Men's Journal

Your Perfect Weekend, July 9-11

From motor bikes to mountain bikes, enjoy some wind in your hair and two wheels on (or off) the road.

By Tara House, Chris Gayomali and Robert Moor

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 9-11

Lexington, Ohio

Do you love the feel of the pavement flying past your feet as you put the pedal to the metal? Do you own a leather jacket, have at least one tattoo, and act like a kid on Christmas morning every time a classic Harley-Davidson zips past you on the freeway? If so, then jump on your bike this weekend and head to the American Motorcyclists Association‘s 19th annual Vintage Motorcycle Days.

Every year, tens of thousands of motorcycle aficionados flock to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the grandest celebration of motorcycle heritage. With national championship vintage racing, the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet, new bike demo rides, seminars, classic bike shows, thousands of independent vendors, club displays, the Federal/Allied Used Bike Corral, and more, this is the place to be if you’re a ride-or-die guy. Check out this weekend’s full schedule of events here. Registration starts as early as Thursday morning, but the event itself doesn’t start until Friday. Tickets can be purchased here, and race registration can be done here.

All proceeds go to support the non-profit AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, and in honor of this weekend’s event, the museum is unveiling all new exhibits. Just an hour’s drive from the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, it’s a great stopover during this weekend’s visit. Click here for directions.

Travel and Accommodations

Located 60 miles outside of Columbus and 75 miles outside of Cleveland, the event site is easily accessible by plane, car, or, of course, bike. For directions from multiple points in the area, click here. For flight information and airport locations, see either the Port Columbus International Airport or one of the two airports located nearby in Cleveland.

Click here for a comprehensive list of hotel accommodations nearby the track, or you can pitch a tent and camp on the course grounds.

Treasure Island Triathlon, July 10-11

San Francisco, California

Triathlons are perhaps the ultimate measure of a man’s fitness, testing physical and mental thresholds by land, sea and wheel. If you’ve considered throwing your hat into the fray, take a look at the San Francisco Treasure Island Triathlon this Saturday and Sunday. The event features a full-on Olympic Distance Race for fully initiated triathletes and a Sprint Distance Race (half the Olympic course) for newer competitors looking to work their way up. The course’s loop highlights some of the most beautiful scenery in the bay area, with perfectly framed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco skyline. Newly paved roads ensure a smooth ride for the cycle portion, and there’s even a Fun Run for athletes who want to take part in the challenge without getting their feet wet.

Afterwards, head over to the Mission District for some astoundingly delicious post-race Mexican food. (Try the burritos at El Farolito. You deserve it.) This weekend is looking to be moderately cool, so pack accordingly: you won’t want to forget your running shoes. Or your goggles. Or a bike helmet.

Travel and Accommodations

The bay is a six- to seven-and-a-half hour drive up from Los Angeles. San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and hosts a bevy of great accommodations. Consider the Galleria Park Hotel, which sits neatly between Union Square, the Financial District and Chinatown, and is only a ten minute drive down to Treasure Island. Book online with web code WBTRI for a 10% reduced rate.

Pats Peak Bike Festival, July 9-11

Henniker, New Hampshire

Come summertime, the New Hampshire ski mountain of Pats Peak devolves into a gnarled mess of muddy, rooty, rocky trails—hell for skiers, but heaven for hardcore mountain bikers. This weekend, the resort is hosting its ninth annual Pats Peak Bike Festival, which will feature three races: a downhill sprint, a timed cross-country race, and a grueling endurance race. The latter—in which racers crank out as many laps around the 5.2 mile course as possible within a certain time limit—will be offered in a number of lengths (six-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour) with teams ranging from one to five members. In the most extreme division, the 24-hour solo, contestants often climb enough vertical feet to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Too grueling for your taste? Don’t fret. For less ambitious bikers (even kids as young as 12) there are a host of less intimidating races, as well as live music performances and food vendors for those who prefer to watch from the sidelines.

