will meet at a central location and caravan to the site. Contact the Northlake Nature Center for more information. 

Make sure to set aside some time to explore the nature center. The center has just over 3.5 miles of easy walking trails that lead to beautiful views of Bayou Castine and Savanna Lake. 

6. Alabama Coastal Birding Festival — Spanish Fort, Alabama 

One of the largest birding festivals on the Gulf is held the last weekend of September along the banks of Mobile Bay: the Alabama Coastal Birdfest. 

Each year, thousands of people flock (no pun intended) to the state-run 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, which acts as the home base for the 4-day event to experience the incredible number of species that either call the area their permanent home or migrate to it each year. 

Highlights of the event include a full schedule of workshops on basic birding, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your home garden, photography, and even how to choose and plan national and international birding adventures. 

Then there are the field trips that take you to the mudflats of Blakeley Island, the transitional maritime forest and snowy white beaches of the Gulf at the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores, and a unique adventure into “America’s Amazon,” the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. 

A portion of the proceeds from the event helps preserve and protect this amazing, fertile environment. 

As of this writing, ticket information was not available, but as with all birding festivals, there will be a separate registration fee for each field trip. Contact the South Alabama Land Trust for the latest information on tickets and schedule.

Pro Tips 

While attending the festival, be sure to visit the many nearby historic attractions, including the battleship USS Alabama, the History Museum of Mobile, and the Mobile Carnival Museum that traces the history of Mardi Gras in America.

7. Festival of Birds — Naples, Florida 

While most birding festivals are only a few days long, the Festival of the Birds in Naples, Florida, takes up a full month.

The event is now a hybrid festival with both online presentations and workshops and in-person field trips to some of Florida’s amazing preserves, including Big Cypress, Bunche Beach, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Pro Tips

Tickets to the event are around $45, but additional fees for the field trips may apply.

Further Reading:

• 11 Tips For Planning The Best Birding Trip
• 10 Fantastic Birding Trails In Alabama
• 7 Aquariums To Visit Along The Gulf Coast
• 9 Interesting Places to Experience Maritime History On The Gulf Coast

State fairs mean fried everything, dizzying rides, cotton candy, demolition derbies, beauty pageants, live entertainment, and more. Whether you’re looking forward to your state’s fair or you plan to travel to a faraway fair, we’ve rounded up a complete list of state fairs happening in 2022. If your state fair’s dates aren’t listed yet, don’t hesitate to bookmark this page as we will update it regularly!

Fun Fairs Ahead: The Complete 2022 State Fairs List

Alabama National Fair, Montgomery, October 7-16

Alaska State Fair, Palmer, August 19 to September 5

Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, October 1-30

Arkansas State Fair, Little Rock, October 14-23

California State Fair, Sacramento, July 15-31

Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, August 26 to September 5

Connecticut Fairs, multiple cities, click through to see dates

Delaware State Fair, Harrington, July 21-30

Make sure you’re prepared before you go!

Florida State Fair, Tampa, February 10-21

Georgia National Fair, Perry, October 6-16

Idaho State Fair, Boise, August 19-21

Illinois State Fair, Springfield, August 11-21

Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, July 29 to August 21

Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, August 11-21

Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson, September 9-18

Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, August 18-28

Louisiana State Fair, Shreveport, October 27 to November 13

Maine State Fair, Bangor, TBD

Maine State Fair, Skowhegan, August 11-20

Maryland State Fair, Lutherville-Timonium, August 25 to September 11

Massachusetts State Fair, West Springfield, September 16 to October 2

Michigan State Fair, Novi, September 1-5

Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul, August 25 to September 5

Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, October 5-17

Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, August 11-21

Montana State Fair, Great Falls, TBD

Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island, August 26 to September 5

