Men's Journal

Your Perfect Weekend, February 6-7

Your perfect weekend kicks off long before the Super Bowl begins. The day before the big game, it’s all about finding some competition of your own. Hit Vermont’s backcountry powder in a randonnee ski race, or tear up the single track in Texas for 12 hours of mountain biking. Either way, the beer and the dip will taste that much better on Sunday.

By Chase Scheinbaum

Mountain Hardwear Ski Mountaineering Race, January 6

Mad River Valley, Vermont

Blast into the Vermont backcountry this weekend at the Mountain Hardwear Ski Mountaineering Race. Starting at the base of Mad River Glen Ski Area, skiers skin and shred their way off piste via the famous Long Trail, ending at Sugarbush resort. Click here for a race map.

Lodging & Accommodation

Stay at Sugarbush Inn and ski from the race’s end almost directly to your digs for the night and into the hands of a massage therapist operating out of the inn. If you’re too sore to leave the building the next day, no sweat. Use the inn’s sauna and catch the Super Bowl from your room. Otherwise, book a ticket now to catch the game at Burlington’s 156 Bistro.

Mad River Glen is about an hour from Burlington International Airport, your best best if traveling by air.

The Dirty Dozen Mountain Bike Race, January 6

Warda, Texas

The Dirty Dozen Mountain Bike Race is another great way to get some exercise before game day. Go it alone, or grab some buddies and head to Bluff Creek Ranch where you’ll find eight miles of blissful single track to ride in this relay race. Teams of one to five can enter the 12-hour endurance smackdown, or the six-hour version of the race.

Lodging & Accommodation

The Bluff Creek Ranch offers rooms with queen-size beds and jacuzzis for $50 per night. Tent and RV camping is available on the ranch, too. Watch the game on Sunday at Champions in Austin.

The ranch is about an hour-and-a-half by car from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, or two-and-a-half hours from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, January 30-31

With a break in the NFL action before the big game next Sunday, take the opportunity to get out into the great wide open. The Scandinavian art of skijoring beckons in Montana, as does round-the-clock racing in Daytona.

By Chase Scheinbaum

Whitefish Skijoring, January 30-31

Whitefish, Montana

This weekend, mount up for a weekend of skijoring in Whitefish, Montana. Or, if you don’t fancy being towed by a horse at high speeds while slaloming and launching off ski jumps, watch from the sidelines with a hot beverage. Or, ski the normal way: nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort boasts an average of 300 inches of annual snowfall on its 94 marked trails.

The annual skijoring competition is held in conjunction with the Whitefish Winter Carnival, held Feb. 5 through 7; this year’s event celebrates Glacier National Park’s centennial. Novices as well as seasoned veterans of the ancient Scandinavian discipline are welcome to compete. Only the brave, however, stand a chance. Click here for more info.

Travel & Accommodation

Whitefish is served by Glacier Park International Airport, but a limited number of airlines and flights touch down there, so be sure to leave time for connecting flights.

Rolex 24 at Daytona, January 30-31

Daytona Beach, Florida

The year’s auto racing season kicks off this weekend at Daytona International Speedway with the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Even die-hard racing fans will need a break from the 24-hour action on the track, though. Luckily, there are plenty of diversions on hand, beginning with a 5-k run-walk that takes place just before the pro drivers take to the pavement.

Splurge for the $535-per-person Rolex Executive Suite package and watch the action from a climate-controlled room. Take a trip to “Taste of the 24″ at any time for live music, drinks, food from local restaurants, or to hit the cigar bar.

Chili lovers can enter their recipe or sample many others at the Chili Cook-Off. For more refined palates, the wine and cheese party should suffice.

Travel & Accommodation

Fly into Daytona Beach International Airport.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, January 22-24

This weekend shake off the winter blues ice climbing and watching movies at Sundance, sharpening your skills before the Olympics at Bethel Winterfest in Maine, or sample Colorado’s best microbrew offerings in Denver.

By Diane Kahng and Chase Scheinbaum

Sundance Film Festival, January 21-31
Park City, Utah, and surrounding region

The only problem with heading to Park City, Utah to catch the first weekend of the Sundance Film Festival — and taste Utah’s famous airy powder — is the overabundance of choices. The festival’s films are shown in a variety of settings throughout the region in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance. (Get a film guide and purchase tickets here.)

