Festival of Nations Adds Culture to Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge

Celebrate all of the world’s unique cultures at the Festival of Nations in Dollywood. March 26th through May 2nd, Dollywood will be having this annual festival in order to both educate and entertain everyone who visits. You will see a number of fascinating shows and displays including a combination sword and ballet show from Caucasus, Argentinean folk dancing, and drummers and singers from Nova Scotia. The whole park will be a whirlwind of fascinating traditions, people, and food from other countries, so you can have an experience that is unforgettable!

Continue your exploration of other cultures with the Soul of Shaolin after visiting Dollywood. This show offers you a look into the world of China where acrobatics and martial arts play a huge part in life. The show focuses on the life of one orphaned boy who is taken in by martial arts masters and is trained to be one of the greatest martial arts masters of all time. With special lighting and effects, this story becomes one of the most dramatic and touching that you will see onstage in Pigeon Forge. It’s perfect for a family vacation or a night out with friends.

Finish off your cultural visit to the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area with the Cirque de Chine Acrobatics Show. This show features 60 gold and silver award winning medalists from international championships. These renowned performers offer a choreographed acrobatic performance that is designed to stun everyone in the audience – and has time and time again! Originally, the popular show started out in the flash and dazzle of Las Vegas but has now moved on to be a part of the cozier Gatlinburg entertainment district. This show is certain to be one of your favorite activities during your time in Gatlinburg!

HarvestFest Makes Autumn the Perfect Time to Visit Savannah

Visit the Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah, GA for their exciting HarvestFest event. This event takes place on November 13th and features hay rides, crafts, and games as well as delicious fall foods like apple butter and hearth baked corn. It’s a great way to enjoy some of the local life of Savannah while also fully enjoying autumn. All of the proceeds from the event benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank, so you will be supporting a great cause while you have a good time.

While you’re in Savannah enjoying the lovely fall weather and scenery, take the time to taste some true Southern cooking. Savannah is known for its delicious foods and no cook from the area is more well-loved or well-known than Paula Deen. Take the Paula Deen Culinary Tour to find out what foods in Savannah influenced her palate. You will also get to visit some of Paula Deen’s own restaurants to taste some of her legendary recipes. Paula Deen’s Culinary Tour is perfect for the food connoisseur or the devoted fan!

After enjoying the great outdoors and Savannah’s delicious Southern foods, you have to explore the history of Savannah. As one of the oldest cities in Georgia, this city has a lot of interesting history to share. The Savannah Historic Overview Trolley Tour is a great way to learn the most interesting history facts about Savannah in one comprehensive experience. This tour will take you through the Historic District, Historic Squares, River Street, and the City Market to help you learn all about Savannah’s past.

Chicagoween is the Hottest Halloween Celebration in the Nation

The city of Chicago really gets into it’s Halloween celebration, and everyone is looking forward to this year’s Chicagoween. Daley Plaza is where the majority of the celebration takes place, but there are also several neighborhoods throughout the city participating. October 29-31, Daley Plaza is transformed into a spooky venue known as Franken Plaza where guests can enjoy hayrides, arts and crafts, special performances, fire dancers, a costume contest, and special Halloween-themed treats. Elsewhere in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is turned into the “Garden of Good… and Evil” to celebrate Halloween while the streets are prepared for the Spooky Pooch Parade for pets in costume to participate in on October 30th. Chicago is the place to be for Halloween fun and celebrations this year!

You came to Chicago for a good time. Don’t let the good times end with your Halloween fun. Visit Six Flags Great America while you’re in Chicago to get theme park thrills and good times. With a variety of great roller coasters like Batman the Ride, American Eagle, and Iron Wolf, this theme park is known for its exciting rides and attractions. For those with kids, there is even a section of the park dedicated to rides that your young ones can ride. Nobody gets left out of the fun at Six Flags!

While you’re in Chicago, it would be a shame to miss out on the city’s hottest attractions. Get the CityPass for admission to Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and the John Hancock Observatory or Skydeck Chicago. You get all five attractions at one money saving price. Your pass is valid for nine days after the first day of use, so you can explore the city at your leisure. Your pass also allows you to skip long lines at some attractions, so you can spend more time enjoying each attraction. You will love the way the CityPass enhances your Chicago experience.

