MAY 2009

May 1 - 2
The HSR Walter Mitty Challenge at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA. The “Mitty” celebrates its 26th anniversary in 2003 with a spectacular display of legendary race cars from a wide variety of popular series, including the IMSA Camel GT, Can-Am, SCCA Trans-Am, and even NASCAR. It is proof positive that old race cars are destined to be raced hard again to fans’ delight, not just put in museums for people to just look at! www.roadatlanta.com

May 1 – 4
Frontier Days at Stone Mountain Park, GA: Georgia Between the Wars. Journey through 100 years of Georgia history in this brand new event held at Stone Mountain Park’s Plantation & Farmyard…plus all the other great items to do at Stone Mountain Park year round. Rent a motorhome and make it a special weekend.
www.stonemountainpark.com

May 1 - 3
The 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach, FL. See, eat, enjoy shrimp in every way possible...think Bubba Gump! Besides great seafood, enjoy the sounds of The Swinging Medallions, a arts & crafts show that is ranked as one of the top in the entire country, a parade, family fun zone, boat rides, a pirate invasion, more shrimp to eat and cooked in more ways than you’ve ever seen in your entire life. Family fun for all! www.shrimpfestival.com

May 2– May 12
Contraband Days Festival, Lake Charles, LA.. Return to those rollicking, swashbuckling days of pirates and buccaneers who once sailed the local lakes, rivers & bayous. This city wide celebration has grown into a 12 day extravaganza of unmatched festivals and events with reenactments, live entertainment, great food & music, regattas, parades, carnivals, arts & crafts, concerts and much more. www.contrabanddays.com

May 2 – 3
The Chisholm Trail Stampede, Duncan, OK. A citywide celebration of the Chisholm Trail and western heritage. Activities include a rodeo, longhorn show & sale (that’s right, you can buy your very own longhorn steer), western food & music, live entertainment, trail ride, western demonstrations, parade, and a 5k walk/run. www.chisholmtrailstampede.com

May 2 - 4
The 19th Annual Lewis Family Homecoming & Bluegrass Festival, Lincolnton, GA. A family festival with a full weekend of live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, and much more. Family fun for all, even if your name isn’t Lewis. www.lincolncountyga.org

May 2 – 4
Southern Auto Classic at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, GA. See great classic vehicles from GM, Chrysler and Ford. Meet legendary drivers from NASCAR, NHRA and SCCA and other forms of motorsports...and get autographs as well. Hundreds of vendors...great race track food...great camping and much more. www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

May Any Time
Whether you go to the North Georgia Smokies…or the Tennessee Smokies…or the North Carolina Smokies, you’re only a couple of hours away from the most beautiful mountains in the South! Tip: go during the middle of the week & you can avoid the big weekend crowds.

May 2 - 5
Cinco de Mayo in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As you visit this column, you’ll see some ideas for western places to visit listed in July, but it’s a great trip to take almost any time of the year…either Fall or Spring are great so you can avoid those big summer crowds. So, it you are headed there during this time, this is one of those “places-to-visit” for Cinco de Mayo. Experience the full flavor of the traditional Mexican fiesta honoring Mexico’s second revolution, but in a true border town with the real food, music, dancing, fun and feel as it was decades ago. Walk the streets where Billy the Kid stroll, eat at a former Butterfield Stage Depot and much more! Western fans, this is a place not to be missed, any time of the year. www.oldmesilla.org

May Any Time
Now, if you’re already in Kentucky for the Derby, then take some time and visit The Kentucky of Daniel Boone! Visit the Cumberland Gap and the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest. Hike the famous Wilderness Trail that Boone used to open the door to the West…and there’s more to do than there is room to write it all down! This is a great Spring or Fall trip too! www.mountaingateway.com And, you can take Chevrolet’s Corvette Museum and Factory for not only a tour, but get to see at least one Corvette for every year of production since 1953. Bowling Green, KY www.corvettemuseum.com

Now here’s a Great Trip Ideas for the Chicago/Mid-West area...probably better in the Spring – Fall to avoid those wonderful winter conditions you can experience… right off the lake!
 
May Any Time
If by chance you’re in the Chicago area, home of the Bears, Cubs, Bulls and more, then take a little side trip east to South Bend, Ind., home of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame & then close-by Elkhart, Ind. Elkhart is home to just about every major manufacturer of RV’s on the market. Many offer daily tours of their plants, usually in the late afternoon, Monday – Friday only and they are all closed the last two weeks of the year for the holidays. Give our office a call, ask for Jana Adams, and we’ll be more than glad to help you set up a tour at the manufacturer of your choice. 770/945-2112

May Any Time
Now, if you’re still in the South Bend – Elkhart area, here’s a place you don’t want to miss, The RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame & Museum. Experience the history of RVing from its’ earliest start...and you’ll see some of the strangest things that people have ever called RV’s with RV’s, photos and memorabilia reaching back to the 1920’s. Elkhart, IND. www.rv-mh-hall-of-fall.org or www.rv/hmheitagefoundation.com

May 2 - 4
The 21st Annual General Sam Houston Folk Festival, Huntsville, TX. Celebrating the life & times of Sam Houston, the Father of Texas. Take in life-skill demonstrations, authentic 19th century dress, continuous live entertainment, food, lots of children’s things to do and great educational activities. A great event for history buffs. www.samhouston.memorial.museum

May 3
The 134th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” is a unique mixture of history, mythology and celebrity and makes this the premier horse race in all the world. Special events take place all week surrounding this race. www.kentuckytourism.com

May 3
The Opening Weekend of Hershey Park, Hershey, PA. The sweetest Park you’ll ever attend. Rides, food, shopping, ZooAmerica, Chocolate World, shows, tours and too much to write here. There’s more here than just candy! Open weekends only until Memorial Day Weekend, then everyday until after Labor Day. www.hersheypa.com

May 9 – 11
Cody Wild West Days, Cody, WY Bucking horse and bull sales, top-notch horse sale, barrel racing, western food, music, live entertainment,. western trappings & apparel show, in addition to all the other great sights and sounds of this western town! www.codywildwestdays.com

May 9 – 11
The Western Heritage Classic, Abilene, TX. This event is designed to preserve the heritage of the American Cowboy and features a parade, a rodeo, dances, music & live entertainment and much more. www.traveltex.com

May 9 - 11
The 20th Annual Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Pow Wow, Canton, GA. Celebrate with Native American tribes from all over the U.S., Canada and South America as they honor our planet, Mother Earth. Enjoy dancing, live entertainment, educational displays, encampments, rides, great native food, arts & crafts, wild animals, primitive skill demonstrations, and much more. Teachers, Friday is a special day set aside for schools…this makes a great field trip! Held at Boling Park. www.rthunder.com

May 10
NASCAR at Darlington, SC. The Carolina Dodge Dealers 500. The track too tough to tame and it seems too tough for NASCAR to kill. In 2005, the only race date given to this track on was Mother’s Day Weekend, historically a death-blow. But, the race sold out for the 1st time in years and every one since, and gave new life to it. Let’s hope NASCAR will get smart & save of its’ own history for the fans that were there at the birth of this great sport. Darlington Raceway. www.darlingtonraceway.com

May 13
America’s 402nd Anniversary – Jamestown, VA. 1607 – 2008, Williamsburg, VA. This event honors our nation’s anniversary with cultural and educational family-oriented events…exhibits, music, live entertainment, great food, arts & crafts and much more.
www.americas400thanniversary.com

May 15 – 16
The 26th Annual Dermott Crawfish Festival, Dermott, AK. Readers of this column can probably tell that based on the festivals I like to list, I like food…and why not! Enjoy food booths of all kinds, music all day Friday and Saturday, live music at night. street dance, children rides, arts & crafts, horseshoe pitching, T-shirt sales, bingo and crawfish dinners.
www.dermottcrawfishfestival.com

May 15 - 17
The 9th Annual O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals., The Drags in Bristol, TN. This is the last major NHRA drag event in the South for the entire year. www.nhra.com

May 15 – 17
The 27th Annual Chesapeake Jubilee, Chesapeake, VA. For over 17 years this event has provided family fun and entertainment to locals & visitors from all over the east coast. You’ll find a veritable smorgasbord of activities, entertainment, food, arts & crafts and fun. This year’s event is kicked off with a mouth watering Shrimp Feast hosted by the Kiwanis. www.chesapeakejubilee.org

May 15 - 17
Appalachian Trail Days Festival, Damascus, VA.. Each year, hundreds of hikers leave Springer Mountain, Georgia to make the 2,200 mile hike to Maine. By mid-May, they’ve made the 450 miles to Damascus and its’ break time…and that’s what this is all about! It starts with a town-wide yard sale, with a full week of exhibits, contests, music, food, parade, talent show, arts & craft shows, vendors and more food! www.damascus.org

May 15 – 17
The 27th Annual Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games, Gatlinburg, TN. The meeting of the Clans featuring Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, live entertainment, food, arts & crafts and what Scottish festival would be complete without some whiskey tasting! www.gsfg.org

May 22 - 26
Memorial Day Weekend. While some school systems are now closing the week before Memorial Day, this is the weekend kicks off the summer holiday season. Plan your next vacation in a RV from RV World of Georgia. This weekend always books out, so plan and reserve early. www.rvworldofgeorgia.com

May 22 – 26 Old West Days, Jackson Hole, WY.
The event kicks off with a variety of authentic activities allowing you to experience the Real Old West. Events include, parade, a Mountain Man Rendezvous, an Antler Rendezvous, a Shootout, the Rotary’s WineFest, Kids Cowboy Connection, Cowboy Breakfast, Old Town Entertainment, Wild New West Stampede, Jackson Hole Rodeo, Stagecoach Rides, take in a true western style Chuckwagon dinner, an Old West Brewfest and much more!
www.jacksonholechamber.com/oldwestdays

May 22 – 26
Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone, AZ. This is another don’t miss western trip idea. Nothing says western like Tombstone, the City Too Tough to Die. Home of the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral, and this event honors the West’s most famous lawman. Enjoy gun fights, a chili cook-off, hangings, an 1880’s fashion show, live entertainment, music, cowboy food, and much more. While sponsored by the Lions Club of Tombstone, the American Legion’s BBQ is NOT to be missed. F.Y.I., there are 2 RV parks within walking distance to the historic district. www.cityoftombstone.com

May 23 – 26
Lobsterfest at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT.. I think the name just about says it all, but just in case you’re not sure, it means every way possible to cook and eat lobster …baked, broiled, fried, stuffed, lobster rolls, lobster chowder…and they’re always open to any new ways you can think of! Now, Mystic Seaport is a living museum of an American New England whaling town and there is a great deal to see and do here any time of the year, along with all the great New England seafood you can think of, but this is a special time to come. www.mysticseaport.org

May Anytime
If you’re going to Mystic for Lobsterfest, or almost any other New England location, any time of the year, and you’re on I-95 and driving through Connecticut, then you have to get off in New Haven and stop at either Pepe’s Pizza or Sally’s Pizza, both on Wooster Street near Yale University. Pizza as we know it in American was first created by Frank Pepe in the early 1920’s. Years later his nephew Sal opened his own pizzeria, Sally’s, just two blocks away and even still today, they both offer the best pizza made in America. If one has too long a wait, then just walk down to the other…either are worth waiting for…as long as needed! On a bad day, they are both rated over 100%!!! New Haven, CT. www.pizzatherapy.com

May 23 – 26
The Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament and the Junior Masters, Callaway Gardens, GA. It’s sun, fun and mega-excitement this weekend when the greatest water-skiers to compete to be the best in the world. This festival like atmosphere includes a merchandise plaza featuring state-of-the-art water sports equipment and clothes, food, music and much more. www.callawayonline.com

May 23 – 26
The 19th Annual Victorian Festival, Superior, NE. Superior, Nebraska takes this time to pay tribute to Lady Vestey Brodstone, one of the most admired and respected women of her time. Live entertainment, a parade, children's activities, music, food, vineyard tours, buggy rides and a special Victorian tea honoring Lady Vestey. www.victorianfestival.info

May 23 – 26
Old West Fest of the Black Hills, Custer, SD. Cowboy poets, fast draw competitions, live music, western arts & crafts, cowboy chuck wagon foods, fun and games for the entire family. www.blackhillsbacations.com

May 23 – 26
The 8th Annual Mesa Verde Country Indian Arts & Culture Festival, Cortez, CO. The communities surrounding the Mesa Verde National Park come together to present one of the finest events of it’s kind in the entire nation. This area is listed in the national New York Times #1 best seller “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz, and it lives up to that hype. Mesa Verde National Park www.swcolo.org

May 23 - 26
The 36th Annual Kingsport Antique & Rod Club Cruise- In and Wilderness Trail Rod Run, Kingsport, TN. Kingsport’s oldest car club stages its’ yearly cruise-in on Friday night, followed by the run on Saturday. All proceeds are donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Johnson City, TN…and the local Wal-Mart matches it. Come watch, join or just to help out…and still enjoy a great weekend in the Smokies! www.wilddernesstrailrodrun.com

May 23 – 26
Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival, Oklahoma City, OK. This 19th annual event features two days of mouth-watering campfire cooked foods, kids’ educational hands-on activities, Western stage entertainment. Stagecoach and pony rides await visitors at the museum's largest outdoor event. Held at the National Cowboy Museum, which will also be open during this event, so don’t miss the chance to visit this great display of American history. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

May 24
The Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, IN. If you’re a fan of Indy type cars, this is the 94th running of this event and one you just can’t miss…this is The One, you just have to go to at least once in your life! This event lights up the city all month! www.brickyard.com

May 24
NASCAR at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Concord, NC. The Coca Cola 600 under the lights. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com

May 26
The 37th Annual Gypsy Caravan. St. Louis, MO. I try not to list just one day events, other than sports, but this is one of the Midwest’s largest flea markets, antique and craft fairs with several hundred vendors. Proceeds benefit the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, so it’s for a good cause and thus worth listing. Hey, maybe the Cardinals are playing at home and you can take in a ball game too. www.visitmo.com

May 30 – June 1
The Georgia Wine Country Festival, Dahlonega, GA. This annual event features wine tasting by top Georgia wineries like Three Sisters, Habersham, Chateau Elan, Crane Creek and more. Gourmet food vendors, folk art, farm exhibits, live music, hot air balloons, live music, fun kids area and a silent auction benefiting North Georgia’s Rainbow Children’s Home. www.dahlonega.org

JUNE 2009 - Traditional Summer (June 1 – August 31) Special Events

June Any Time
June kicks off two very important times of the year. First, more people are married in June than any other month of the year…so make your Honeymoon something different and special in a motorhome from RV World of Georgia RV. June is also the month that most people start their summer vacation…so don’t get left out. Our motorhomes can go to the beach, mountains, the Great Plains, or anywhere else you can think of, and if you can’t think of it, stop by our Rental Center and visit with a member of our travel staff for some great ideas and helpful planning! www.rvworldofgeorgia.com

June or Summer, Any Time
Most customers wanting to take that trip “out west” are always looking to head to the Grand Canyon area. And that’s great if you have enough time to see it right, but if you don’t, then don’t forget Texas is out west too! Just stop by Abilene and you’ll see for yourself. Besides being a real wild west town to begin with, you can visit attractions like Frontier Texas, the Buffalo Gap Historic Village and the ghostly ruins of Fort Phantom Hill, to travel back in time to visit the real west of old. Great local camping. Abilene, Texas www.abilenevistors.com

June 1 - Sept 1
Niagara Falls, NY. There’s a lot more to do than just watch the water. The Falls Fireworks & Concert Series takes place every Friday & Sunday evenings; take part in Maid In The Mist events; enjoy the Spring Festival. It doesn’t matter if you’re honeymooning or not, RVing is a great way to enjoy Niagara Falls. www.niagaraparks.com

June 1 - Sept 1
Old Tucson Studios, Tucson, AZ. This is THE western movie town in film history. Since 1939, it has been used in more western films and TV shows than any other western set…just visit, and you’ll see for yourself! Every Saturday during the summer, they’ve added The Honky-Tonk Rodeo Series to all the other great sights & attractions of this great destination. If you’re out west any time of year, don’t miss a great opportunity to really enjoy a piece of great western film history. www.oldtucson.com

June 4 - 7
The Dam Bike Rally at Fontana, NC. For those that can’t wait for its’ big brother rally in October, this is a great weekend of events. Ride the Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles!), Margarita Party, food, music, contests, a Frisbee Disc Golf tournament and much more. www.fontanavillage.com