And then there are the ski resorts: the Wasatch Mountains are home to more than a dozen of them, replete with terrain types from ridges and bowls to bunny slopes.

Don’t forget to sharpen your crampons, either. You can start your tour of the area’s ice climbing at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. After fueling up at one of the region’s gourmet restaurants, hit the bars and clubs to rub elbows with the film-elite.

Travel & Accommodation
The region is served primarily by Salt Lake City International Airport. Click here to find lodging through the film festival’s web site. Many hotels can arrange shuttle service to and from the airport.

Bethel Winterfest, January 23-31
Bethel, Maine

If what you seek is winter, you’ll find plenty of it in and around Bethel, Maine, where this weekend the Bethel Winterfest kicks off with a potpourri of events. Start things off with an uphill snowmobile climb alongside professional riders on Saturday, and then warm up with a guided snowshoe tour or Nordic skiing clinic at the Bethel Nordic Ski Center.

With your newly spruced-up ski technique, grab an air rifle and register for Sunday’s six-kilometer biathlon race, complete with two shooting stops.

For more skiing you can hit 25-kilometers of cross-country trails at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, or Sunday River Ski Resort’s 132 downhill trails.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, N.H.; General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport in Boston; or drive.

Winter Brew Fest, January 22
Denver, CO

This weekend, head over to the Winter Brew Fest over in Denver, Colorado, and be the first to sip some of the state’s best craft brews. Sponsored by Sierra Nevada and Cabot Cheese, you can kick back your buds at the Mile High Station near Invesco Field and enjoy live reggae music by Jubal and the Rude Boys, food and cheese pairings, and art.

Breweries you can sample from include Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Twisted Pine, Boulder Beer, Breckenridge, Flying Dog, and many more. Tickets are between $30-$35, or if you want to step up your game, pay $40-$45 for the VIP admittance.

Travel and Accommodation

The Denver International Airport is your best bet if you’re flying in for the weekend. Check out Hotel VQ since the hotel is offering special Brew Fest rates, plus free parking and transportation to Mile High Station and downtown attractions.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, January 15-17

If you can’t decide between a tropical getaway and playing in the snow, we have you covered. This weekend, history buffs can revel in the USS Missouri’s return to Pearl Harbor and catch a few waves at nearby Waikki Beach, or chill out at the High On Ice Festival with professional ice carvers and take to Whistler’s slopes just before the Olympic crowd shreds the snow.

By Diane Kahng

USS Missouri, January 15, 2010
Pearl Harbor, HI

This weekend, be the first to see the USS Missouri’s $18 million facelift when she re-opens her doors in Pearl Harbor after three months of restoration. Guided tours of the 887-foot battleship, nicknamed the “Mighty Mo,” will take you through the ship’s history, from the bombing raiders of Tokyo to the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The ship’s own deck, now named the Battleship Missouri Memorial, is where the Japanese and Allied officials famously signed the surrender documents in 1945. The USS Missouri was also the last U.S. battleship to be launched and decommissioned.

If military history isn’t enough to convince you to embark on a well-deserved Aloha vacation, consider that Pearl Harbor is just a short drive away from the legendary Waikki Beach. As the former stomping grounds for Hawaiian royalty, this is also where Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, caught his waves, and you can, too.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Pearl Harbor’s closest airport, the Honolulu International, grab a drink at the local bar, then call up your Waikiki hotel for a pick-up at a nominal fee. Check out a list of hotels in the area.

High On Ice Festival, January 15-17, 2010
Fort St. John, B.C.

Embrace the winter cold snap and try your hand at ice carving at the High On Ice Festival in BC this weekend. Hosted by the Arts Council in partnership with the City of Fort St. John, the festival accommodates all skill levels to accommodate everyone’s budding inner-artist.

People come from as far away as Russia and Japan to compete for the $15,000 worth of prizes in two categories — Abstract and Realistic. All creations must qualify for the Festival’s “Spirit Within” theme. The festival also includes a community celebration with toboggan races, activities for kids, sledding, ice fishing, Comedy Night, and more.

If you prefer powder to ice, Whistler Blackcomb is within your reach. The mountain is gearing up for the Olympics, so catch the fresh powder and beat the crowds while you can. Plus, they’re offering special packages for the next few weeks: three nights, two days, from $115.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Vancouver International Airport, then check into one of these hotels in the Fort St. John area. Just make sure you pack some thick wool socks, enough for ice carving and hitting the slopes before heading home.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, January 8-10

In many ways, 2009 was a disappointing year. This weekend is an opportunity to put your own stamp on the past. Get amped for the Vancouver Olympics by celebrating the the fiftieth anniversary of the 1960 games at Squaw Valley, celebrate the 75th birthday of the king of rock n’ roll by kicking up your blue-suede shoes in Memphis, or see the newest steel on four-wheels as Detroit revs up for the North American International Auto Show.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Olympic Heritage Celebration, January 8-17

Squaw Valley, California

Fifty years before Vancouver there was Squaw Valley, and this weekend the snowy slopes rounding the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe will host the golden anniversary of the 1960 Winter Olympics. This weekend’s celebration includes a range of events from biathlon and cross-country demonstrations to alpine and Nordic ski races, as well as a flurry of parties each evening. Friday begins with a commemorative torch relay by 1960 Olympians, members of the 1960 Olympic Ski Patrol, current Squaw Valley ski patrol, and Gold medal U.S. Olympian Jonny Mosley, all followed by a fireworks display that night. On Saturday, there is a biathlon demonstration, including a tutorial on how the gear has evolved since the 60s. While that night, the Olympic House hosts a 1960 Retro Party until the early hours. Sunday, see how your forefathers attacked the slopes as the Plumas Ski Club demonstrates longboarding at the Squaw Valley Resort Run. This throwback sport uses 10 to 15 foot long skis constructed of tight, vertical-grained Douglas fir with leather bindings controlled by a single six-foot long pole with a wood block at the end. For more information, including a full list of events, see here.

Travel & Accommodation

Reno Tahoe International Airport, is a quick 40 miles away via all-weather interstate 80 and is served by major carriers with flights from most US destinations. Pick up Snowball’s Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games to study up en route. See here for more information, including lodging availability, at Squaw Valley, and see here for a North Lake Tahoe.

Elvis Turns 75, January 7-10

Memphis, Tennessee

The King is dead, long live the King, and in that spirit Graceland is hosting a 75th birthday party for his blue-suede, hound-dog highness, Elvis Presley. All of Memphis will be out this weekend for a range of events, including a bar crawl along Beale Street, an Elvis-themed NBA game between the Memphis Grizzles and the Utah Jazz, Elvis Bingo, an Elvis Dance Party, and even a special performance by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra playing a repertoire for Elvis originals and arrangements from his films. See here for a full list of festivities. Oh, yes, there will be cake, too, on Friday at the Chrome Grille across the street from Graceland, right after a 9:30 a.m. ceremony to mark the official start of Elvis Presley Day. If you can’t make it, watch live here.

Escape the city to explore the banks of the Mississippi River to the west and Holly Springs National Forest to the east. The cold front moving across this weekend may nix camping, but a chance to hike the surrounding wilderness is worth the trip. Who knows, you may even run into the king.

Travel & Accommodation

Touch down in the land of the Delta Blues by flying to Memphis International Airport. The Memphis Marriott East is the official host hotel for Elvis’ Birthday Celebration, offering a special rate of $89 for the nights of January 7th to 9th.

2010 North American International Auto Show, January 11-24
Detroit, Michigan

It’s hard out there for the American car industry right now — all the more reason to show some support for Detroit. Join the car buffs and industry experts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan this weekend, where you’ll find a series of previews and over 700 vehicles on display at the Cabo Center. Seven new automakers will debut at the show, and there will be a special emphasis on green-friendly electric, solar-powered, battery operated, and hydrogen-powered rides. Keep an eye on BYD, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Th!nk. Expect to see the small engine trend on display at the show as V-8s in passenger cars are phased out for four-cylinder engines that offer greater fuel efficiency take over.

After admiring all the shiny new cars, see them in action at the EcoXperience. Hosted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), EcoXperience will feature a landscaped ride-and-drive test track with electric vehicles zooming by. Check here for tickets and event times.

Travel & Accommodations

There’s an arctic cold snap across the country, but luckily the Detroit People Mover physically links the Cobo to all the downtown hotels and entertainment places. Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) via Delta Airlines, the official airline for the NAIAS 2010, and then check into one of these hotels arranged through the NAIAS Travel Headquarters.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend October January 1-3

Ring in the new year with the latest and greatest road hogs at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Michigan, or enter the cold fray of Wisconsin’s Ice Wars on your snowmobile.

By Diane Kahng

Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, Jan 1-3
Novi, MI

Whether you’re a longtime motorcycle enthusiast or Santa gave you your very first ride just last week, you’ll want to check out the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show this weekend in Novi, Michigan. Making a 12 city tour, the show will feature hundreds of the latest street and dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, and ATVs, including the new 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 Street Supersport, 2010 Ducati Hypermotard, 2010 Star Raider, 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo, 2010 Honda VRF1200F, and a slew of the newest fuel-efficient models .

You’ll find special deals and discounts on shiny new rides, accessories, and clothing. Head over to the Free Gear Check to learn more about specifics, or hang out at the Hub to ask about advanced riding techiques.

After touring the collection of vintage bikes at the History of Motorcycles exhibit, seek out some entertainment at either the Bikes & Beats presented by TapouT or the 2Wheel Tuner Model Search Presented by LeoVince. Models will be vying for a feature story with 2Wheel Turner Magazine. UFC fighter Kendall Grove will be on hand for autographs, while fans watch previous fights and clips on the big screen. Tickets start at $12, or check out other multi-day deals.

Travel and Accommodations
Jet into Detroit Metro Airport and make the 20-mile drive to Novi. Check out nearby hotels and a list of other attractions in the area.

Ice Wars, Jan 1-3
Portage County, WI
If you have an insatiable passion for winter sport, try entering into the USSA sanctioned Ice Wars in Portage County, Wisconsin for some snowmobile racing. Sign up for a class specific to your experience level and age, then get ready to make deep cuts into the 18 inch thick ice tracks. Extensive background in snowmobiling isn’t necessary, and chances are if you’ve grown up in Wisconsin, you already have all the experience you need. Speeds will vary depending on your sled model, but expect to make corners of 75-80 miles an hour. Champs often hit 105 miles on the straightaway.

As a competitor, there are big name brands to choose among for your sled: Bombardier, Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Yamaha. Vintage sleds that have been resorted (boosting their speeds from 30mph to 80mph) are also available if you prefer a throw-back. Or, if you’re a seasoned champion traveling from as far away as Alaska, Canada, or New York, feel free to bring your own ride. Even after the races, there are thousands of miles of trail leading all the way into Michigan that are ideal for cruising.

Travel and Accommodation
Check into one of these hotels that offer an Ice Wars room rate of $85, plus a free beer. There’s always the option to fly into a nearby airport, or, as previously mentioned, you can always snowmobile from Michigan.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, Dec 18-20th

Shake up this weekend by giving your favorite winter activities a new twist. Go sans snow by boarding the sand dunes in Oregon, tour Yellowstone’s hotbed of hydrothermal terrain by snowmobile, or tame the winter wind by snowkiting in Utah.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Sandboarding, December 18-20th

Florence, Oregon

This weekend, trade the packed slopes for the rolling dunes and frostbitten fingers for a flurry-free adventure at Sand Master Park, which bills itself as the world’s first sandboarding park. You won’t need to jet to Brazil or Egypt to try this arid alternative to the alpine run. Nestled in the Oregon coastline along Route 101 is a stateside Mecca for this fast-growing sand sport. Begin on the forty-foot practice ramp at the park to get a feel for the difference between coarser sand and softer powder, and then take on Sand Master’s forty-acre expanse of dunes, offering everything from gentle slopes to steep ridges. Board rental for 24 hours ranges from $10 for discount models to $35 for special purpose sandboards with high-end bindings. Rentals may be used on or off the premises, which is great as over 200 acres of dunes lies on the park’s horizons.

TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATION

Fly to Florence Municipal Airport, which is near the park. After a day of zipping down the dunes, aim the nose of your car either north or south on the 101 and drive. There are clusters of campgrounds strewn along the Pacific highway, including a number of unusual habitation options for rent, such as the odd yurt.

Yellowstone National Park, December 18-20th
Rocky Mountain Range, Wyoming

Pack your mittens and get ready to rev up a snowmobile at Yellowstone National Park. As of last Tuesday, the park opened its roads to 318 commercially guided BAT snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches. These snowmobiles have four-stroke engines that are cleaner and quieter than the traditional two-stroke so visitors can lessen their carbon footprints. While you can only stick to the groomed park roads riding the park’s vehicles, visitors are free to hike, snowshoe and cross-country ski off the beaten path.

The 3,500 sq. mile park is renowned for its wildlife, and early winter can be a good time to see bears, elk, bison, and wolves before they go into hiding. While spying on wildlife and checking out famous landmarks like Old Faithful, the thermal features in the background will offer a stark contrast to the frigid temperatures. Yellowstone boasts about one-half of the world’s hydrothermal features, including hot pools, mud pots, steam vents and geysers. In fact, you may want to trek out to a hot pool on your skis, dip in, then head to a nearby lodge to setup camp. Outdoor camping this time of year is recommended only for the bravest of souls. Check out this page for fees and reservations.

For even more opportunities to ski, Big Sky Resort is just a few miles south of the park. Lone Mountain is also famous for cross-country skiing, also offering courses for beginners.

TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATION

Since Yellowstone is shared by three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), you have your choice of airports from Cody and Jackson, WY, Bozeman and Billings, MT, and Idaho Falls, ID. Check in at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge that opens tomorrow, Friday, December 18^th and make sure you look into their travel packages offered throughout the year.

Snowkiting Wasatch Plateau, December 18-20th

Mt. Pleasant, Utah

For those set on the snowy slopes but looking for a twist, try snowkiting. Skyline Drive in Utah has become a watershed for the sport in the last five years, drawing kiters from across the globe to its snowpack terrain of ridge-runs and flat expanses. The formidable winds sliding along above the tree line here make it the perfect place to unfurl your foil and launch out into this sport. Kite Utah is one of several outfitters in the area that can get you up and flying. An intro clinic, which runs $75 for 1-2 hours, is geared for those with little to no previous kiting experience and covers a range of topics from equipment to flight theory and micro-meteorology. By the end of the course you should understand all the gear, have a basic knowledge of kiteboarding, and be able to fly all models of kites. Or, make a weekend of it by signing up for a snowkiting camp, starting at about $250 a person, which outfits you with a cabin, meals, and lessons for one night and two days.

TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATION

Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, and then drive the I-15 and US-89 south to Mt. Pleasant. For a place to stay, Kite Utah recommends the Skyline Motel (435-462-3312, $60.00 per night), the Horseshoe Motel (435-463-9330, $65.00 per night), the Wind Walker Guest Ranch, the Willow Creek Inn (435-283-4566), and Skyline Mountain Resort (435-426-9590).

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, December 11-13

Mosey on over to Monterey, California, this weekend for the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, range the icy expanse at the Sandstone Ice Festival in frigid Minnesota, or slip down to the Mississippi River Delta for a weekend of swamp touring and gumbo.

-

-

-

Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, December 11-13
Monterey, California

Grab a saddle and hitch up a pony to join the Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival this weekend. This shindig will give you three days of western tunes by Lacy J. Dalton, Mike Lopez, the Gillette Brothers, and more. Listen to live poetry performances given by artists such as Doris Daley, Jess Howard, and Pat Richardson, then window shop and bid on some cowboy art and gear through the silent auction. Don’t miss the chance to ride the open ranges like a real cowboy at the Holman Ranch.

Finally, relax for a few minutes of quiet conversation at Sunday morning’s bonfire with hot coffee provided. Tickets can be purchased here.

While you’re in Monterey, you can also catch a glimpse of over 6,500 underwater critters and almost 200 exhibits at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium ($30). Or if you want to sample some of the best flavors to come out of California, stop by the Baywood Cellars’ Tasting Room owned by a family-run winery. Visit here for contact information for tickets.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into scenic Monterey Peninsula Airport, then check into one of the hotels that have agreed to offer special rates for festival participants.

Sandstone Ice Festival, December 11-13
Sandstone, Minnesota

This weekend, hit up the Sandstone Ice Festival in the frigid temperatures of Sandstone, Minnesota. Once there, show off your skills at ice climbing clinics while checking out the latest gear with other avid climbers at Robinson Quarry ice park, which boasts both indoor and outdoor climbing facilities and training sessions. Refresh your winter camping skills at one of the two clinics led by Ed Bouffard where you can learn about “hot tents,” dressing properly, feeding yourself, and the latest in Ski Pulks. Remember to bring any personal gear that you’re interested in switching out at the Great “SWAP & SWING” where you can swap or cash in your stuff for equipment deals. The gear demos will also provide an opportunity to see the latest and greatest in ice climbing gear designs. In addition, super-star ice climber, Dawn Glanc, will be there as this year’s guest speaker.

Finally, be prepared to share your best vegetarian or non-vegetarian chili at the Frozen Kettle Chili Cook-off, or at least volunteer to be a judge. On Sunday afternoon, the American Chili Foundation will be moderating the contest. The list of entry rules is found here.

Travel and Accommodation
The St. Paul International Airport is only an hour from your destination. The festival has paired up with certain hotels to offer discounted rates.

Mississippi River Delta Weekend, December 11-14

New Orleans, LA

There are times for decadent NOLA, for a night of reveling along Bourbon Street followed by a morning of nursing a chicory-blend coffee at Café Du Monde. Then there are times, such as this weekend, to skirt the French Quarter and explore the ecological wonderland that is the Mississippi River Delta’s coastal wetlands and salt marshes.

But you can’t come to the Big Easy without a taste of the local melting-pot culture, so stop by the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival, presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and being held this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be plenty of great jazz to go with the gumbo, including performances by Kermit Ruffins, Shamarr Allen, and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews.

Once fed, escape the city for a trek into the Louisiana swamps. A number of outfits, including the Louisiana Tour Company, offer excursions into alligator-land. Keep an eye out for fowl — the bald eagles, pelicans, gulls and herons — as well, since on Monday begins the Audubon Society’s 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count, the longest running citizen science survey in the world in which tens of thousands of volunteers track bird populations from Alaska to Antarctica.

On Saturday night, a short drive east on I-10 will take you to Gulfport, Miss., where you can see a flotilla of nearly seventy boats decked out bow to stern with Holidays lights at the Christmas on the Bayou parade.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into the Louis Armstrong International Airport, then book a room.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, December 4-6

December has arrived, and with 2009 winding down, now is the perfect time for an adventure. This weekend join the pack by dog sledding the snowy flats in northern Minnesota, tour one of the premier arts festivals in sunny Miami, or check out the future of cars at the L.A. Auto Show.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

-

-

Dog Sledding, December 4-6

Ely, Minnesota

While America’s frosty last frontier and the Canada’s icy Yukon are dog sledding central, there are still great places to answer the call of the wild in the lower 48. Ely, up in Minnesota’s wintry northern stretch between Ontario and Lake Superior, is a dog sledding hub within reach for a great weekend getaway. With January through March being the busy season for dog sledding, this is the perfect time to go for a canine-powered ride across Minnesota’s snow trails. Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge offers three-night packages starting at $775 per person that include lodging, meals, and everything you’ll need for a mush, including an expert guide to show you the trails. Skiing and snowshoeing are also available nearby. White Wilderness, White Wolf, and Chilly Dogs offer comparable packages. One weekend won’t prepare you for the Iditarod, but it will sell you on this exhilirating way to explore the winter landscape.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Duluth International Airport from which Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge runs a shuttle to Ely. Once there, use the included lodge and adjoining cabins as your base.

Art Basel, December 3-6

Miami, Florida

Escape the cold this weekend and head to Art Basel in Miami, Florida. Arguably the most important art festival in the United States, it breaks the traditional mold by also showcasing music, film, architecture and design. Even the uninitiated can gain a few tips about art collecting at the Art Basel Conversations, where famous art collectors, museum staff, publishers, and other experts will answer questions.

Many events also pair free food and drink with their exhibitions and lectures, such as the LoweDown Happy Hour at Lowe Art Museum, or the Breakfast at the Bakehouse at Bakehouse Art Complex where you can sip coffee and meet artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Other places will offer discounted food prices such as the Urbanite Bistro for the Art Whino Goes Urbanite event.

If you’re not the most sophisticated art guru, there are plenty of legendary Miami parties to attend, such as Le Baron at Florida Room.

And of course, don’t forget you’re in Miami: there are endless opportunities to hit the beaches to remedy that office pallor, or check out the Everglades National Park for some exotic sights. Explore 1.5 million acres of swamp, prairie and jungle by hiking, camping, or canoeing through the waters known as the “river of grass”—just watch out for crocodiles and panthers.

Travel and Accommodation

After landing at Miami International Airport, head to one of these hotels that Art Basel Miami Beach has negotiated for this week with Turon Travel. There are special 3-night packages for places in Miami Beach and Miami with guaranteed lowest rates.