48th Annual Film Festival Presents New Talent and New Films

Film lovers flock to New York City each year for the city’s annual film festival. This year the 48th New York Film Festival is scheduled to go on from September 24th to October 10th with a wide variety of film genres, directors, and actors and actresses to see. Fascinating movies like The Social Network, which tells the tale of Facebook creators, and Silent Souls, a gripping movie about the customs and traditions created by the Soviet Union, will be released to the public for the first time. Each year, creative new directors and rising stars are discovered at this event. Come and watch some of these movies and be one of the first to learn about hot new directors, actors, and films.

After your film experience, head out to Broadway for one of the plays or musicals that the city has become famous for. Some of the most talented actors and actresses of our time got their start on Broadway. One of the most popular musicals to hit Broadway recently is Wicked. Wicked – The Musical tells you the fascinating tale of two girls named Glinda and Elphaba and how one of them became the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical is based on events before Dorothy dropped into Oz in L. Frank Baum’s classic book about the Wizard of Oz. You may be surprised to find out how different Oz was when Dorothy wasn’t around.

Another popular musical you won’t want to miss while you’re in New York City is The Phantom of the Opera. With some of the most talented singers and dancers in the world performing this classic musical, you will find an outstanding show awaits you. Nothing can compare to the sparkle and dazzling performances that you will see during this Broadway production. Make sure that you plan on seeing this show while you’re in town!

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Flavors Fall

If you’re looking for some adult fun at Walt Disney World Theme Parks this autumn, get ready for the delightful Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The festival starts October 1st and continues until November 14th with a number of special guest speakers, delicious delicacies and beers from around the world, and demonstrations from some of the world’s finest chefs. In addition to those exciting events, this festival also features special performers and concerts for you to enjoy. Walt Disney World has outdone itself with this magical autumn experience!

Walt Disney World isn’t the only popular theme park that Orlando has to offer. Orlando is also home to Universal Studios. Universal Studios features a number of thrill rides, shows, and concession stands based off of famous Universal Studios characters. Rides themed after the beloved character Harry Potter, Terminator, and The Simpsons are just a few of the fun activities you can expect to find at the park. This park is a favorite for those who want to forget everyday cares and remember what it was like to be a kid!

Don’t get so caught up in the many theme parks Orlando has to offer that you forget to experience the city itself. Orlando Balloon Adventure gives you the chance to take flight in a hot air balloon for views high above the city. The ride will even take you over exciting places like downtown Orlando and some of the theme parks. Few people know the excitement and wonder of floating through the air in a colorful hot air balloon. Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity while you’re in Orlando.

National Harvest Festival Gives Branson a Beautiful Start to Fall

There’s no better place to be during the fall than Branson’s theme park Silver Dollar City. From September 11th to October 30th, Silver Dollar City will have out its colorful fall decorations and has planned numerous activities for the National Harvest Festival. This festival features delicious food, craft workshops, and the exciting rides and shows that first made Silver Dollar City famous. You won’t want miss the excitement and fun of the National Harvest Festival at this 1800s themed park!

Silver Dollar City isn’t the only exciting place you will want to visit while you’re in Branson. You will also need to see some of the shows that made Branson famous. Make sure you don’t miss the popular Shoji Tabuchi Show. The show features the incredible, versatile violinist Shoji and his musically gifted wife and daughter. Everything from classical to 60s music is played in this diverse show for an entertaining evening that is designed to dazzle you.

If you’re looking for a dinner and show combination to enjoy while you’re in town, look no further than Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. This show serves up delicious, home-style Southern foods like rotisserie chicken, creamy vegetable soup, and herb-baked potatoes while you watch an action-packed show. 32 horses and their trick riders will compete against each other in many challenges while you cheer on your side. With everything from racing pigs to singing and dancing, this show is a Branson classic that you will fall in love with.

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Jazzes Up NYC

Whether you’re a fan of the late Charlie Parker or just a fan of jazz music, you’re going to want to be a part of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in New York City. Two days of free music played by some of the finest jazz musicians in the world will be featured in the neighborhoods where jazz musician Charlie Parker lived and worked. Music starts at 3:00 pm on August 28th and 29th, so you will also have some time for shopping and sightseeing while you’re in the city. There’s no better city to experience jazz than New York!

