Holy Terror Days Bring Old West Fun to Mount Rushmore

August 30, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

If you’re looking for a great time filled with Old West traditions and excitement, come on down to Keystone, SD for Holy Terror Days. Holy Terror Days offers guests three whole days of fun activities like an authentic chuckwagon BBQ, history reenactments, family country street dance, and other great entertainment. Everyone can join in the fun from September 10th to the 12th in downtown Keystone for a vacation experience they will treasure for years to come!

For more Old West fun, check out Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone, SD. This gold mine is one of the few authentic gold mines left in the area and offers you the chance to learn what it was like to be a gold miner during the legendary gold rush era. You will tour part of the mine while your guide tells you about the people who worked there and the feeling of the times. You will even get the option to pan for gold with this mining adventure.

Don’t end your Old West experience at the mines. You can get more western traditions and fun with the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. This exciting show will give you an authentic chuckwagon experience combined with comedy and music that is appropriate for your whole family. Sing along with the cowboys and enjoy a delicious meal of barbecue roast beef, grilled chicken, and other southern favorites. It’s an evening of western entertainment that will take you back to a simpler time.

Lake View Music Festival Thrills Visitors and Locals in Chicago

July 22, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

Get ready for the fun and excitement of live music, delicious local food, and the talents and products of local vendors at Lake View Music Fest August 28th and 29th. If you’re looking for the real Chicago on your vacation, this festival is the place to be. The many talented chefs and locals participating in this event as well as the musicians make this a showcase for Chicago’s finest citizens. It’s the “must see” event of the season!

If you’re in Chicago to participate in the festival, you will definitely want to take in the many sights and attractions of the city. The Go Chicago Card is a great way to see them all and save money. This card gives you admission to over 25 attractions including the hottest attractions like Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. There’s nothing easier than the Go Chicago Card when you’re planning out your vacation.

You can’t miss out on Six Flags Great America, Chicago while you’re in the city. Summer time is the perfect time to really take advantage of all this great park has to offer. The family-friendly atmosphere, roller coasters, water rides, and other thrills at the park make it the perfect place to spend an entire day while you’re in the Windy City. It’s a wonderful way to finish your vacation experience!

Moonlight Madness Takes Over Silver Dollar City

June 16, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Branson MO

Get ready for days and nights filled with theme park excitement when you visit Silver Dollar City July 24th through August 8th for the Moonlight Madness event. The 1800s-themed park will be open until 10:00 pm during this time so you can enjoy the rides even in the evening. Imagine being able to see the stars while upside down on the roller coaster Wildfire or enjoying the night air as you watch the country music shows in Echo Hollow. It’s an opportunity to experience Silver Dollar City in a whole new way. Come and be a part of the fun!

While you’re in town for Silver Dollar City, take the time to visit one of the hottest new adventure attractions of the area. Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours offers six different zip line experiences for you to enjoy. It’s a great activity for people of all ages, so the whole family can do this together. The different lengths and types of tours make it easy to fit this activity into your schedule. It’s the perfect adventure to make your vacation extra special.

Of course, while you’re in Branson, you can’t miss out on the fantastic Branson shows the area offers. Get country music and hilarious comedy at the Jim Stafford Show. In addition to his fun music and comedy routine, Jim Stafford also gives his guests a 3-D Virtual Thrill Ride they’ll never forget. The variety of the show will have you wondering what will happen next!

Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day Offer Cultural Celebration in Deadwood, SD

February 2, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

Enjoy the last leg of winter with the near constant celebration offered in Deadwood and the surrounding Mount Rushmore area this year as both Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day stand as pillars of the area’s entertainment in 2010!

Held February 5 and 6, Mardi Gras in Deadwood will offer a lively setting the likes of which only a Mardi Gras celebration could provide while simultaneously remaining fun for the entire family! On Friday, February 5, things will kick off with the People’s Parade and Mardi Gras Coronation Competition. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the opening parade, where at the end a king and queen for 2010 will be coronated.

The following day, the celebration will continue with the always anticipated annual Mardi Gras Parade and Cajun Cook-Off! Whether a native of the Cajun culture or simply looking to heat up the last leg of winter, Deadwood’s Mardi Gras celebrations offer an always lively time!

And just a month later, on March 13, the pubs of Deadwood will offer a conglomeration of parties as visitors and locals bounce from one establishment to another during the annual Pub Crawl. An always lively time, Deadwood’s Pub Crawl offers the perfect time to let your hair loose while enjoying the natural beauty and historical sites of the Mount Rushmore Area.

Those planning on visiting Deadwood and the surrounding Mount Rushmore area for either Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day can browse and book from a variety of lodging options online. Additionally, a variety of activities and attractions can be viewed to help round out your visit to the Black Hills!

Annual Asian Festival Celebrates The Year Of The Tiger

January 5, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

2010 is the year of the Tiger in Asian tradition, and the people of San Antonio are taking it to the extreme. Each year San Antonio hosts the Annual Asian Festival to celebrate the traditions of the Pacific Rim. For the year of the Tiger, the celebration is going to be bigger than ever!

The festival tends to fall in line with the Chinese New Year, and this year the festival begins January 20 and concludes February 5. The Annual Asian Festival is held at the University of Texas San Antonio Institute of Texan Culture, which is located in Hemisfair Park under the Tower of the Americas.

The festival is a fun-filled event designed to entertain the whole family. There will be demonstrations of martial arts, feng shui, and Rishi tea brewing. There are also vendors selling gifts, crafts, jewelery, antiques, and art. Guests of all ages will enjoy the lectures and classes that cover everything from Ikebana floral arranging to Oragami to traditional games.

There are also many activities for you and your family to enjoy at the festival. Take advantage of the food tastings and try traditional foods from China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and many more. Also check out the song and dance shows, tai chi and jujitsu demonstrations, and the henna painting.

To find more info about the Annual Asian Festival, visit our event page!

26th Annual International Blues Challenge Hits Memphis!

January 5, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

Known for blues and rock ‘n roll, Memphis hosts many music-themed festivals throughout the year. This year happens to be the 26th annual International Blues Challenge (IBC). If you’re thinking about visiting the Memphis area early in 2010, this would be the time. The IBC begins on January 20 and the finale will occur on the evening of January 23.

The International Blues Challenge is an event hosted by The Blues Foundation and has slowly grown to become the most respected showcase for blues musicians. This year’s entries represent 39 US states, the District of Columbia, and 13 foreign countries. Some of the countries represented include Australia, Denmark, India, and Italy.

It is a competition, mind you, and a winner is chosen for each of three categories. The ‘Blues Band’ category is the biggest, with 111 entries this year. The second competition category is ‘Solo/Duo Acts’ and boasts 83 competitors this year. The newest category is the ‘Youth Showcase’, which includes 32 entries all under the age of 21.

The festival kicks off with a Meet & Greet at the New Daisy Theater, followed by the international showcase. Days are filled with festival activities ranging from seminars and workshops to awards ceremonies. The competition semifinals take place at blues clubs along Beale Street with the final competition occurring at the famous Orpheum Theater.

To stay close to the action, we recommend hotels in the downtown area. There are several hotels within walking distance of Beale Street, which makes attending the competition events that much easier. The Marriott Downtown is just a short cab ride away from Beale Street and offers guests tons of amenities and a relaxing environment. The Holiday Inn Select Downtown is just a few blocks from Beale Street and definitely within walking distance. The Madison Hotel sits between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn Select, placing you just a few streets over from Beale Street. This hotel boasts first class amenities, on-site dining, and beautiful views.

In Search of the Past: Restoring and Furnishing America’s Historic Sites

December 23, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Westgate Historic WilliamsburgThe Williamsburg area plays host to some fascinating events throughout the year, and there is one in particular that you may want to check out. Hosted as a means to educate the public about the domestic life of yesteryear, the Annual Antiques Forum is once again visiting Williamsburg.

This year’s title is In Search of the Past: Restoring and Furnishing America’s Historic Sites. The goal is to help people understand the décor, furnishings, and everyday life of centuries gone by. There are always several workshops, demonstrations, and lectures for the public to attend. Some of the topics this year include ‘American Neoclassical Furniture’, ‘Preparing and Serving an 18th Century Meal’, and Dirty Dishes: Archeology, Ceramics, and Historic Interiors’.