Travel and Accommodations

The town of Henniker is a 40-minute drive from the regional airport in Manchester, or a 90-minute drive from Boston. Once you’re in town, you have a range of accommodations options, from bed and breakfasts and motels to rustic campsites. Visit the Pats Peak website for details.

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Your Perfect Weekend, July 2-4

Celebrate this Fourth of July weekend with some flare: paddle a kayak over a bio-lit river, enjoy the tucked-away quiet of an authentic log cabin, or listen to classic rock underneath a fireworks show by the world’s best pyro-artist. Then drink beer.

By Chris Gayomali, Tara House, and Robert Moor

Bioluminescent Kayak Tour, July 2-4

Titusville, Florida

If you’re near central Florida, consider taking in a different type of fireworks display: an all-natural underwater light show. A Day Away’s Bioluminescent Kayak Tour is a two hour nighttime paddle through Merritt Island and the Indian River. During the warm summer months, scores of dinoflagellates–tiny, photosynthetic marine plankton–populate the river, filling the water with brilliant flashes of movement-activated light. Slow-swimming manatees and zipping schools of mullet all work together to paint the river aglow. (Word of warning: slather on an extra layer of bug repellent for thirsty mosquitos and other flying critters.) Swirling your paddle will never look as good again.

Travel and Accommodations

The departure starts at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (launching from the Haulover Canal) and is a 20-minute drive east of Titusville. Consider staying at one of the many hotels near the Kennedy Space Center, or park your RV and enjoy the grounds of the Manatee Hammock Camping Area. -C.G.

4th of July Weekend at Linville River Log Cabins

Newland, North Carolina

Not a beach person? Can’t stand the sand or exuberant crowds the shore brings this holiday weekend? Do something different and head for the hills of North Carolina for some peace and quiet–riverside and among the mountains.

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest areas of North Carolina lie cozy log cabins and beautiful terrains stretching and fading infinitely into the horizon. With Linville River Log Cabins all this and more could be yours. So grab your family, friends, and loved ones, and spend a wonderful holiday weekend wrapped in nature, and in the comfort of your own private log cabin.

Boasting some of the best natural habitats and wildlife, the Linville River area is jam packed with things to do. Go hiking along the many trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain; fly fish in the Watauga River, where the seasonal catches include an abundance of small mouth bass, muskie, and trout; horseback ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains; and explore all the Pisgah National Forest has to offer. Everything is just a short hike–or car ride–away. And let’s not forget the reason for the season! Be sure to check out the multiple firework shows going on around the area.

Travel and Accommodations

Linville River Log Cabins offers many different housing options to chose from, all showcasing their own beauty and uniqueness. You can perch along the river or beneath the mountains, and if you’re in the mood for utter seclusion, settle completely off the map in the serenity of the deep woods. All cabins sleep between 4-6 people, and rates start at $130 a night. Amenities include luxurious hot tubs, large outdoor decks, full kitchens, and up-to-date entertainment units. -T.H.

Gasworks Park Fireworks and a Beer Festival, July 2-4

Seattle, Washington

For arguably America’s finest fireworks display, head to Seattle’s Gasworks Park. The glassy surface of Lake Union will provide the ideal stage for famed pyro-artist Eric Tucker, who has amassed an arsenal of explosives from around the world–from old-fashioned boomers to high-tech aquatic effects, light-bathing parachute shells, and fractal-esque “electrical storms”–to paint the skies in psychedelic hues. Tune your radio to 97.3 FM to hear music like Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” synced up with millisecond precision. Interesting side note: This year’s fireworks display was almost canceled due to lack of funding, but local businesses and citizens rallied to raise the necessary $500,000. It’s a good thing, too. When the skies are clear (you can check the forecast here), this is a can’t-miss spectacle for fireworks lovers young and old.

If your favorite part of the time-honored “Beer, Barbecue, and Blowing Stuff Up” triumvirate was always the beer, make sure to check out the suds at the Seattle International Beerfest. Selections will include local oddities (a Kentucky Uberwine from Flyers Brewery), exotic foreign beers (a 10-hop IPA from Denmark) and even a beer flavored with bacon. What’s more American than that?