New Hampshire State Fair, Contoocook, September 1-5

New Jersey State Fair, Augusta, August 5-13

New Mexico State Fair, Albuquerque, September 8-18

New York State Fair, Syracuse, August 24 to September 5

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, October 13-23

North Dakota State Fair, Minot, July 22-30

Ohio State Fair, Columbus, July 27 to August 7

Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City, September 15-25

Oregon State Fair, Salem, August 26 to September 5

Pennsylvania Fairs, multiple dates and locations

South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, October 12-23

South Dakota State Fair, Huron, September 1-5

Tennessee State Fair, Nashville, September 18-27

Texas State Fair, Dallas, September 30 to October 23

Utah State Fair, Salt Lake City, September 8-18

Vermont State Fair, Rutland, August 16-20

Virginia State Fair, Doswell, September 23 to October 2

Washington State Fair, Puyallup, September 2-25

West Virginia State Fair, Lewisburg, August 11-20

Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, August 4-14

Wyoming State Fair, Douglas, August 16-20

Want more here? Don’t miss our best spring, summer, fall, winter, and holiday travel advice here.

Think about what makes Austin, Texas, such a great place to visit. Texas-style barbecue comes to mind, as do live music, rollicking honky-tonks, sprawling South Congress Avenue, and pretty Lady Bird Lake — just to name a few.

As winter weather approaches, here’s another wonderful thing about the Lone Star State’s capital city: Most of Austin’s attractions are just as great in the winter as they are during the more popular spring, summer, and fall seasons — only with fewer people, milder temperatures, and lower prices. Add in the warm glow of the holidays, and a wintertime visit to Austin is sounding pretty amazing.

Although Austin’s weather can get hot and steamy from May through September, the winter months are all but guaranteed to be mild. But that doesn’t mean cold: Austin’s average high temperatures in December are in the mid-60s.

January highs drop to the high 50s, but the temps go back to the mid-60s in February. And Austin’s winter lows rarely go below freezing.

That means that outdoor dining is still a possibility on a warm December afternoon, and the evenings are sure to be briskly cool while you soak up Austin’s epic Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks over the lake.

So, while the hot-weather months get much of the attention, Austin is actually a classic year-round destination.

Here are some of the best things to do in Austin during the winter.

Stroll Down The Main Street Of Texas

Austin’s Congress Avenue is a must-visit at any time of the year, but a winter walk down the street nicknamed “the Main Street of Texas” has a few things going for it.

For one, the crowds that regularly form on the Congress Avenue Bridge (also known as the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge) are much smaller.

You probably won’t see the famous Mexican free-tailed bats that call the bridge home from spring until fall, but a morning or afternoon visit will still yield a wonderful view of the sparkling Lady Bird Lake. Or, go in the evening to take in a pastel-hued Texas sunset.

On a winter visit to Congress Avenue, you’ll see the city’s 45-foot-tall Christmas tree near the Texas State Capitol. The stately building is visible for blocks on Congress Avenue, and during the holidays, the tree takes center stage with its thousands of LED lights, synchronized holiday music, and snowflake globe at the top.

While you’re on Congress Avenue, don’t forget to head south a mile or two to the lively section of Austin known as South Congress. There, you’ll find everything from Austin’s vaunted Tex-Mex cuisine (think spicy, smooth queso dip and beef al carbon street tacos) at Güero’s Taco Bar to handcrafted Mexican vanilla ice cream at Amy’s to virtually any cowboy boots your heart could desire at Allens Boots.

Try Some Texas Barbecue At Salt Lick

Restaurants serving barbecued brisket are numerous in Austin, with world-class spots available all over the city.

But for a unique dining experience, head to Salt Lick BBQ. There, the long-time owners serve a generations-old recipe that has roots in Mississippi but was “Texified” over the decades with chili, cumin, and cayenne. With a splash of Japanese influence thrown in, Salt Lick offers a winning spicy, sweet, and smoky combination.

Located about 30 minutes southwest of Austin, Salt Lick occupies a series of rustic rock-and-wood ranch buildings filled with rows of gingham-clad tables and massive barbecue pits. Even in the early winter, green grassy areas and leafy trees surround the buildings.

