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Your Perfect Weekend, October 29-31
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Wine and dine President-style, run for a cause, or partake in ghoulish Halloween festivities.
By Mary Wheeler
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2nd Annual Wine and Gourmet Food Experience, October 29
Simi Valley, CA
Spend the evening enjoying vino, fine chocolate and artisanal cheeses at this annual foodie event hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library. Participating wineries include Old Creek Ranch, Rancho Ventavo Cellars, and Los Robles Hills, among others. The festivities don’t end there though: you can tour the Ronald Reagan Library, including Air Force One and the Born to Be Wild celebrity and vintage motorcycle exhibit. Guests will receive a commemorative wine glass. The event runs from 6-9:30pm; $79.95 per person.
Click here for more information.
Travel and Accommodations:
Flying into LAX will get you approximately 45 minutes from Simi Valley. Click here for accommodations.
Race for Freedom 5K & 10K 2010, October 30
Aurora, CO
Bring out your sneaks, and get ready to do some running — or walking, for those less competitive — for a good cause: This year’s race hopes to raise awareness about the human trafficking industry. Entry fees will benefit the Pearl Alliance, working to combat the trafficking of women and children. To celebrate Halloween, racers are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Super Hero — though there won’t be any candy, just food and prizes at the end. The 10K Walk begins at 9am; the 5K Run/Walk 15 minutes later. Registration fees start at $35.
Click here for more information.
Travel and Accommodations:
Aurora is approximately 30 minutes from Denver International Airport. Click here for accommodations.
31st Annual Village Halloween Costume Ball, October 31
New York, NY
For those artsy types, you won’t want to miss this full-blown festival hosted by the Theater for the New City. In years past, over 1,400 people have attended this avant-garde event of cabaret and theater. Keep your eyes open for jugglers, fire-eaters, and stilt dancers, among other acts. East Village restaurants and private chefs will provide American and International foods. We recommend checking out The Red and Black Masque, a medieval show performed outdoors by torchlight. Doors open at 7:30pm. Getting in will cost 20 bones (get it?); costume or formal wear required.
Click here for more information.
Travel and Accommodations:
Locals can take the MTA right into the East Village. Out-of-towners can fly into either JFK International or LaGuardia Airports. Click here for accommodation info.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library.
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Your Perfect Weekend, October 22-24
October 20, 2010
Take in a little vino or taste some of North Carolina’s finest chili (after a lengthy bike ride, of course).
By Mary Wheeler
6th Annual Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival, October 23
Matthews, NC
Hosted by Matthews Rotary Club, this jammed-pack day begins with a 34-mile/50-mile bike ride sponsored by Bicycles East. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race starts an hour later. You won’t want to miss the Chili Cook-Off, where 10 teams from local organizations and restaurants will provide samples for judging, with prizes awarded to the top three teams. As for the bluegrass music, Pinetuckett, WBT Briarhoppers and The Far City Boys are among the acts providing some swinging beats.
The event will benefit various organizations in the Matthews community, including the Matthews Free Medical Center. Click here for more information on events and schedule.
Travel and Accommodations
Flying into the Charlotte Douglas International airport will get you approximately 20-minutes away from the festival. Click here for accommodations.
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15th Berlin & Beyond Film Festival, October 22-24
San Francisco, CA
For 15 years, the Castro Theatre has been bringing new cinema from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to the U.S. In this three-day festival, we recommend The Woman with the 5 Elephants (October 23, 12 p.m.) a documentary on the life of Swetlana Geier, one of the greatest translators of Russian literature. The film follows Geier back to her childhood in Ukraine. Director Vadim Jendreyko will do a Q&A session following the screening that you won’t want to miss. Click here for more information, ticket prices, and movie schedule.
Travel and Accommodations
For out-of-staters, fly into SFO. Click here for a list of accommodations.
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Bear Creek Harvest Wine Festival, October 24
Berks County, PA
Spend a lovely fall afternoon tasting some of the best vinos in the country. Participating wineries include some of Pennsylvania’s favorites: Sand Castle Winery, Cherry Valley Vineyards, and Naylor Wine Cellars Inc, among others. Food samples and wine seminars round out the event, and country-inspired acts Tim Harakal and Leechboy will provide the tunes for the afternoon.
For those who love freebies, you’re in luck: all guests will receive a commemorative wine-tasting glass and event program. Guests also have access to the Wine Check, essentially a coat check for those who purchase two or more bottles of wine. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Click here for more information. The event begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 5 p.m.
Travel and Accommodations
The festival is held at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort, so for those who can’t find a designated driver, your best bet is to stay put there. Flying into Reading Regional Airport in Reading, PA will get you just minutes from the festival by car.
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEWS ROTARY FALL FESTIVAL
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Your Perfect Weekend: October 15-16
October 14, 2010
Enjoy some quality time out on the trails, or head over to the Bay for one of the best music festivals in the country.
By Chris Gayomali
Mountain Madness NJ Trail Series, October 16
Ringwood, NJ
With over 7,000 feet of elevation change, the Mountain Madness 50K is not a race for beginners. If you think you can power through the forest trail before the 8-hour time limit expires (warning: walkers will not finish), head over to Shepherd Pond for same-day registration. The route is an exhausting mix of wooden pathways and old discarded jeep trails, with a few rocky inclines added in for good measure. Be on the lookout for bears and snakes, too.
Then again, if you want something a little less demanding, you can always try your hand at the 25K or the 7.7 mile fun run.