June 4 - 7
Route 66 Days, Elk City, OK. It's time to Get Your Kicks at Elk City's 4th Annual Route 66 Days Celebration. Shop till you drop in beautiful downtown Elk City as over 40 retail merchants roll out the savings for the once a year sale, food vendors set-up their best! This weekend is full of fun and excitement for the whole family. See the classics at the Route 66 Car Show and hear the engines roar at the stock car races at Elk City Speedway with classic car music surrounding you at ever corner. Other special activities taking place this weekend include: City Wide Garage Sale and the 38th Annual Oil and Gas Appreciation Golf Tournament. www.elkcitychamber.com

June 5 - 7
The 23RD Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, Oklahoma City, OK. This is one of America’s most unique celebrations of the Native American Indian. Members of over 100 tribes from throughout North America, gather to celebrate and share the richness of their heritage. Activities include Native American Food, Music, Live Entertainment, an Art Market, Art Competition, Benefit Auction, Parade, 5k Run & Fun Walk, and Dance Competition. www.redearth.org

June 5 - 12
Grand Ole Opry House Spectacular, Nashville, TN. Enjoy an entire week long of events during the CMA Music Festival Week in Nashville. To say nothing of all the other great sights & sounds of Nashville to enjoy every day! www.opry.com

On The Road to Nashville – Anytime Great Travel Tip!
The Historic Village of Old Hickory. Some times called Nashville’s best kept secret, history and fans of old homes will love to visit this re-created community of homes built during WWII. Visit the website for a full history of this community and its’ events…well worth the time to visit back in time! www.oldhickory.org

On the Road to Nashville – Anytime Great Travel Tip!
On the way, you’ll drive by the little town of Lynchburg, TN, just a few minute drive off I-24. It’s the home of the world famous Jack Daniel Distillery, maker of one of the world’s finest bourbons. See how a great adult beverage is made, and interestingly enough it is in a dry county and is a national historical site. Take in local attractions, great country food, museums and more. Lynchburg, TN. www.jackdaniels.com

June 5 – Aug 14
Florida State University “Flying High” Circus, Callaway Gardens, GA. Every summer since 1960, FSU’s famed “Flying Circus” has resided at Callaway. Performed by talented college students, enjoy full circus acts and more. The top performers are invited to Summer Family Adventure Camp every summer to not only perform, but serve as camp counselors as well. This is a great event to attend. www.callawaygardens.com

June 5 – 7
Cavalry Days at Ft. Meade, SD. A great western educational event for how life in the U.S. Cavalry was in the late 1800’s. Great displays, tours, a western stew cook-off, parades, vintage shows, western food and food eating contests, a fishing derby for the kids, historical re-enactments, encampments and much more…not to mention all the other great things to see & do in the Black Hills area! www.blackhillsvacations.com

June 5 - 8
The 54th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Every person in the family has a reason to dress-up and play pirate this weekend! Throw in food, arts & crafts, reenactments, parades, music and live entertainment, fireworks…not to mention the local beach. This is a weekend for the entire family to enjoy. Kicks off Thursday night with a big evening long block party in historic downtown. www.fwbchamber.com/bowlegs

June 6 - 7
Gettysburg…Relive 1863, Gettysburg, PA. What happened in this 3 day battle in 1863 staggers the senses. 165,000 men fought in what is considered the pivotal battle of the Civil War and over 51,000 fell. History comes alive with new films & tours, campfire programs, Battle Walks & much more. www.gettysburg.com

June 6
The 27th Annual Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off, Newport, RI Folks, if you like New England style seafood, and if you’re in this area, then how could you pass-up the opportunity to taste-test from 3000 gallons of different New England Clam Chowders made by over 30 of the nation’s best restaurants and chefs? Add in all the other great “sides” to go with it, and it sounds like heaven! www.newportfestivals.com

June 6
Remember D-Day, Warm Springs, GA. Honor America’s best as Franklin Roosevelt’s Little White House remembers the allied invasion of Europe during World War II. A living history will be presented and the Atlanta World War II Roundtable will share their reminiscences of the most famous days in history. Take the weekend to enjoy all the local sights.
www.fdr-littlewhitehouse.org

June 6
Remember D-Day, New Orleans, LA. If you happen to be in New Orleans on this date, than don’t miss the chance to visit the National World War II Museum as it honors the values of honor, courage and teamwork that took the Allied Troops to victory on this date in 1944. This is a great place to visit any time, and there are always special events going on any month of the year, but this is a sacred date in our history, and the very reason why this great museum exists. . www.ddaymuseum.org

June 7
NASCAR at Pocono, PA. The Pocono 500, at the Pocono Int. Speedway.
www.poconoraceway.com

June 11 - 14
Fan Fair in Nashville, TN. This is the world’s biggest country music festival with 4 days of concerts, great autograph sessions, Family Zone activities and lots of other special events. 200 Country Music artists normally participate plus many stars of daytime soaps. www.fanfair.com

June 11- 14
The 7th Annual Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, TN. The current generation’s version of Woodstock, this event offers 3 days of camping & music held on a pristine 600 acre farm. Great national acts of several different musical styles to entertain almost any age. Reserve your RV soon as this festival books-out every RV Rental Company within a 500 mile radius of the event and is located just 60 miles south of Nashville. For those wishing to have a little more ‘quiet’ time, there is a extremely nice KOA campground located just a few yards from the festival…you can just walk through the woods to get to the festival, but book early for this too! www.bonnaroo.com

June 11 - 14
The 31st Annual Crawford Pioneer Days, Crawford, CO. A great celebration of our Western heritage includes a parade, live entertainment, an old fashioned melodrama, an elk calling contest (do we really want one to answer or show-up?), music, dancing, great cowboy food and much more. www.crawfordcountry.org

June 12 - 14
The 26th Annual Carson City Rendezvous, Carson City, NV. The theme of this year’s Rendezvous is a “Salute to the Gunfighters”. The city named after the famous Indian Scout Kit Carson, interestingly enough, was never visited by him until after it was established. In this event, you take a walk back through time and participate in Carson City's premier living-history festival. Experience the lifestyles and traditions of a by-gone era including: a Victorian Fashion Show; a Mountain Man encampment & Traders' Row; Civil War Battles & Skirmishes; Gunfighters' Stage; Live Entertainment; Native American Village, Dancing & Crafts; Pueblo de Nevada Song & Dance; Dutch Oven Demonstrations & Cook-Off; Camel & Stagecoach Rides/Children's Activities; Western Arts & Crafts/Food Court; there’s something for the entire family! And, there’s a lot of everyday great things to do in Carson City as well! www.carsoncityrendezvous.com

June 19 - 21
Wild Bill Hickok Days in Deadwood, South Dakota. The Wild West town of Deadwood returns to the Wild West on these days…and everyone can take a turn at being a gunslinger. Lots of cowboy things to do…quick draw competitions, music concerts, western cooking, reenactments and much more. Interestingly, Wild Bill Hickok was shot and killed on August 2, 1876, so this event just isn’t about him. www.deadwood.org

June 19 - 22
The 38th Annual Texas Folklife Festival, San Antonio, TX. The Texas Folklife Festival was modeled after the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival, which was held in Washington, D.C. in 1968. The concept of creating a festival that brought together over 40 different ethnic groups to celebrate and share their traditions was ingenious. Proceeds from the event are given back to the participating cultures so the customs can continue to stay alive and be passed on through the generations. And, most importantly, the event’s focus directly correlated to the mission of the Institute of Texan Cultures…that it’s all about Friendship! www.texancultures.utsa.edu

June 19 - 23
The 109th Annual St. Andrew’s Italian Feast, New Haven, CT. This is NOT an event you want to go to after eating. Celebrate over 100 years of Italian history in New Haven’s Wooster Square with more food than you can imagine, games, rides, music and live entertainment, more food, an Old World Traditional Procession on Sunday followed by mass, and much more. Make sure you hit Pepe’s Pizza Stand for a slice of the best pie in the entire U.S.! 203/776-0693

June 19 - 21
The 32nd Annual Vermont Quilt Festival, St. Johnsbury, VT. The Festival, takes place at the air-conditioned Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, and is for both the experienced and the novice quilter…if it has anything to do with quilts, you’ll find it here! Enjoy hundreds of beautiful quilts on display, shop in more than 80 booths brimming with quilts, fabrics, gift items and more, and choose from over 80 classes and lectures! Take part in the contest awards ceremony and the Champagne and Chocolate Preview as well. www.vgf.org

June 20 – 23
Eastern Shoshone Indian Days PowWow & Rodeo, Ft. Washakie, WY. Enjoy a Native American Pow Wow with all the great activities that you’d expect…dancing & dance contests, riding, great food, music, live entertainment, arts & crafts…and then add in an all-Indian Rodeo! Call 307/322-3532 www.easternshoshone.net/indianDays

June 20
HooDoo Chili Cook-Off and The Ebenezer Bryce Festival, Tropie, UT. One of the top events of its’ kind. Take in all the music, live entertainment, food, arts & crafts and family fun you can handle. All proceeds benefit the Tropie Volunteer Firefighters Association…so go, have a good time and help out a great bunch of guys & gals! www.brycecanyonutah.com/cookoff.htm

June 23 - 28
The 14th Annual Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Sheridan, WY. Rollicking western extravaganza featuring the world famous Westernaires, and Wild West Show with Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane & You; 1890's Grand Victorian Ball; historic western parade, great western music & food, a Pony Express Ride, held at the Inn where Buffalo Bill auditioned acts for his show. The Wild West show will be performed at the Fairgrounds. Enjoy tours where notables stayed in Victorian splendor at the Inn, where mysteries and ghosts live to this day in Sheridan! www.sheridanwyoming.org

June 26 - 27
The Washington, DC Caribbean Carnival. Parades, a streetfest, all the food, music, arts & crafts and much more, that you would expect to find in the islands, but here at our nation’s capital! www.washington.org

June 26 – 29
Under The Redcoat, Williamsburg, VA. In the summer of 1781, The British occupied the City of Williamsburg, VA. Take part in reenactments of this historical event as well as cavalry maneuvers, artillery batteries, a tattoo, special historical programming, historical foods and much more. www.history.org

June 26 - 28
Celebrate Big Horn Days and The 133rd Anniversary of The Battle of the Little Big Horn, Hardin, MT. If you’re out west during this time period, and in this area…be here on this date. Visit the actual site of Custer’s Last Stand and if you close your eyes, you’ll almost feel the spirits of those that fought and died on both sides on this date 131 years ago. Lots of great family fun things to do all weekend and lots to do in the area with Yellowstone not too far away to the west and the Badlands of South Dakota. www.custerslaststand.org

June 26 - 27
The 20th Annual Mountain Top Rodeo It’s not often that you get a chance to take in a world-class rodeo, but to have it set in the breathtaking beauty the North Georgia Mountains at the same time! Rodeo events of all classes, a great midway, mountain food and much more! www.rranchga.com or www.dahlonega.org

June 27 - 28
The 11th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival, Jasper, AK. Hunters, this is not to be missed! This major event celebrates Newton County's title of "Elk Capital of Arkansas." You will find quality artists, crafters, other vendors showcasing their wares as well as nature seminars, wildlife displays, fishing derby, lots of kids' activities, great entertainment, brilliant fireworks display and the infamous Elk Permit Drawings. Fun for all ages! www.theozarkmountains.com

June 27 – 28
The Civil War Living History Weekend at Fort Adams, Newport RI. Enjoy & watch life at the Fort as it was during the Civil War. The visit to the Fort alone is worth the trip, but add in the Civil War Reenactment events with special arts & craft fair, period cooking & food, live entertainment, special children’s events and much more, and it’s an event not to be missed. Fort Adams State Park, R.I.. www.fortadams.org

June 27 – July 5
The 60th Annual Kutztown Festival, Kutztown, PA. Enjoy a great old fashion, but still 100% authentic, Pennsylvania Dutch Amish festival. Take in a real Dutch Apple Pie just for starters; a world class quilt show; live entertainment; tours; rides; just lots and lots of great family activities. www.kutztownfestival.com
 

JULY 2009

July & August Anytime Western Travel Idea!
If you’re anywhere in the Montana or North Dakota area, take a little side trip up to Regina, the capitol of Saskatchewan in Canada and take in a special “Sunset Ceremony” at the famed Royal Canadian Mounted Police Training Centre. Renowned at one of Canada’s top 20 attractions, with nearby camping that is just as impressive. Regina, Saskatchewan Canada
www.tourismregina.com

July 1-5
Independence Day at Williamsburg, VA. Celebrate our country’s birthday where the idea of an independent country began. Enjoy a colonial celebration like none other you’ll ever experience with events scheduled for the entire family to enjoy. www.history.org

July 1- 7
The Red Ryder Rodeo & 4th of July Festival! The Four Corners Area of Colorado. If you’re headed west this summer, then you don’t want to miss this. Held in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, in the Four Corners area of the heart of the Rockies, this little western town has it all…everything from food, music, live entertainment, fireworks, museums, great shopping and more. There are 25 waterfalls in the area and are rated as the most spectacular in the state! Enjoy short side trips to Mesa Verde and explore the cliff dwellings of the Anasani Indians or to Durango & take an 1812 vintage train ride to historic Silverton through remote areas that are accessible only by foot or horseback…or visit a real saloon that dates back to the 1860’s! And don’t forget to visit the Fred Harman Museum…he created Red Ryder & Little Beaver…both are western book, cartoon and movie characters There is more to see & do in this corner of Colorado than you can do in a month…fun for the whole family! This area is great to visit anytime. www.pagosa-springs.com ,www.swcolo.org, www.durangogov.org

July 1 – 6
Boston Harborfest, Boston, MASS Join the largest patriotic celebration in the county with over 200 events taking place between the 1st – 6th. Fireworks, great local food, live entertainment, concerts, reenactments, tours, maybe even a Red Sox game…all in addition to all the great sights to see in Boston everyday! www.bostonharborfest.com

July 3 – July 5
NASCAR at Daytona Beach, FL. Besides all the other great fun things to do in Daytona Beach, there are three full days & nights of racing! www.daytonaintlspeedway.com

July 4 - 6
“The Battle of Gettysburg”, the 145th Annual Civil War Battle Reenactment, Gettysburg, PA.. Be a part of the six main battles, living history village, field demos, food, arts & crafts, live entertainment, book shows, The Gettysburg Firemen’s Festival, visit President Eisenhower’s home, carnival rides, fireworks, tours, museums and much more. www.gettysburgevb.org and www.gettysburgreenactment.com

July 4
Independence Day at our Nation’s Capital. Parades, a streetfest, live music, food and some of the greatest fireworks in the entire country! There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than in our nation’s capital. Plus take the time to visit the Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln & Viet Nam Memorials, The White House, The Capital, The Mint, The Smithsonian, Mt. Vernon and much more. See history alive and show your colors too! Washington, D.C. www.washington.org

Heading Out West Any Time Great Travel Ideas:
Now if you’re on that “once-in-a-lifetime” trip out west, and on I-40 headed west (or coming from there) then you have to stop to see the National Cowboy & Western Museum. It pays homage to not only our TV & movie cowboy heroes, but also to the real men & women who trail-blazed the West. There is something for everyone in the family! Take a look at all the great western theme places & events to go in this state at www.travelok.com Visit the Museum in Oklahoma City, OK. www.nationalcowboymuseum.com

Even More Out West To See & Do
Now, when you leave Oklahoma City, head north to Wichita, Kansas where you can visit “Prairie Rose Chuck Wagon Supper Club.” Known as one of the finest restaurants of its type in the country, and a must for western fans, this is much more than just a restaurant! Year round concerts, the Happy Trails Theatre, where you can watch western movies, an RV park, special event and don’t miss visiting the Hopalong Cassidy Museum which pays homage to Hoppy & all the other great western cowboys & cowgirls we watched on TV and in the movies growing up. www.prairierosechuckwagon.com

July 8 - 11
The 43rd Annual Pocahontas CountyPioneer Days, Marlinton, West Virginia. Great Bluegrass & Country music, food, arts & crafts, dancing, parades, antique car show, and just a lot more old fashion country family fun! www.pocahontascountywy.com