L.A. Auto Show, December 4-13

Los Angeles, California

‘Innovation’ might as well be the theme of the cars featured at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. From high concept cars to future floor room models, from fuel efficiency to dashboard design, the vehicles gathered at the LA Convention Center are cutting-edge. A number of debuts have the auto industry buzzing, including the Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport and the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. An afternoon among these autos will prime you to take on the open road. Luckily, U.S. Route 101 stretches out along America’s western flank all the way up to Olympia, Washington.

Travel and Accommodation

Escape the LA sprawl and knotted roadways by camping outside of the city. Here is a map of campsites. For your trek north on the 101, California’s coast is dotted with state parks, many of which offer beachside camping.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, November 20-22

Can’t decide between snow, adventure, and the finer arts? We’ve got you covered. This weekend, pack your skis or board and head off to Park City, UT, for their opening day, or explore the hidden rocks of Jewel Cave, SD, to experience some natural beauty. For those with a more refined taste, jet off to London where movie buffs can bid for rare and vintage film posters.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Park City Mountain Resort, Nov. 21
Park City, UT

It’s a good weekend for those of us who dream of powder. This Saturday is opening day for Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. With two lifts and the beginner and main trails ready for action, you can be one of the first to in Park City Summit County to hit the resort’s 3,300 acres of terrain. No special parties are planned since Park City wants to get down to business with some serious skiing and riding. The lift starts operation at 9am, but the line starts forming at 8am, and typically the resort tries to do a small guest-appreciation for their early-risers, giving away lift tickets and other goodies.

Once the entire mountain opens in a few weeks, you can tear up eight bowls of gladed terrain. Carefully designed tree placement has opened up more of the mountain through wooded areas and thirteen of the black diamond and advanced runs are groomed almost every day.

Day tickets usually hover in the low $80 range, although the price will vary about with demand.

Travel and Accommodation

Just 40 miles away from Salt Lake International Airport, this mountain is ideal for those who don’t want to waste any daylight traveling. Check out these deals if you’re planning to stay overnight or think you’ll be coming back for some more Park City powder.

Jewel Cave, Nov. 20-22
Black Hills, SD

Deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota lies the second longest known cave in the world. With 147 miles to explore, Jewel Cave is perfect in the fall and winter when you can avoid the crowds and discover the beauty of this natural rock formation in peace, exploring the eerie fissures filled with brilliant calcite crystals, threads of gypsum, and sheets of calcite.

Tours are offered twice a day right now at very modest prices. It’s recommended that people have some caving experience, but the walking tour is open to the general public. If you are an experienced caver, the wild cave tour is open for five people a tour and lasts for 3-4 hours. Airflow studies prove that most of the cave has yet to be mapped, so if you’re ready to truly descend into the depths, you can volunteer for a survey trip. Just be sure you can go without sunlight for a stretch — the surveys require folks to remain underground for multiple days.

You might think South Dakota is at frigid temperatures these days, but inside the cave is a comfortable 49 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Pack a light jacket or sweater with some comfortable walking shoes because there are 723 steps to climb.

If you’re feeling a bit claustrophobic after some caving, check out the nearby hiking trails that range from easy to steep.

Travel and Accommodation

Rapid City Regional Airport is approximately 54 miles away from Jewel Cave. If you plan to hit up some other historic sites such as Mount Rushmore, check out these lodging options.

Vintage Film Posters & Film Memorabilia, Nov. 24

London, UK

Cross the Atlantic for cinema and sport during a long weekend in London. On Tuesday, Christie’s in South Kensington is auctioning off an impressive collection of vintage film posters and memorabilia ranging the genres from cult horror and sci-fi to the golden era of the silver screen. Highlights include original posters from James Bond, Hitchcock, and McQueen films, an authentic Superman costume, Disney and Star Wars sketches and props, and the event’s centerpiece, a rare King Kong armature figure from the 1933 classic, which is expected to draw between $160,000 and $250,000. (View online catalogue here.)

Go early to catch some footy on the pitch. On Saturday, Chelsea hosts Wolverhampton at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League match. On Sunday, get a quick meal at Borough Market then head to the O2 Stadium for the start of Barclay’s ATP World Tour Tennis Finals. Of course, London also has museums, more museums, theater, a monarchy, a cathedral, and a glut of pubs to take a pint.

Travel and Accommodation

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and Iceland Air are offering flight specials now into Heathrow and Gatwick. Check out the hotels south of the Thames or on the outskirts of the city for more affordable options.

Continue reading...

Your Perfect Weekend, November 13-15

This weekend trek the Florida seashore and take in one of the last Space Shuttle launches, rocket down the slopes at the opening of ski season in BC and Alberta Canada, or fuel your tanks at the Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

By John Cookson and Diane Kahng

-

-

Space & Seaside Weekend, Nov. 14-16

Canaveral, FL

This weekend set course for central Florida for one of the last chances to see a Space Shuttle launch. On Monday, Atlantis is scheduled to blast off from Cape Canaveral en route to the International Space Station, two hundred miles up. Including Monday’s mission, there are only six shuttle launches left before the fleet is retired, which makes this the perfect time to see this craft, rumbling the air and drawing a column of yellow-white exhaust, arc up into the atmosphere.

The best public viewing is about seven miles away on the NASA causeway. Titusville is another viewing option, roughly twelve miles away. A limited number of tickets to view the launch from the Visitor Complex at the Kennedy Space Center are available by phone. To purchase, call 1-866-737-5235 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET.

Arrive a day early to check out the Canaveral National Seashore Park, with its twenty-four miles of undisturbed beach. There are two campsites on Apollo Beach and camping opportunities available on the scattering of islands along the seashore, so pick up a camping permit and information at the visitor center.

For more excitement, make the short trek along SR 528 to Orlando for a range of options, including Florida favorite Jai-Alai.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Orlando International Airport. Call Canaveral National Seashore Park at (386) 428-3384 x10 to get the latest information on campsites, which run about $10 per night for up to six people.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, November 12-15

British Columbia, Canada

The Winter Olympics aren’t until February, but why not hit the official snow site this weekend? Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is hosting its 13th Annual Cornucopia, a wine and food tasting extravaganza that includes parties, dinners, and a cocktail class. Swirl, sniff, and sip with other wine experts and vintners, or sample the best microbrewery beer BC has to offer. Package deals that include overnight accommodations start at $170. Come out and indulge in a little pre-season festivity.

While the slopes aren’t open yet, Whistler Blackcomb is offering Book Early and Save deals on multi-day trips in December, January, and March for those who book before November 15th.

If you can’t wait for the Olympics and are desperate for some fine champagne powder right now, Sunshine Village in Alberta, Canada opened its mountain on Wednesday. They’ve got but 31 inches, 5 lifts, and 30+ open runs. Check into the newly renovated Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in, ski-out resort in the Canadian Rockies.

Other great deals can be found in Utah, Nevada, and Colorado thanks to Southwest Airlines’ “Friends Fly, Stay, and Ski Free” if you reserve by November 26th. Another wallet-friendly website to check out is Liftopia, where you’ll find some jaw-dropping deals.

Travel and Accomodation

Vancouver International Airport is your best best if you’re flying in for a weekend at Whistler. Check out some of the last-minute deals offered at resorts in the area. The mountain also offers a unique selection of travel means if you’re looking to enter extravaganza in style.

Wine and Food Festival, Nov. 12-15

Grand Rapids, MI

Wine will be flowing this week in Grand Rapids as the city hosts its International Wine and Food Festival. Over one hundred wineries will be pouring the fruit of their labor. As well, brewmasters and distillers will be on hand providing tastes of their brews and liquors. Indulge your oenophilia at the $15 wine tasting seminars where for forty-five minutes you’ll train your palate to discern the subtle difference between plum and terra flavors.

Also check out the culinary delights from some of the best local restaurants, including Bistro Bella Vita, Cygnus 27, Louis Benton Steakhouse, and Tre Cugini. Additionally, four restaurants will be partnered with wineries and breweries for gourmet multi-course dinners on site. Tickets for these paring dinners are available at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis for $25 per person.

After a glut of food and drink, explore the wilderness adventureland that is Michigan’s left flank. Zip up U.S. Route 131 to see the Huron-Manistee National Forests with its over 330 miles of hiking trails winding through 976,043 acres. Or if the weather holds, join Powers Outdoor Adventures on Sunday for an over two-hour kayak tour of the Grand River.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI. Then, check into any of the many hotel and, for the more adventurous, campground options.

Continue reading...

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.

Continue reading...

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.

Continue reading...

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

-

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

Continue reading...

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.

Continue reading...