Travel and Accommodations

Downtown Seattle features a wealth of hotels. For something posh, book a three-night-stay at Hotel Ändra ($179) and receive the third night free. For something cheaper, consider the Marco Polo Motel, which is within walking distance of Gasworks Park. -R.M.

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Your Perfect Weekend, June 25-27

Have a go at some bike polo in Brooklyn, surf real waves and sound waves in San Diego, or get a Taste of Chicago. This weekend it’s all about mallets, boards, music, and food.

By Tara House, Chris Gayomali, and John Talty

Taste of Chicago, June 25-July 4

Chicago, Illinois

Tickle your taste buds this weekend in the Windy City, at the 30th annual Taste of Chicago event, kicking off Friday, June 25th. With a grand array of over 300 menu items and 50 food venues participating in the mile-long lakefront feast, you’re bound to find something to salivate over. In addition, some of the culinary industry’s biggest local stars will be showcasing their talents and tastes at Dominick’s Cooking Corner.

Food isn’t the only thing cooking at the Taste. Entertainment of all types will also line the lakefront, with music, book signings, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show on July 4th. The Rap Down Rewind opens this year’s festivities, featuring live performances from Salt-n-Pepa, Bell Biv Devoe, Rob Base, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh. Also on the musical agenda — performances from Gavin Rossdale on Saturday at 5:30PM, and Emily Osment on Sunday at 3:00PM. And there’s a slew of other live performances each day, throughout the event. To see a full list of musical appearances click here.

The Taste is free to the general public. Food and beverage tickets, however, can be purchased at event booths — $8 for a 12-ticket strip. At that price, and with all Taste has to offer this year, we think you’ll be nothing short of full, quenched, and merry.

Travel and Accommodations

To find the best hotels in Chicago for this weekend’s festivities click here, and poke around the Choose Chicago website for other fun attractions and things to do while in town. -T.H.

Switchfoot Bro-Am Surf Festival, June 26

Encinitas, CA

Surfing and rock n’ roll share a rebellious history rooted in life on the edge. But beyond the obvious excesses, they also share an overlooked spirit for philanthropy. If you’re in the San Diego area this Saturday, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Switchfoot Bro-Am surf festival at Encinitas’ Moonlight Beach. Founded by the multi-platinum rock band, the free event features more than its share of live music, vendors, giveaways and ocean-carving surf stars.

The beach will also play host to a number of worthwhile causes. Sustainable Waves — an organization dedicated to renewable energy resources — will be working overtime to ensure that the solar-powered festival is 100% pollution free. Proceeds will be donated to StandUp for Kids, a charity that takes an active approach to mentoring homeless and at-risk youth nationwide.

But all this do-gooding hardly means that festivities are an afterthought. On the contrary, the soundstage will feature big timers like OK Go, Kate Voegele, and more, in addition to a groovy set from former ASP high-flier Timmy Curran. He’ll be throwing his hat into the actual contest too, joining old tour mates Rob Machado, Tom Curren and members from Switchfoot in the lineup. In between heats there’ll be some whitewater rough housing in the form of a nerf surf jousting show.

Travel and Accommodations

Encinitas is in North San Diego County, about a two-hour drive south from Los Angeles. Naturally, you’ll want to stay as close to the sand as possible — San Diego hosts some of the choicest waves in the continental U.S. Beach Village at the Del is a handsome option, or choose from one of San Diego’s many oceanfront rentals for a prime view of the west coast’s brilliant sunsets. More hotel options available here. -C.G.

East Coast Bike Polo Tournament, June 25th-27th

Brooklyn, NY

Ditch your horse and grab a bike for the East Side Polo Invite V, a bike polo tournament in Brooklyn, NY. Instead of using a horse on a grass field, players ride bikes and wear helmets and hockey pads on a hard-court surface while enjoying the centuries-old game of polo.

The sport got its start in the early 2000s and has developed a small but passionate following in big cities around the country, including New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Teams consist of three players each, on the court for two 30 minute halves. Players can use make-shift mallets, and tournaments usually utilize floor hockey balls. The game mixes old-school polo with hockey and bicycling, making for a uniquely interesting game.