July 9 - 11
Gettysburg Bike Week, Gettysburg, PA. This all star event features history and great bikes! Close to 100 different vendors, bike show, field events, tattoo contests, burn-out competition, daily poker runs, live music, food and fireworks. One of the highlights of bike week is the Parade of Chrome on Saturday night. Thousands of spectators cheer as the Clydesdales march through town and around the circle followed shortly after by thousands of motorcycles. For those people touring the Battlefield during the parade, the roar of the engines resembled cannon fire from years gone by! And don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Battlefield and its’ great events going on at the same time. www.gettysburg.com , www.gettysburgbikeweek.com

July 10 - 12
The Great Texas Balloon Race, Longview, TX. This is a world class event and the largest sanctioned hot air balloon race held in Texas. Lots of great events including evening balloon glows, live entertainment with music and concerts, a giant Kids Land, arts & crafts and of course food! www.gtbr.net

July 10 - 12
The 33rd Annual Sailfest, New London, CT. A tremendous street and harbor festival featuring tall ships, fireworks, a classic car show & parade, food court, live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, a museum village and much more. . www.sailfest.org

July 10 – 12
The 22nd Annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival, Stowe, VT. One of New England’s most popular and breathtaking events, a summer tradition including a children’s corner, balloon launches and tethers, food, drinks and live entertainment. www.stoweflake.com

July 15 - 25
The Georgia Mountain Fair, Hiawassee, GA. If you can’t have a good time here, than you might as well pack it in right now! Take in great country music & dancing, national acts, arts & crafts, a carnival, great food, a living pioneer village, wild animal acts, demonstrations & more. . www.theblueridgehighlander.com

July 17 – 19
The 26th Annual Newport Black Ships Festival, Newport R.I. This event commemorates the historic achievements of Commodore Matthew Perry of negotiating the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854 between Japan and the U.S., ending 200 years of Japanese isolationism, and brought our two countries together as trading partners. Lots to see and do. www.BlackShipsFestival.com

July 17 – 19
The 31st Annual Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival, Westfield, R.I. One of the largest hot air balloon events of its’ kind, and one of the few near the seaside and ranked as a “Top 20 Things to do in Rhode Island”! A carnival, great food, live entertainment, family fun for all. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield. www.wakefieldri.clubwizard.com/BalloonFestival.cfm

July 17 – 10
VillageFest, Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lake, CA. California’s Highest Rib Cook Off and Cover Band Festival. Free Tribute Band concerts all weekend with the theme “Summer Of Love”, beer and wine garden, Silent Auction, BBQ rib cook-off, raffles, prizes, and more. www.villageatmammoth.com

July 17 – 26
The 188th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY. This is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration…and the oldest! Truly the granddaddy of them all and if you’re in this area at this time, not an event you want to miss. A PRCA rodeo & slack events, Concerts & Prof Bull Riders, USAF Thunderbirds, parades, pancake breakfasts, Western Art Show & sale, carnival, Old West Museum, Indian Village, military reenactments, Thunderbird air show, great western food & music, special tours & more. www.cfdrodeo.com

July 17 - 19
The 46th Ox Roast Fair, St. Joseph, OH. The famous Ox Roast beef has always been a part of the Ox Roast Fair. Thirty-five hundred pounds of sirloin roasts are prepared in brick-lined pits which are heated several days before the fair with a constantly burning fire. The beef is prepared, wrapped in unbleached muslin & netting, and placed in the fiery coals, covered over, and cooked for several hours until done to perfection. The result is a delicious, slow-cooked beef sandwich or dinner that melts in your mouth. Now folks, I have to tell you, after reading about the sirloin…I don’t need to know about the tractor, pick-up truck or semi-truck pulls; or the live entertainment; or the rides; or the games & raffles…or anything else for that matter, to want to attend this event! www.stjosephmantua.com/stjosephox.html

July 18 – 29
Cajun Food & Music Festival, Lake Charles, LA. Cajun music, Cajun specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, cracklins, and much more. Highlights include live entertainment, raffles, arts and crafts booths and games for kids. www.louisanatravel.com

July 23 – August 1
Weekends at the Biltmore Estates, Ashville, NC. Select weekends in July in August, the Biltmore Estate will host evening concerts on the South Terrace of the Biltmore House. Enjoy a fabulous evening of music accompanied by breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning sunsets. Past performers include Clint Black, The Manhattan Transfer, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Indigo Girls, The Doobie Brothers and a number of great musical acts. Go to their website for a complete listing of dates and performers. www.biltmore.com

July 26
NASCAR at Indianapolis. The Allstate Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Folks, there is so much more to this event than just the normal pre-race activities and beer. Done up in Indie style, there is a local benefit race, special luncheons, special manufacturer’s sponsored autograph sessions, special question & answer sessions with drivers & crew members…all open to the fans, but don’t get scared, they have the beer too! www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

July 30 – Aug 2
“Satchmo” SummerFest in New Orleans. “What a Wonderful World” you’ll discover during an entertaining weekend in the French Quarter honoring New Orleans’ own native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. All the great music you would expect, a jazz mass, a club crawl (I would be willing to bet that alcohol is involved), wonderful food and a star-studded line-up of performances that would even make the Great One smile! www.satchmosummerfest.com

July 31 – Aug 1
The 13th Annual Dillard Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, Dillard, GA. This is a Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off with over 50 contestants. Also lots of great local food, arts & crafts and live entertainment. All in the setting of the North Georgia Mountains. At the Dillard City Hall Fair Grounds. www.dillardbbq.org

July 31 – Aug 1
The 66th Annual White River Water Carnival, Batesville, AK. Great water events plus live entertainment, great food, sporting events, a classic car show, a bike show, arts & crafts and the rand Parade. Held at Riverside Park. www.arkansas.com

July 31 – Aug 1
The Ham Slam BBQ Contest, Forsyth, GA. Festivities begin Friday evening with the Concert in the Country featuring headliner entertainers. Live entertainment continues throughout the weekend, along with a variety of sporting competitions, sporting demonstrations, arts & crafts, food, fun and fireworks. Plus, the all important BBQ contest where cooking teams compete for cash, trophies and taster’s praise. Family fun for all. . www.forsyth-monroechamber.com
 

AUGUST 2009

Aug 2
NASCAR in Pocono, PA. The Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Int. Speedway.
www.poconoraceway.com

Aug 3 - 9
The 69th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD. If the words Harley-Davidson mean anything to you, then the name of Sturgis, has to be in your vocabulary as well. This event is packed with every possible event you can imagine that involves a motorcycle, Harleys of course (Rice Burners go at your own risk) as well as concerts, racing, riding, a few adult beverages and a lot more. www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

Aug 6 - 9
The World’s Longest Yard Sale. That’s right, now up to 654 miles of trash, treasures and items you just can’t pass up! Takes place on The Lookout Mountain Parkway and the U.S. 127 Corridor from Gadsden, ALA to West Unity, Ohio www.127sale.com

Aug 7 - 9
The Charlestown Seafood Festival, Charleston, R.I. Folks, if you haven’t figured out by now that your author like events that include food, you must need reading glasses…and this type of event really is calling me to come. This is a gastronomic extravaganza of New England’s best in seafood, lobsters, steamers, chowders, fish & chips, clams & clam cakes, corn-on-the-cob, a raw bar and even a bunch on non-seafood! Add in arts & craft vendors, wall climbing, a carnival, kids shows, rides, raffles and much more…and did I say seafood! This festival has been voted as one of the top 100 events in North America! www.charlestownrichamber.com

Aug 8 - 9
The 41st Annual Audubon Festival, Sharon, CT. This event focus on the environment with nature walks, presentations, live animal programs, hands-on-exhibits, workshops, arts & crafts, food, music and much more. www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/sharon

Aug 9
NASCAR at the Glen, The Zippo 200 Road Course at Watkins Glen, NY

Aug 12 - 16
The 88th Annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Festival of Gallup, NM. Over thirty tribes of Native American Indians take part in five days of dancing, great native foods, live entertainment, parades, rodeo contests, arts & crafts, children’s activities, educational programs and much more. This is a great event to attend if you’re out west during this time. Red Rock Park, Gallup
www.gallup-ceremonial.org

Aug 13 - 16
The 11th Annual Railfest & Hot Air Balloon Celebration, Durango, CO. Enjoy 4 days of railroad fun. Galloping Geese Excursions, Railroadiana Swamp Meet, Garden Rail Tours, Yard Sales, museum tours and now Hot Air Balloon Racing has been added for 2009! If it had to do with railroads in the Rockies, and now Hot Air Balloons, you’ll find it here. www.durangotrain.com

Aug 19 - 23
The 37th Annual Family Festival at Lake George, New York. Folks, for those who have never had the opportunity to visit upper New York, you will find that this is one of the most beautiful places you have ever visited…even in winter snow! This weekend enjoy all the sights along with craft shows, games, boat rides, live music, festival foods, reenactments, great “small town” amusement parks & much more. www.lakegeorgevillage.com

Aug 19- 22
NASCAR at Bristol, TN. Racing starts on Wednesday night with the truck race; a Nationwide race on Friday night and the Sharpie 500 on Saturday night. All under the lights. Folks, we book out for this race, so reserve your RV rental as far in advance as possible! www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

Aug 28 - 30
The Hotter N’ Hell Hundred, Wichita Falls, TX. This is one of the largest cycling events in the entire country, with routes up to 100 miles on Saturday. Lots of great biking trails both on & off road, events, an expo, racing and more. Held in August, so you can tell where the name came from! www.hh100.org

Aug 29 - 30
The 34th Annual Wilhelmina Hot Rod Run & Antique Car Show, Mena, AK. Hey folks, there are lots of these events all over the country, but this one has over 30 years of history and experience…this means you’ll be looking at 250-300 cars! Enjoy great vendor food, live music, a street dance, parts vendors and much more. Free admission. Held at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. www.queenwilhelmina.com

SEPTEMBER 2009

Traditional Fall (Sept 1 – November 30) Special Events

Sept 1 – Oct 13
The 10th Annual Black Hills Autumn Expedition, The Black Hills, SD.. Take in events all over the area like: chili cook-offs; the Black Hills Pow Wow; the Custer Stampede; a western version of Octoberfest; take in the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore; National Native American Day; and much more. www.autumnexpedition.com

Sept 3
NC State vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Football, Raleigh, NC

Sept 4 - 7
Labor Day Holiday Weekend. This is a very high demand weekend for motor home rentals. Reserve in time to have yours to have the model you want. www.rvworldofgeorgia.com

Sept 4 - 7
The 12th Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival, St. Louis, MO.. One of the country’s best blues festivals...and it’s all free! Over three dozen groups are currently scheduled from all over the U.S. So big, it takes 5 stages to hold it all. Of course, great festival food and good times for all! www.bigmuddyblues.com

Sept 4 - 7
The 35th Mountain Man Rendezvous, Fort Bridger, WY. Experience the mystique of the trade era with costumed revelers and traders of brightly colored goods at one of the largest rendezvous in the nation. Traders Row features 1840s period trade goods with 140 traders, live entertainment from bagpipes to violins, Indian dancers, face painting, throwing & shooting contest, western food & music, kids' contest and much more. www.fortbridgerrendezvous.net

Sept 4 - 7
The 34th Annual Westfest, West, TX. Folks, this is a Czech/Polish Polka festival…and in Texas no less! Who would think that cowboys did the polka! Great food booths, music, dancing, arts & crafts, a baking contest and much more…family fun for everybody. www.westfest.com

Sept 4 - 7
Fontana’s Fall Fling, Fontana, NC Not only can you take in all the normal great activities at Fontana Village, but take part in the Southeast’s Clogging Championships! First Timers welcome! www.fontanavillage.com

Sept 4 - 7
St. Augustine’s Founder’s Day Celebration, St. Augustine, FL. The birthday of America’s oldest city. Live entertainment, Spanish dancing, food, games & historic reenactments. Plus all the “usual” great beaches, food, fishing, shopping, sights, etc.
www.staugustinegovernment.com

Sept 4 - 7
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens, GA.. Watch the sky fill with color at this 6th annual event. In between days filled with live entertainment, music, family activities, exhibits, demonstrations, great food, watch the sky glow with flights of these wonderfully colored balloons. Fun for the whole family. www.callawaygardens.com

Fall Any Time Mini-Trip Crash n’ Burn Idea.
If you’re in the mood for a little quiet, crash & burn time, then think about spending a few days in Dillsboro, NC. Located just a couple of hours north of Atlanta on I-985, it’s a step back in time Take in river rafting & tubing, hiking, shopping, art galleries, scenic drives, take a great ride through some of the beautiful mountains in the country on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad and eat at some great country restaurants…or just sit back and relax. www.mountainlovers.com and www.gsmr.com

Sept 5
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Oklahoma State Football, Stillwater, OK (Hey, it’s Labor Day Weekend…great time for a Road-Trip!

Sept 5
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Jacksonville State Football, Atlanta, GA

Sept 5
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Virginia Tech Football, Atlanta, GA (Georgia Dome)

Sept 5 - 7
The 11th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, Newport, R.I. It’s probably a little too cold in March to hold this, and is there a bad time of year to celebrate the Irish? This 3-day event celebrates Irish music, food, culture, crafts and adult beverages with five stages of live entertainment, an Irish Marketplace, a dance hall and children’s activity center. All proceeds benefit local charities! www.gonewport.com

Fall Football Trip Idea!
It doesn’t make a difference if you’re a fan of pro-football or college, there’s a lot more to the game than just your local stadium. How many games could you take in, in a week…how well can you schedule…do you only want to see your favorite team, or are you open to a good game anywhere? A lot of games are scheduled on Thursday evening, could you take in one, or start at a local high school’s Friday night game, then go someplace else to take in a Saturday afternoon game… maybe get some place close-by that’s having a Saturday evening game…and then go and take in a Sunday pro-game? Is there a Monday night game you could reach? How many could you take in?

Early Fall Trip Idea…Good in Spring too!
The Revolutionary War and Civil War Tour, Manchester, VT. Southwest Vermont, from Bennington to the Manchester area, played a very significant role in the winning of the revolutionary war. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys planned their capture of Fort Ticonderoga (the first Colonists’ victory) from here and defeated the British in the Battle of Bennington which kept supplies from the British who then surrendered at Saratoga (NY) which was the turning point in the War. Surprisingly, Vermont also has many ties to the Civil War. For instance, Vermont lost more people in the Civil War than any other state in the Union. Every generation of Abraham Lincoln’s descendents lived or visited the Manchester and Dorset areas. Some Lincolns were interred here. Tombstones for Gettysburg came from this area. Over 25 points of interest with over 15 sites on the national register of historic places, historic districts, covered bridges, historic villages and go by places where US Presidents stayed, etc as you explore the heart of Green Mountain Boy country. www.backroaddiscovery.com

Sept 5 – 7
The Cornstalk Harvest Festival, Murdock, NE. Folks, if you can’t do corn right…in Nebraska, then it just can’t be done. Besides finding it to eat every way you can think of…and some you haven’t thought of, just imagine what the corn mazes in Nebraska look like! Add in: hay rack rides; Mazes & Mini-Mazes for the little ones; apple bobbing, kiddie trains and play area; live entertainment; arts & crafts; a petting zoo; rides; archery contests; pumpkin carving & contest; candle dipping; and much more. Every weekend in September. www.cornstalkonline.com

Sept 6
NASCAR at Atlanta, GA. The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Hampton.
www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

Sept 7
Miami Hurricanes vs FSU Seminoles Football, Tallahassee, FL

Sept 10
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Clemson Tigers Football, Atlanta, GA

Sept 10 – Oct 31
Oktoberfest, Helen, GA. Come and enjoy the World’s Longest Oktoberfest. It’s so big & long, they have to start it in September. Hear great Oompah Bavarian music, eat real German food, dance the polka and of course have a real German beer all set in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. www.helenga.org

Sept 11 - 12
Goat Days, Millington, TN. Yes, you are reading this right & yes goats are the center of attention at this festival! You’ll see more types of goats than ever before, see goat contests, children’s events, fishing, goat races, dancing, music, rodeo, arts & crafts, live entertainment and great food (Now the information I read on this event did not say anything about goats as a food source!) so I am making no claim regarding what they consider great food! But, if you’ve got kids, it looks like something they would have a great time at and what more can a parent ask? . www.internationalgoatdays.com

Sept 12
Georgia Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Football, Athens, GA

Sept 12
Tennessee Volunteers vs. UCLA Football, Knoxville, TN

Sept 12
Mississippi State vs. Auburn Tigers Football, Auburn, AL

Sept 12
NASCAR at Richmond, Richmond, VA

Sept 13
Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Football Atlanta, GA

Sept 13
New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions, New Orleans, LA

Sept 14 - 20
The 162nd Annual Guernsey County Fair, Old Washington, OH. This is a country fair, that stills keeps the country in it! Livestock and food exhibits, a King & Queen contest, horse racing, music, dancing, rides for the kids, live entertainment, great country fair food and much more. www.guernseycountyfair.com

Sept 17
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Miami Hurricanes Football, Miami, FL

Sept 18 – October 31
The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Gatlinburg, TN. So big & so much to do, it take 6 weeks to hold it! The Festival is made-up of several major events. Not only including every possible fall festival event & activity that you can think of, it is headlined by the 32nd Annual Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. This is a world class event with the largest group of independent artisans in North America, showing pottery, woodcarving, candle making, quilting, weaving, painting and many other fine art forms. www.eventsgatlinburg.com

Sept 19
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football, Fayetteville, AR

Sept 19
Clemson Tigers vs. Boston College Football, Columbia, SC

Sept 19
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Football, Gainesville, FL

Sept 19 – October 31
The 39th Ammual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, Big Bear, CA. Though beer is a major focus of this six-weekend-long German festival, don’t hesitate to bring the family; there’s lots for kids to do too. Enjoy traditional Bavarian songs and polka dances, as well as games and contests such as the log sawing competition and queen stein carrying contest at the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest. Every year a different German band is featured that plays traditional polkas, sing-alongs, classic rock and a mix of country favorites. www.bigbearevents.com.