The menus feature everything from fire-roasted brisket and sausage to rich pecan pie and peach cobbler à la mode.

With its on-site store and long lines of customers, Salt Lick can feel a bit touristy. But the food and atmosphere more than deliver.

Two-Step At Broken Spoke

Neon beer signs decorate the walls, the ceiling is low and sloping in places, and the seating is of the folding-chair variety. But once the band starts playing “Cotton Eye Joe” or “Folsom Prison Blues,” the dance floor fills with smiling two-stepping couples and rows of line dancers.

Broken Spoke on Austin’s South Lamar Boulevard is known as “Honky-Tonk Heaven” for a reason. Country-music lovers flock to the vintage dance hall for a taste of old-time Austin.

With its quality live music and skilled dancers, Broken Spoke is the perfect spot to while away a cool winter night in Austin.

Score Last-Minute Gifts At The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

If you like your holiday shopping with a bit of local atmosphere, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is the place to head in Austin.

Starting in about mid-December, the bazaar provides a festive spot to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts. Along with an impressive assortment of local art, the bazaar features nonstop entertainment and a variety of dining options.

Tip: For the true procrastinators, the bazaar stays open through Christmas Eve.

Walk The Austin Trail Of Lights

Now in its 57th year, the Austin Trail of Lights is a true Austin holiday tradition.

Located in the city’s beloved Zilker Park, the two-week extravaganza features more than two million twinkling lights, dozens of food trucks, and multiple entertainment stages.

The Trail of Lights website notes that the annual tradition celebrates “the quirky, independent character that Austin is recognized for across the country.”

Take In A Show

Yes, Austin has theater, too. For more than eight decades, some version of the ZACH Theatre has been bringing professional productions to the stage in Austin, making it the longest continuously running theater company in Texas.

During the holidays, the ZACH brings to life the enduring holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.

The production begins in late November and runs through early January. It is billed as “Austin’s most rockin’ holiday tradition,” and promises new music and surprises this year as it takes audiences along on Ebenezer Scrooge’s “joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.”

Visit The Magnolia Market

Of course, it’s not actually located in Austin, but at just 1 hour and 30 minutes or so away in Waco, Texas, Chip and Joanna Gaines’s Magnolia Market at the Silos makes for a great day trip.

The former hosts of HGTV’s Fixer Upper converted the iconic Waco silos into a bustling market that offers an array of charming household items. The market is especially enticing during the Christmas season, when holiday-themed dinnerware and ornaments are displayed alongside the scented candles and decorative pillows.

Enjoy Some Solitude At Barton Springs

Known largely for its 3-acre pool fed by spring water, the Barton Springs area can become clogged in the summer months with crowds seeking a cool respite from Austin’s piping-hot temperatures.

But the recreational area is a whole different scene in the winter: no crowds, just water gurgling softy over boulders.

Head to the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt for a peaceful walk that can feel like the middle of nowhere during the winter months.

Austin might not be the first place you think of when planning your winter getaway. But the heart of Texas beats with a fun and quirky rhythm regardless of the season.

Planning a trip to Austin? Check out these cool and unusual things to do in the area, and don’t miss the gorgeous Hamilton Pool nearby.

As sporting events and music festivals begin to ramp back up, travelers are starting to think outside the box when it comes to accommodations. Staying in an RV means you never have to leave the action. Forget about driving, parking, or attempting to summon a rideshare at the same time as everyone else. You also have your very own bathroom, so you don’t have to line up for public restrooms or port-a-potties! Plus, having a kitchen means you can make your own meals instead of dropping $20 on mediocre chicken nuggets.

RVshare, the largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace in the world, recently released its 2022 Travel Trend Report in which more than half of respondents said they’re “very or even 100 percent likely to choose an RV over other accommodations when attending music, food, or another multi-day festival event, including a sporting event or game.” Eighty percent said they are at least “somewhat” likely to stay in an RV when attending these types of events.