The tournament will have 48 teams with registration on a first-come, first-served basis. But even if you don’t want to participate, make sure to stop by and watch the oddly fantastic competition in action.

Travel and Accommodations

There are a bevy of beautiful places to stay in Brooklyn, but one of the best choices is Hotel Le Bleu. The hotel is located on 4th Avenue and is billed as Brooklyn’s first “luxury boutique” hotel. Rooms range from $129 to $219 and each has a complimentary welcome basket waiting for you upon arrival. -J.T.

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Your Perfect Weekend, June 18-20

This Father’s Day root, root, root for the home team in New York City, ride horses and line-dance upstate, kick off summer with one last ski in Utah; or sip wine in a California valley. We’ve got a little bit of everything for every Dad.

By Tara House, Robert Moor, and Chris Gayomali

For the Love of the Game, June 18-20

New York, New York

Buy him some peanuts and cracker jacks, we don’t think he’ll mind if he never gets back. Spend some quality time with your old man, or your little man, over peanut shells and baseball in ——————————————————-the big city.

The Affinia Hotel is offering a great sports-based package at its 7th Avenue location, the Manhattan. The limited-time offer includes a complimentary room upgrade, free beer and wings at Niles NYC Restaurant & Bar, a $10 gift-card to Time Square’s ESPN Zone, a Metrocard for two, a Modell’s autographed picture of Joba Chamberlain; and the luxury of a leisurely late check-out.

Of course, it’s only right that on this super-savvy sports vacation you attend an MLB baseball game–and this weekend happens to be a subway series, so you can’t go wrong. Father, son, and two New York teams under one sunny sky, in one stadium–no need to ask if it gets any better.

Purchase tickets to any of this weekend’s three games through the Yankees or the Mets sites.

Travel and Accommodations

The Affinia Hotel has several locations around New York City, but when booking make sure to do so at the right location–the Affinia Manhattan. Its For the Love of the Game package starts at $239/night.

1,000 Acres Ranch Resort, June 18-20

Stony Creek, New York

Saddle up and get ready to ride and relax; the three-day, two-night Father’s Day package at 1,000 Acres Ranch Resort in upstate New York offers events for the whole family — and at 50% off!

With three complimentary meals each day and tons of activities, from horseback riding and pony rides to golfing amongst the Adirondacks, this getaway is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Other options include row boating, fishing trips on the Hudson, volleyball, shuffle board, tennis, or simply relaxing in the jacuzzi and pool. Nightly cocktails parties are also at your disposal once the kiddies have tired themselves out from scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and other available activities. Country western bands also perform, and patrons often find themselves line-dancing the night away.

Travel and Accommodations

The amenity-filled ranch offers adjustable rates depending on the style of lodging preferred. Being an all-inclusive dude ranch you can chose your package accordingly, with options ranging from lodge-style quarters, to Adirondack motel-style rooms, or private Hudson River cabins.

Click here for driving directions to 1,000 Acres, or here for the closest airports. You can fly into Albany International Airport and take an extra day to tour New York’s capital, or land a little closer to your final destination, at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, and take a peak at beautiful Lake George.

Snowbird Summer Kickoff, June 19-20

Snowbird, Utah

As the Rockies slough off their snow each June, the newly naked Snowbird ski resort works extra hard to keep you and the family entertained. The folks at Snowbird have put together a host of events for this weekend, including the second annual Brewfest (a local beer festival), a Sunday brunch featuring live music, and an all-you-can-eat Father’s Day barbecue cookout and brunch. When you’re not busy swilling suds or feasting on grilled meat, you can always take a hike in the Wasatch National Forest, glide down a zip line, scale a climbing wall, relax in the spa; or take a spin on a mechanical bull.

There’s tons to do at Snowbird besides ski, so when the Snowbird staff announced their special Father’s Day Weekend package—overnight accommodations, access to the barbecue fest, and a mountain tram ride for $49—it already sounded like an amazing (and affordable) getaway for outdoorsy dads. But when Snowbird announced two days ago that the canyon will have enough snow for one last weekend of skiing (day passes are $49), the deal was sealed. The ‘Bird is the word.