Sept 19 - 20
The 14th Annual 18th-Century Craft Fair, Mt. Vernon, VA.. Held at George Washington home, Mt.Vernon, features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople demonstrating & selling every type of colonial ware possible. Add in the great period music, puppet & magic shows, specialty food and live entertainment…plus all of the other great sights of this American treasure, and you have fun for the entire family. www.mountvernon.org

Sept 19 - 20
The 26th Annual John Ross Festival, Rock Spring, GA. An authentic Native American Pow Wow with members of tribes from all across America taking part. Enjoy arts & crafts, native food, parades, live entertainment, demonstrations, dancing, and a car & motorcycle show.
www.walkercochamber.com

Sept 20
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Football, Atlanta, GA

Sept 20
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans, Nashville, TN

Sept 23- 26
The 12th Annual Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA. The best Indy type drivers come to race at what is now one of the most prestigious races of it’s type in the world in the signature event of the American Le Mans Series…10 hours covering 1,000 miles! www.roadatlanta.com

Sept 24 - 27
Mayberry Days, Mt. Airy, NC. Step back in time with a visit to Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, actually located in Andy’s hometown of Mount Airy, NC., just a couple of hours north of Atlanta! Visit Floyd’s Barber Shop, Wally’s Gas Station and eat at the Snappy Lunch Counter! Andy actually used his memories of growing up here to design the city of Mayberry for his TV show. Enjoy music, great mountain food, tours and all the wonderful things a fall mountain festival brings. And, to top it all off, you can take in a movie at the Bright Leaf Drive-In Theater, one of only 300 drive-in theaters left in the U.S., or a movie at the fully restored 1950-ish walk-in theater, the Downtown Cinema! www.visitmayberry.com, www.sunnyarts.org

Sept 25 - 26
Culture in the Wild West, Cody, WY. And, yes, it did occur! Take in the 15th Annual Western Design Conference which covers clothing and fashion accessories, furniture and much more. And, at the same time, enjoy The 27th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show to view (any buy) some of the finest Western art you’ll ever see. Lots of other great western family fun activities too! www.yellowstonecountry.org

Sept 25 – 28
Benson Mule Days, Benson, NC. A Southern Tradition for over 50 years, this four day event is packed with mule events, rodeos, barbecue cook-offs (remember, this event is about mules), arts & crafts, street dances, and a concert. Mule Days has been recognized as one of the South’s best festivals! www.bensonmuledays.com

Sept 25 – 28
The 63rd Annual Old Days at Los Alamos, Los Alamos, CA. Honoring the area’s western heritage. Events include antique car show, a peddlers’ mart, food booths, arts & crafts, live entertainment, BBQ, dance, parade and much more. www.losalamosvalley.com

Sept 25 – Oct 18
The State Fair of Texas, Dallas, TX. Features 24 days of food and family fun, including many free-with-admission attractions and concerts, lots of food, rides, animals, exhibits and the largest new car show in the Southwest. Dallas, TX www.BigTex.com

Sept 26
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. North Carolina Football, Atlanta, GA

Sept 26
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Arizona State Football, Athens, GA

Sept 26
University of Florida Gators at The Wildcats of Kentucky, Louisville, KY

Sept 26
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football, Tuscaloosa, AL

Sept 27
NASCAR in Dover, DE. The Dover 400 at Dover Int’l Speedway. www.doverspeedway.com

Sept 27 – 30
The Great American Cattle Drive Experience, Ellsworth, KS. If you’ve ever wanted to play cowboy and take part in a cattle drive, then this is the event for you. Help drive a herd of longhorn cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Dates listed were not confirmed as of this addition to our calendar, so please verify for 2009 with their website www.nationaldrovers.com

OCTOBER 2009

October Any Time, The Trails of the Civil War, North Carolina.
If you are in to hiking, and I can’t think of a better time to do it, than in Fall mountain colors…then consider taking in some history at the same time. Check out the 200 different trails available for you to visit the sites where our country’s destiny was forged.
www.civilwartrails.org  or www.visitnc.com

October Any Time, Branson, Missouri!
If you’re a music fan, then you have to consider at some time in October Any Time, Branson, Missouri! If you’re a music fan, then you have to consider at some time in your life, a trip to Branson, Missouri. Enjoy shows put on by classic entertainers like Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, Mickey Gilley, Roy Rogers, Jr., Roy Clark, and dozens more! Take a dinner ride on the Branson Belle Paddle Wheel Showboat, more museums than you can count, enjoy the water park, golf, fishing, great shopping and much more. Fun for the whole family all year round! 800/831-4FUN or www.silverdollarcity.com

October Any Time or any trip South, The Museum of Aviation…FREE!!
Or, anytime for that matter...if you’re headed South, and if you like airplanes & missiles, then here’s a great freebie to take to take the family to...and it makes a nice travel break at the same time. The Museum of Aviation covers a century of flight with 100 aircraft & missiles to view. Hey, did I say that it’s free! Guided tours are available. Warner Robbins AFB, Warner Robbins, GA. www.museumofaviation.org

Oct 1 -30
Nightfall at Old Tucson Studios. Tucson, AZ. Anyone can visit a Haunted House, but imagine how much fun it would be to visit an entire Haunted Town? Old Tucson, the greatest western movie set in movie history (and worth going to see any time of the year), turns itself into a haunted town every evening. 40 acres of gruesome characters, live shows and haunted attractions that will scare anyone. www.oldtucson.com

Oct 1 – 30
Ride With a Witch and Get Bewitched at Gardner Village, West Jordon, UT. Take a horse drawn wagon ride with a friendly witch as your guide. Enjoy a crackling good time of stories, songs and maybe even a spell or two on your ride. Take in a great night of family fun at the Witches Mystery Dinner Theater and enjoy a whimsical collection of bigger than life witches lurking around every corner of town. The 19th and 20th is Witches’ Night Out! an event for all ladies over 18…and only the ladies. Come dressed as your favorite witch for the costume contest, but stay to enjoy special shopping sprees, live music, food and fun! www.gardnervillage.com

Oct 1 -13
The 11th Annual Black Hills Autumn Expedition, The Black Hills, SD. Take in some great events like: the 41st Annual Buffalo Roundup; chili cook-offs; the Black Hills Pow Wow; Native American art festivals; National Native American Day; take in The Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore close by; and much more. www.autumnexpedition.com

Oct 1 - 4
Smokey Mountain Bike Week, Fontana Village, NC . Ride the Dragon and the Hellbender along some of the greatest mountain motorcycle roads in the country...all while enjoying great Fall Colors. Fontana Village has one of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at...rustic, but right on the river, about ¼ a miles from the largest dam east of the Rockies. www.fontanavillage.com

Oct 1 - 4
The Harvest Festival at Callaway Gardens, GA. Come celebrates Fall each weekend in October at Callaway Gardens! Pumpkin Patches dotted with jack-o-lantern wannabes, scarecrows, hay-rides, fall food, lots of family activities and more greet you at this celebration of Autumn. www.callawaygardens.com

Oct 2 - 4
The 21st Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival & Balloon Fiesta Show, Albuquerque, NM. Western Arts & Crafts at it’s best, but add in live entertainment, great western foods, music and the magic of hot air balloons, and it doesn’t get much better than this. This is listed at one of New Mexico’s Top 10 Attractions. Also on the weekend of the 9 - 11th. Under the Big Top Tent. www.riograndefestivals.com

Oct 3
Georgia Bulldogs vs. LSU Tigers Football, Athens, GA

Oct 3
Auburn Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers Football, Knoxville, TN

Oct 3
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Kentucky Wildcats Football, Lexington, KY

Oct 3 - 31
Michaelmas at The Biltmore Estate, Ashville, NC. Enjoy a celebration of the Harvest and a great Jazz Festival every weekend in October at the world famous Biltmore Estate. Enjoy storytelling, arts & crafts, great music & dance, wine tasting, and much more. www.biltmore.com

Oct 3 - 4
The 22nd Annual Taste of Rhode Island, Newport, RI A culinary experience featuring restaurants from all over the Ocean State showcasing their finest menu items. Two great days of food, live entertainment, children’s activities, a wine garden, dancing and much more.
www.newportfestivals.com

Oct 3 - 11
The International Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2008, Albuquerque, NM. This is another of those western events, that if you’re out west during this time, you don’t want to miss! This is the largest balloon race and festival in the entire U.S., if not the world. Balloonist from all over the world come to take part, and is one of the most beautiful events to photograph & witness you’ll ever experience. www.aibf.org  www.newmexico.org

Oct 4
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Jets, New Orleans, LA

Oct 9 - 17
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, GA. This is the Mountain Festival that has it all! Country music, ‘fiddlin’ contests, national country music acts, great country food, arts & crafts, children’s activities, demonstrations, a complete pioneer village & more.
www.georgia-mountain-fair.com

Oct 10
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. FSU Seminoles Football, Tallahassee, FL

Oct 10
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers Football, Knoxville, TN

Oct 10
Florida Gators vs LSU Tigers Football, Baton Rouge, LA

Oct 10
Auburn Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football, Fayetteville, AR

Oct 10
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Kentucky Wildcats Football, Columbia, SC

Oct 10 - 11
The Gateway Festival, City of Kings, NC. Celebrate the Revolutionary War of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Great antique shopping, reenactments, story telling, art show, theatre show, great children activities, mountain cooking, 3 great parks close by for camping and much more. www.cityofkm.com

Oct 10 – 11
The 27th Annual Iroquois Festival, Rhinebeck, NY. Celebrate the Iroquois Native culture with native food, live entertainment, native arts & crafts dance and dance contests, speakers, an artist market and much more. www.iroquoisfestival.com

Oct 11
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts, Nashville, TN

Oct 11
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins, Charlotte, NC

Oct 12 - 17
Bikeoberfest at Daytona Beach, FL. Bikes at the beach…what more is there to say…this is the original and the grand-daddy of them all. www.bikeweekreport.com

Oct 16 - 18
The 73rd Annual Pioneer Days, 29 Palms, CA. The TwentyNine Palms Pioneer Days has been going on since 1937 and is a three day event that includes numerous activities, ranging from Cow Chip Bingo, Parade, Class Reunion, Haunted House, Carnival, Great Food, Music, Live Entertainment, and much more, so go and kick up your boots for some good old fashioned western fun! Dates were listed as tentative as of this posting, so please confirm prior to making your plans. www.29chamber.com/Home.479.0.html

Oct 16 - 18
The Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Its’ 83rd Birthday, Nashville, TN. For country music fans, it’s always a treat to visit the Opry…but nothing can compare to this great celebration. Special line-ups will be in place for this weekend. Keep an eye on their website for future up-dates. www.opry.com

Oct 16 - 18
The 38th Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival, Thibodaux Chackbacy, LA. Does anyone really need an excuse to visit Louisiana to eat great Cajun food…or do we need to find one? This event is held at the fairgrounds and of course offers great Cajun food of all kinds, a carnival, music, live entertainment, parades, auctions and much more. Proceeds benefit the local Volunteer Fire Dept! www.lagumbofest.com

Oct 16 - 18
The 29th Annual Wooly Worms Festival, Banner Elk, NC. No, your eyes are not seeing things, this is a festival about worms…and they race them too! While it almost scares me to add this event to the list, hey it’s been going on for 27 years and we have another event about goats, another about rattlesnakes and one about mullet-throwing listed, so there must be something to it. Food (and remember, this is a festival about worms) music, worm racing & other great festival events. www.averycounty.com

Oct 16 - 18
The 79th Annual Helldorado Days in Tombstone, AZ. Another great idea for a western trip. This event started out as the town’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1929 and has turned into its oldest tradition. Parades, a carnival, live entertainment and music, cowboy food, reenactments and don’t forget all the other great things to see everyday in Tombstone. www.helldoradodays.com  www.cityoftombstone.com

Oct 16 – 30
Neewollah, Independence, KS There's not a ghost of a chance you won't enjoy Neewollah (that's Halloween spelled backward), one of Kansas' largest annual festivals. The fall frolic starts with a parade featuring 30 marching bands. And, kids show off at their own costume parade. There's also a carnival, bands, a 5K run, food, music, live entertainment and a chili cook-off. www.travelks.com

Oct 17 - 18
Gold Rush Days Festival, Dahlonega, GA. The largest arts & crafts festival in NE Georgia. Over 300 booths along with traditional mountain festivities such as hog calling, liar’s contest, crosscut sawing, clogging, buck dancing, great country foods and plenty of bluegrass music. www.dahlonega.org

Oct 17 - 18
The Great Casey Jones Balloon Classic & Air Show, Jackson, TN. It includes over 35 hot air balloons, military & stunt aircraft, a carnival, great food, live entertainment, rides and more. Benefits the Kiwanis Center for Child Development. www.southfest.com/festivals/caseyjonestn.shtml

Oct 17
Bank of America 500 NASCAR at Charlotte, NC. Under the lights at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com

Oct 17
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Vanderbilt Football, Nashville, TN

Oct 17
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Virginia Tech Football, Atlanta, GA

Oct 17
Auburn Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats Football, Auburn, AL

Oct 17
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Football (Homecoming), Tuscaloosa, AL

Oct 18
Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears Football, Atlanta, GA

Oct 18
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa, FL

Oct 18
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants, New Orleans, LA

Out West Any Time
Now, if you’re in Tombstone, there’s another place not too far away that you just can’t miss in Tucson, The Old Tucson Studios. Originally built as a movie set for the 1939 western movie Arizona, you will recognize it from John Wayne’s Rio Lobo…Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales…Kirk Douglas’s Gunfight at the OK Corral…more recently Kurt Russell’s Tombstone, and hundreds of other western movies. Tons of family fun items to do. A definite can’t miss site! www.oldtucson.com

Oct 19 -11
The Appalachian Harvest Festival, Robbinsville, NC. Enjoy a weekend of Civil War history, but with added events like mountain music, dancing, clogging, country fair, antique tractor show, a horse show, arts & crafts, gospel singings, campfire sing alongs and more…and with the Fontana Dam close by, and all the things to do in Fontana, this can be one great weekend. www.visitvcenter.org

Oct 22
FSU Seminoles vs. North Carolina Football, Chapel Hill, NC

Oct 23 – 25
The Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler’s Festival, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Costume Parade; Fiddler's Festival; Horse drawn Hayrides; Old Fashion Beach Games; Sea Witch Hunt; Heritage Crafters; Spook & Magic Shows; Best Costumed Pet Contest; Kid's Treasure Trail; Great Seafood; live entertainment; Music; Tricker Treating and much more! www.beach-fun.com

Oct 24
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Virginia Football, Charlottesville, VA

Oct 24
Auburn Tigers vs. LSU Tigers Football, Baton Rouge, LA

Oct 24
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Football, Tuscaloosa, AL

Oct 25
NASCAR at Martinsville, Martinsville, VA www.nascar.com

Oct 25
Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills, Charlotte, NC

Oct 26
The 127th Anniversary of The Gunfight at the OK Corral, Tombstone, AZ. Folks, if you like the Wild West, and are on a Fall trip, the place to be on this date is in Tombstone, Arizona. Visit the actual site where Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan Earp fought the McLaurys and Clantons…stand on the very spot they did and absorb the history. Lots to do here and in the surrounding area. www.ok-corral.com

Oct 30 - Nov 1
The Cherokee Rod Run, Cherokee, NC. This event started out small time, but has grown into a major event. When you add in all the great cars, the fun people, fantastic roads, the Smokies and all the other great things to do in Cherokee, this has turned into one great hot rod event. www.cherokee-nc.com

Oct 30 – Nov 1
The National Peanut Festival, Dothan, AL. About ½ the peanuts sold in the U.S. are grown within 100 miles of Dothan and this event is designed to honor the growers and welcome the harvest season. Needless to say, there is food of every type possible that involved peanuts, a parade, beauty pageants, more kinds of contests to take part in then there is room to write, arts & crafts, live entertainment, carnival rides and much more. www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

Oct 31
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Football, Jacksonville, FL The World’s Largest Cocktail Party continues…

Oct 31
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Vanderbilt Football, Knoxville, TN

Oct 31
NC State vs. FSU Seminoles Football, Tallahassee, FL

Oct 31
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Volunteers Football, Knoxville, TN

NOVEMBER 2009

Nov 1
NASCAR at Talladega, AL. The AMP Energy 500 at the world’s fastest track
www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

Nov 1 -30
“Patriots or Traitors? A Struggle for Philadelphia”, Valley Forge, PA. The American Revolution once again sweeps across the farmlands of Philadelphia’s countryside. Revisit the wrenching political questions that divided families and forged a new nation. An entire month long program of events designed to provide fun and educational activities for the entire family. Tours, historical programs, festivals, arts & crafts, food, music and much more. Live the history of the colonists. www.valleyforge.org

Nov 1
Berkeley Plantation First Thanksgiving Festival, Charles City, VA Celebrate the 1619 landing of the original colonists at Berkeley Plantation. Join us at the site of the First Official Thanksgiving in America, for a day dedicated to history, food and fun with tours of the 1726 manor house, walks in the colorful autumn gardens and a formal living history program. www.virginia.org

Nov 2
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Football, New Orleans, LA

Nov 4 - 8
The 60th Annual Death Valley 49er’s Encampment, Death Valley, CA. If you want to visit Death Valley, then this is how, and more importantly, when to do it! Enjoy an art show, golf tournament, live music, special artist breakfasts, tours, contests of all kinds, trail rides, wagon rides and much more. Enjoy Death Valley without the brutal summer heat. www.deathvalley49ers.org

Nov 6 – Feb 28, 2010
The 20th Annual Winterfest Kick-Off & Chili Cook-Off, Gatlinburg, TN. This Friday night event kicks off the entire area’s Winterfest which lasts until the end of February. The months have events for people of all ages and to much to list here. Gatlinburg and surrounding areas, TN. www.eventsgatlinburg.com

Nov 6 - 8
SCCA American Road Race of Champions, Braselton, GA. Road Atlanta hosts this classic event. The ARRC is the season ending event for SCCA amateur racers with a number of championships at stake. There’s plenty of action, as the 2003 event attracted more than 400 entries! www.roadatlanta.com

Nov 6 - 9
The 9th Annual Stone Mountain Pow Wow & Indian Festival, Stone Mountain Park, GA Native American tribes from across the country provide music & live entertainment, native food, arts & crafts, games, storytelling, educational demonstrations & much more! Drum & dance competition. www.rthunder.com

Nov 6 – Jan 1
The Celebration of Christmas & Candlelight Evenings at the Biltmore Estate, Ashville, NC.. America’s largest home decks itself out for the holidays like no other home in America. Evenings glow with candles, firelight & Christmas lights…all it additional to all the other wonderful things to see and do there and in Ashville itself! Reservations strongly recommended, especially for Candlelight Evenings! www.biltmore.com

Nov 6 - 8
A Southern Christmas at Stone Mountain Park, GA. Millions of lights, the traditional Christmas train, live holiday shows, story telling, and the country’s most exciting musical, laser and lighting extravaganza. Select weekends. www.stonemountainpark.com

Nov 6 – Dec 31
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Pigeon Forge, TN. Whether you want to rock around the tree to classic 50’s sounds, hear traditional Christmas classics, or enjoy an old time Southern Gospel Christmas, you’ll find a mountain holiday spectacular at every turn. Special holiday concerts, living nativity, light shows and much more. www.dollywood.com

Nov 6 - 8
Battle of Secessionville, Charleston, SC. A Civil War event with a slight twist. All the normal reenactments you’d expect, but add in a Ladies Social, an Old Fashion Sunday Morning Worship Service and that it’s in Charleston, what a great weekend. Held at Boone Hall Plantation. www.csatrust.org

Nov 6 - 7
The 46th Annual Florida Seafood Festival, Apalachicola Bay, FL. This is the oldest seafood festival in the entire state. I think the name says it all, but add in arts & crafts, eating contests, live entertainment and music, all in a great family atmosphere, then this is the place to go. www.floridaseafoodfestival.com

Nov 6 - 8
The Louisiana Swamp Festival, New Orleans, LA.. Get to see all your favorite swamp critters up close and the most authentic swamp exhibit in the state. Chow down on great Cajun food and take in your favorite Cajun and zydeco music along with great arts & craft vendors held at the world famous Audubon Zoo. Dates are tentative as of this posting.
www.neworleansonline.com

Nov 7
FSU Seminoles vs. Clemson Tigers Football, Clemson, SC

Nov 7
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football, Fayetteville, AR

Nov 7
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers Football, Tuscaloosa, AL

Nov 7 - 8
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Field Days & Site, Camden, SC. Spend a peaceful day or two where the British spent a hard year in 1780. Enjoy colonial demonstrations, food, period fashion show, 18th century craftsmen, campfire cooking competition, children activities, reenactments and much more. Both fun and educational. This is a must see event for the whole family. www.historic-camden.net

Nov 7 - 8
Harvest Wine Celebration, Various Wineries, Temecula, CA. Celebrate the Harvest and enjoy some of the finest wines made in America! Visit each of the 21 participating wineries one time over a one or two day period. Enjoy delicious samples of perfectly paired foods with award-winning Temecula wines. Enjoy specially selected new and unreleased wines as well as some barrel and tank samples. Price includes entrance to event, souvenir wine glass, wine and food at each winery. An adult’s only event (Ages 21+ only). www.temeculawines.org

Nov 8
Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins Football, Atlanta, GA

Nov 8
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints, New Orleans, LA

Nov 8
NASCAR at Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX www.nascar.com

Nov 10 -11
Veterans Day at Williamsburg, VA. Experience it from the Colonial point of view and take in the “Brothers in Arms” experience at the same time. While just read about history, when you can let your family experience it? Enjoy colonial food, music, reenactments and much more. www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

Nov 12 - 15
The 37th Annual Waterfowl Festival, Easton, MD. If you like to hunt & fish, this is something you don’t want to miss! Timed to coincide with the return of the migratory Canadian Geese that spend their winters in the area’s wetlands & fields, this has it all. Take part in lessons on fly fishing, decoy making, shooting, food, tournaments, exhibitions, an arts festival featuring 19th & 20th century country masters, entertainment and much more. www.waterfowlfestival.org

Nov 12 - 15
The Celebrity Golf Classic at Hilton Head, SC. Dine, socialize and play golf with celebrity chefs in one of America’s great beach destinations, and where you’ll find one of the nicest campground resorts in the Southeast. Dates are tentative as of this posting. Confirm. www.sccelebritychefclassic.com

Nov 13 - 20
Gilbert Days, Gilbert, AZ Located just outside of Phoenix, this city celebrates its’ rich western heritage with a world class rodeo & a rodeo for the little cowboys too, parades, western food and music, live entertainment, a Pony Express Re-enactment that You can take part in, a carnival and much more. www.gilbertdays.com

Nov 13 - 15
12th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend, Monterey, CA. The Great Wine Escape Weekend is the hospitality event of the year for Monterey County featuring over 45 Monterey wineries, local and national celebrity chefs, and the ultimate travel experience in the unparalleled setting of Monterey Wine Country. Events throughout the weekend include wine and food pairing sessions on Friday afternoon at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, wine country open houses and tours on Saturday, a hidden gem and boutique wine tasting on Saturday afternoon, over 20 winemaker dinners by world-renowned chefs on Friday and Saturday evenings, and The Great Wine Escape Grand Finale at Quail Lodge on Sunday. www.montereywines.org

Nov 13 – Dec 23
The Polar Express, at the Grand Canyon! The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children's faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift. Make this a family western holiday tradition. Limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas! You MUST CALL for tickets. 1-800-THE TRAIN www.thetrain.com

Nov 13 – Jan 3
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, Lookout Mountain, TN. Enjoy all the natural beauty of Rock City with a great holiday nighttime lighting spectacular in addition to all the wonderful sights there as well. Take in close by Chattanooga with all its’ great places too! www.seerockcity.com

Nov 13 – 30
Christmas in Hershey Park, Hershey, PA. There’s no place like Hershey for the holidays…it’s magical. With a background of millions of lights, great holiday snacks, street music, great holiday shopping, concerts, of course visit Santa and the Elfs, and did I mention the snacks? Do you think that holiday candy could get any better than at Hershey? Special events all month long. www.hersheypa.com

Nov 13 – Jan 1
A Massachusetts Holiday Special, Various Locations. If you’re headed to the Northeast for the holidays, then take some time to visit the birthplace of freedom in America. It’s so much to see & do at any time, but it’s special during the holidays. From an old fashion colonist’s Thanksgiving Feast at the Old Sturbridge Village Inn, in Sturbridge, to a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party in Boston, to all the special events at Martha’s Vineyard, there’s something for everyone in the entire family. www.massvacation.com

Nov 14
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Duke Blue Devils Football, Durham, NC

Nov 14
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Football, Athens, GA

Nov 14
Florida Gators vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Football, Columbia, SC

Nov 14
Clemson Tigers vs. NC State Football, Raleigh, NC

Nov 15
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Football, Charlotte, NC

Nov 15
Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills, Nashville, TN

Nov 19
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins, Charlotte, NC

Nov 19
The Red Rock Fantasy of Lights, Sedona, AZ. Red Rock is famous for its’ natural beauty, but add to that, over 1,000,000 Christmas lights, displays, holiday music & much more, and some how the word breathtaking, just doesn’t do it justice. All proceeds benefit local charities.
www.redrockfantasy.com

Nov 20 – Dec 31
Very Fifties Christmas, Shawnee, KS. Take in a 1950s All Electric House at the Johnson County Museum of History and see how the ‘old folks’ celebrated Christmas some 50 years ago. Take home a special holiday memento after you’re done rockin’ around the aluminum Christmas tree available in several impressive aluminum colors! This is a great place to visit any time of year, but very special during the holidays. www.jocomuseum.org

Nov 20 – Jan 1
Christmas Wonderland at Wild Adventure, Valdosta, GA.. If you’re headed south to Florida, or even coming back, then stop and enjoy a dazzling display of over 4 ½ million holiday lights, wonderful family shows featuring song, dance & puppetry, seasonal music, a living Nativity, holiday fireworks & laser show, plus all the regular thrill rides and over 500 wild animals to see! www.wildadventures.net

Nov 20 – Dec 31
A Victorian Old-Fashioned Christmas and Celebrate the Season by the Sea! Various Maine Locations. Hey, if you’re already in the Boston area and need another excuse to have a good time, then this is for you! Take a very short drive north to the southeast corner of Maine and enjoy even more holiday decorations, special events, parades, great New England food (and who doesn’t want a Maine Lobster!?!?) and much more! Bath, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, Portland www.mainetourism.com

Nov 20 – Jan 02
Festival of the Holidays, Nashville, TN. Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art celebrates the Holidays even more politically correct than they do in Washington, D.C. ! This event covers Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Navidad at Nashville’s premier holiday event. www.nashvillecvb.com

Nov 20 – Dec 26
Winter Wonderland of Lights and Holiday Lights & Christmas Village, Various Kentucky locations.. Harland, Ashland and neighboring communities are transformed into holiday showcases. Millions of lights and dozens of displays with holiday treats, live entertainment and music, visits with Santa, carolers and much more make this part of Kentucky a treat during the holidays. www.harlancounty.com

Nov 20 – 29
Pirates in Paradise Festival, Key West, FL. This festival features 2 weeks of pure piratical escapes for kids of all ages from 5 to 85! Take part in Pirate invasions, Tall Ship battles, a village market, The Sea Shanty Songfest, Scavenger Hunts, Pirate Encampments, great food, music and more. This is recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of their Top 20 Events & is something you’ll want to come back to time and time again. www.piratesinparadise.com

Nov 20 – Dec 31
The 13th Annual Magic Christmas in Lights, Mobile, AL Stroll through over 3 million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated displays during the annual celebration of Magic Christmas in Lights. Tour the Bellingrath Home, decorated in its holiday finery and enjoy the sounds of nightly performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. Have your photo taken with Santa and enjoy supper in the Magnolia Cafe. Great shopping at the Bellingrath Gift Shop & experience the wonders of the holiday season. www.800alabama.com

Nov 20 – Dec 31
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, Disney World & Disneyland. Takes place 7:00 – midnight on selected nights at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Enjoy holiday snow, special parades, special Character greetings, special photos & tasty treats. Reserve ASAP for both the event and the Fort Wilderness Campground (it books out for both the Thanksgiving & Christmas/New Year’s holidays). www.disney.com

Nov 20 – Jan 1
Holiday in the Park at Hot Springs, AK. The Diamond lakes of Hot Springs light up with choral festivals, live nativity; special luminaries, holiday treats, arts & crafts, special decorations, holiday music and much more. www.hotsprings.org

Nov 21
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Kentucky Wildcats Football, Athens, GA

Nov 21
Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Football, Clemson, SC

Nov 21
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Vanderbilt Football, Knoxville, TN

Nov 21– Jan 8 Christmas at Graceland, Memphis, TN. No one got more into the holiday spirit than Elvis. See & be a part of it, just the way Elvis wanted it. www.elvis.com

Nov 21 – 27 Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead & Village, Laurel, MS. Visit a re-creation of a late 1880’s settlement, reminiscent of Southern days gone by. History comes alive in over 40 buildings & displays. Confederate soldier encampments, exhibits, entertainment, great food, mystery house, great educational demonstrations on historical craft trades & much more. www.landrums.com

Nov 21
Wonderland of Lights, Marshall, TX. This spectacular Christmas event features events all over the downtown area…with 10 million lights! Enjoy a parade, home tours, bus tours, carriage rides, outdoor ice skating, live entertainment, visits with Santa and historic church tours. www.marshalltxchamber.com

Nov 21
43rd Annual Buffalo Auction, Custer, SD. While once faced with extinction, the buffalo has made a major comeback. And, you can have one of your very own…I don’t know what you’re going to do with it, but you can have one! Every 3rd Saturday in November, Custer National Park sells its’ surplus buffalo to the highest bidder…any one reading this that owns a restaurant? www.blackhillsvacations.com

Nov 21 – 28
The 73rd Annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival, Stuttgart, AK. And, you don’t have to be a hunter to take part in this…it might help, but not a requirement! World's Championship Duck Calling Contest, other duck calling contests, Arts & Crafts Fair, commercial exhibits, handmade duck calls and decoys, off-road vehicles, carnival and midway, great 10K Duck Race, Sportsman's Party, Queen Mallard Pageant and Junior Queen Mallard Pageant, live music, and World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off. www.stuttgartarkansas.com

Nov 22
NASCAR at Homestead. NASCAR’s season ends with the Ford 400 in Homestead, FL. Take a couple of extra days to visit South Beach. www.nascar.com

Nov 22
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa, FL

Nov 26 – 30
Traditional Thanksgiving Day School Holiday. If you’re planning that special trip with the family during this time…and want to make it really special, then rent an RV from RV World of Georgia! This is a high demand time period and several local school systems are giving the kids off all week, so plan & reserve early…including your campsite. Many campgrounds at or near major attractions, like Fort Wilderness at Disney World, will book out during major holidays. www.rvworldofgeorgia.com

Nov 27 - 29
The 10th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival, Albuquerque, NM. Over 200 of our nation’s finest artists, craftsmen presenting some of the finest western gifts, and just in time for Christmas. Also western food, great demonstrations, live entertainment, music, a crafts station set up just for the kids and even the Holiday Cookie Walk. Something for everyone in the family. www.riograndefestivals.com

Nov 28
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Georgia Bulldogs Football, Atlanta, GA

Nov 28
FSU Seminoles vs. Florida Gators Football, Gainesville, GA

Nov 28
Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Football, Auburn, AL

Nov 28
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Clemson Tigers Football, Columbia, SC

Nov 28
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Football, Lexington, KY

Nov 29
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Atlanta, GA

Nov 29
Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals, Nashville, TN

Nov 30
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots, New Orleans, LA

DECEMBER 2009  - Traditional Winter (December 1 – February 28) Special Events

Dec 1 – 30
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, Branson, MO. This is one of the nation’s most acclaimed holiday events, profiled as one of the top Christmas celebrations in the country by USA Today & People Magazine, and named the USA’s Best Holiday Light Show two years in a row by America’s Best Online. The festival presents a new Christmas Light Spectacular around the square; the dramatic five-story special effects Christmas tree, adorned with more than 250,000 lights, coordinated to blaze to the musical movements of Christmas songs; and the colorful holiday light parade with dazzling, musical floats that glide through the streets each evening. A popular musical production of the famous classic A Dickens Christmas Carol features pyrotechnic special effects, elaborate sets, an impressive cast, and flying spirits. The festival presents a dramatic production of the living nativity. More than four million lights decorate the park. www.silverdollarcity.com

Dec 1 -3
The Heart of Kentucky Holiday Festival, Various Sites, Central Kentucky. There’s not a better time to spend a weekend in the true Heart of Kentucky, than during the holidays. From a Christmas Bazaar & Winter Carnival in Lebanon; to parades and home tours in Springfield...or The Maker’s Mark Distillery Candlelight Tours in Loretto...and more things to see, do and enjoy than there is room to write it all down. www.visitlebanonky.com

Dec 1 – 31
Lake of the Ozarks Holiday Magic, Lake Ozark, MO. Drive through light parks with millions of Christmas lights, featuring over 100 displays, music, food, live entertainment, arts & crafts, plays, parades and more. www.funlake.com/events

Dec 1 -31
Appalachian Ghostwalks, Various Tennessee Locations. Listed as one of the Top Ten Ghost Tours in the U.S. offering haunted historic ghost tours in some of Tennessee’s oldest towns, where you will enjoy tantalizing mystery, legend, intrigue and fun family adventure. Lots of other great adventures listed on the website. www.AppalachianGhostWalks.com

Dec 1 - 31
Christmas Wonderland at Wild Adventures, Valdosta, GA.. Enjoy a dazzling display of over 4 ½ million holiday lights, great family shows featuring song, dance & puppetry, seasonal music, a living Nativity, fireworks, lazer shows plus all the regular thrill rides and over 500 wild animals. Well worth the stop on your way to Florida! www.wildadventures.net

Dec 1 – 31
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, Lookout Mountain, TN. Enjoy all the natural beauty of Rock City with a great holiday nighttime lighting spectacular in addition to all the normal regular sights! www.seerockcity.com

Dec 1 – Jan 8
Christmas at Graceland, Memphis, TN. No one got more into the holiday spirit than Elvis. See and be a part of it, just the way Elvis wanted it. www.elvis.com

Dec 1 – 31
Galaxy of Lights & Candlelight Christmas, Huntsville, AL. The Galaxy of Lights is Alabama’s largest Christmas celebration with a 1.75 mile light extravaganza that you won’t want to miss. Candlelight Christmas held at Burritt on the Mountain has special events going on from 12/01 – 12/16. Both are in Huntsville, so you can visit the Space Center at the same time! www.hsvbg.org www.burrittmuseum.com

Dec 1 –31
The Celebration of Christmas and Candlelight Evenings at the Biltmore Estate, Ashville, NC. America’s largest home decks itself out for the holidays. Evenings glow from candles, firelight & Christmas lights. Reservations are a must for evening tours! www.biltmore.com

Dec 1 – 31
Trail of Lights in Branson, Old Time Christmas and The Festival of Lights, Branson, MO. Wow! Take in 3 great events at the same time with dozens of special holiday events. Special shows, drive through lights displays, great holiday shopping, fine dining, plays, music, live entertainment and much more...all in additional to all the normal great places to see in www.explorebranson.com  www.silverdollarcity.com  www.theshepardofthehills.com

Dec 1 – Jan 1
Holiday in the Park at Hot Springs, AK.. The Diamond Lakes of Hot Springs light up with choral festivals, luminaries, live nativity, holiday treats, arts & crafts, special decorations, and much more. www.hotsprings.org

Dec 1 – 30
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Pigeon Forge, TN.. Whether you want to rock around the tree to classic 50’s sounds, traditional Christmas classics, or an old time Southern Gospel Christmas, enjoy a mountain holiday spectacular. Special holiday concerts, Living Nativity, light shows & much more. www.dollywood.com

Dec 1 –31
A Colonial Christmas at Williamsburg, VA. See 17th & 18th century traditions come alive, tours, concerts, feasts, illuminations, special holiday programs and just incredible decorations blend the magic of the season with history to make a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy it as a part of Virginia’s 100 Miles of Lights Festival. jamesriverplantations@go.com or www.history.org

Dec 1 – 31
A Hundred Miles of Lights, Various Virginia Locations. Millions of lights and hundreds of special events occur during this event...so big, no one town can hold it all! Covering Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Richmond, Newport News and Williamsburg...more things to see, do and enjoy than there is room to write it all in this space. www.100milesoflights.com

Dec 1 –31
Christmas New Orleans Style! An entire month of free nightly concerts, cooking demos, carolers, historical characters, special food, decorations and more! Done only as New Orleans can do it! French Quarter and city wide. www.christmasneworleans.com

Dec 1 – 30
The 38th Annual Christmas in Newport, RI. Every day in December has several different ways to celebrate the noncommercial traditions of the Holiday Season. The entire community takes part. Add in all the great everyday sights, sounds, food & fun, and this is a don’t miss destination. www.christmasinnewport.org

Dec 1 – Jan 1
A Massachusetts Holiday Special, Various Locations.. If you’re headed to the Northeast for the holidays, than visit the birthplace of freedom in America. It’s a lot to see any time of the year, but it’s special during the holidays. From an old fashion colonist’s holiday feast in The Old Sturbridge Village, to a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party in Boston, the special events on Martha’s Vineyard, there’s something for everyone! www.massvacation.com

Dec 1 -31
Christmas City, USA, Ariton, AL. Truly a Christmas City! Fourteen buildings with arts & crafts, fine restaurants, fast food, live entertainment, magic & puppet shows, rides for the kids, train rides, music and much more. www.touralabama.org

Dec 1 – 31
A Victorian Old Fashioned Christmas and Celebrate the Season by the Sea! Various Maine Locations. Now if you’re already headed to the Northeast and plan to visit the Boston area, then here’s another reason to go (and be closer to the home of the best lobsters in the country). Take the short drive up the interstate to Maine’s Southeast corner and visit Bath, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Portland to enjoy great New England seafood, special events, parades, decorations, music, concerts & much more. www.mainetourism.com

Dec 1 – Dec 31
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, Disney World and Disneyland. Takes place 7:00 – midnight on selected nights at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Enjoy holiday snow, special parades, special Character greetings, special photos & tasty treats. Reserve ASAP for both the event and the Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World (it books out for both the Thanksgiving & Christmas/New Year’s holidays). Disney Travel Note: The first 3 weeks of December are the best times of the year to visit a Disney Park to miss the crowds and long lines! www.disney.com

Dec 1 – 31
SeaWorld’s Holiday Celebration, Orlando, FL and San Diego, CA. Bright holiday decorations, live reindeer and strolling carolers set the scene for SeaWorld’s Holiday Celebration, held on Saturdays beginning December 1, then daily during December 23-31. This fun, family event includes Breakfast With Shamu and Santa, Clyde and Seamore’s special holiday sea lion and otter show and Shamu’s Holiday Night Show. www.seaworld.com

Dec 1 – 30
Hershey Park Christmas Candylane, Hershey, PA. This is the sweetest Christmas you’ll ever enjoy! Take in a 50’ Christmas tree decorated with Hershey Kisses shaped like ornaments, more lights than you can count, great food, visit Santa and his live reindeer, shows, great shopping, and did I say more food…like toasty S’mores dripping with warm Hershey’s chocolate with steaming mugs of hot Hershey’s cocoa…I’ve gained 3 pounds just writing this! www.hersheypa.com

Dec 1 – 31
Holiday Lights on the River, Lights Before Christmas and The Historic Columbia’s Holiday Tour of Homes, Various South Carolina Locations. More Wow! If you’re headed any where near central South Carolina, than you don’t want to miss getting three great doses of Christmas Cheer! Again, so much to see, do and enjoy than there is room to write in this space. www.discoversouthcarolina.com

Dec 1 – 31
Christmas at Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, LA. If you’ve never taken a plantation tour, then you couldn’t start at a better plantation or at a better time. Enjoy the ambiance of an Old South Christmas along with the Champagne Candlelight Tour & Dinner. Reservations required for the holidays. www.nottoway.com

Dec 1 – 31
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, Myrtle Beach, SC. Considered the most colorful and eagerly awaited holiday show in the entire South for over 20 years...filled with great holiday music, dancing & comedy. Plus all the other great local attractions. www.carolinaopry.com

Dec 1 – Jan 6
Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN. NASCAR fans, this is an event you just can’t miss and is listed as one of the Top 100 events in the U.S. and Canada to attend. Miles of lights, a drive on the track, rides for the kids, great speedway and holiday food, souvenir vendors, a complete Christmas Village in the infield, of course Santa and more. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Charities in Tri-City area. www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

Dec 1 – Jan 1
Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC. Celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at Charleston’s most beloved holiday event. With over 2 million shimmering lights, this event offers much more than just a driving tour. Park and enjoy special holiday attractions, Santa’s Village, train rides, lakeside lights, special walking trails, children’s rides, gingerbread house, holiday food, music, arts & crafts, even holiday dinosaurs and much more. www.holidayfestivaloflights.com

Dec 1 – 30
An Old Fashion Christmas at Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven, FL. Cypress Gardens, which opened in the 1930’s, is the very first “tourist” attraction to ever open in Florida. Besides 70+ years of shows, rides, concerts and other great entertainment, this attraction is wonderful at Christmas. When you’re not in the mood for Disney or Universal, this is a great place to visit…and a great change of pace! www.cypressgardens.com

Dec 1 – 31
Plantation Christmas In Charleston, SC. Now, if you’re already in Charleston enjoying the Festival of Lights, this is a perfect time to visit the Middleton Place Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, which dates back to 1741. Enjoy hundreds of decorations, carriage rides, special Christmas Tours and special treats...this is a great place to visit any time, but really special during the Holiday Season. www.middletonplace.org

Dec 4 - 5
A Davy Crockett Christmas at His Birthplace!, Limestone, TN. Held at his birthplace of Limestone, in a replica log cabin. Enjoy Christmas just like Davy and his family did 200+ years ago. Traditional food & drink, music and a little history thrown in for good measure. Dawn.Coleman@state.tn.us or www.ghostwet.com

Dec 4 - 6
The Polar Express, Durango, CO. The Polar Express truly comes to life when you depart the Depot in downtown Durango, while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies while you take a real train ride to the North Pole! There, you will be greeted by Santa Clause and his reindeer! Great holiday cheer and fun for the entire family. www.durango.org

Dec 4 - 6
Bethesda’s Festival of Lights, Bethesda, MD. If you’re already in the Washington, D.C. area for the holidays, Bethesda is a bedroom community just minutes north in Maryland. Take in a great Winter Wonderland with special holiday decorations, music, treats, arts & crafts, storytelling, Santa and much more...all in addition to the other great sights to take in at our nation’s capital. www.bethesda.org

Dec 4 – 6
The 29th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally & Festival. This is the second largest balloon festival in the entire world! Over 200 hot air balloons along with one of the largest Native American Arts & Crafts festivals in the U.S., make this an event you don’t want to miss! Red Rock, NM www.redrockballoonrally.com

Dec 4 – 30
San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park Festival of Lights, San Diego, CA. During December 7-23 and 26-30, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park in Escondido will be decorated with larger-than-life, animated animal figures, nutcrackers and teddy bears made up of more than 100,000 holiday lights during its annual Festival of Lights. For a memorable look, guests can fly on Balloon Safari, comfortably floating aboard a silent, tethered helium balloon 400 feet above the Park. Amid the radiance below, carolers will serenade guests in Nairobi Village with festive songs; a storyteller will share holiday fun; Santa will mingle with his safari friends, and everyone will delight in up-close exotic animal encounters and nighttime safaris aboard the Wgasa Bush Line Railway. The celebration will also includes sledding on a man-made snow hill, holiday crafts and face painting for kids in addition to all the other great things happening at the zoo everyday! www.wildanimalpark.org

Dec 4 - 6
David Crockett State Park’s Christmas in the Park, Lawrenceburg, TN. Natural decorations will be found all through the part, candles illuminating the paths. Hayrides, warm fires & light refreshments. Reservations a must. Take in the Crockett Tavern & Museum as well as the restored Crockett 1950-ish movie theater nearby as well. The Park has 107 campsites available as well. www.lawrenceburg.com

Dec 4 –30
Frontier Christmas, Washington, KY. For over 30 years this award winning festival has welcomed in the holidays to the scenic village of Washington. All of the area’s wonderful museums are decked out, strolling carolers in frontier attire, dulcimer, banjo and fiddle music, arts & crafts, live entertainment, music and much more. www.washingtonky.com

Dec 4 - 6
Candlelight at the Ranch, Lubbock, TX. This event put on by The National Ranching Heritage Center, captures the traditional spirit of a western pioneer Christmas that took place on the open prairie more than 100 years ago. Enjoy trees decorated with vintage style, traditional holiday music, great snacks and ranch dancing in the Big Barn.
www.depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc/body_candlelight.htm

Dec 4 - 6
Christmas in Old Fort Concho, San Angelo, TX. Enjoy the surroundings of a restored western frontier fort that once was the home of all four regiments of the famed U.S. Cavalry’s Buffalo Soldiers. Take in the weekend of special Christmas activities, live entertainment, western food, special shopping and living history. www.fortconcho.com

Dec 5 – 6, 12 - 13 and 19 - 20
Holiday Light Safari at the Alexandria Zoo, Alexandria. LA. What a different way to see the animals at the zoo! Take in hundreds of thousands Christmas lights, major unique light displays, food, a train ride and much more. www.louisianafromhere.com

Dec 5
A Dickens of a Christmas, Franklin, NC. The entire City of Franklin, turns itself into the classic 19th century English village right out of the Dickens novel ‘A Christmas Carol’. Come dressed in costume to be a part of what is considered one of the South’s premier Christmas events. There are a lot of other great family fun activities going on all weekend. www.franklinis.com

Dec 5
The FUNky Khanikeh Freyiekh (The FUN Hanukkah Festival For All!), Albuquerque, NM. If you happen to find yourself in Albuquerque during this time, this looks like a great event for people of all religions to attend. Great music, great food, arts & crafts, live entertainment and much more. And, I have to admit, in researching events to place on this calendar, it’s the only one of its’ type I’ve ever found. Also, you’ll find a great selection of Christmas Festivals of Lights, Parades and much more during the same weekend. Also, don’t miss taking a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway. It’s the longest aerial tramway in the entire world, and a personal note, don’t forget to take a coat! www.nahalatshalom.org or www.sandiapeak.com

Dec 6
Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta, GA

Dec 6
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Charlotte, NC

Dec 12 - 13
A Civil War Christmas, Frankfort, KY. Experience history and see how the holidays were celebrated during the Civil War. Food, music true to the time, reenactments, & much more. Email nickyh@mis.net (502) 696-0607

Dec 12– 13
The Boykin Christmas Parade & Road Kill BBQ, Boykin, SC. Folks, I never list just a parade...Christmas or otherwise, but this one is just so quirky...and it is considered South Carolina’s quirkiest, that it deserves special attention. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can sign-up and be in this parade. So, if you ever had a wish to dress up like Santa or an Elf and drive your tractor in a parade, this is the one for you. Enjoy Bluegrass music, dancing, a Roadkill BBQ cook-off, the Christmas Parade, Gospel Singing & much more. www.camden-nc.org

Dec 13
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints, Atlanta, GA

Dec 13
Tennessee Titans vs. St. Louis Rams, Nashville, TN

Dec 16
The 235th Annual Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, Boston, MA. On December 16, 1773, thousands gathered for a fiery debate about the tea tax that ended when patriot Samuel Adams gave the secret signal to dump 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor; come add your voice to this spirited re-enactment that begins with a rally at Old South and continues with a parade down to the Boston Tea Party Ship. Most historians today believe that this act lead to the start of the Revolutionary War. Normally this event is $5 a ticket, but come dressed colonial style, and it’s free! www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org

Dec 19
New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans, LA

Dec 20
Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins, Nashville, TN

Dec 20
Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings, Charlotte, NC

Dec 21
The New Orleans Bowl, New Orleans www.neworleansbowl.com SUN BELT vs C-USA

Dec 25
Tennessee Titans vs. San Diego Chargers, Nashville, TN 

Dec 27
The 7th Annual Meineke Car Care Bowl, Charlotte, NC. www.meinekecarcarebowl.com BIG EAST vs ACC

Dec 27
Atlanta Falcons vs. Buffalo Bills, Atlanta, GA

Dec 27
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, New Orleans, LA

Dec 30
The Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, San Diego, CA www.holidaybowl.com PAC 10 vs BIG 12

Dec 30 -31
Durango’s Annual New Years Eve Special Train. Can you think of a better way to ring in the New Year than a party ride on a great rustic steam locomotive train...through the Rockies? Additionally, if you’re a ski buff, you can’t find more places to tackle than in Colorado. Durango, CO www.durangotrain.com and for ski info www.colorado.com

Dec 31
The 11th Annual Music City Bowl. Nashville, TN. www.MusicCityBowl.com ACC vs SEC

Dec 31
The 12th Annual Possum Drop, Brasstown, NC. New York drops a big ball...Atlanta drops a big Peach...and in the mountains of North Carolina...well they drop a Possum. Folks, I don’t make this stuff up...honest. All in family fun (no booze at the events) with live entertainment, food (remember, this event is named after a possum), music, dancing and a lot more. www.clayscorner.com

Dec 31 – Jan 1, 2006
New Year’s at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. What a way to rock the new year in with things happening all over the parks. For example, just to list a few: Pleasure Island will be hosting the most stupendous street party you’ll ever see. Cirque du Soleil will be hosting a special showing that is both captivating and spell binding to say the very least. Downtown Disney at the Boardwalk will host a night of dining and dancing to the latest sounds in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. All the parks will host a fireworks display that will be second to none. www.waltdisneyworld.com

Dec 31
The 41st Annual Peach (Chick-Fil-A) Bowl, Atlanta, GA www.peachbowl.com ACC vs SEC
 

JANUARY 2010

Jan 1
The 120th Annual Rose Bowl Parade & The 94th Annual Rose Bowl Game, Los Angeles, CA This is more than just a parade and a football game. Fans start parking their RV’s along the parade route days in advance (for as long as motorhomes have been made) just to get one of the best seats in town. If you’re in the Los Angeles area during this time of year…go, even if you’re not a football fan or even if you’re not a big fan of parades…this is still an event not to be missed. www.tournamentofroses.com

Jan 1
The Rose Bowl Los Angeles, CA The Grand-Daddy of ‘em all! www.rosebowl.com BIG 10 CHAMP vs PAC-10 CHAMP

Jan 1
The Outback Bowl Tampa, Fl. www.outbackbowl.com BIG 10 vs SEC

Jan 1
The Capital One Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL. www.fcsports.collegesports.com SEC vs BIG EAST

Jan 1
The Fedex Orange Bowl. Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida www.orangebowl.org ACC CHAMP vs BCS

Jan 1
The Toyota Gator Bowl. Jacksonville, FL. www.gatorbowl.com ACC vs BIG 12 or BIG EAST/ND

January or Winter Any Time, Snow North Carolina, Various Locations.
Granted, it might not have the glamour appeal of Vail or any other of the well known Colorado sites, but North Carolina is a heck-of-a-lot closer and a lot cheaper to get to and ski at
www.goskinc.com

Jan 1 – 30
Hilton Head Island’s Winter Carnival, Hilton Head Island, SC. Take in over 200 arts, crafts, cultural, theatre, fool & wine events for adults and families. And, Hilton Head has a resort quality campground for RVer’s to enjoy. www.accesshiltonhead.com

Jan 1 – 30
Horse Racing in New Orleans, LA. “They’re Off” again at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course. Few thrills on earth can compete with the sound of galloping hooves as they round the final turn and surge toward the finish line...especially if your horse is in the lead! In continuous operation since 1872...and with all the other great attractions of New Orleans close by, this is a don’t miss destination for race fans. The racing season ends on March 25. www.neworleansonline.com  www.fairgroundsracecourse.com

Jan2
The 52nd Annual Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN. www.libertybowl.org C-USA CHAMP vs SEC

Jan 2
The Nokia Sugar Bowl in the Dome. New Orleans, La. www.nokiausgarbowl.com SEC CHAMP vs BCS

Jan 2
The AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, Dallas, TX www.attcottonbowl.com BIG 12 vs SEC

Jan 2 – 30
Monticello’s Winter Tour: “Endearing Connections” and First Colony Winery’s Cooking School, Charlottesville, VA. Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, winter tours center on his family relationships and is a special part of normal admission. Besides George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, this historic site is one not to be missed. And, while you’re in the same area, take in a gourmet cooking class by a master chef, and then sit back and enjoy a 3-course meet...that you made! www.monticello.org  or www.firstcolonywinerty.com

Jan 2 – 30
Virginia Wine Tasting Tours, Various Locations. In researching Department of Tourism sites to include events on this column, I couldn’t help but notice that the Commonwealth of Virgi.comnia has an extremely large amount of wineries that offer tours & tasting events in January and February...to many to try and list here. Some are for just one day, some for several, and some are every weekend. If you enjoy this type of event, you’ll find a great selection to choose from at www.virginia.org

Jan 3
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa, FL

Jan 3
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints, Charlotte, NC

Jan 4 – 9
The Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration, Memphis, TN. What better way & place to celebrate The King’s birthday? Three days of events…Fan Club Luncheon, The Birthday Pops, birthday cake cutting, an official Elvis Scavenger Hunt, the Birthday Dance Party, Elvis Bingo, Happy Hours at the Heartbreak Hotel &much more. At Graceland. www.elvis.com

Jan 5
Fiesta Bowl, Phoenix, AZ www.fiestabowl.com BIG 12 CHAMP vs BCS

Jan 8 – March 31
An Evening in the Colonial Kitchen, Lahaska, PA.. If you’re headed anywhere in or around Pennsylvania, then take the time to head to Lahaska and visit the Cock n’ Bull Restaurant in The Peddler’s Village. Watch colonial dressed cooks prepare food over an open hearth oven just like it was done in 1776. Take in a great 4-course meal of colonial era foods while enjoying period music…not to mention all the other great local colonial period sights and sounds to take in. This event is listed on TV’s The Food Network’s best of events and is on Monday nights only! www.peddlersvillage.com

Jan 11 – 12
The Green Country Classic Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show, Claremore, OK. Fifteen ranches from all over Oklahoma compete for top awards in cattle sorting, wild cow milking, cattle branding and bronc riding. All events are performed by working ranchers. Add in some western food & music, what more can you ask! www.cowboyway.com

Jan 15 – Feb 7
The Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show & Rodeo, Ft. Worth, TX. Since 1896, this is the nation’s largest and oldest livestock show with daily performances of the original indoor rodeo, done the Texas way of course! Not to mention all the other great sites to visit in town and nearby Dallas. www.traveltex.com

Jan 19 – 21
Stratford Hall Plantation Celebrates Robert E. Lee’s 202nd Birthday, Stratford, VA. It doesn’t matter if you’re from the South or not...just a Civil War buff...or a history major, then you wouldn’t want to miss this event. Held at Lee’s birthplace and offers special tours for children, artillery salutes, a musical program, candlelight tours of the Great House and a buffet dinner (by reservation only) in the original Dining Room. www.stratfordhall.org

Jan 19 – 21
The 20th Annual Southern Gardening Symposium, Callaway Gardens, GA. Gardening enthusiasts, both novice & professional from across the entire U.S. will meet at beautiful Callaway Gardens. Devoted entirely to Southern Gardening, it offers a wealth of topics and noted speakers, sure to spark the interest in all gardeners, both large and small. www.callawaygardens.com

Jan 19 - 26
The Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa, FL. Folks, if you ever wanted to dress-up and play pirate, then this is the time to do it! There’s so much going on during this full week of activities that you need to look at the website to believe it. Great Family Fun! www.gasparillapiratefest.com

Jan 24 - 26
Krewe of St. Andrews Festival & Parade, Panama City, FL. Mardi Gras family style! The events start off with a children’s parade and this weekend include everything aimed at the family and for kids! Still stuff for Mom & Dad…great jazz, food, etc. www.standrewsmardigras.com

Jan 25 – Feb 5
Mardi Gras Texas Style, Galveston, TX. Galveston puts on a pretty good party in it’s Strand Historic District. Old town puts up three stages of live entertainment to keep the party going non-stop. Add in a western feel and what’s not too like? www.mardigrasgalveston.com

Jan 26 – February 3
20th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Gainesville, FL.. This always promises to bring fantasy & fun to all who enter it’s gates. Talented actors, musicians and street performers comet together to bring the days of the middle ages back to life. Great food, arts & crafts, jousting, rides, music and much more. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org

Jan 26 - 27
The Rolex 24 at Daytona, Daytona Beach, FL. See road course racing like no other place in the world…and now, with the entire course having lights, a view like never before. Testing is on the 25th – 26th and admission to testing is free. www.daytonaintlspeedway.com
 

FEBRUARY 2010

Feb 1 - 5
Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA. New Orleans does it like no other place on earth. It has everything, what more can I say? www.neworleansonline.com

Feb 1 - 3
Mardi Gras in the Clouds, Cloudcroft, NM. Celebrate Mardi Gras, western style! This little historic town turns itself into a western version of New Orleans for this family friendly event. Everything you would expect...Cajun food, music, live entertainment, arts & crafts, a community party, potluck dinners, parades and much more...all with just a touch of old west added to it. www.cloudcroft.net

Feb 1 – 10
Wild West Winter Carnival, Riverton, WY. The carnival kicks off with a night parade on Riverton’s Main Street. It continues throughout the weekend with minnow races, ice sculpting, hole-in-one golf, music, great food vendors, live entertainment and ATV & motorcycle races. www.rivertonchamber.org

Feb 1 – 10
Georgia Heritage Celebration, Savannah, GA.. This celebration has become a tradition in seeking to preserve Georgia’s history. Organized by The Georgia Historical Society, events include a Colonial Faire & Muster, lectures, period food and free, workshops and much more. A must for history buffs of all age. All this and everything else there is to do & see locally as well.
www.georgiahistory.com

Feb 1 - 3
Chocolate Lover’s Festival!, Fairfax, VA. Every woman’s dream! A weekend of chocolate celebrations including pancake breakfasts (chocolate chip of course), craft show, raffles, circus performances, story telling, “The Taste of Chocolate”, “The Chocolate Challenge”, bake sale and more. If it has anything to do with chocolate, you’ll find it here.  www.chocolatefestival.net

Feb 5 – 9
The 96th Annual Winter Carnival, Steamboat Springs, CO. Embracing western heritage and winter sports tradition...with special downtown street events including live entertainment, skijouring, parades, food, the famous Lighted Man at the Night Show Extravaganza & much more. www.steamboatsummer.com

Feb 7
Super Bowl XLII, Glendale, AZ. Folks, if I have to describe what this is, then you are just not a football fan or just don’t know football. Take in all the sights of Phoenix as well as the game. Held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. www.superbowl.com   www.NFL.com

February Any Time
Now, if you’re already headed to Florida, no matter if you’re going to Speedweeks in Daytona or Disney, have you ever thought of stopping in Ocala and seeing Silver Springs? If you haven’t, it’s a stop well worth the time. Not only is it the home of the famous Glass Bottom Boats, you can also go on the Jungle Cruise, the Lost River Voyage, the Jeep Safari, the World of Bears, the Panther Prowl, the Big Gator Lagoon, live animal shows, major concerts and much more. Fun for the whole family and good local campgrounds as well! Ocala, FL. . information@silversprings.com

Feb 4 – Mar 31
An Evening in the Colonial Kitchen, Lahaska PA. If you’re headed anywhere in or around Pennsylvania, then take a little time and visit Lahaska and take part in a truly unusual dinner experience at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in the Peddler’s Village. Watch colonial dressed cooks prepare foods over an open hearth, just like it was done in 1776…then enjoy a 4-course meal of colonial era foods while enjoying live period music. And you never know who might stop by your table…George Washington or maybe Thomas Jefferson. This event is listed on TV’s The Food Network’s best of events! Monday nights only! www.peddlersvillage.com

Feb 8 - 27
The Big Apple Circus, Stone Mountain Park, GA. Experience a classical one-ring circus combining the traditional style theater with world class circus artistry. Award winning acts include acrobats of all types, trapeze artists, animals of all types, clowns and much more…all under a real big tent…the way a circus is suppose to be seen with acts that will stun you with their performance! And, just to let you know, The Big Apple Circus is a not-for profit organization. They administer four community outreach programs that benefit disadvantaged, handicapped and hospitalized children. Why not rent an RV and make a great getaway weekend for the whole family and take in all the sights & sounds of Stone Mountain Park at the same time! www.bigapplecircus.org

Feb 8 – 10
The 16th Annual Sagebrush Cowboy Gathering, Sheridan, WY. Talented western poets and music artists from across the nation gather to perform cowboy entertainment and competitions, to include: Cowboy Kidz Poetry Contest, Shoot-Out, TJ Casey & Ken Overcast feature performances, great western music, food and all concludes with Cowboy Church Sunday!
www.cowboyography.org

Feb 8 - 10
Winter Fest & Balloon Rally, Pagosa Springs, CO. Take in the of the most beautiful areas in the entire U.S. dressed in a winter wonderland. Every kind of skiing possible, great shopping and food, ice skating, sledding, snowmobile trips, and the magic of hot air balloons. And who says you can’t have a great camping experience in winter? Remember, our vehicles have heated holding tanks & HD furnaces! www.pagosasprings.com

Feb 9 – Feb 17
Speedweeks at Daytona, Daytona International Speedway at Daytona Beach, FL. The Daytona 500. NASCAR at its’ very best and at its’ heart. This is the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. If, you’re a stock car racing fan, then you have to make this race at least once in your life. An entire week of stock car racing, at its’ finest. www.daytonaintlspeedway.com
 
Feb 16 – 18
The Hancock Shaker Village Winter Weekend, Hancock MA. This beautifully restored village, set on 1,200 acres of farm, woodland and pasture, is home to the premier collection of Shaker buildings and artifacts. Graceful Shaker furniture, craft and household items are exhibited in 20 historic buildings, each an architectural gem. See the Village come to life through tours, exhibitions, demonstrations and participatory activities. Talk with artisans working in authentic Shaker shops. Learn about the heritage breed animals that roam the pastures and about the heirloom crops in the gardens while soaking up the beauty of Shaker architecture. Children can even take a lesson with a "Shaker" schoolteacher. Now, add to all this a long weekend of winter farm activities including ice harvesting, sleigh rides, and walks in the snow. Visitors can carry maple sap from the sugar bush to the boiling pan, help care for animals, learn about the heirloom seed saving process and special craft activities in the Children's Discovery Room. www.hancockshakervillage.org

Feb 21 - 23
SCCA-SARRC Regional Championship Racing at Road Atlanta, Braselton,GA. www.roadatlanta.com

Feb 22
George Washington’s Birthday at Mt. Vernon, VA. It might be cold, but there can be no better way to celebrate the birthday of the Father of Our Country, than at his own home. There are special events all month long, but if you’re ever given the chance to be there on this date, you’ll leave with a feeling for America that you’ll never forget…and it’s one of the most beautiful homes you’d ever want to see and visit! www.mountvernon.org

Feb 24 – March 2
The 72nd Annual Charro Days Fiesta, Brownsville, TX. Tex-Mex at its’ finest in food, music, dance, live entertainment, parades, arts & crafts, rides and much more. www.charrodaysfiesta.com

Feb 29 – March 9
Bike Week at Daytona Beach, FL. Racing, shows, exhibits, concerts streetfest and much more. It’s THE place to see and be seen on a bike. www.officialbikeweek.com

Feb 29 – March 1
The Snow Goose Festival, Delta, UT The Snow Goose Festival celebrates the arrival of thousands of Lesser Snow Geese in the fields and waters between Delta and Clear Lake Management Area. Activities include free waterfowl workshops, a 10K race, a photography contest, a quilt contest, food and much more. www.utah.com
 

MARCH 2010 - Traditional Spring (March 1 – May 31) Special Events

Mar 6
NASCAR in Atlanta, Hampton, GA. The Kobalt Tools 500 at AMS.
www.atlantamotorspeedway.com

NASCAR Special!
Hey fans, we’re really lucky here in Atlanta. Besides our own Atlanta Motor Speedway, we have some great tracks to attend that are within a few hours away…Daytona for two great weekends every year; Lowes in Charlotte for two more great events, two great short track events at both Bristol and Martinsville, one in Darlington, and two more great events in Talladega! You don’t have to hit them all every year, but don’t miss out an opportunity to experience the fun & excitement of these great venues! www.nascar.com

Mar 6
The Fall of the Alamo, San Antonia, TX. Any trip heading west, and traveling any where near San Antonio, is not complete without a visit to the Alamo. But, this day is almost sacred in our history, as it celebrates its’ place in not only Texas’ history, but our nation’s as well. On this date in 1836, Jim Bowie, Lt. Col Wm. Travis, Davy Crockett and all the defenders of the Alamo fell to Gen. Santa Anna and thousands of his troops. The cry of “Remember the Alamo!” was carried into battle to defeat and capture Santa Anna just a short time later by Sam Houston and a small army of Texans. To be able to celebrate the bravery of those great Americans, at this site & date, is an experience you will never forget. www.thealamo.org

Mar 12 - 14
The 22nd Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Spring Festival, Albuquerque, NM. Celebrate Spring at one of the largest western arts & crafts festivals in the Southwest. Great national artists, live music & entertainment, great western foods & much more. www.riograndefestivals.com

Mar 12 - 14
The 41st Annual NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL.. One of the NHRA’s most prestigious drag racing events of the year and one of the series longest running events. The track ranks among the circuit’s top performance tracks, where in 1992 Kenny Bernstein made history when he recorded the sport’s first 300-mph run. This is the event, drag race fans don’t want to miss. www.nhra.com

Mar 13
The 51st Annual Sweetwater Jaycees World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, Sweetwater, TX. I guess it takes someone a little “special” to want to go play with rattlesnakes, but it you are that person, then how could you pass up this event. Make sure that you don't miss out on the numerous vendors located in the inside and outside flea markets, a carnival, and The Gun, Knife and Coin show being offered as well. The community tries to offer something for everyone this weekend. This year marks the 20th year of the Rattlesnake Round-Up Cook-Off and the Girl Scouts will also have their salsa and dessert contest in conjunction with the cook-off. Volunteers to judge the cook-off are always welcome and you get to taste some really great food (remember, this event is about rattlesnakes…and if it really does taste like chicken, then will someone please just pass me the chicken). Sunday marks the return of an old favorite, the Jaycee beard contest. And you can help celebrate this new old event directly after the Rattlesnake eating contest at 2:00 p.m. www.rattlesnakeroundup.net

Mar 13
The Louisiana Derby, New Orleans, LA. The 97th running of this event, with a $600,000 purse, it is one of the crown jewels of the annual horse racing circuit in the U.S. And, if you’re not sure if this is really a top notch event, the track is owned by the same company, Churchill Downs, Inc., that puts on the Kentucky Derby! Held at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course. www.fairgroundsracecourse.com

Mar 14 – 17
St. Patrick’s Day at Savannah, GA. Folks, if you’re Irish, think you’re Irish or just even want to be Irish and you think you want to celebrate St. Patty’s Day the real Irish way, then you have to go to Savannah. This is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the entire U.S. with all the music, food and fun you can handle, and then some! So big, it takes more than one day! www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com

Mar 14 - 17
The 35th Annual Marathon Seafood Festival, Marathon Key, FL.. Enjoy some of the best & freshest fish, conch, Florida lobster, crab and shrimp all cooked by the fishermen that caught them! Take in the boat show, great local music, arts & craft vendors, rides and much more. www.floridakeysmarathon.com

March 14 – 16
Cowboys Days at Las Cruses, NM The name pretty well says it all. If it has anything to do with cowboys, then you’ll find it here…food, music, horseback riding, cows and more! www.frhm.org

March 16
NASCAR at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN. The greatest short track in the world and it provides the absolute hardest-charging, door banging, short track driving you’ll ever see. Nationwide & Sprint Races. www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

Mar 16 – Oct 28
The Laser Show Spectacular at Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta, GA. Sometimes we forget that we don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to have a good time camping. Stone Mountain Park is a short drive and provides a lot of great things to do for kids of all ages. This weekend starts the season off with the Park’s new Lasershow and with its’ own great campground just a short walk away, you can avoid the traffic jams! Check their website for show times and to confirm dates. www.stonemountainpark.com

Mar 16 - 18
The 6th Annual Kids Racing for Kids 2007 Spring Nationals, Cumming, GA. The North Georgia Quarter Midget Association (NGQMA) presents a great weekend of racing to benefit local children’s charities like The Victory Junction Gang. At the Bill Thomas Raceway at the Cumming Fairgrounds. www.ngqma.com

Mar 20 – April 5
The Savannah Music Festival, Savannah, GA. Set in historic Savannah, enjoy great days of music of everything from internationally renowed classical artists, to the most soul stirring gospel of our time, jazz & blues…this is a world class musical event.  www.savannahmusicfestival.org

Mar 22 - 23
SCCA Championship Racing at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA. info@roadatlanta.com

Mar 22 – 25
The 2010 Gunsmoke Trailhead, Gunsmoke, TX. This annual cowboy gathering draws competitors from across the entire U.S. for cowboy fast draw and shooting events, western food and music, riding, arts & crafts and much more. www.thss.org

Mar 26 – April 6
The 26th Annual Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, GA.. Ten great days of special events, live entertainment & music, exhibits and great southern hospitality. A backdrop of 275,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees makes the city of Macon the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World! www.cherryblossom.com

March 28 – April 1
The 35th Annual Windfest, Portland, TX It seems like Texans just love to thrown one heck of a citywide party...with something for everyone in the family! A carnival, arts & crafts, great food, a chili cook-off, a Dachshund Dash, a horseshoe and washer tournament, a gold tournament, a 5-K run, a parade, a kit contest, a kids fair with a petting zoo and much more. www.windfest.org

Mar 29- Apr 13
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC. Two full weeks of parades, sporting & culinary events, a Japanese Street Festival with live entertainment, food, arts & crafts, music, The Smithsonian Kite Festival & daily cultural performances at the Tidal Basin. www.washington.org

APRIL 2010

April 4
Spring Breaks Start. Check with your local school system for your actual dates. This is a very high demand time of year for RV rentals…plan & reserve soon!
www.rvworldofgeorgia.com

April/Spring Time Baseball Special!
Want to do something really different for your Spring Break? Then come rent a motorhome from you-know-who, and then check out the baseball schedule. You can take a Southern Trip and see if you can fit in some games in Atlanta to start off, followed by games in Tampa and Miami. Want to head north? Can you schedule a start in Atlanta, head to Cincinnati, then over to Pittsburg, Philly, maybe to Baltimore and then down to D.C.? The only limitations you have are what you put in your mind!

April Travel Tip for Spring Break, NASA in Huntsville, AL.
If your kids are interested in space, and with NASA’s Mars program going so well, who wouldn’t be, then don’t forget that the NASA U.S. Space & Rocket Center is just a few quick hours away! Take in The Marshall Space Flight Center, Space Camp, the Aviation Challenge, the Museum and much more! Learn while having fun. www.spacecamp.com

April/Spring Any Time Mini-Trip, The Cherokee Indian Reservation!
There’s more to do than we have space to write! View the drama “Unto These Hills” a spectacular outdoor play of the Cherokee people's history; visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an authentic replica of an 1800th century Cherokee community; visit Santa Land where it’s Christmas every day; great fishing!; feed the bears; horseback riding; hiking; great live entertainment; golf; try your hand at the casino; pan for gold; river rafting; and much more. This is a great family trip for all ages…any time of the year! www.cherokee-nc.com

April/Spring Any Time Mini-Trip, Take the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Anyone can head to the beach for Spring Break…if you want to do something different, and something you’ll never forget, then drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stretching from The Smoky Mountains National Park in No. Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, its’ 469 miles of one of the most beautiful drives in the world. With elevations ranging from 650 to 6,050 feet, the words stunning or spectacular just aren’t enough. www.virginiablueridge.org and/or www.mountainsofnc.com

April 6 - 9
The Masters Golf Tournament. This is one of the world’s four premier golfing events and features the world’s most talented golfers battling for the coveted Green Jacket. Not only are there some great state parks and campgrounds close by to stay in, but renting a motorhome is a great way to entertainment your company’s clients as well. Augusta, GA. www.masters.org

Golfers Any Time Mini-Trip! Various Courses in Alabama.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. If you’re a real golf fan and need to breakout out of the winter blues, then this is a great way to start. Play a network of 8 world class championship courses…5 with 54 holes and 3 with 36, all within a 2 ½ hour drive of each other. This is a golfer’s dream vacation offering quality, quantity and affordability. This is listed by several sources as one of the top 50 trips in the world! www.rtjgolf.com

Out West Anytime, Salt Lake City, UT.
Utah is famous for its ski slopes and national parks, like Zion, but don’t forget to visit to visit the stunning Mormon Temple or Tabernacle, home of the world famous Tabernacle Choir. Built in the 1800’s, it was recently retrofitted, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, it is truly an engineering milestone. www.Utah.com

Apr 8 - 11
The Will Rogers International Wild West Expo, Claremore, OK. The Will Rogers Museum host this international competition of trick roping, trick riding, whip cracking, gun spinning, mounted shooting, knife throwing, tomahawk throwing, and other Wild West skills. Add in western food, music, dancing and what else do you need? www.willrogers.com

Apr 8 - 11
The 12th Annual EPIC of Spring, St. Augustine, FL. Break out of those winter blues with 4 days of festivities to celebrate Spring in the nation’s oldest city and to benefit EPIC Community Services (Learning-Prevention-Intervention-Counseling). Not only take in all the usual great sights downtown, the beaches & fishing, but add An Evening with EPIC Chefs, A Taste of St. Augustine, the Flower & Garden Expo, the Historic Inns, Home and Garden Tour and much more. www.epiccommunityservices.org

Apr 8 - 11
The 26th Annual French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, LA. Music on 14 stages, the world’s largest Jazz Brunch. Parades, fireworks & even a children’s area…plus all the great food & sights you’d expect. And, without all the huge crowds you’ll find at Marti Gras! www.frenchquarterfestivals.org

April 15 - 17
Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, Iberia, Miss. Enjoy Cajun cooking at the source! Take part in a Jambalaya Cook-Off, carnival, arts & crafts, live music & entertainment, dancing and much more. www.louisanatravel.com

Apr 15 - 17
The NHRA Summit Southern National, Commerce, GA. The country’s fastest drag racers come to Atlanta to show their stuff. www.atlantadragway.com or  www.nhra.com

Apr 16 - 18
The 13th Annual Bear-on-the-Square, Dahlonega, GA. A great weekend of music, art, a Sunday Gospel Jam, a street dance, a live auction, children’s activities and of course, great country food! www.dahlongega.org

Apr 17 - 18
The Ferrari Challenge, Road Atlanta, Commerce, GA. The Ferrari Challenge returns to Road Atlanta after a two year absence…absolute classic racing. www.roadatlanta.com

Apr 17 - 18
The 9th Annual Great Cotter Trout Festival, Cotter, AK. Celebration of trout fishing on the banks of the beautiful White River. Trout fishing programs, "kids fishing hole," exhibits, arts and crafts, great food and entertainment for the whole family. April 19th is Ark Game and Fish Commission appreciation day. Held at Big Spring Park. www.cotterarkansas.com

Apr 17 - 26
Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. First celebrated in 1890, this event has grown Texas size into more than 100 events over 10 days, and makes this one of the biggest and best festivals in the country. It includes a broad spectrum of food, musical genres, the arts, athletic events, parades, parties and much more. www.fiesta-sa.org

Apr 17 - 18
Main Street Festival, Franklin, TN. Take in over 200 of the country’s leading craftsmen exhibiting & selling their wares, while listening to 4 stages of music featuring blues, pop, country, classical and rock! Great country cooking, carnival, and more. www.historicfranklin.com

Apr 17 - 18
The 22nd Annual Frontier Days, Las Cruces, NM. Take a trip back in time at Fort Selden State Monument to honor the men & women that help protect this western frontier town after the Civil War. With special services for the Buffalo Soldiers, who were some the first soldiers assigned to the Fort, this is an event for everyone. Take in all the other western history and sites in Las Cruses…walk the streets where Billy the Kid stood…eat in a former Butterfield Stage Depot, and much more.  www.nmculture.org or www.lascrucescvb.org

Apr 22 - 25
The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, Albuquerque, NM. One of the largest powwows held in the entire county. Enjoy all the flavor, music, food, over 3,000 dancers, a traders market, a street fair & the crowning of Miss Indian World.
www.gatheringofnations.com

Apr 23 - 26
The World’s Largest Fish Fry, Paris, TN. For over 50 years, the Jaycees have sponsored this event, which usually draws around 100,000 hungry fish lovers. Take in car shows, arts & crafts, a carnival, parade, rodeo, live entertainment & much more. www.paristnchamber.com

Apr 23 - 25
The 27th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss, Perdido Key, FL. Yes folks, you are reading this right. This event started with the challenge of who could throw a fish the farthest (I wonder if alcohol has anything to do with it?) and has grown into a great local event with activities for the whole family. Hosted by the Flora-Bama Lounge, this event now offers live entertainment, great food, a charity golf tournament and much more. www.florabama.com

Apr 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, in New Orleans, LA. Enjoy all the great music, food and fun that makes New Orleans one of the top party towns in the world, and all without the crowds of Mardi Gras! www.neworleansonline.com

Apr 23 - 25
The Cherokee Survivors Harley Rally AND The Cherokee Choppers Rally AND The Cherokee Choppers Nitro Harley Dirt Drags, Cherokee, NC Folks, only if you’re a Harley fan, rice burners come at your own risk! Ha! Ha! Enjoy a world of bikes in some of the most beautiful mountains in the U.S., what more could anyone want? www.cherokee-nc.com

Apr 23 - 25
Merlefest, Wilkesboro, NC. Flat picking legend Arthel Doc Watson’s tribute to his son, Merle, includes more than 100 different performers covering 14 stages featuring blues gospel, jazz, folk, bluegrass and country music. Also instrument workshops, craft demonstrations, music, food vendors and much more. www.merlefest.org

Apr 23 - 25
The 43rd Annual Vermont Maple Festival, St. Albans, VT. Folks, if you have a problem with sugar, then this is NOT the place to go! It's Maple & More at the 42nd VT Maple Festival - Something for Everyone! Exhibits, Antiques, Crafts, Fiddlers, and Talent Shows, Main Street Entertainment, Specialty Foods, Road Race, Sugarhouse Tours, Pancake Breakfasts (and guess what type of syrup), Maple Banquet, Carnival, Museum, Maple Treats, Cooking Demos, New Maple Syrup, Samples, and a Grand Parade, all in an Historic Town, with a picturesque park. Featured on Great American Festivals TV.
www.vermontmaplefestival.org

Apr 25 - 26
The Wings of Spring Confluence Birding Festival, Alton, IL The program includes activities for bird lovers of all ages: hands-on learning and interaction; bird tales, raptor awareness programs; birdhouse building, kayak demos; guided hikes and cruises along The Confluence, a globally important bird area and migratory flyway. Shuttles are provided. Held at the Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Reservations required. www.wingsofspring.org

Apr 25
NASCAR at Talladega, AL. The Aaron’s 499 at the world’s fastest track. Camp sites with full hooks-ups are available at Dharp01@earthlink.net or
www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
 

MORE TO COME...