Cultural Wonders Await in New York

September 14, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

Harlem on Sunday - Abyssinian Baptist Church As Ellis Island welcomed millions of immigrants in the early part of the 20th century, New York became a true melting pot of different cultures. From Little Italy to Chinatown, the city is a mecca for cultural exploration. From taking a special cultural tour to participating in a cultural celebration, New York has many options for an upcoming vacation.

Steuben Day Parade

This annual parade draws almost a million visitors and participants each year as people gather to celebrate the life of General Frederick von Steuben and the German community of New York. The parade will take place on September 19. The parade route covers 5th Avenue and beyond and includes marching bands, people in German costumes, floats, and more. Whether you are German yourself and want to celebrate your heritage or want to be a part of this exciting annual event, the Steuben Day Parade is certainly a sight to see while in New York.

Feast of San Gennaro Festival

Fans of Italian food and culture should put this event on their calendar so they do not miss out on a great time. This festival takes place September 19 through 20 in Little Italy near Brooklyn, New York. This event features traditional Italian food, music, and entertainment. Beginning as a celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples, this event is now a fun weekend full of entertainment. New York has always had a thriving Italian community, and you can celebrate their history, culture, and contribution to the city at this festival.

Harlem on Sunday

Harlem was the scene of the African American arts movement in the early 20th century known as the Harlem Renaissance. Today, the city is better known for its gospel singers and roots. The Harlem on Sunday tour is a four-hour experience in Harlem that will take you to legendary spots, including the Cotton Club, Strivers Row, and Sugar Hill. The tour concludes with a Harlem Gospel service. For an interesting look at the culture of Harlem then and now, this tour is an excellent choice.

ArtWalk in San Diego adds Style and Color to your Vacation

March 26, 2009 by  
Filed under Featured, VME

Musuem of Photographic ArtIf you are an aspiring artist or just interested in looking at art, you won’t want to miss ArtWalk in San Diego on April 25th and 26th. This annual event, held in the Little Italy District of San Diego draws tens of thousands of visitors to view painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and design. Displays feature both prominent artists and budding artists hoping to become established. In addition to visual art, live performers will entertain you on the city street corners and on small stages set up around the area. This year’s festival will even include a mile long art mural, part of a collaborative project to bring artists from around the world together. This year’s featured artists will be the Artes de Mexico group, a number of outstanding artists from Mexico. The festival will span 16 city blocks of the Little Italy District and it will only take place over a single weekend. There will also be a special kids’ area for children to participate in fun and creative hands-on art projects of their own.

When visiting San Diego for the ArtWalk, you may also want to see the many other exciting attractions in the San Diego area. The best way to travel to as many places as you like is to obtain a Go San Diego Card. With the Go San Diego Card you can enjoy free admission to premier attractions like the world renowned San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND California, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and more! The card also entitles you to free San Diego Harbor excursions, whale watching tours and even a tour of Tijuana, Mexico if you choose to head south of the border. In addition, the card entitles you to significant discounts at many wonderful area restaurants including El Fandango, Tent City Restaurant, Indigo Grill, The Prado Restaurant and more! With a San Diego Go Card to complement your visit to the ArtWalk, you can’t go wrong with this spring vacation!