Don’t know the first thing about RVing? With RVshare’s drop-off option, you don’t even have to worry about getting the RV to the event. Whether you’re tailgating at the big game or camping at a music festival, RVshare will deliver your camper to the destination for you, so all you have to do is relax and have fun! Here are the top five events to bring an RV to in 2022.

1. Georgia National Fair

Perry, Georgia

Half an hour south of Macon, Georgia, the Georgia National Fairgrounds is home to the annual Georgia National Fair. This year, the fair takes place on October 6-16, 2022. In addition to rides, the Georgia National Fair features all your favorite fair foods, arts and crafts, tons of free entertainment (including free concerts), and more! Make a weekend out of it and reserve an RV spot. Throughout the year, the fairgrounds also hosts concerts, horse shows, dog shows, livestock shows, and rodeos, including the Georgia National Rodeo.

2. DAYTONA 500

Daytona Beach, Florida

Devoted race fans from all over the world descend upon the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach for NASCAR’s opening event, the DAYTONA 500. The 64th annual DAYTONA 500 will take place on Sunday, February 20, 2022. There’s no way to experience the World Center of Racing like camping in the 180-acre infield, surrounded by the famous 31-degree banked turns. While you’re in town, you can explore Daytona Beach, one of our favorite Florida beaches.

3. Burning Man

Black Rock Desert, Nevada

Black Rock City draws a large crowd of RVers because camping is the only lodging option at Burning Man. Don’t call it a festival — the “annual experiment in temporary community” takes place in Black Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada, the week prior to and including Labor Day weekend. This year’s theme is “Waking Dreams.” To experience your own waking dream, visit otherworldly Fly Ranch Geyser at Fly Ranch while you’re nearby.

4. Kentucky Three-Day Event

Lexington, Kentucky

Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) in Lexington, Kentucky is an equine theme park that is more than just a place to see a horse show. Horse enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the culture and history of horses at KHP’s museums. In addition to horse history, the International Museum of the Horse (IMH), an affiliate of the Smithsonian, features a collection of equine art from artists all over the world.

Renowned for hosting the ultimate display of horsemanship, Kentucky Horse Park is home to many types of riding competitions, but the Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of its most popular. Visitors can stay on premises at the KHP Campground. It features tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, and activities for guests. Walk or bike from the campground to downtown Lexington on Legacy Trail, a 12-mile-long (8.5 miles are currently finished) paved trail.

5. Tailgating At Penn State University

State College, Pennsylvania

Penn State University’s iconic tailgating is an important part of game day pageantry in Happy Valley. Alumni, students, and townspeople alike come together to cheer on the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on weekends throughout the season. With a seating capacity of over 106K, it’s the second-largest stadium in the country and the fourth largest in the world!

Fans from both teams fill tents surrounding the stadium for the game before the game. Every pre-gaming base is covered, from cornhole and drinking games to food and camaraderie. No matter what color shirt fans are wearing, everyone comes together to have some fun.

According to RVshare’s 2022 Travel Trend report, 67 percent of respondents are at least somewhat likely to consider renting an RV over other types of accommodations when planning a tailgating event at a sports stadium, including nearly 1 in 5 (18 percent) who say they’re 100 percent likely to do so. Post up with an RV that has an outdoor kitchen and TV, and you’ll be the life of the party!

RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.

Many people consider watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to be as much a part of Thanksgiving as eating turkey. Indeed, watching the parade, which begins at 9 a.m. Eastern on Thanksgiving, has been a holiday tradition for millions of people for close to 100 years.

“For more than 9 decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has served to bring joy to millions, who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a statement. “For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats, and incredible performers.”

There’s a reason Coss mentioned the iconic balloons: Many people think the balloons are the best part of the parade. If you’re among those people, here’s some good news. This year’s parade is scheduled to include 15 giant character balloons and 36 novelty and heritage inflatables.

Let’s take a look at the balloons making their debut at the parade this year.