Travel and Accommodations

Snowbird is exceedingly easy to get to; free shuttles leave regularly from Salt Lake City Airport year-round, and it’s only a short 29-mile drive from SLC. The Father’s Day package includes free accommodations, which vary from hotels to condos, depending on availability.

A Taste of Redwood Valley Father’s Day Wine Festival, June 18-20

Redwood Valley, CA

Make your way through the cool shade of the legendary redwoods en route to Redwood Valley, California for their 19th annual Father’s Day Dinner and Wine Tasting Weekend. The three-day-long event starts Friday night with their famous “Winemaker’s Dinner,” featuring a handpicked selection of local wines and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, all before you delight in a mouth-watering multi-course dinner. (Space is limited, so call 707-485-0322 ahead of time for reservations.) The next day, wind your way into the heart of the valley to experience the tastes of eight award-winning local wineries as well as some of the finest brandy in the world. A careful selection of food, music, and art will all be there, and as an added bonus, designated drivers get in free. You can find prices and more information here.

On Sunday do more of the same, or burn off the previous day’s decadence by hiking, swimming, and boating at nearby Lake Mendocino. Of course, you can always remove your shoes and cast a few lines—the lake is home to healthy populations of catfish and bass.

Travel and accommodations

Redwood Valley is a two-and-a-half hour drive from San Francisco. You can find a map here. For accommodations, cap off your day in the invigorating mineral baths of Vichy Springs Resorts, or shack up at a cozy bed & breakfast called the Sanford Inn. More lodging information can be found here.

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Your Perfect Weekend June 11-13

Get your feet wet! As the summer starts to heat up, we suggest you spend the weekend knee-deep in cool, cool water: Slip on some river sandals and wade the canyon rivers of Zion National Park, race a sea kayak along the sandy beaches of Tybee Island, or angle for monster trout in the Ozarks.

By Robert Moor

Zion Narrows Hike, June 11-13

Zion National Park, Utah

Prepare for a pounding heart and some seriously pruned toes as you navigate one of America’s most stunning river hikes: the Zion Narrows Trail. First, head to Zion Adventures in nearby Springdale, and get outfitted with a pair of neoprene booties, sturdy river shoes, a walking stick, and a bombproof dry bag for this strenuous 16-mile day-trek. Be sure to hit the trail early—the Park Service recommends leaving yourself at least 12 hours of daylight—and follow the riverbed as it winds through steep sandstone canyons, past freshwater springs, under towering ponderosas and over some wickedly slick underwater rocks. (You can find a map of the hike here.) At the hike’s most dramatic section—appropriately named ‘Wall Street’—the river narrows to under ten yards and the canyon’s sheer, swirled-ochre-and-rust walls soar thousands of feet overhead. If you’d like to take things a little slower, don’t sweat it; there are 12 campsites scattered along the route—just don’t forget to pack overnight gear. Permits can be obtained at the East Zion Visitor Center (open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) on the day before your journey.

Travel and Accommodations

The East Zion entrance is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas, or five-and-a-half hours from Salt Lake City. We recommend staying at the Zion Mountain Ranch, which offers log cabin-style accommodations and a nightly campfire. After your marathon hike, grab a seat at the ranch’s restaurant, The Buffalo Grill, and refuel on the house special— a grilled filet of, you guessed it, buffalo. If you have some extra time before your flight out of Salt Lake City, be sure to pick up a celebratory cigar at Jeanie’s, Utah’s oldest tobacco shop, which will be closing its doors for good on June 30th.