If you’re in New York for music, you won’t want to miss the chance to see a spectacular musical on Broadway. Come Fly Away is a showcase of Frank Sinatra’s beautiful music combined with the choreography of Tony Award winner Twyla Tharp to create a love story like nothing you’ve seen before. Experience a first kiss, the first dance, and the journey to love of four different couples in this beautiful musical.

Don’t bother stopping with one musical when you know you want more. Plan on going to see one of Broadway’s most famous productions, Wicked – the Musical. Wicked is based on the beloved characters in the Wizard of Oz. You will fall in love with Elphaba and Glenda in this quirky musical that fills you in on why the Wicked Witch of the West was so evil.  You may be surprised at the answers. The music and talented performers will weave a tale for you that is as unforgettable as it is touching and amusing.

Americana Music Festival and Conference Heats Up Nashville

The Americana Music Festival and Conference will bring the best Americana musicians in the business to Nashville, TN from September 8th to the 11th. Popular alternative country musicians like the Avett Brothers, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell will take the stage and play some of their hits on the final evening of this 4 night event while awards are handed out to outstanding Americana music contributors by host Jim Lauderdale. The Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel will be holding conferences on the ways of getting into the music business as a part of the festival. In addition, the entire town will be welcoming Americana musicians to play at various venues all over Nashville. This event is huge for Americana fans!

When you aren’t busy enjoying alternative country music, head out for some traditional favorites played by country legends, rising stars, and current popular musicians at the Ryman with Opry Country Classics. Opry Country Classics is a unique show that is only on available on Thursdays for the month of September. Luckily for you, it is available on September 9th while you’re in town for the festival! Come and hear the best in the business sing classic country songs that have withstood the test of time.

Of course, if you’ve come to Nashville for music, you won’t want to leave without going to the Grand Ole Opry. This show has been legendary in the city of Nashville since its start 85 years ago at the Ryman Auditorium. Country stars and new talent are constantly asking to come and play at the Grand Ole Opry, so when you go to this show, you’re certain to hear some wonderful country music.

Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival is the Last Bash for Summer in Myrtle Beach

The Sun Fun Festival – A Celebration of Summer is coming to a close in grand style with the Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC. This festival is taking place September 3rd and 4th and features delicious barbecue contests, live entertainment, arts and crafts, wakeboard demonstrations, beer gardens, and even fireworks on the 4th. It’s a fantastic way to spend some time with family or friends enjoying the end of the summer at Myrtle Beach.

You can’t visit Myrtle Beach without visiting the famous Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Lords and ladies, jousting, sword fights, and magnificent Andalusian stallions take you back to the medieval period for an evening of wonderful entertainment. As if the show wasn’t enough, you get to eat a delicious meal of garlic bread, spare rib, roasted chicken, and other treats in true medieval style – with your hands. It’s a show and dinner people of all ages can enjoy!

One other place in Myrtle Beach that will also be saying its goodbyes to summer is Myrtle Waves Waterpark. It’s the perfect time to go and enjoy the 20 acres of rides and attractions one last time until you have to wait until next summer. Splash around in the wave pool, have a blast sliding down the 10-story tall waterslide, and relax on the LayZee River in one last hurrah for the summer. You will have a great time with all this park has to offer!

Fall Enchantment at the Smoky Mountain Festival in Gatlinburg

From September 1st to August 31st, you can experience the charm of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the full swing of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This celebration of fall is one of the most enchanting times that you can visit the area. The beautiful fall foliage with its vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds combined with the fantastic Smoky Mountains makes for an unforgettable vacation experience. In addition to the wonderful scenery, the area comes to life with arts and crafts vendors selling their wares, adorable decorations, and tours of the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts. You won’t want to miss Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during Autumn!

Don’t just enjoy the scenery from afar while you’re in the area, go and be in the middle of it with the 1 Hour Smoky Mountains Horseback Ride. Enjoy the crisp, fall air while you ride and get a closer look at the amazing colors of the leaves. This tour is great for beginners who don’t have any experience with horseback riding. It will be a relaxing ride at comfortable speeds throughout the entire activity.

The peace and tranquility you experience during your horseback ride will have you wanting to spend more time out in nature. You can have another wonderful outdoors experience with the Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides.  Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch out in the country with your significant other, friends, or family before relaxing and taking in gorgeous scenery on a carriage ride. The cozy carriage ride is a wonderful way to cuddle up or talk with those you love.

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