Click here for more information. Registration begins promptly at 8 a.m.
Travel and Accommodations
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Fly into either Newark airport in New Jersey or LaGuardia in New York–both are approximately 30 miles away. A few lodging options can be found here.
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Peak-to-Peak Mountain Bike Race, October 16
Thompsonville, MI
Taking place in and around the green hillsides of Crystal Mountain, the Peak-to-Peak Mountain Bike Race carves through some of Michigan’s prettiest hardwood and pine forests.
The trail system covers both single- and double-tracks, providing a fun ride for experienced racers without posing too daunting a challenge for newer bikers. The course is fast, concluding with a sharp drop that guides racers down towards the finish at Crystal Mountain Resort, where cold brews will be waiting thanks to Right Brain Brewery.
Need a bike? Here are a few of our recommendations. For more race information, click here, and be sure to register online beforehand.
Travel and Accommodations
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Thompsonville is a little over two hours north of Grand Rapids. We recommend booking a room at Crystal Mountain Resort. Not just because it’s convenient-–but for the golf course and spa, too.
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Treasure Island Festival, October 16 and 17
San Francisco, CA
For one of the better rockfests in the country, head over to the Bay for the Treasure Island Music Festival. With less fanfare than Bonnaroo and none of Coachella’s exhausting heat, the festival–now in its fourth year–supports a small but brilliant roster of artists playing against the San Francisco skyline.
Saturday is headlined by LCD Soundsystem, with support from Die Antwoord, Deadmau5, Miike Snow, and Little Dragon, while Sunday is helmed by Belle & Sebastian, Broken Social Scene, the National, Ra Ra Riot, and more.
For ticketing, a list of acts, and more information, click here.
Travel and Accommodations
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Fly directly into SFO, and head on over to Treasure Island. (You have to park your car in the city). Click here for a list of accommodations.
PHOTO CREDIT: RCAA
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Your Perfect Weekend, October 8-10
October 7, 2010
Paddle out for the dedication of a world-famous surf break, or celebrate bicycle culture across the world at the Bicycle Film Festival in Seattle.
By Chris Gayomali
World Surfing Reserve, October 9
Malibu, CA
Thanks to ’60s icons like Gidget and The Beach Boys, Malibu has long been considered the birthplace of California’s modern surf culture. That draw has attracted boatloads of tourists which, as a result, has made the surrounding area ripe for messy construction and urbanization. The resulting runoff not only leads to murky water quality, but also disturbs the break’s natural sedimentation process, leading to smaller, unsurfable waves.
The World Surfing Reserve was started by the Save the Waves Coalition in 2009 with a heartfelt goal: To designate and preserve outstanding waves, surf zones, and their surrounding environments around the world. “These special surf spots are the Yosemites of the coast,” says Dean LaTourrette, executive director of the Coalition. “People need to understand how fragile they are.”
This Saturday, Malibu’s Surfrider Beach will officially become the first World Surfing Reserve, a designation that will hopefully draw the concentrated protections of local and international communities.
The ceremony begins at sunrise, followed by a surfer paddle out at First Point. The formal dedication happens at 11 a.m., with a later celebration taking place at Duke’s at 7 p.m. (consider buying your evening ticket in advance). Click here for more information.
Travel and Accommodations
Malibu is about 50 minutes west of Los Angeles. Consider staying at one of the motels near Malibu State Park, or spend your nights closer to Hollywood at the Mayfair, which is certified “Green” under California’s Green Lodging Program.
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10th Annual Bicycle Film Festival, October 8-10
Seattle, WA
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The Bicycle Film Festival is a traveling celebration of two-wheeled culture across the globe. It was started by founder Brendt Barbur in 2001 after he was hit by a bus while riding his bike in New York City. Rather than give up his love for cycling, he started the BFF to spread his love for the sport through music, art, and film.
This weekend the BFF sets up camp in Seattle–a city better known for its annual rainfall than its blossoming love for bikes. The screenings take place at Western Bridge, with a mix of 22 short and feature-length films.
Click here for previews, ticketing, and more information. And check out the trailer:
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Travel and Accommodations
Fly directly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and stay at any number of hotels in the downtown area. We suggest renting a bicycle to get around.
Continue reading...Your Perfect Weekend, October 1-3
September 30, 2010
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Celebrate Mark Twain with live music and a cold beer, or grab some popcorn and take in a bevy of independent films.
by Mary Wheeler
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Third Annual Tapping Into Twain Oktoberfest, October 1
Hartford, Connecticut
The great Mark Twain once said, “Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough,” so this is surely one event the ale-loving author wouldn’t miss. Visit Twain’s Connecticut home, where he lived from 1874 until 1891, for the Mark Twain House & Museum’s third annual Oktoberfest beer-tasting party. Last year, over 350 people attended, so get ready for some spirited revelry.
Over 20 microbreweries will be offering samples of the best local-brewed suds, including City Steam Brewery, Willimantic Brewery, and Olde Burnside, among others. A variety of fingering-licking good food–burgers, pulled pork sliders, and shepherd’s pie–round out the night, and possibly your belly. And who doesn’t love a little live music? The Jugadelics, a modern jug band, will provide the tunes.
All this drinking is for a good cause, though we’re not sure you can write it off on your taxes–proceeds from the event will benefit the Mark Twain House & Museum. Tix at the door go for $45, $35 in advance, and the poor sucker talked into being the designated driver gets in for $15. For more information, go to marktwainhouse.org.
Travel and Accommodations
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Fly into Bradley International Airport, where you’re roughly 20 minutes from the museum. Hartford has various hotels including the Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton, but we recommend Tom Sawyer types stay at the Mark Twain Hostel in the West End of Hartford, just to keep the mood alive after the alcohol has worn off.
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Aspen FilmFest, October 1-3
Aspen, Colorado
Spend your weekend at the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest, which celebrates independent films from all over the world, as well as showcases up-and-coming directors and actors.
We recommend checking out a special presentation of 127 Hours, about Aspen local Aron Ralston, who amputated his arm after being trapped by a boulder for 5 days. His harrowing story of survival the wild is one you won’t want to miss. Evening shows $13; times vary. For complete schedule click here.
Travel and Accommodations
Flying into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will get you only ten minutes away from the venue by taxi. Aspen is known for its ritzy hotels, but we found several nice alternatives, including the Mountain Chalet Aspen and the Molly Gibson Lodge.
Continue reading...Your Perfect Weekend, September 24-26
September 23, 2010
This weekend, set out on a scenic bike ride just outside the confines of New York City, or enjoy a frothy mug of all-you-can-drink brew near Hollywood.
By Chris Gayomali
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NYCC’s Escape New York Bike Ride, September 25
New York, New York
Although New York has made legitimate strides towards improving the city’s bike lanes, riding through Manhattan’s crowded streets is still–for the most part–less than ideal. Haphazard car-door openers, aggressive yellow cabs, and tunnel-visioned pedestrians can make cycling through the city feel like navigating a dangerous concrete labyrinth.
Thankfully, this Saturday the New York Cycle Club hosts its 16th annual Escape New York, a scenic ride through the West Hudson Highlands free from the hustle and bustle of noisy streets. There are three rides: A 100-mile Century Challenge through Bergen and Rockland counties; a moderate 65-miler through Rockland Lake State Park; and a lighter, 50-mile pedal through Piermont Village on the Hudson. You’ll need a helmet (required), as well as a spare tube, tire irons, a mini-pump, and at least two bottles of water.
Yes, the typical slew of refreshments will be provided, but really, you’re doing this to spend some quality time with your bike and the road underneath it. Same-day registration is $55 cash, and the first leg begins at 7 a.m. Click here for more info.
Travel and Accommodations
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For out-of-towners, fly into either JFK or LaGuardia. All rides start and finish at Sakura Park, which is just north of the intersection of 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. (Bike rentals are available.) The city is no stranger to visitors, and has a range of accommodations for nearly every budget.
Septemberfest, September 25
Culver City, CA
Although the American Wine & Food Festival will be hosting a moonlit gala just down the street, Los Angeles’s 2nd annual Septemberfest–billed as “America’s answer to Oktoberfest”–boasts a heartier, less ostentatious offering of two important Bs essential to any gathering: beer and barbecue.
With over 200 brews on tap, the $50 entrance fee gets you unlimited refills (food not included) from a diverse mix of American, European, and Asian brewers. Buy your tickets here, as there won’t be any available day-of. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Travel and Accommodations
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Culver City is a 15-minute drive from LAX, 40 in traffic. Los Angeles has a ton of great hotels, but we recommend staying at a hotel with a spa to help you unwind after a tough day of, um, drinking beer.
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Your Perfect Weekend, September 17-19
September 16, 2010
This weekend, tune up for triathlon season with a fresh open water swim, or channel your inner Jackie Chan at a free parkour workshop.
By Chris Gayomali
Catfish Crawl Open Water Swim, September 18
Cupertino, CA
While Summer doesn’t officially end until the autumnal equinox on the 23rd, most folks have already packed away their swim trunks for the year. But Fall also begets prime training season for hungry triathletes, many of whom are always on the lookout for new and different ways to get their feet wet.
If you’re near California’s Bay area and are looking to trim some redundancy from your training regimen, consider the Catfish Crawl Open Water Swim. The Stevens Creek Reservoir is among the state’s greenest and most scenic, with clean and clear water just right for tuning up your stroke. Choose from either the 2-mile, 1-mile, or 500 yard swim, depending on how hard you’re willing to go.
Post race there will be fresh fruit, cold beer and catered food, but if you’re really feeling the burn in your muscles — or perhaps just a little indulgent — a professional sports massage team will be on hand to provide rubdowns. Click here to register beforehand.
Travel and Accommodations
Cupertino is a 50-minute drive south of San Francisco. A few hotels can be found here, but we recommend heading back to Frisco after the race if you want more dining and overnight options.
Beginner’s Parkour Workshop, September 18
Austin, TX
Unless you’ve been living without the internet for the past five years, you probably know of parkour, a form of free-running originating from France that transforms urban landscapes into open-ended jungles apt for running, jumping, climbing, and other ninja-like feats of athleticism. The American Parkour community loosely defines the art as “the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one’s path by adapting one’s movements to the environment.” In other words, it’s about getting your body from point A to point B in as rigid a line as possible, regardless of what’s in the way.
Should you be close to Austin and have ever had a fleeting interest in the sport, but understandably found it too daunting to try alone, check out Parkour Austin’s beginner’s workshop on Saturday. You’ll need to fill out a waiver, but the event is free, and you’ll need little more than a ratty pair of running shoes and your bare hands. If anything, you’ll feel less silly scaling walls in public with a hundred other enthusiasts around you, plus the instruction will give you a good foundation for the basics and, most importantly, teach you how to avoid injury.
After working up an appetite, head on over to Franklin Barbecue for some good old-fashioned Texas brisket — ordered extra fatty, should you be so bold.
Travel and Accommodations
Austin is three hours from Dallas by car, but you can fly directly into ABIA. A list of accommodations can be found here.
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Your Perfect Weekend, September 10-12
September 10, 2010
Taste the best brews in the Mile-High City, or take an urban kayak tour through the heart of Chattanooga.
By Chris Gayomali
Denver Beer Fest, September 10-19
Denver, CO
Though Denver didn’t quite make it onto last year’s list of our top 5 beer towns in the US, the Mile-High City continues to make a strong case for itself thanks to a combination of delicately controlled microbreweries, award-winning brew pubs, and frothy beer cafés carving out names for themselves alongside better-known Rocky Mountain staples. Even New Belgium Brewery in nearby Fort Collins is taking progressive crafting to another level–it became the first wind-powered brewery in 1999, and as a company is fully committed to reducing its carbon footprint. (They’re also responsible for Magic Hat.)
Trivia aside, there’s only one real way to measure the merit of a beer town: You’ve got to taste its suds.
This weekend marks the start of the Denver Beer Festival, a jam-packed, 10 day celebration of the sweet science of brewing. Tours, tastings, and food pairings load the calendar, so pack a hearty appetite.
One recommendation: Be sure to check out Wynkoop Brewing Company. They’re not only the first brew pub to grace the area, but they also make a particularly delicious light brew called Patty’s Chile Beer (made with Anaheim chiles and smoked ancho peppers). It’s wonderful.
Travel and Accommodations
Fly directly into Denver International airport, and forget renting a car. A partial list of recommended hotels can be found here, but by the end of most nights we doubt you’ll be very picky.
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Outdoor Chattanooga Downtown Kayak Ride, September 11
Chattanooga, TN
Beginners are welcome on this self-propelled kayak tour of downtown Chattanooga. Choose to go solo or ride tandem, and you’re off to paddle your way ’round the Maclellan Island wildlife sanctuary located down the Tennessee River. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes open for colonies of indigenous river crane and a rookery of great blue heron (granted, they’ll be hard to miss). You won’t need to pack much: a credit card will do, as boats and gear are provided (just be sure to register beforehand).
Also, don’t forget a good sunscreen, as you’ll likely be on the water for a good two hours.
Travel and Accomodations
Chattanooga is a two-hour-and-twenty minute drive southeast of Nashville. Or fly directly into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and choose from a number of hotels. Try the Chattanoogan, which is conveniently close to the links of a Jack Nicklaus golf course.
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Your Perfect Weekend, August 27-29
August 26, 2010
Experience the gourmet food truck revolution first hand, or take a hike underneath a moonlit desert night.
By Chris Gayomali
OC Foodie Fest, August 28
Anaheim, CA
While the whole food-truck movement may feel too gimmicky for some folks, it’s getting harder to deny the quality of the creative edibles coming from its four-wheeled torch bearers. Take, for example, this Saturday’s first ever OC Foodie Fest in Anaheim, CA.
A full list of trucks can be found here, but there’s something to whet every kind of palate: from adventurous fusion-inspired interpretations like Kung Pao chicken burritos (Don Chow Tacos), ground Kobe beef meatballs (Great Balls on Tires), and peanut butter carnitas tacos (Flying Pig Truck), to more traditional takes like Vietnamese banh-mi sandwiches (Nom Nom Truck), Spanish-style tapas (Barcelona on the Go), and spicy-sweet pulled pork sandwiches that stick to your ribs (Barbie Q’s).
With 50 trucks on hand offering tasting versions of their mobile menus, it’ll be impossible to eat everything–though some will surely try. The event is cash only (tickets are $12 each), and no outside food or drink is permitted, but we’re assuming you can–and should–pack a roll of TUMS. And perhaps pants that stretch.
Travel and Accommodations
Anaheim is about an hour south of Los Angeles depending on traffic, but you can fly directly into John Wayne airport. The city–made famous by a certain moused-eared theme park–has more than its fair share of hotels and resorts.
Estrella Mountain Park Full Moon Scorpion Hike, August 27
Goodyear, AZ
If you missed the Perseid Meteor Shower earlier this month, consider trekking out to the Arizona desert for the Estrella Mountain Scorpion Hunt Hike. Barring any unforeseen weather anomalies, it will take place under a full moon, illuminating surreal expanses of desert and sky. The two-and-a-half hour trip covers an easy 3 miles of terrain, but you should bring a flashlight, your own water, and long pants (you’re keeping an eye out for scorpions, after all). Since the hike is at night, you’re unlikely to encounter much wildlife (a full list of the park’s critters can be found here), but be warned: diamondback rattlesnakes do inhabit the area, so proceed with caution. The walk begins at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more details.
Travel and Accommodations
Estrella Mountain Regional Park is about a 40 minute drive west of Phoenix and hosts a few campsites with the usual outdoor amenities, but for the most part the park is still pristine, undeveloped desert.
Continue reading...Your Perfect Weekend, August 20-22
August 20, 2010
This Saturday is National Trail Running Day. To celebrate, we selected three competitions across the country. So lace up your runners and get to it.
By John Talty, Robert Moor, and Chris Gayomali
Leadville Trail 100, August 21st
Leadville, Colorado
Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 is guaranteed to demand every last drop of energy. The legendary race takes place in the Colorado Rockies, where you’ll run in altitudes ranging from 9,200 to 12,600 feet. Passing by the Hope Pass, you’ll head 50 miles up through the Rockies and then 50 miles back out to where it all began. Participating in this epic race certainly isn’t a given–you have to have a medical check-up before the start–but everyone is free to watch.
Travel and Accommodations
Leadville, previously ranked by us as one of the nation’s top 20 “Dream Towns in America,” is located in the middle of Colorado. There is a Leadville Airport, but there are few direct flights. There are a bevy of lodging options in the area, and you can find the many of them here. -J.T.
On The Rocks Trail Run, August 21st
York, PA
Some runners say they thrive on gnarly, chunky, jagged, uneven trails. If you’re one of these (crazy) people, then the On The Rocks Trail Run is for you. Located in the (appropriately named) Rocky Ridge County Park, the course consists of 8.3 miles of trail, 1900+ vertical feet, and as many rocks and roots as you’re likely to find anywhere on the East Coast. Same day registration is available (more info here), but you’ll have to complete the course in three hours.
Travel and accommodations
York is equidistant from both Philadelphia and Washington Dulles airports (about 80 miles), and has a plethora of decently priced, if somewhat unexciting, lodging. We recommend the Heritage Hills Resort, where, the day after your race, you can play a few rounds of golf, get a massage to ease your sore muscles, and relax at the hotel pub with a glass of good whiskey. (Served neat, of course). -R.M.
Squak Mountain Trail Run, August 21st
Issaquah, WA
Located in the heart of the Issaquah Alps mountain chain, Squak Mountain boasts some of the plushest, greenest forests in the American Northwest. However, there’s one factor that’s sure to present a welcome challenge on Saturday’s trail run for even experienced runners: the altitude shifts. The half-marathon leg features over 3,650 feet of elevation gain, while the 50k presents an even heftier test for your oxygen intake with 8,300 feet of total gain. Needless to say, this ain’t for beginners looking to soil their feet. For runners up to the task, the forest itself is a beaut: the park’s owners have had stringent logging restrictions in place since the 70s, most evident in the mossy, untouched elegance of the forest’s trees. For trail maps, more information, and to register, click here.
Travel and accommodations
Squak Mountain is only a 25-minute drive from Seattle, where we recommend treating yourself at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. You’ll be steps away from landmarks like the Pike Place Market, the Waterfront, and the Space Needle– perfect for some post-race sightseeing. Or, cozy up with that special someone and enjoy all of the AAA Five Diamond hotel’s amenities. Your tired feet will thank you. –C.G.
Your Perfect Weekend, August 13-15
August 12, 2010
This weekend’s adventures are brought to you by the letter “B”: balloons, bikes, and, of course, booze.
By John Talty, Chris Gayomali, and Robert Moor
International Balloon Festival, August 12th-22nd.
Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
If Pixar favorite “Up” encouraged you to experience hot air balloons firsthand, it might be time to visit Canada.
As part of a weeklong celebration, Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec boasts one of the largest balloon festivals in North America. It usually draws over 400,000 visitors with the enticing allure of hot balloon rides, live entertainment, and an overall wholesome family adventure.
In addition to some of the coolest hot air balloons you’ll ever see—Darth Vader is a fan favorite—the highlight of the week for the young’uns might be a performance by American Idol alumnus Adam Lambert on Saturday. Later in the week, R&B star Akon will energize the crowd with hits like “Don’t Matter” and “Right Now (Na Na Na).”
Daily tickets are $7 for children under 12 and $16 for adults. The festival also offers various different family and group rate packages.
Travel and Accommodations
The two best bets are to either cross the Canadian border (Vermont and New York are two options) or to fly into Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. From Trudeau there are public transportation options that can get you to Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu. For the best lodging options check out this site for different discounts in conjunction with the festival. –J.T.
Wild 100 Mountain Bike Endurance Ride, August 14
Slatyfork, WV
On Saturday West Virginia plays host to a (roughly) 62-mile trek through dirt-paved backcountry. The difference between this race and other mountain bike treks? You map out your own path.
At the beginning of the competition, each cyclist checks in at a different checkpoint, and decides for themselves which path, trail, or road they’ll navigate to get to the next (six checkpoints total). Strategizing is integral: do I take a shorter route here? Do I save my legs for later on? Do I opt for some luxurious paved road now, paying for it later? And so forth.
A fixed-course race is grueling enough. Here uphills burn their residual imprints into your quads; wayward obstacles (or, reckless competitors) test your reflexes and swerve. You’ll need to be at your best—physically and cognitively—in order to finish.
If you’re up for it, click here for more information.
Travel and accommodations
Slatyfork is about a 3-hour drive along I-79 east of Charleston. For lodging, you can stay at the Elk River Inn, which boasts a biker-friendly, health-conscious menu, but we also recommend setting up a tent at the nearby Tea Creek Campgrounds, which used to be an old logging camp. –C.G.
Bullhead City Regatta, August 14
Bullhead City, Arizona
Before the summer ends, every man should treat himself to at least one long, boozy float down a real (i.e. un-chlorinated) lazy river. But for some, a weekend just isn’t complete without some adrenaline-pumping competition. Fortunately, the Bullhead City Regatta offers something for everyone. On Saturday, the Colorado River will play host to three events: a 4-mile stand-up paddleboard race, an 11-mile kayak/canoe race, and the main event, the regatta. The regatta attracts upwards of a thousand floaters, many of whom construct audacious rafts and don zany costumes. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ the River,” so prepare to glide down the Colorado with an army of Elvis impersonators, Kiss clones, and maybe an exhibitionist Lady Gaga or two. The event details (including start times, last-minute registration info, and canoe/kayak/paddleboard rentals) can be found here.
On Sunday, if you feel the need to work some of the beer off your belly, head for the nearby Mohave National Preserve, where you can hike through slot canyons and catch a glimpse of the Castle Peaks spires.
Travel and accommodations
There are a few budget hotels in Bullhead City, but we recommend staying at the Hotel Nipton, a rustic lodge on the edge of the Mohave National Preserve, about 60 miles outside Bullhead. Bullhead City has its own airport, which features small regional airlines and offers rental cars. Find out more here. --R.M.
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Your Perfect Weekend, August 6-8
August 5, 2010
This week we pay tribute to your inner ocean-goer, whether he wants to surf or hike along the Pacific’s beaches, or celebrate Atlantic lobster the way a man should: By eating it.
by Chris Gayomali, Robert Moor, and John Talty
U.S. Open of Surfing, August 6-8
Huntington Beach, CA
Of all the breaks annually surfed on the A.S.P. World Tour, the pros generally regard Huntington Beach’s waves as the most slushy, sloppy, and inconsistent. But in terms of magnitude and draw, the Open is far and away the tour’s largest competition, with fans ranging from hungry groms, grizzled ocean vets, and more than a few bikini-clad damsels looking for an excuse to get some sun.
The U.S. Open of Surfing is a veritable circus by the sea, with crowds digging their toes into the sand for miles, spilling out onto Huntington Beach’s shaky wooden pier for a glimpse at the sport’s best and brightest stars (past winners include 9-time A.S.P. champion Kelly Slater, the Irons bros, and Rob Machado). The festivities have come a long way since the competition’s inception in 1959: a non-indigenous skate park and BMX ramp take over beachside pathways, and giant inflatable LCD screens rise above the palm trees to showcase all the heats.
If you get tired of spectating, know this: Bolsa Chica beach, while lacking in size and curl, is five minutes north along Pacific Coast Highway and perfect for a long board. And there are always Newport Beach’s choice waves just a few minutes south, where the water is so warm you won’t even need a wetsuit.
Travel and accommodations
Huntington Beach is a 48-minute drive south of Los Angeles and 21 minutes from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. Orange County has a ton of great places to stay: the Waterfront Beach Resort packs a bevy of luxuries and sits across the street from the beach, or rough it up at the equally well-situated—if significantly less glamorous—Sun ‘N Sands motel, also a few short steps from the sand. – C.G.
Dungeness Spit Hike, August 6-8
Sequim, Washington
On the northern coast of Washington lies one of earth’s strangest day hikes, a place where you can walk for miles into the ocean without ever getting your feet wet. The Dungeness is the world’s longest natural sand spit—a crooked fishhook of shifting grains protruding into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. As you hike the five-and-a-half-mile trail to its terminus at the New Dungeness Lighthouse, keep your eyes peeled for an array of Pacific coastal birds—eagles, loons, herons, puffins, harlequin ducks, and black brant—as well as the snowy top of Mt. Baker to the northeast. The next day, take another hike in the nearby Olympic mountains, or rent a kayak and explore the strait, where inquisitive young baby seals (typically born in late July) might swim right up to your kayak.
Travel and Accommodations
Camping is available on a first-come-first-served basis ($18, information here), but we recommend renting a cabin at the nearby Juan de Fuca Cottages, which offers kayak rentals and stunning views of the strait. (Mention Men’s Journal when booking your reservation, and receive a 10% discount. Details can be found here.) The town of Sequim is best reached by car, which can be rented at Sea-Tac International Airport, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. - R.M.
Maine Lobster Festival, August 3-8
Rockland, Maine
With the summer slowly coming to a close, opportunities for delectable and fresh seafood are winding down. But the Maine Lobster Festival not only offers you more lobster than you could ever handle, but a bevy of entertainment and activities for people of all ages.
In addition to the Lobster Crate race—where one tries to run across as many crates as possible before experiencing the frigid ocean waters firsthand—there is also live musical entertainment from well-known artists. Groovy Jersey rockers Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are headlining Friday night’s entertainment while country music star Clint Black will close Saturday night.
Along with the incredible food and live music, there’s a carnival, a 10k race, and a parade that drew over 25,000 people last year.
Ticket prices are $8 per day or you can buy a four-day pass for $25. If you want a closer view to Southside Johnny or Clint Black, you can pay an extra fee for reserved seating ($20-$35).
Travel and Accommodations
Rockland is about a four-hour car drive from Boston or a two-hour drive from Portland. If you’re anywhere within Maine, you could also take the Maine Eastern Railroad. There are many good lodging options in the area, but one sure to delight is the Samoset Resort. The Samoset boasts quite a few amenities, a scenic view, and is close to the Festival action. -J.T.
Your Perfect Weekend, July 30th-August 1st
July 29, 2010
This weekend features a music festival made famous by Bob Dylan, North Carolina tarpon fishing, and a combo of yoga and Moby.
By Chris Gaymoli and John Talty
Newport Folk Festival, July 30th to August 1st
Newport, RI
When Bob Dylan took stage at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, he sauntered up to the stage with a Stratocaster hung surreptitiously across his stomach, strummed a few messy chords, and proceeded to single-handedly remap the trajectory of American popular music. Drawing boos, hisses, and a few scattered cheers, he introduced “-rock” into the folk music vocabulary while waving a big, fat middle finger at the genre’s dumbfounded traditionalists.
The Festival continues today thanks in no small part to Dylan’s deeply embedded lore. Despite a hiatus from ’71 – ’85, Newport’s realizations of folk have expanded to accommodate today’s more expansive tastes. Friday night features Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) on banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers, playing a traditional meld of frantic bluegrass. Saturday and Sunday feature a wide mix of Dylan-influenced performers: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, the Felice Brothers, Andrew Bird, Blitzen Trapper, The Avett Brothers, and lots, lots more.
Pack a cooler (no larger than 16 in x 12 in, and no glass, as per the event coordinators) and sit back for a rich weekend of tunes and history. Bringing your own alcohol isn’t permitted, but don’t fret: Magic Hat brewing company is one of the event’s many proud sponsors. And a particularly delicious one at that. (We highly recommend their amber lager, “Vinyl.”)
Travel and accommodations
Newport isn’t too hard to get to. It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive south from Boston along the MA-24S. Although camping isn’t permitted on site, Melville Ponds Campground in Portsmouth is a short 11 miles away from festival grounds. Call (401) 682-2424 for a reservation, or click for a few attractive hotel options. – C.G.
Tarpon Tournament, July 30th-August 1st
Oriental, NC
If game fishing is your thing, then take a trip to the Oriental Rotary Club Tarpon Tournament, offering over $11,500 in cash and prizes to those that have the most success catching the tricky swimmer. The tarpon is known as one of the better game fishes out there, fighting hard while on the line and proving to be a fun challenge for casters of all experience levels.
The jam-packed weekend will consist of fishing, barbecuing, and live entertainment by Bob Laverty, CK Full Circle, and LeveLLand.
Travel and Accommodations
Fly into Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern. Oriental is about 30 minutes east of New Bern and accessible via Highway 55 East. As for hotels, the best place to stay is The Oriental Marina and Inn, located in the heart of Oriental. -J.T.
Wanderlust Festival, July 29th-August 1st
Squaw Valley, CA
Want a chance to open your body and soul through yoga and the musical stylings of Moby? Then the Wanderlust Festival is your dream come true.
Located in the scenic Squaw Valley, the fest features a wide variety of yoga techniques that will surely put you in the right state of mind. Those sessions, along with mediation and great music by the likes of the aforementioned Moby, Bassnectar, and Pretty Lights, make this an event worth attending. Nowhere else will you find such an eclectic mix of yoga instructors, meditation experts, and popular DJs.
The three and four day packages for the event are already sold out, but a limited amount of tickets for Thursday ($90) and Sunday ($140) are still available.
Travel and Accommodations
Your best bet is to fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, about 42 miles away from Wanderlust in Squaw Valley. From there take I-80 West towards Lake Tahoe and get off at CA-89 South, which will take you right to Wanderlust. For lodging, there’s no place better than Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn. Plumpjack features two of the premier Wanderlust yoga spaces as well as one of the area’s nicest restaurants. -J.T.
Continue reading...Your Perfect Weekend, July 23-25
July 22, 2010
Think you’ve got what it takes to be part of “the world’s toughest spectator sport?” Can you stomach a scoop of garlic ice cream? How about the brutal thrill of a redneck mud run? This weekend, you’re covered. With muck.
By Robert Moor, Chris Gayomali, and John Talty
Au Sable Canoe Marathon, July 24-25
Grayling, Michigan
Anyone who’s ever watched runners lope (or in some cases, limp) through the final stretch of a 26-mile race knows it can make for a surprisingly exhilarating experience—call it a contact runner’s high. This weekend, join the multitudes in Grayling, Michigan to watch a marathon of a different sort. The Au Sable Canoe Marathon, founded in 1947, invites paddlers to compete in the nation’s longest non-stop canoe race. Starting Saturday at 9 p.m., some 50,000 cheering fans will watch as the two-man teams hoist their canoes overhead and run in a dead sprint down to the Au Sable River. From there they paddle through the night and into the following day, aiming for Lake Huron some 120 miles (and six portages) away. Rugged stuff. And not just for the racers: the event is billed as “The World’s Toughest Spectator Sport” because a crowd of hardcore fans will follow the contestants from checkpoint to checkpoint throughout the race. The event website features a list of supplies a fan should carry, as well as the course’s 15 checkpoints and projected times for when racers will arrive. (A favorite spot is Alcona pond, where the fastest racers cut through the dawn mist.) The spectator guide can be found here.
Travel and Accommodations
The town of Grayling (three hours drive from the Gerald Ford International airport in Flint) is pretty slim pickings as far as lodging goes—mostly low-end motels and B-and-Bs. We suggest you rent a cabin on a nearby lake, just in case all that canoe watching makes you want to do some paddling of your own. The JR Resort, along the shores of Higgins Lake (27 minutes south of Grayling), has some; info can be found here.
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Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 23-25
Gilroy, CA
Love garlic? Then the 32nd annual Gilroy Garlic Festival may be the closest you’ll get to your own foodie utopia. Last year’s gathering drew well over 100,000 attendees to help celebrate Gilroy’s eclectic mix of garlic-inspired edibles, making it one of the world’s largest food fests. This year’s menu features a thoughtful balance of mouthwatering snacks (garlic kettle corn, rosemary-garlic chicken sandwiches, and garlic rubbed fried artichoke hearts, for starters) anchoring a heap of creative foodstuffs for more adventurous palates (garlic infused chocolate, garlic watermelon, and the festival’s famous garlic ice cream top the list of weird eats).
The weekend’s entertainment also includes cooking exhibitions by Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame, as well as an Iron Chef style cook-off featuring—surprise—garlic as the featured ingredient.
For ticketing and more information, refer to the event’s website.
Travel and Accommodations
Gilroy is an hour-and-a-half drive southeast of San Francisco, just off the 101 freeway. Lodging in Gilroy is pretty standard fair; if you’re up to it, drive an hour west to sit back and digest beachside in the breezy surf town of Santa Cruz. You may want to pack your surfboard.
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Montana Mudfest, July 23-25
Haugan, Montana
Embrace your inner redneck and head to Haugan for a weekend of drinking, mud wrestling, and a bikini contest.
Almost all of the activities involve some variant of mud. One event former frat boys would surely love involves downing a beer and running as a four person team, in the appropriately titled “Chug ‘N Run.”
If gulping suds isn’t your thing but you still enjoy sloshing through wet dirt, the “Dash for Cash” money free-for-all might strike your fancy. Race organizers dump a bucket of bills at the end of a 150-foot mud pit and let participants battle their way to the cash.
Other activities in the Mud Games include a tug-o-war, a mud slip ‘n slide, and the aforementioned bikini contest. As part of the bigger festival, there is a concert and vehicle races in the “mud bogs”.
Tickets are $40, which gives you access to the mud games, mud bogs, and concerts, while it’s $35.00 to race.
Travel and Accommodations
If you’re into camping, you can camp at the Mudfest grounds for no cost. But if you’re looking to stay indoors, the Silver Dollar Inn is the place to be. Drive I-90 to exit 16; the closest airport is Missoula International.
Continue reading...Your Perfect Weekend, July 16-18
July 15, 2010
This weekend finds finger-licking good food and wine in the Finger Lakes, hang gliding off mountain tops in Tennessee, and an action-packed music festival in Wyoming.
By Tara House, Robert Moor, and John Talty
Finger Lakes Wine Festival, July 16-18
Watkins Glen, New York
Vino, cheese, chocolate, togas, fireworks, music — head to the Finger Lakes for New York’s largest wine-and more-festival.
Once a year the Watkins Glen International transforms itself from The Soul of American Road Racing to one of the largest tasting rooms around. Sponsored by Yancey’s Fancy artisan cheese, and with over 600 New York wines being featured and sampled, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival is the hot spot of the weekend for all our wine partisans out there.
Kicking off Friday, with fireworks and Yancey’s toga party at 6PM, glasses and tummies will not go empty until Sunday night. In addition to the variety of wine and food being offered this weekend, there will be a slew of arts and crafts, entertainment — from comedy shows to live music — culinary classes, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, a Brewer’s Garden, pace care rides; and more.
To purchase tickets to this weekend’s event, call 866-461-7223. To sign up for all the classes, demonstrations, and seminars being offered, go to the campgrounds daily, starting at 10AM.
Travel and Accommodations
This year Watkins Glen International and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival premier their on-site camping facilities, offering all guests and attendees a place to crash after a long day of sipping vino in the field. For camping arrangements click here. Shuttle services to area hotels are also available, as well as plenty of free parking.
Grand Targhee Music Fest, July 16-18
Alta, Wyoming
If you love live music, but the time-honored formula of music festivals (hot, sticky weather + crowds of people with an impaired sense of personal space and hygiene + expensive bottled water – even a momentary respite from the mayhem) makes your skin crawl, then we have the summer music festival for you. The sixth annual Targhee Fest is a three-day celebration of eclectic music without any of the usual privations. During the day, you can play in the Grand Targhee Resort’s big backyard — also known as the towering Tetons — where there’s ample hiking, biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning. When you’re finished adventuring, grab a quick shower, take a dip in the pool, or, for the hardcore hygienic, drop by the spa for a ‘Teton Body Polish’ (a full-body exfoliating salt scrub followed by a steam bath). Then head over to the main stage, where performers will include Michael Franti and Spearhead, Moe, Katchafire, Los Lobos, and Alejandro Escovedo. Or you could order up a steak at the Branding Iron Grill, drink a glass of wine, and call it an early night — with tunes drifting through your open window.
Travel and Accommodations
The Grand Targhee Resort’s special festival lodging packages start at $169 per person for a three-night stay, and include free breakfasts. You can find more details here. The Grand Targhee is most easily reached from the Jackson Hole Airport, a one-and-a-half hour drive away. Shuttles and taxis from Jackson Hole are also available. Details can be found here. Before leaving Jackson, be sure to pick up your concert tickets at Tobacco Row (120 N. Cache Drive), since online ticket sales have already closed. To check ticket availability, call 307-733-4385.
Hang glide at Lookout Mountain, July 16th-19th
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
Want to experience the sensation of flying with some extra exhilaration mixed in? Head to Lookout Mountain in Tennessee to learn how to hang glide. Open to anyone from 5 to 92 years old, America’s biggest hang gliding school and resort will give you an thrill of a lifetime.
You’ll get a chance to fly up to 2,000 feet above ground in an electrifying 15 to 20 minute tandem flight with an instructor, giving you an incredible chance to experience the beauty of the mountain from a unique perspective. Flights are offered every day, and prices range from $119 to $219.
Travel and Accommodations
Lookout Mountain is about 40 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, accessible by car or plane. You can also get there via Rising Fawn, Georgia. For directions click here. The best place to stay is Lookout Mountain Flight Park which offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins, lofts, and camping spaces.
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October 28, 2010
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