Attractions

With its plethora of lovely old restored homes and storefronts, historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida is the site for dozens of special events throughout the year. One of the most popular, the Fine Arts Festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Englewood, features well-known local artists and exhibitors from all over the United States and Canada. Fine art available in all mediums is available, including: sculpture (metal, wood and glass), paintings (watercolor, acrylic, oil and pastel), jewelry (gold, silver, and gemstones), photography, pottery and ceramics, and mixed media.

Fine Arts Festival draws exhibitrs and attndees from all over the country

The theme of this year’s festival, “Colorful Mutton,” is drawn from the work of Captain Jim Roberts, a Florida native who combines his passion as an angler with his background in graphic arts to create sea life designs through Gyotaku, an art created by pressing rice paper onto fish. His “Colorful Mutton” artwork Read More »

San Diego celebrates spooks and spirits this Halloween with a wide variety of activities.  Whether you are seeking tame  fun for a little one or are looking for some  adult Halloween thrills, you can find  it in San Diego.

Here are San Diego attractions offering some serious  fun this Halloween:

Bates Nut Farm

When people think of San Diego they seldom think of scare crow contests, farm animals,  and hay rides.  All this and more awaits visitors to Bates Nut Farm just 45 minutes from Downtown San Diego in Valley Center California.  This pumpkin patch has it all…a general store full of nuts and old fashioned candy, a hay bale maze, a cute skit about how pumpkins grow, and of course tons giant pumpkins.  A visit to Bates Nut Farm is a Halloween tradition for many families in San Diego.  For directions and information about special events visit https://www.batesnutfarm.biz/.

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With eleven country pavilions surrounding World Showcase Lagoon, live music performances, and Disney character appearances, Epcot is fun any time of the year, but the best time to visit this theme park may be during the annual International Food and Wine Festival. For six weeks each fall, guests can sample the world’s tastiest regional foods and drinks at kiosks specially set up for the event.

International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World's Epcot

Between visits to year-round pavilions (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada) and stops to enjoy live musical performances, visitors eat their way around the world. At more than 25 kiosks, appetizer-sized entrees and desserts are offered for prices ranging from $2.75 to $7.25, with most in the $3-4.50 range. Wines, beers and specialty alcoholic Read More »

Since 1991, the Sarasota Blues Fest in Sarasota, Florida has featured the best blues musicians one day each October. Previous events have drawn big crowds to hear famous names such as Buddy Guy and Gregg Allman. But this year, promoters were worried the economy would keep people home; they knew a big name headliner was needed if the festival was to survive. Many acts were considered, but one name kept popping up – the same band promoters had been trying to book in years past but could never quite nail down. They flew to New York, begged, pleaded and nagged until finally convincing Little Feat to appear at this year’s festival.

Little Feat

Sarasota Blues Fest 2009 is scheduled for October 24th at Ed Smith Stadium, located at 2700 12th Street. Performances begin when the gate opens at 11 a.m., with Fogt’s Jr. Allstars kicking off the program. Other Read More »

State Fair Fun

For many people in the United States, State Fair time is a rite of summer.  From grandstand shows to prize animals and vegetables to food on a stick, there’s something about a state fair that people love.  But of all the fairs that are out there, which is the best?  Well, that may just depend on what you’re looking for.  I offer the following state fair suggestions.  Read More »

Corn is king in Illinois and nowhere is this more evident that in the small farming community of Morris during the annual Grundy County Corn Festival. Every September for the past 60 years, the city has been celebrating their bounteous harvest with a celebration that includes everything from an antique tractor and farm machinery show to a crackerbox derby. The week-long festivities also include photo and art shows, kiddie water fights, hobby and handicraft shows, farm fairs, fireworks, queen and court coronations, baby shows, and an extensive schedule of live music performances that this year includes Bucky Covington of American Idol fame.

Thousands line the parade route during the Grundy County Corn Festival

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Seafood, Jazz & Brew Festival

Turning the tables on wine tasting, the Hilton Head Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island introduces attendees to the art of matching of beer with culinary dishes. From September 14-19, 2009, local restaurants will showcase special seafood menus and beers, with some venues offering four course sit-down meals while others provide a casual dining experience where attendees wander between sampling stations.

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra hosts a jazz performance on Friday evening, encouraging guests to bring a picnic from home and purchase drinks from the on-site Budweiser wagon.

So many varieties of beer to sample.....

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Giant apples scattered around town advertise the festival

Big and juicy. Red, green, and yellow. Pies, tarts, and cobblers. Is your mouth watering yet? How about we add Waldorf salad, apple walnut bread, and hand-dipped caramel apples to the mix. Have I got your attention? If all this apple talk has your lips smacking, mark your calendar for the annual Apple Festival, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, 2009, in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

This charming town, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area at the southern end of the Smoky Mountains, has been hosting the four day event for the past 63 years. The festival features a street fair, continuous live musical entertainment, arts & crafts, gem and mineral spectacular, apple recipe contest, sidewalk sales, an antique aircraft fly-by, activities for kids, and special exhibits.

Highlight of the event is the King Apple Parade, where more than 60,000 spectators watch as professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, and fire trucks stream down historic Main Street. On Friday, September 4th, visitors can even take a tour of the local orchards, where 200+ area growers produce Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, and Gala apples, in addition to several specialty varieties.

Cute shops, bars, and cafes line Main Street in downtown Hendersonville

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10. It’s hard to fit the word “Huzzah” into everyday conversation.

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by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl

Last week, over at the Uptake Vacations Blog, Whit Honea and the team posted their favorite Independence Day photos – you can see some of them from Seattle, Idaho and Ohio.

Today, as I recover from a weekend of celebrating (fireworks on Friday, July 3rd, and a big BBQ on July 4th), the Attractions bloggers have been sending me their favorites from this weekend. Check out the variety Read More »