The events are being held this year at the Williamsburg Lodge and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. There will also be tours available at local historic sites, including the Governor’s Palace. The Annual Antiques Forum will begin on January 4 and run through March 14. Whether you’re already going to be in the area or trying to choose a destination, the Annual Antique Forum in Williamsburg is the place to be!

There are a three hotels that you might consider for your stay, and the best part is all three are less than two miles away from the  DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The first is the Westgate Historic Williamsburg, which keeps you within minutes of all the major Williamsburg attractions. Second is the Fairfield Inn & Suites. This hotel sits in the heart of the historic district of Williamsburg so you can soak up all the history you want to! The third hotel is the Quality Suites Williamsburg, which offers suite-style lodging close to attractions, entertainment, and shopping.

19th Annual Nashville Auto Fest

December 10, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Nashville TN

While Nashville is lovingly known as ‘Music City’ there is so much more than music in this city. Nashville plays home to several nationally recognized events over the course of the year. One such event is the Annual Nashville Auto Fest. This tribute to automotive achievement is gearing up for its 19th year and you don’t want to miss it!

The 2010 festival will be taking place at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds over January 16 and 17. The gates will open at 8 AM on Saturday and 9 AM on Sunday. This year, O’Reilly has joined the ranks of esteemed sponsors, which include several classic car companies and after-market enhancement companies.

Festivities include car shows featuring collector and hot rod cars, contests and live entertainment. Several awards are also given out to participants. Some of the prestigious awards include Best of Show, Peoples’ Choice, and Top 50. If you’re wondering about the categories for the shows, there are multiple categories. Some of the most popular are Chevrolet, Ford, domestic/foreign motorcycles, Mopar, and race prepared.

If you have a car that isn’t quite ready for show, browse the swap meet for parts. It is open to anyone at the festival and attendance is encouraged for anyone searching for classic or after-market parts. After you’ve combed through the goods at the swap meet, head over to Car Corral for a taste of true automotive achievement. The Car Corral is a showcase of ultimate dream vehicles, but be sure to leave your wallet at home. Evey one of them is for sale!

Whether you’re heading into Nashville specifically for this event or you’re going to be in the area when it happens, there are several hotels to stay in that will keep you close to the Fairgrounds. The Best Western Harpeth Inn is only 12.5 miles away and offers guests quick access to downtown Nashville. The Millennium Maxwell House is just over 15 miles away and offers shuttle service to local attractions. The Comfort Inn Nashville is 16 miles away and is only minutes away from other attractions and activities.

Santa Clause Visits Branson

November 25, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Branson MO

Santa visits BransonFor most children, Christmas is the best time of year. The season is full of magic and wonder. And cookies. Lots of cookies. Of course, Santa Clause is pretty cool, too.

As in years past, children in the Branson area will be able to enjoy a special Christmas treat the second weekend in December. This year, Santa’s Workshop will be held on December 12 and 13 in historic downtown Branson.  During this two-day event, children will be able to decorate cookies, make ornaments, and even tell Santa their Christmas wishes in person!

If you are planning on being in Branson the weekend of December 12 and 13, don’t let your family miss this chance for holiday memories. The workshop will be open on Saturday from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon and again on Sunday from noon to 4.

Christmas is the perfect time to make family memories, and this is a great opportunity. Share the warmth of the season with your kids this Christmas at Santa’s Workshop in historic downtown Branson!

Grand Illumination At Colonial Williamsburg

November 25, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Colonial WilliamsburgChristmas is a special time of year for a lot of travelers. For those looking for that perfect destination to warm their hearts for the holiday season, look no further than Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. On December 6, Colonial Williamsburg will light up the East coast with the traditional Grand Illumination.

Colonial Williamsburg is already a beautiful city, but during the Christmas holiday season the city will glow with perpetual candlelight. The candles, which will burn 24 hours a day, will be kept burning by the staff of Colonial Williamsburg.

If spectacular candlelight is not enough to amaze you, wait until you visit the Governor’s Palace! Explosive pyrotechnics will bring the heavens to life every night through the season. The  Governor’s Palace is the must-see of the season while it is surrounded by glowing candles and covered with amazing lights!

Make plans to visit Colonial Williamsburg on December 6 for the annual Grand Illumination ceremony to start your Christmas season off right. If you can’t make it on December 6, the candles will be kept burning throughout the holiday season. So make plans to visit the beautiful Colonial Williamsburg!

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