Men's Journal

Your Perfect Weekend, November 6-8th

Baseball is over, so unglue yourself from your television set and explore the potential of the great outdoors. Get your first powder of the season at Colorado’s Copper Mountain, trade the snow for suds at San Diego’s Beer Week, or build your own adventure while Orienteering through California’s oak woodlands.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Copper Mountain’s 5th Annual Lift Off event, Nov 6-8

Summit County, CO

Pack up your powder gear and head West for the opening of Copper Mountain’s fresh tracks in Summit County, CO. This weekend, they’ll be hosting the 5th Annual Lift Off extravaganza, featuring lives bands, new ski and snowboard films, and the opportunity to try out the latest gear from Salomon and Burton at the Lift Off Demo Center. Those who come will also ride the lucky Lift Off Chair and some will walk away from prizes including Beeline passes, lift tickets, rental vouchers, tickets to one of the featured concerts, and maybe even four round trip airline tickets from Frontier. Come hang out at après parties in The Village and ride the three trails opening at Copper. All proceeds will benefit Team Summit. 2-day lift tickets start from $116, so grab a friend and start packing.

Bear in mind that Copper also has Woodward at Copper, a 19,400 square foot indoor training facility for skiers and riders alike where you can hone your park and pipe tricks.

Travel and Accommodations

Fly into Denver International airport then take the Colorado Mountain Express to the mountain. There are some real steals for lodging that include a lift ticket and free skiing for the kids, very worth your time to check out.

San Diego Beer Week, Nov 6-15

San Diego, CA

Men’s Journal recently ranked San Diego as the #1 beer city in the United States, and now you have 10 days to get our there and see why. Kick back this weekend with a craft beers in both hands and meet the local brewers, sample some tasty food, enjoy the live bands, and learn from local chefs who will teach you a thing or two about cooking with beer. There will be happy hours, draft specials, barrel tasting, beer and cheese, and decadent beer deserts such as Chocolate Truffle Loaf Cake made with Rogue Chocolate Stout finished with Chocolate Ganache Frosting ($6). Over 80 brews made right in San Diego will be showcased, so go out and show a little love for the host of the event, the San Diego Brewers Guild.

Tickets are on sale for individual sessions. You can find them and and all other events here.

Travel and Accommodations

Jet into San Diego International Airport and stay for all 10 days if possible. With the whole city excited about this event, you should be able to score a lodging bargain. The city is pretty accessible, so it’s even possible to hop on a bicycle and pedal around the beautiful streets of San Diego.

Orienteering the Oak Woodlands, Nov 7-8

Hollister, CA

With GPS, digital maps, and automated directions almost standard in smart phones and cars these days it’s easy to find where you’re going. Too easy. Which makes us pine for the days when man commanded the terrain by map and compass, rambling across forest and plain.

Combining the workout of long-distance running, the technical difficulty of hiking, and the challenge of navigating by map and compass, Orienteering is a thrilling hybrid for those seeking a new adventure. The object of this sport is to run to a series of points marked on a topographical map, choosing routes that will get you to all of the markers and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. Not as easy as it sounds as the shortest route in distance, because of hills and obstacles, may take the longest amount of time. So much depends on the path you choose.

There are over a hundred Orienteering clubs scattered across the country. Check out the United States Orienteering Federation (USOF) for the club in your area, and ask about upcoming meets. This weekend, for example, the Bay Area Orienteering Club is hosting a meet at California’s Pacheco State Park, a short drive southeast of San Jose. The park’s oak woodland topography should be a rewarding run for both novice and expert.

The meet is the start of the nine-day Golden Gate Getaway Festival, which includes mid-week sprint training camps and culminates with the North American Sprint Series on November 13–15.

Travel and Accommodation

No orienteering needed to get there: The location of the park and nearby lodging can be found on this map. Pickup your materials on Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Motel 6 at the junction of Highways 33 and 152, east of Pacheco Park.

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Your Perfect Weekend October 30-November 1

This weekend, we’ve got plenty of good reasons to leave a bowl of candy on the porch and hit the road. You can cruise down the tumbling red rocks of Moab by Jeep, visit Philadelphia to tour historic Halloween landmarks while basking in World Series fever, or hit the powder stashes in Loveland Ski Area, Colorado.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Off-Road Moab, October 30-November 1

Moab, UT

You’ve seen plenty of commercials with Jeeps sprinting up sheer rock face, careening down gullies, and blasting across flat stretches while the engine chortles and passengers beam with excitement. Why not give it a try?

A Mecca for mountain bikers, rock climbers, and whitewater rafters throughout the warmer months, Moab, Utah, is quieter this time of year, except for those seeking to range its majestic and technical landscape by Jeep. Rental costs vary, but generally run between $150 and $175 a day for a trail-ready two-door Jeep Wrangler, a little more for a Jeep Rubicon. Canyonlands Jeep Adventures and Farabee’s Jeep Rentals can set you up with everything you need. Ask about picking up the vehicle the night before, usually at no extra charge, to get an early start the next morning.

Set a course on one or more of the many off-road trails, where you will zip past spectacular red-orange rock canyons and near-Martian landscapes. Trails can take you into Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, as well as out along the banks of the Colorado River. Make sure to get out from behind the wheel to explore the sights, such as the famous Delicate Arch. And after you rumble back into Moab, grab a beer at the local brewery.

Travel and Accommodation

Flights into the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) from Denver run daily by Great Lakes Airlines, with shuttles available into Moab. There are also many lodging options, from full-on resorts to campgrounds.

Halloween Weekend, October 30-November 1

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is in full swing now, and not only because its Phillies are in the World Series. Halloween weekend is the perfect time to visit.

Begin by touring the Eastern State Penitentiary. Opened in 1829, this prison housed many notorious criminals, including Al Capone, in its storied solitary cells. Abandoned in 1971, it is now a crumbling complex of cellblocks. Daily tours run from 10AM to 5PM, but at night during the Halloween season the prison becomes a popular haunted house, certain to terrify.

Then, keep up the ghoulish spirit up with a quick visit to the Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site at 7th Street and Spring Garden Street. Here Poe lived in 1843 under a fit of creativity, writing and publishing several of his famously chilling stories.