Ada Twist, Scientist By Netflix

Ada, obviously, is a scientist. This balloon version of Ada is “as big as her giant-sized curiosity!” Macy’s explains.

The Ada balloon is 41 feet long, 29 feet wide, and 51 feet tall.

Fun Fact: If you lined up 27 real pens, they would equal the length of the pen behind balloon Ada’s ear.

Funko Pop! Inspired Grogu

Grogu, from the series Star Wars The Mandalorian, is commonly called “Baby Yoda.” 

This giant balloon, inspired by the Child Funko Pop! product, is sure to be a fan favorite.

The Grogu balloon is 29 feet long, 37 feet wide, and 41 feet tall.

Fun Fact: There are 37 feet between Grogu’s ears. That space is just about a standard telephone pole’s height.

Ronald McDonald By McDonald’s USA

Ronald McDonald balloons have been in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades since 1987, but this is a new design. In this version, “Ronald is sharing his heart with us at a time when we all need some extra love and smiles and inspiring spectators to, ‘see a smile, share a smile,’” Macy’s explains.

The Ronald McDonald balloon is 68 feet long, 31 feet wide, and 40 feet tall.

Fun Fact: “It took 2,629 hours to complete the Ronald balloon at Macy’s Studio — and more than 50 gallons of paint,” Macy’s explains.

Pikachu & Eevee By The Pokémon International Company

It’s been 25 years since a Pokémon balloon made its debut at the parade. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary, a new balloon will take part in the parade. “A celebration is always better with friends, so this design features not only Pikachu but Eevee too!” Macy’s explains.

The Pikachu & Eevee balloon is 48 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 34 feet tall.

Fun Fact: Pikachu & Eevee are riding on a sleigh. Each of the sleigh’s blades, or runners, is about the same length as a semi-trailer truck.

Tiptoe By Macy’s

Tiptoe, the star of Macy’s holiday campaign, isn’t a giant balloon. Instead, Tiptoe is a balloon puppet. Puppeteers make her head bob and legs move as she “prances through the streets of New York City encouraging spectators to believe in themselves,” Macy’s explains. 

Fun Fact: Tiptoe will be the first balloon puppet in the parade. 

Toni The Bandleader Bear By Macy’s

When you see Toni, Macy’s bandleader bear, keep an eye out for the iconic Macy’s star —there are several on his uniform. Plus, you can even see one corner of a star in Toni’s eye.

The Toni the Bandleader balloon is 28 feet long, 24 feet wide, and 39 feet tall.

Fun Fact: Toni the Bandleader was named for Macy’s Parade pioneer Tony Sarg, the long-time artistic director. Sarg, a noted puppeteer, introduced the enormous balloons in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.

How To Watch The Parade

Most people enjoy watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. You’ll be able to find the parade on NBC and Telemundo from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thanksgiving. 

New for this year’s parade, you’ll also be able to stream it on Peacock. 

Secondly, if you live in New York City or have plans to be there for Thanksgiving, you can also watch the parade in person again this year. 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. from its traditional starting point at 77th Street and Central Park West. From there, the procession will march down its signature 2.5-mile route.

If you want to watch the parade in person, you can find information about the parade route and the best places to watch the parade here. 

Balloon Inflation

If you love the balloons in Macy’s parade and you’ll be in New York City the day before Thanksgiving, you can also watch the balloons being inflated outside the Museum of Natural History from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are some important restrictions you’ll need to keep in mind.

First, everyone over the age of 12 must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to watch the balloon inflation. Children who are under 12 may attend if they are with a fully vaccinated adult.

Secondly, to gain access to the event, everyone must be able to present proof of vaccination along with a photo ID with a name that matches the name on the proof of vaccination documentation.

You can learn more about balloon inflation and the guidelines for attending the event here.

For more news on Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, be sure to read:

• Everything You Need To Know About The 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
• 14 Tips For First-Timers Visiting The Macy’s Day Parade
• Luxury Travel Company Offering Front Row Seat To Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade