Makes Plans for the 29th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Myrtle Beach!

This year Myrtle Beach marks the 29th year of the award-winning Craftsmen’s Classic Arts & Crafts Festival on August 5 – 7. Artists and craftspeople across the nation come to display their work. Some will be giving demonstrations of the process that creates their art, while others will simply have their items out for you to browse and purchase. This is a special event for Myrtle Beach, so you don’t want to miss it. But while you’re in the area, you’ll want to book an accommodating hotel and check out a few of these popular attractions!

A 750,000 gallon tank, ten foot long sharks, and diving shows are only the beginning of what Ripley’s Aquarium has to offer. You’ll get an excellent view of wild sea creatures from squids to seahorses. Once you’ve had your share of looking at the underwater life, you can check out the hands-on experiences at the aquarium. This is a Myrtle Beach activity that no one in the family will forget.

Loaded with movie memorabilia, Planet Hollywood is a cinema lover’s dream. You can have a delicious dinner here amongst set pieces, costumes, and all sorts of other film paraphernalia. Plus, with your meal card, you can skip the line and get seated at the first available table! This sets you up for a easy and extraordinary dinner in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Waves Waterpark’s 20 acres of escape from the hot sun makes it the largest water park in South Carolina. The park has everything you’d expect and more for wet and wild fun. Waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and water squirters all contribute to the excitement. From relaxing waves to thrilling slides, everyone will have an incredible time!

Satchmo Summerfest is a New Orleans Jazz Celebration You Don’t Want to Miss!

Next week (August 4th – 7th) the Satchmo Summerfest will be happening right in the Big Easy. Every year the city gathers for days and nights full of all kinds of jazz to celebrate Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Not only does this free festival have live music, but there will also be speakers who will share about the life Louis, a birthday party for the legend, and the Satchmo Art Show. This would be the perfect time to take a vacation to New Orleans and experience the rich culture of the area. There are plenty of lodging options in the Birthplace of Jazz, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay for the festival. I’m sure all the music, dancing, and fun partying will get you hungry for some Bayou food, and New Orleans is not lacking in the world of taste. Check out just a few of the eateries you can feast at during your trip.

The location of the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, in the heart of the French Quarter, has been around for over 200 years, and from its humble beginnings as a notion shop it has become a prime example of Creole cuisine. Many noted political figures have donned the doors of the restaurant, and you can sense its remarkable history. Delight in Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Oscar, or any of the selections on the varied menu. And don’t forget about dessert! Crème Brulee, Southern Pecan Pie, Bananas Foster, your sweet tooth will go wild.

Sip on a Hurricane and chow on some Cajun food while you sit on the balcony over-looking the French Quarter at the Hard Rock Cafe – New Orleans. You’ll have the Hard Rock experience in the Big Easy, so it’ll have the special New Orleans touch. The culture is diverse and so is this restaurant. The atmosphere is great, the food is better, and the drinks are the best.

Now with all the outstanding dining options in New Orleans, it’s going to tough to choose which ones you want to try. Well, with the New Orleans Meal Ticket you can try many of them, making the decision a bit easier. Unbeatable restaurants on the ticket include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Nirvana Indian Cuisine, La Boucherie, and more! Get a multitude of tastes with the New Orleans Meal Ticket.

Holy Terror Days Bring Old West Fun to Mount Rushmore

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.

Black Hills Film Festival in the Mount Rushmore Area

Become a part of what is sure to be known as a historic event when you go to the 1st Annual Black Hills Film Festival on May 14th and 15th. Enjoy films that have been judged by audience interest and quality to ensure that only the best is seen at the festival. Talented filmmakers from across the world will be participating in the festival, and this could be your chance to meet some of them. The festival includes educational workshops, seminars, an awards celebration, and other exciting festivities for you to enjoy in addition to the incredible films being shown.

Take in some live shows after your participation in the film festival. Experience true southern hospitality and fun with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch in Rapid City. This dinner show started in 1976 and has brought back customers year after year to enjoy the unique combination of trail rides, model calf roping, wax bullet shooting, and other fun activities. Traditional cowboy music and western food complete the experience.

Another exciting show experience in the Mount Rushmore area is the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. This activity includes a delicious meal that varies by your preference, comedy, and Western music. Before your dinner, you will enjoy a sing-along with the cowboys. After dinner, the cowboys will perform some bluegrass and country swing music. It’s family-friendly fun that people of all ages will love.

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

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

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!

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.

19th Annual Nashville Auto Fest

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.

New Orleans’ Notorious Mardi Gras

The Christmas season is quickly coming to a close, and whether you’re excited to get back to some semblance of normalcy or sad that the cheery holiday is over, it’s nice to know you have something to look forward to. No, I’m not talking about New Year’s Eve. For the city of New Orleans, this holiday is even bigger than New Year’s. It’s a little occasion known as Mardi Gras.

While Mardi Gras is tied into the Catholic season of Lent, you don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy this momentous celebration. Mardi Gras is a festival that takes place for 42 days beginning with the Feast of the Epiphany and ending with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The true Mardi Gras is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, which is always the Tuesday 46 days before Easter.

For the 2010 festivities, the celebration will begin on January 6 and end with a New Orleans-style affair on February 16. These 42 days will be filled with parties, parades, dances, and balls. The festivities are presided over by Rex, an honor that falls to a new person every year, and certain decisions by past Rexes have lasted through the decades. For example, the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) were chosen by the Rex of the 1872 festival.

If you’re planning to be in the area, there are several places that will keep you close to all of the festivities. For a budget friendly hotel, you should consider the Best Western French Quarter. This hotel is located only three blocks from Bourbon Street, so you won’t miss a thing! If you’re seeking a few more amenities, you should consider the 3-Star Holiday Inn French Quarter. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the French Quarter, keeping you only a few steps from the center of the celebration.

If a luxury trip to the Big Easy is how you want to celebrate Mardi Gras, there are two stand-out choices for your hotel. Both 4-Star hotels have everything you might need, and a few things you’ll definitely want. The Renaissance Arts Hotel is only a few blocks from the Riverwalk and less than one mile from French Quarter. This incredible location will keep you in the heart of the festival and still provide for a little peace and quiet when you need it. Another option is the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel nestled on the corner where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street. If you’re looking for a hotel that lets you walk out the front door and right into the festivities, this is the one.

Whether you’re headed down to New Orleans for the fabulous parades and parties, the famous Mardi Gras beads, or the scrumptious traditional king cake, New Orleans is waiting with open arms.

Experience Crafts and Folk Heritage in Williamsburg

The Williamsburg area is unique in its history and culture, dating back to the early settlers in America and events of the Civil War period. Accordingly, the Williamsburg area hosts many celebrations of its heritage and people. Two of its most popular annual events are coming up in October, making it the perfect time to visit and get some early Christmas shopping done.

Fall Festival of Folklife in Newport News

This festival is Virginia’s largest celebration of folk art, crafts, and live entertainment, annually drawing in more than 70,000 visitors. The Festival of Folklife takes place October 3 and 4 at the Newport News Park. Over 200 craftsmen bring their goods to the festival, and the event is complete with live demonstrations, an exhibit hall, and food vendors. In addition, visitors can enjoy live entertainment during the festival. New for this year are the Busch Gardens’ Animal Show and the Amazing Buttercup Band. In addition, the Country Store Area features a variety of specialty food vendors from around the area. Children have their own spot to at the Busch Gardens Children’s Area, and there is also a Daily Press Children’s Stage with live entertainment. From doing some early Christmas shopping to enjoying the live entertainment, the Festival of Folklife in Newport News is a great event to visit during a trip to Williamsburg.

An Occasion for the Arts at Merchants Square

Located in Williamsburg, this festival is an annual crafts show that draws 30,000 visitors to the area. This one-day event takes place on October 3 and 4 at Merchants Square in Williamsburg. This event features over 160 juried artists and craftsmen. Live entertainment is also available on hand, including dance, music, and choral performances. There is also a special youth art showcase. At this event, visitors can see handmade jewelry, woodwork, embroidery, pottery, textiles, and more. “The Art of Food” is another special aspect of this event that provides visitors with food specialties from the region. The event concludes with a concert under the stars by the Williamsburg Symphonia.

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