Also in Philadelphia this weekend, rock stalwart Pearl Jam ends the North American leg of its tour at the Wachovia Spectrum Arena on Friday and Saturday, right before heading to Australia and New Zealand. And of course, duck into any neighborhood bar for Games Three and Four of the World Series on Saturday and Sunday.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport, then take the high-speed rail line into the city. Lots to do in Philly this weekend, so get there, get a place to stay, and go.

Loveland Ski Area, October 30-November 1

Georgetown, CO

If you’re hungry for good powder early in the season, check out the Loveland Ski Area in Georgetown, CO. Loveland boasts 1,570 acres of terrain with an average of 400 inches of snow per season. With Chairs 1 and 6 already open, this is especially attractive to beginner and intermediate snow bunnies. For those a bit more advanced, stay tuned: the whole mountain was open before Christmas of last year. Speaking of the holidays, you can also hit up the outdoor gear and clothing stores at Outlets at Silverthorne (free holiday gift wrapping!).

The best part about your weekend at Loveland is that it’s affordable: Loveland offers a recession-proof 4-pak that includes 4 unrestricted lift tickets at $119, or $109 if you purchase before November 22nd. Share with your friends and family if you’re feeling generous, or keep it for your next visit. Otherwise, peak individual passes are $59.

Travel and Accommodation

Jet into Denver International Airport then drive 53 miles west to the mountain. There are several lodging options, ranging from basic to upscale. Some places even have hot tubs and fireplaces.

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Your Perfect Weekend October 23-25

When the cold weather begins to set in, we start to dream of snow, hearty food, and the possibility of someplace warm. This weekend, you can take your pick. Ski down one of the first mountains to open in Summit County, Colorado, indulge in fine foods and wines by the harbor in Portland, Maine, or try some kiteboarding in the turquoise waters of the Dominican Republic.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

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Harvest on the Harbor, October 22-25

Portland, Maine

From Thursday through Sunday, head to Portland, Maine to celebrate the 2^nd Annual Harvest on the Harbor event. The area is best known for the succulent lobster and fresh seafood catches, but the Harvest is meant to showcase the farm-to-table local cuisine. Meet 5,000 other people, try some unique harvest menus prepared by expert chefs, vote on Maine’s Lobster Chef of the Year, ($35) and if you’re feeling unusually adventurous, visit “The Man Cave” to learn (or show off) some serious grilling skills with other farmers, fishermen, and food artisans. Ticket prices vary, and some events are free. There is also a variety of sophisticated wine pours for those who are feeling thirsty. If you have some extra time, consider looking into the nearby L.L.Bean flagship retail store and stocking up on some fall and winter gear.

Travel and Accommodation

Portland Airport isn’t far, and there are several lodging options available with special accommodation packages in honor of the Harvest.

Arapahoe Basin, October 23-25

Summit County, Colorado

There are a few places in the country where the early ski season doesn’t mean sparse, muddy snow and slipping on acorns. We recommend blazing some dry powder at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin). Open since October 9th, they’ve already got 18 inches. The 13,050-foot mountain caters mostly to the Summit County community, so go be a local for a few days. Start off the season by trying the Treeline Terrain Park, one of the most advanced terrain parks in North America. Refuel at the Black Mountain Lodge with an Elk Burgoo or hearty chili. You can continue to make the most of your lift ticket, but at $49 for a full day, you won’t feel guilty if you sit out the rest at 6th Alley Bar with a Hot Toddy.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Denver International Airport, then choose from a variety of accomodation options. If you’re a Season Pass holder ($359), you’ll receive 10% off any reservation with SummitCove.com.

Kiteboarding the Caribbean, October 23-25

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

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Your Perfect Weekend October 16-18

Autumn is in full swing, so head to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for a wilderness weekend, escape to the warmer environs of the San Francisco Bay Area for concerts and kayaking, or kick back and imbibe some beers at the Midwest Beerfest in Wichita, Kansas.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Wilderness Weekend, October 17-18

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Get out and see the firework-bursts of autumn foliage this weekend at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Clusters of red-purples and orange-yellows spread out for mile after mile. Start by cruising the Skyline Drive, a scenic 105-mile byway running the park’s length, peaking and dipping along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cut the engine at any of the seventy-five overlooks and, there, take in the broad Shenandoah Valley to the west and the rolling Blue Ridge piedmont to the east.

This October Shenandoah marks the 33rd anniversary of the act that made forty percent of the park, nearly 80,000 acres, federally designated wilderness. Make sure to stop in at the Byrd Visitor Center at milepost 51 for special “Wilderness Weekend” events, including a chance to try your hand with some of the authentic tools park rangers use to maintain trails.

For the more adventurous, leave the pavement behind and trek out on foot into Shenandoah’s 196,000 acres of backcountry. Explore the 500 miles of trails. Get face-to-face with the park’s wealth of plant and animal life, including deer, wild turkey, and black bear.

Travel and Accommodation

It is a short seventy-five miles from the nation’s capital to Shenandoah’s northern Front Royal entrance (see here for directions). Cabins for rent are constellated along the Skyline Drive, as are four designated campgrounds. Or, spend the night out in the wilds by picking up a backcountry camping permit, which is available at park entrances and at the Byrd Visitor Center.

Treasure Island Music Festival & Kayaking, October 17-18

San Francisco, California

Fall has brought falling temperatures across much of the country, which makes this the perfect time to escape to the reliably temperate climate of the California Bay Area.

Join a few thousand of your new closest friends this weekend at the Treasure Island Music Festival, held on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. The two-day festival features The Flaming Lips, The Decemberists, MGMT, and a host of other popular and up-and-coming bands. (Tickets are $65 for one day, $115 for both Saturday and Sunday.)

Then, slip away from the crowds and into the bay itself. City Kayak runs tours and rentals from Pier 40 at Fisherman’s Wharf and from Pier 39 at the South Beach Harbor. Kayak past the waterfront AT&T Park, home of the SF Giants and origin of the occasional long ball arcing out into the bay. Circle around along Fisherman’s Wharf and, paddling eastward toward the Bay Bridge, take in the outcropping of Alcatraz to the north and the spans of the Golden Gate Bridge to the west. Sign up for the Sunset Tour for stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline at dusk.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into San Francisco airport and then head for the waterfront. Shuttles from AT&T Park to Treasure Island run beginning at 11:00AM both Saturday and Sunday. The Mosser Hotel is offering a discounted rate of $129 for the Treasure Island Festival, or check out Bay Area camping sites here.

Midwest Beerfest, October 16-17

Wichita, Kansas

If you love beer, beer food, or you’re in Kansas, pick up the phone and dial 316.219.4TIX. The Wichita Chapter of The American Institute of Wine and Food is hosting its 9th Annual Midwest Beerfest and that means the opportunity to join locals on Saturday between 1-4pm to support the AIWF Culinary Scholarship while sampling hundreds of handcrafted, domestic, and imported brews ($30). A silent auction featuring theater tickets, gift certificates and assorted prizes will also take place to benefit Starkey Inc., a non-profit organization in Sedgwick County helping adults with mental and developmental disabilities.

After you’ve tried all 350 brews, hearty beer food is available. Local specials include The Anchor’s 3 Slider Hot Dogs ($3.50) and Bubba’s Nekked BBQ’s savory 4 Smoked Chipotle Lime Wings ($2.00). There is a beer dinner on Friday with tasty cuts of beef, but tickets are going fast.

Travel and Accommodation

For those of you flying, Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is conveniently located by a few Bed & Breakfast options. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, try the Castle Inn Riverside. Rooms start at $125 and it’s cool to say you slept in a castle.

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Your Perfect Weekend October 9-11

With temperatures falling precipitously all over the country, now is the time to steal away to the beaches of Florida for an open-water swimming event in Fort Myers or a seafood festival in Panama City Beach.

By Steven Kurtz

Aaron Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans, October 9-11
Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Looking for a challenge this weekend? Head down to Fort Myers to compete in the open water swimming event hosted by former Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol. Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans features plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as some healthy competition for the die-hards. In addition to the 1K and 5K open water events (with youth and masters brackets), Peirsol will host open water swim clinics with fellow Olympians Brendan Hansen, Brooke Bennett and Rowdy Gaines. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be instructed by some of the world’s best swimmers. Peirsol’s partner for the event, the Oceana organization, is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans from over-fishing to pollution, and all proceeds will benefit that cause. At the very least, this will give you an excuse to hang out on the beach all weekend.

Travel and Accommodation
The event offers several travel packages that include two night’s accommodation as well as entry into the event. There are plenty of other options if you prefer to book yourself.

Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival, October 9-11
Panama City Beach, Florida

If you don’t want to break a sweat this weekend but still want to get away to the warmer weather, check out the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival. Panama City Beach, Florida, provides a beautiful backdrop for all of the weekend’s activities at Frank Brown Park. Local area chefs will perform demonstrations on how to prepare their signature dishes, recipe cards included. Pair your food with some great wine, as wine tastings will take place everyday with some of the top local producers as well as several other domestic and international participants. Of course the festival wouldn’t be complete without day and night musical entertainment. Besides getting to hear local performers in all genres, check out 70’s greats Styx and Grand Funk Railroad. They will not disappoint.

Travel and Accommodation
There are plenty of discount packages offering tickets to the festival and accommodations through the festivals sponsoring partners. Fly into Panama City-Bay County Airport, connecting through Atlanta.

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Your Perfect Weekend October 2-4

With September in the rearview, keep rolling full-steam into the fall with some autumn bouldering in Bear Valley, an arts festival with a backdrop of Mt. Rainier in Washington, and a star-studded music bash down in Austin.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

Austin City Limits Music Festival, October 2-4
Austin, Texas

For years now, Austin Texas has been recognized as one of the best music towns in the country, so it’s no surprise that one of the best music festivals year after year takes place there. This weekend, Zilker Park will play host to Austin City Limits Music Festival for its eighth year. Big name headliners like Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam are exciting, but the real essence of the weekend is the smaller bands that get a chance to play on the big stage. “The Sound and the Jury” battle of bands competition actually gives up-and-coming bands the opportunity to perform at ACL if they are voted in by online listeners. Be sure to check out one of the aftershows at one of the many famous local venues in Austin. It’s a chance to see some big name acts play in a smaller setting after hours.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Although there are no festival hotel packages, there are plenty of options. If you prefer camping, there are a few campsites as well.

Rainier Arts Festival, October 2-4
Ashford, Washington

Head to beautiful Ashford, Washington this weekend to get away from the crowds for the 3rd annual Rainier Arts Festival. Featuring art inspired by the natural splendor of Mt. Rainier, the festival offers art for sale and auction, as well as live music and art workshops. Admission to the festival and all workshops is free, so don’t miss the “clay classroom” or “Landscape Photography 101.” Of course, you can’t plan a trip to this area without visiting Mt. Rainier National Park. There are plenty of activities in the park including scenic drives, rock climbing, and hiking. Just make sure you plan for the weather accordingly because you never know when you might get an early October snowfall in the mountains.

Travel and Accommodation
Ashford isn’t close to a major airport, so your best bet is to fly into Seattle and make the scenic two-hour drive. There are plenty of places to camp and lodge in the area, with several offering discounted rates to festival-goers.

Bear Valley Boulder Bash
Bear Valley, CA

If you’re aching for that fall climb, split to the Sierra Mountains this weekend for the Bear Valley Boulder Bash. Climbers will go to work on the numerous granite boulders that pepper the Hell’s Kitchen section of the valley. There’s $2000 worth of prizes for the various competitions that will be doled out through the weekend ($35, competitions for all skill levels). On Sunday, don’t miss the chance to hone your skills in one of the many climbing workshops. If you’re looking to up the degree of difficulty in your climbs, sign up for the Crack Climb Workshop ($75) and work on jamming, liebacks, and opposing forces. If you need more technical guidance, master the delicate art of placing gear in the Gear and Anchor Workshop where you’ll practice with nuts, hexes, tri-cams and camming devices ($125). If you’d rather branch out and explore the rest of Bear Valley’s gorgeous landscape and sick climbs then join up with the free Bear Valley Bouldering Adventure, which goes out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Travel and Accommodation
Both Sacramento and Reno are about two hours from Bear Valley. Bear Valley Lodge is 200 yards away from base camp and light on the wallet at $85 a night. If you’d prefer to camp, conifer-drenched Silvertip is only three miles away and close to Lake Alpine.

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Your Perfect Weekend September 25-27

Explore the best America has to offer this weekend during National Public Lands and Museum Days, during which you’ll find free access to the many national parks and museums across the country. If you happen to be near Boulder, stop by the Moondance International Film Festival to catch a flick. If you find yourself in southern California, get out to Catalina for a weekend of island blues.

By Nate Storey and Steven Kurtz

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Museum Day and National Public Lands Day, September 26
All over the country

Over 1,200 museums, zoos, national parks, and arts and cultural attractions will be free of charge on Saturday for a dual celebration of Museum Day and Public Lands Day. If you’re into cars, drop in on the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento. If you fancy history and politics, go see the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, which investigates the assassination of JFK. Another great option is The Exploratorium in San Francisco, which gives visitors unique access to the natural wonders of our world with interactive exhibits on unique subjects like the science of skateboarding and the development of an earthquake. If you’d rather be outdoors, check out your nearest national park or monument such as the Statue of Liberty, which will be open for the first time at night. As part of Georgia’s Free Day in the Parks, anglers can cast lines all day long without purchasing a fishing license.

Catalina Island Blues Festival, September 25-27
Catalina Island, California

The seasonal change in southern California means a drop from 80 degrees to a frosty 75 so take advantage of the still-gorgeous weather on Catalina Island where blues music will be emanating from the shores all weekend long. Catch a ferry from Long Beach in the morning on Friday in order to make it in time for the Blues Walk through Avalon. Stop by The Lobster Trap and jam to the Bayou Blues Band while you strip a buttery lobster tail. Live bands will be playing all weekend in the center of town and at local restaurants but make sure not to head back to the mainland without enjoying the diverse nature on the island. On the other side of the island in Two Harbors, load up for a buffalo safari ($99) for a four-hour tour, which is the minimum amount of time it will take you to figure out how these bison got to the island in the first place. If you’d rather explore the ocean, then try out a guided kayak and snorkel tour ($69) around Catalina’s coastline where you’re likely to see a frolicking dolphin or a beefy harbor seal.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly in Los Angeles and catch a ferry from the port in Long Beach to Catalina Island. The Catalina Island Inn has rates starting at $119 a night and boasts magnificent views of Avalon Bay.

Moondance International Film Festival, September 25-27
Boulder, Colorado

Make sure you don’t miss the 10th annual Moondance International Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado this weekend. Taking place in Chautauqua Park, the festival offers independent filmmakers, screenwriters, and playwrights the opportunity to screen their work in front of the international film community and entertainment industry. The weekend offers a chance to see some of the best independent films in the world. And of course, Boulder offers much more. The Boulder History Museum is offering free admission on Saturday in conjunction with the Smithsonian Museum Day as long as you print a ticket at home first. If you want to escape to the outdoors, take a scenic car trip down to Eldorado Canyon State Park where there are over 500 routes of technical rock-climbing, as well as hiking and biking trails. Or if you want to give back to the community, volunteer at Carnage Canyon in Roosevelt National Forest, where you will help transplant native trees for National Public Lands Day.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Denver International Airport and either rent a car or take the shuttle into Boulder. Moondance suggests several lodging options, with some offering discounts for festival-goers. If you want to camp, try Boulder Mountain Lodge, a small campground and lodge close to the festival.

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Your Perfect Weekend September 18-20

Embrace the changing season by guzzling cold ones in Telluride, hustling to jazz music in California, or taking advantage of the salmon migration at a fishy festival in Michigan.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, September 18-20
Telluride, Colorado

Anytime you can catch blues legends Joe Cocker, Buddy Guy, and Bonnie Raitt all on the same ticket, it’s an opportunity that cannot be missed. So head out to the 16th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in the picturesque town of Telluride, Colorado. On Saturday afternoon, walk over to the Grand Tasting on the festival grounds with 53 microbreweries participating and over 150 beers to try. After the festival officially ends at night, be sure to hit up one of the so-called “juke joints” in the town where after-hours shows hosted by the festival allow you to rock into the wee hours of the night—because everyone knows the after-party is where it’s at.

Travel and Accommodation
There is an airport in Telluride, however most festival-goers choose to fly into the Montrose Regional Airport (68 miles away). Rent a car and drive down to the festival. Camping passes are available for the campground adjacent to the festival, but don’t expect any quiet, secluded camping—it’s going to get crowded.

Monterey Jazz Festival, September 18-20
Monterey, California

Head to Monterey, California this weekend to witness new and old jazz heroes play at the longest running jazz festival in the world. The 52^nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival will take place at the same site since the festival began in 1958, the Monterey Fairgrounds. Listen to over 500 jazz musicians demonstrate their craft at nine different stages over the course of the weekend. Highlights include performances by Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Pete Seeger, and Susan Tedeschi. Don’t miss the 50th anniversary celebration of Time Out with the Dave Brubeck Quartet on Sunday night—it may be your last chance to see the time signature genius perform.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Monterey Peninsula Airport. Camping is available at one of three locations listed on the festival sight. Lodging options are also available through the Monterey County website.

Grand Haven Salmon Festival, September 18-20
Grand Haven, Michigan

It’s easy to tell when fall has arrived: the leaves turn, football begins, and the salmon run. Nowhere is this more true than in western Michigan where the Grand Haven Salmon Festival goes down this weekend celebrating the annual salmon migration. The Fresh Catch Fish Broil ($9) will get things going Friday night with delectable fillets, cold micro-brews and live tunes. Saturday presents a chance to cast your own line and attempt to catch a big boy in the Big King Fishing Contest ($100 entry, biggest fish wins). Take a moment in the afternoon to stroll through the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and gander at the current exhibit exploring the lives of U.S. presidents before sipping the best Michigan’s vintners have to offer at the wine tasting and salmon cook-off ($20). When you’re done sampling the diverse salmon dishes, throw on some boots and see if you pass muster in the grape stomping competition. Wind the weekend down on Sunday by exploring the Kitchel-Lindquist Dunes Preserve. With slithering hognose snakes and soaring eagles above, the trails wind through three zones of dune succession and offer a glimpse into a rare ecosystem.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids and make the 40-mile drive to Grand Haven. Blue Water Inn & Suites is across from the the beach on Lake Michigan, close to the festival, and offers discounted fall rates starting at $59.

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Your Perfect Weekend September 11-13

Football kicks off this weekend, but that’s no reason to stay glued to the couch. Take advantage of the dwindling days of good weather with an early start to Oktoberfest in Vail, a massive hot-air balloon race in Reno, or cycling festival in Folsom.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

The Great Reno Balloon Race, September 11-13
Reno, Nevada

Don’t forget to bring the coffee this weekend to watch the visual spectacle of the annual Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno, Nevada. Enjoy several competitions and events over the course of three days as over one hundred balloons take to the skies in the largest balloon race in the nation. With events starting as early as 5 am, the competitions taking place each day will end five hours later at 10 am, so get there early. Don’t miss the Dawn Patrol, where several balloon pilots licensed to fly in the dark will fly to choreographed music as the sun rises. The competitions for the weekend are also a must-see, with Balloon Blackjack—where pilots drop beanbags onto 4-foot playing cards—and other competitions demonstrating how adept these pilots are at flying their crafts. Watch the action from “the world’s largest pajama party” as spectators are encouraged to come in pajamas to the event with special prizes going to the best “bed head” in several categories. As an added bonus to the weekend, spend some time on Saturday afternoon walking around Reno for the Balloons & Tunes Wine Walk. Pay $20 and sample wine at any of the 30 participating merchants.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Reno on any major airliner. There are several lodging options to choose from in the area. The organizers of the event suggest staying with one of the major/founding sponsors of the event.

Vail Oktoberfest, September 11-13
Vail, Colorado

Oktoberfest is a lot like Christmas: the celebration begins about a month in advance. So don’t be hesitant about heading to Vail Oktoberfest this weekend and kicking off beer season even though we’re still in the early stages of September. After getting fresh drafts off the first kegs at the tapping ceremony, prove your prowess in the Beck’s Adult Keg Bowling Contest. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in the brat eating contest and see how many Bavarian sausages you can scarf. This is the time of year when Colorado’s sprawling forests turn from bright green to a blazing amber so when you’ve had your fill of brew and brats, head to nearby Glenwood Springs, consistently hailed as one of the top fishing towns in America, bask in the beautiful scenery and try your luck with the plump trout. Roaring Fork Anglers will set you up with gear and give you the low-down on the best spots.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Denver and make the two hour drive to Vail or book at shuttle through Colorado Mountain Express ($87 each way). Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is located right by Oktoberfest in Vail village and has rates starting at $159 a night.

Cyclebration, September 11-13
Folsom, California

13 races and rides ensure loads of action at Cyclebration this weekend in the quaint northern California town of Folsom. BMXers and Freeriders will grab big air in the dirt track at Fam Jam Freeride (free to spectate, $10 to $40 to compete) while the Folsom Lake XC Mountain Bike Race is more grounded, running through a twisty track in the oak woodlands next to Folsom Lake. Two Bridges Circuit Race ($10) is a road race that jets across Lake Natoma Crossing and the historical Rainbow Bridge. Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, Folsom has hiking with spectacular views. Along with presenting brilliant lake shore vistas, the Oak Nature Trail is home to deer, wild turkey, and fox. For a bit more of a challenge try the Western States Trail, a bizarre path that features palm trees, creeks and wild grape trees.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Sacramento and make the short 20-mile trip to Folsom. 5 different hotels have “Cyclebration rates”, the cheapest being the Courtyard at the Marriott at $89 per night.

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Your Perfect Weekend September 4-6

Labor Day weekend is summer’s last hurrah, so spend yours kayaking under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran, getting Jazzy in Chi Town, or beachin’ it at a surf festival on Cocoa Beach.

By Steven Kurtz and Nathan Storey

Full Moon Kayak, September 5
Sausalito, California

If your looking for a romantic getaway this weekend, take take a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area for the Sea Trek Full Moon Paddle. Located just North of the city in Sausalito, enjoy a light paddle in a sea kayak right under the Golden Gate Bridge as the full moon rises in the distance. The expedition begins with a short introductory session on kayaking basics, so no experience is necessary. With the full moon rising over Angel Island, the lights from the city are that much more impressive from the water. Don’t forget to take a trip to Angel Island State Park while you in the area as well, as the island offers various hikes and bike rides as well as several secluded campsites. The Bay Area offers plenty of other outdoor adventures, including surfing and plenty of hiking trials. Check out Muir Woods to see some monstrous Redwoods and enjoy the crisp air.

Travel and Accommodation
There are several lodging options in Sausalito. There are many hotels to choose from but for the more adventurous, camp at Kirby Cove in the adjacent Golden Gate Recreation Area.

Chicago Jazz Festival, September 4-6
Chicago, Illinois

If kayaking and camping are not your cup of tea, experience a few days of top flight jazz music in Chicago’s Grant Park for the Chicago Jazz Festival this weekend. Going strong for over 30 years, this annual festival started when three smaller jazz fests joined forces at the mayor’s insistence. Enjoy several days worth of music, food, and fun with standout musicians including Dave Holland and Dee Alexander. Other possibilities for fun in the city: The Field Museum is definitely worth a visit, or if you find art more appealing than scientific findings, visit the Art Insititute of Chicago. Both museums are in the park area, just a short walk from the festival. Navy Pier is a little distance away from the park, but it is hard to recreate the feeling of riding the ferris wheel next to Chicago’s iconic skyline.

Travel and Accomodation
There are plenty of hotels to stay at when you’re in Chicago, so why not support the Chicago Green Hotels Initiative. Started in 2007, hotels that adhere to certain standards receive a Green Seal of approval.

NKF Pro Am Surf Festival, September 3-7
Cocoa Beach, Florida

This weekend will unofficially bring summer to a close, to the chagrin of many, but Cocoa Beach isn’t going quietly, hosting a huge surf festival and bash. The NKF Pro Am Surf Festival busts out of the gates on Thursday night at the opening party where you can schmooze with Hall of Fame surfers and enter a custom-board giveaway. The action gets started early Friday at Shepard Park where the Pro Am Surfing Competition gets underway. Keep the party going in the afternoon with live music at The Sandbar and the Mar Chiquita Bikini Contest at the pier. Hit up the taste of Brevard and Silent auction on Saturday night for the self-proclaimed “tropical party of the year.” When your tan is teetering on sunburn and you’ve grown weary of the sun, check out why the northeast of Florida is dubbed the Space Coast with a stop through NASA. The Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex is chalk full of exhibits like The Shuttle Launch Experience, which will probably bring you as close as you’ll ever get to the inside of a space mission. Let Tom Hanks’ baritone lead you on a journey to the moon in the IMAX movie Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3-D. Then spend Labor Day catching all the finals action culminating on the Cocoa Beach breaks.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly to Orlando and make the drive to Cocoa Beach. There are endless hotels to choose from depending on whether you prefer staying closer to the beach festivities or the Kennedy Space Center. Check them out here.

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Your Perfect Weekend August 28-30

With summer winding down, dive into as much adventure as possible this weekend. You could start with a hike and a huge music festival in the bay area, a bike race in Colorado, or surfing and sun on Waikiki.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, August 28-30
San Francisco, California

This weekend, take a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area for the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. Taking place in beautiful Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands will feature high profile artists such as the Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Tenacious D, as well as many others. While at the festival, check out the Winehaven tent, where a mix of 25 local winemakers will provide commentary and tasting on 75 different wines.

If the crowds of the festival become too much, there are plenty of other activities in the Bay Area to quench your thirst for adventure. Walk to the western edge of Golden Gate Park and step out onto Ocean Beach for some surfing and swimming. Although the surf is fairly inconsistent compared to Linda Mar or Half Moon Bay, on a good day the waves are perfect and less crowded than beaches to the South. Alternatively, head north and take a hike in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The redwood trees may not be as large as they are in neighboring Muir Woods, but you will avoid the major crowds that Muir brings in. Hike the 3.9 mile long Dipsea and Steep Ravine Trail for exceptional views of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean.

Travel and Accommodation
There are several hotels in the San Francisco area that are offering 25% room discounts for festival goers. There is no camping allowed at the festival, but camping is available at Mt. Tamalpais State Park, as long as you call ahead and make a reservation.

Fort Collins Cycling Festival, August 28-29
Fort Collins, Colorado

Grab your cruiser and head to mountains for the Fort Collins Cycling Festival in Colorado this weekend. Things kick off on Friday with the Oskar Blues Cruise where riders will break out old school rides and peddle through Old Town district. Sip an Oskar Blues microbrew like Mama’s Little Yella Pils or Ten Fidy while you enjoy the bluegrass concert to follow. Go easy on the brews though, if you plan to whip your pedals up to the top of Rist Canyon in the grueling 26-mile ACA Rist Canyon Hill Climb Race ($60). Spend the rest of your time in some of the nation’s most beautiful mountains, hiking the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park to Bridal Veil Falls. No fee is required to trek along the 6-mile trail to the tumbling waterfall.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Denver and take the Super Shuttle ($32) to Fort Collins, which is an hour-and-a-half away. Hilton is offering a $27.25 per person, per night special for the festival that includes breakfast and transportation to the festival.

Duke’s Ocean Fest, August 23-29
Waikiki, Hawaii

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to summer yet, the Aloha state and the Duke’s Ocean Fest are your best bet for one last beach getaway. Commemorating one of the most heralded surfers of all time, Duke Kahanamoku, the week long celebration will kick into high gear this weekend. Check out the pros hanging ten in the Toes to the Nose Longboard Classic or the unbelievable tandem surf contest where riders pick up their partners gymnastics style while cruising waves. If you’re ready for some sand action don’t skip out on the US Open of Beach Volleyball men’s qualifying event at Kuhio Beach where 16 teams will battle it out. Make sure to visit the Halona Blowhole, formed thousands of years ago by molten lava tubes. When the surf is big the water blasts even higher than the usual 30 feet.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Honolulu on Oahu and stay at one of the countless hotels along Waikiki Beach. The Shereton Princess Ka’iulani has rates starting at $109 a night.

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Your Perfect Weekend August 21-23

With the anniversary of Woodstock, this Weekend is about music and the great outdoors. Celebrate the festival’s 40th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, camp out at a bluegrass jamboree in Wyoming, or hit the backwoods of Canada for an adrenaline-jammed mountain bike festival.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

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Woodstock’s 40th Anniversary Weekend: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, August 21-23
Cleveland, Ohio

Relive the ultimate music festival experience this weekend with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Woodstock. Celebrations have been happening all summer around the country, but this special look inside the show that defined a generation is not be missed. In addition to the exhibition, featuring memorabilia from Woodstock’s executive producer Michael Lang as well as instruments and artifacts from the artists themselves, there will be a continuous loop of rare induction ceremony footage of artists who performed at the festival. Special performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoon will feature covers of some old time hits at Cain Park’s Evans Amphitheater. Be sure to check out chief curator Jim Henke’s presentation on the historical significance of the artifacts in the Woodstock exhibit. Tickets are available at the museum box office and, as always, members get in free. No Woodstock tribute would be complete without spending a day or two living off the land, so head to Kellys Island in Lake Erie for a secluded couple days of hiking, biking and even exploring offshore shipwrecks scuba diving. Dine Al Fresco at Kelly’s Island Wine Company where they grow fresh herbs on site.

Travel and Accommodation
The Rock Hall provides a list of preferred hotels on their website with various package deals for the weekend. Fly into Cleveland and be sure to check out what each hotel has to offer, as some will include tickets to the hall with your stay.

22nd Annual Bluegrass Festival, August 21-23
Grand Targhee, Wyoming

If braving the crowds and the city doesn’t sound like the best way to commemorate the anniversary, toast Woodstock with another outdoor music festival. Check out the blissful Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming for the 22^nd annual Bluegrass Festival. Its three days of bluegrass and camping in the scenic northern Rockies. Headliners Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band lead a long list of excellent bluegrass performers. Besides the music, there are plenty of activities in the area to satisfy your need for adventure. The Resort is well known for a variety of mountain biking trails which can also be used for hiking and trail running. If you don’t want to exert too much energy, enjoy the scenic chairlift ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Fred’s Mountain. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park as well for more scenic adventure. A 3-day festival pass for the weekend will run you $155 (3-day camping pass included).

Travel and Accommodation
Several major airlines fly into Jackson Hole, WY, so fly in and make the scenic 42-mile drive to Grand Targhee. Camp at the festival with the price of your ticket, or choose from several lodging options in the area.

Full Throttle Mountain Bike Festival, August 22-23
Fernie, British Columbia

If you’re looking for a rush, join up with pro rider Mike Hopkins this weekend in the British Columbian mountains for the Full Throttle Mountain Bike Festival. A variety of races are on the slate, including the Super D Downhill and Dual Slalom. When you’re through being a spectator, get in on the action and take advantage of the wealth of bike trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Deer Trail cuts through some tight spots with bulging roots littering the path for a fun challenge. Once your legs are warm and you’re feeling brave, head to the base of the resort on the Mighty Moose slope to the Skills Progression Park where you can sharpen your skills on wooden skinnies and bridges. If you’re looking to investigate the mountain on foot, hike the Summer Road, a challenging trail that swings by reddish-brown rock and coral fossils left from an ancient sea that covered the mountain. Break away from the festivities for an afternoon and charge the class IV rapids on Elk River Canyon that twist through towering rock walls (Canyon Raft Company, $104). Don’t spend the entire weekend working yourself into a frenzy though, chill out with some live tunes at barbecues in the beer garden or take the Timber Express Chairlift ($16) to Lost Boys Cafe at the peak of the mountain to slurp down a few pints while you enjoy epic forest vistas.

Travel and Accommodation
Delta flies to Cranbrook B.C., via Salt Lake City, which is an hour-and-a-half drive from Fernie. Fernie Alpine Resort has special lodging during the festival starting at $35 a night.

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Your Perfect Weekend August 14-16

With summer creeping to close, every weekend becomes more crucial—which is reason enough to boogie to folk music in Colorado, climb mountains in British Columbia, stuff yourself at a chicken cook-off in Arkansas, or take full advantage of a free weekend at America’s national parks.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

19th Annual Folks Festival, August 14-16
Lyons, Colorado

If the combination of camping in a beautiful small town and an excellent line-up of folk musicians is your thing, check out the 19^th Annual Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado. This small town paradise—population 1,585—will play host to the three-day fest that features a stellar lineup including Rufus Wainwright, Don McLean, Gillian Welch, M. Ward and Susan Tedeschi. Relax and enjoy the scenery with the music, or participate in one of the songwriting workshops happening all weekend. When you need a break, explore the town of Lyons, which offers outdoor activities from hiking any number of trails to tubing down the St. Vrain River. As an added bonus, make the 40-minute drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, and like President Obama and the first family, take advantage of the US Park Service’s free weekend, where all national parks are free on Saturday and Sunday this weekend only. There are several ticket options available for the Folk Festival, with on-site camping included in some packages. Patrons must buy camping tickets in order to camp on site at the festival.

Travel and Accommodation
Lyons is less than an hour drive north of Denver. Camping on-site is included in some ticket packages, and camping is also available at the nearby Meadow Park Campground for $50 per person. There are several hotels to choose from in nearby Longmont and Boulder.

Squamish Mountain Festival, August 12-16
Squamish, British Columbia

For an all-encompassing festival in the great outdoors get to British Columbia this weekend for The Squamish Mountain Festival. A wide-variety of thrills are on the lineup including the Steep Shot ($15), a popular event in which five photographers showcase slides of climbs and destinations from last year’s travels. Along with climbing clinics, speakers, and films, don’t forgo the opportunity to get out on the trail and compete in the Smoke Bluff Scramble, a 5k race on a sinuous path that finishes up at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company for a happy hour full of “Bailout Bitter,” the brewer’s solution to fighting the recession. Come clad in white trash or superhero attire on Saturday night for the Festival Finale Party and after a few climbs on Sunday, give yourself a proper send-off at the farewell BBQ.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Vancouver and make the hour-and-a-half trip to Squamish. Stay in the Waterfront Suite, which has boundless views of the mountains and river at the Squamish Inn on the Water (rates start at $80 a night). The Inn on the Water is steps away from the weekend events.

Rhythm and Roots Festival, August 14-15
Monticello, Arkansas

If what you need this weekend is some old fashion southern barbeque, then the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Monticello, Arkansas should be your target. The self-proclaimed World’s Greatest Chicken Cook-off goes down Friday with the winner pocketing $1,000. But the real winner is you, as five bucks will land you a full dose of the competitors’ final submissions. On Saturday join up with 5k run or fishing derby in the early morning or stick around for the antique car show and live music. When you’ve had your fix at the festival, head over to Hot Springs National Park, dubbed “America’s Spa,” to take advantage of the free access this weekend. Relax in one of the 47 natural springs or if you’d rather be active, trek through the thick pine forest on the mile-and-a-half David Chief trail.

Travel and Accommodation
The closest major airport to Monticello is Memphis, Tennessee, a couple hours away. The Holiday Inn Express in Monticello has rooms starting at $89 a night. It you plan on staying a night or two in Hot Springs, crash at The Park Hotel, starting at $63 a night.

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Your Perfect Weekend August 7-9

This weekend is high energy: Take your pick of a kayak festival in the Twin Cities, kiteboarding for charity on a river in Oregon, or a mountain biking fête in Vermont.

By Steven Kurtz and Nathan Storey

Two Harbors Kayak Festival, August 7-9
Two Harbors, Minnesota

Come to Two Harbors this weekend to participate in the Two Harbors Kayak Festival, a weekend full of various races and clinics for beginner and expert kayakers alike. For the serious water experts, try your hand at the Great River Energy 18-mile Marathon, a brutal trip out to Encampment Island and back in a single or tandem kayak. For the less experienced, there is the Betties Pies five-mile race and the EMMA challenge tandem sprint race, a half-mile challenge. If competition isn’t your thing, the festival offers several tours and clinics for the experienced and inexperienced. Learn advanced techniques like the C to C roll or a T-rescue, or simply enjoy a tour around the Split Rock lighthouse with all equipment provided. Kids can enjoy the kid’s kayaking area, where they can paddle a number of different youth-size boats while receiving pointers from the staff, or they can participate in the youth kayak races, which have several age brackets. Register on Friday at the festival.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Duluth International Airport and rent a car for the 40-minute drive to Two Harbors. Camping is available on site at the Burlington Bay Campground, but sites fill quickly on a first come first served basis, so if not available stay at any one of the inexpensive hotels right on the water.

Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, August 7-9
Hood River, Oregon

Rarely does a group mix charity with extreme sports as effortlessly as the non-profit organization Kiteboarding 4 Cancer. Founders Tonia Farman, a professional kiteboarding instructor, and Garret Zallen, a pediatric surgeon, wanted to utilize the “passion, energy, and vitality” of the sport to raise money for cancer research after each had personal experiences with individuals with the disease. This weekend, head out to Hood River, Oregon, to support the group’s main charity event of the year. This year’s event features a six-hour pledge-per-mile endurance race where riders will be judged on distance traveled, money raised for the organization, and freestyle expression up and down the Columbia River. Other activities include wet-suit races, stand-up paddle races, BBQ, beer, and live music all day. All proceeds go to a few select beneficiaries, such as the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Celilo Cancer Center, The Children’s Healing Art Project, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Travel and Accommodation
Hood River is located 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on I-84. Fly into Portland International and make the drive. Camp at any site close to the event, or stay at the Hood River Inn with a view of the river for $170 a night.

Mount Snow Mountain Bike Festival, August 7-9
Mount Snow, Vermont

If you’re looking to bust out your full-suspension this weekend, then Mount Snow is where you should go, as a three-day mountain bike festival is happening in the backwoods of Vermont. After being delivered to the top of the mountain by chair lifts, riders will face loose rocks, jutting roots, and steep ascents. Riders can push their limits on the Super D or Downhill courses, or they can keep it horizontal on the cross country and road rides. Watch one of the globe’s sickest mountain bikers when Jeff Lenosky performs a trial stunt show, and if you’re game to try a few moves yourself hit up the Red Bull Mountain Cross Park. When you’re not working up your own sweat take in a few races of the Kenda Cup East Pro XC circuit, which runs all weekend. Hit the links at the Mount Snow Golf Club, rated a top five course in Vermont by Golf Digest, to round out the weekend (only $56 for 18-holes after 3 pm).

Travel and Accommodation
Mount Snow has great spots for camping ($10 a night). The organizers of the festival will be selling firewood for $5. If you’re not looking to rough it then the Grand Summit Hotel is offering 10 percent discounts for the festival with rates starting at $140.

 

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Your Perfect Weekend July 31- August 2

Escape the heat wave smothering the West Coast this weekend by heading to the mountains for blues and brews in Mammoth or bodysurfing at a surf festival in L.A.; if you’d rather huck stones and toss tree trunks, head to the heartland for a spirited Irish festival in Dublin, Ohio.

By Karin Krisher, Steven Kurtz, and Nate Storey

Dublin Irish Festival, July 30 - August 2
Dublin, Ohio

Dublin, Ohio, may not be exactly like the original, but this weekend the town’s Dublin Irish Festival brings you about as close to living the Celtic experience as you’re likely to get in the states. The weekend kicks off early with Thursday’s four miler, the festival’s famed road race, which, if you participate, gets you a free festival ticket good for either Friday or Sunday. After the race, cool off at the Dub Crawl in the BriHi district, and see where the evening takes you. Revel in the clouded glow of a successful Dub Crawl by signing up for a whiskey or beer tasting on Friday night (which also takes place throughout Saturday and Sunday), punctuated with any number of Celtic music or dance performances and a game of cornhole during open play from 4-6 p.m. The Gaelic Games, featuring open stone throws and caber tosses, are open most of the day Saturday, but you might be busy playing some games of your own — the less demanding mini golf and darts are open to all guests. Round out the weekend with a soccer demonstration on Sunday afternoon, followed by a rowdy and thoroughly Irish performance by the Street Dogs. General admission tickets for each day of the festival are $10 on site.

Travel and Accommodation:
Fly into Port Columbus International Airport and take a cab to Dublin, less than 15 miles away. Dublin offers several hotel options, but we recommend the $110 per night Crowne Plaza Dublin, located in Metro Center, where a free, continuously running shuttle will pick you up for the festival.

Mammoth Festival of Beer & Bluesapalooza, July 31 - August 2

Mammoth Lakes, California

Head out to Mammoth Lakes this weekend to enjoy beer and blues at the Mammoth Festival of Beer & Bluesapalooza. The 14^th annual imbibing fair begins with BBQ and music on Friday night, followed by the Grand Tasting/Festival of Beers all day Saturday. Enjoy the tunes of headliners Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Johnny Lee Hooker Jr, while tasting over 70 of America’s best microbrews. The Ultimate Blues/Brews/BBQ Party Package gets you in to all the events with unlimited beer tasting and commemorative glass for only $80. To burn off the extra calories, the Eastern Sierra mountains offer every activity you can dream of, from climbing and hiking trails, to famous fishing holes and golf courses. For a surreal outdoors experience, rent a car for the 45-minute drive to Yosemite National Park to take in the best nature has to offer. Come back to Mammoth Sunday morning for the free Hangover Party, where if you help the staff clean up some garbage, they’ll buy you a beer.

Travel & Accommodation
Fly into the Reno Tahoe International Airport and drive down I-395 south to route 203 west for about 170 miles. There are plenty of options for renting a hotel room or condo with several offering reduced rates for this weekend. Camping is equally abundant in the area as well.

International Surf Festival, July 31 - August 2
Southern California

It’s a beach-hopping weekend in Southern California as the International Surf Festival takes over a string of beaches. Settle in on Friday and finagle some sand time before a cadre of lifeguards battle in the LA County Lifeguard Championships around sunset. Wake early on Saturday and summon your inner dolphin for the bodysurfing championship ($35, register at the event) at Manhattan Beach. If you’d rather watch others conquer the waves then head to Hermosa Beach for the surfing championships instead. While you’re there, work your calves in the two-mile beach run at 8 a.m. ($25). Check out the paddleboard championship at Manhattan on Sunday or take in some sand soccer on Torrance Beach. If you’re pining to get away from the crowds and out onto the great blue then spend a day chasing halibut, yellowtail, and calico bass on a fishing charter to coastal hotbeds like San Clemente Island and the Huntington Flats ($75, all-inclusive half day).

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Los Angeles, head south, and decide which of the four beaches involved in the surf festival you’d like to stay next to. For a cheaper option grab a room at the Sea View Inn in Manhattan Beach (rates start at $130), which is a block away from the water and has free bikes for rides on the beachfront bike path. If you’ve got a few extra ducats then stay at the gorgeous seaside Beach House in Hermosa (rates start at $279).

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