Fly-Fishing the Miracle Mile, June 11-13

Ozark Mountains, Missouri

If you love rivers but all that scrambling over slippery rock sounds a little exhausting, consider the more tranquil option: Spend some time wading the North Fork River in the Ozark mountains, Missouri, while languidly prowling the eddies for trout. We like the looks of the River of Life Farm, which offers exclusive access to the “Miracle Mile” (so-called because its cold, spring-fed waters support a plenitude of trophy-sized brown and wild rainbow trout), gear rentals, guide services, and rustic but well-appointed lodgings, including a handful of tree-house cabins. Best of all, you won’t have to purchase a permit, since the 12th and 13th happen to be state-sponsored ‘free fishing days.’ If the river isn’t beckoning you one day, you can always go for a hike in the nearby Mark Twain National Forest, where you can catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or a black bear. Park access is free this weekend, as well.

Travel and Accommodations

The River of Life is a two-hour drive from Springfield, Missouri, four hours from St. Louis and four-and-a-half from Memphis. (You can find driving times and directions here). If you’re passing through St. Louis on your way to the Ozarks, be sure to drop by the Heritage Festival, June 11th and 12th, to sample a selection of Missouri’s finest local brews, including offerings by Augusta, Six Row, Square One, Trailhead, and, of course, Anheuser-Busch.

Tybee Island Sea Kayak Race, June 12

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tiny, salt-sprayed Tybee Island in Georgia is hosting its 12th Annual Sea Kayak Races this weekend. Contestants compete in a 6-mile river race, an 8-mile river-and-ocean race, or an elite cross-river race (consisting of winners from the first two races). Emerge victorious from the cross-river race and you’ll get to choose between a free kayak adventure for eight with Moon River Kayak Tours, or (if you’re a little kayaked-out) a more leisurely natural history tour for ten on a charter boat.

If competition isn’t your thing, consider an overnight kayak trip to the uninhabited Little Tybee Island, home to dolphins, gray foxes and feral pigs. By day, you can choose to paddle the placid inland tidal rivers or brave the choppy surf, and at night, camp out on the island’s miles of sandy beachfront. For prices, arrangements, gear and guides, contact Sea Kayak Georgia.

Travel and Accommodations

Tybee is only a 20-minute drive east of Savannah (and the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport), along highway 80. You can find directions here. The Tybee Visitor Center maintains a comprehensive list of places to stay, ranging from primitive camping to plush hotels and B&Bs.

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Your Perfect Weekend, June 4-6

The summer season has officially begun, and this weekend we think you should take advantage. Head to Block Island for a taste of the simple life, or bike the trails of Wisconsin until the wind in your sails or the air in your tires peters out.

By Tara House

CAMBA Festival of the Trails, June 4-6

Cable, Wisconsin

With National Trails Day happening this Saturday, June 5, we figure what better way to spend the weekend than sitting atop a mountain bike as you navigate through miles of singletrack trails in the Cable-Hayward Area of rural northwest Wisconsin? It’s time to grab your helmets again, folks — we’re going biking.

The second annual Festival of the Trails is being held this weekend, by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA). With 65 miles of pure singletrack and over 200 miles of marked and mapped off-road routes, the three-day festival showcases the area’s outstanding plethora with a series of trail-based events, and social gatherings to boot.

Outings such as the Tour de Trails, a series of self-guided tours along seven different trails, or the Taste de Trails, a 12-mile rolling food-fest showcasing five area restaurant, are just two of the five main biking events this weekend. An educational series called Teach de Trails covers areas such as riding skills, bike repair, making a sustainable trail, and more. A night-time ride called Twi-Night de Trails kicks off Friday, and an obstacle course comprised of tight turns, log ramps, and other challenges will be available to riders in the Test de Trails event.

A Friday-night meet-and-greet will be held, accompanied by a bike video-fest on Saturday night, and a cookout party on Sunday afternoon. The fest concludes with a swag-bag celebration and raffle, drawing from over $10,000 in merchandise prizes. Participants will be given a Tally de Trails card that acts as a raffle ticket, to be punched at the half-way point of each trail traversed. The more you ride, the more prizes you can win.

The pre-registration deadline has already come and gone, but those interested in making this weekend’s event can still register online here — although CAMBA coordinators suggest you register upon arrival if you can’t do so online by Thursday night.

Travel and Accommodations

While the festival does not have any camping accommodations set up, the Cable-Hayward Area has a wonderful selection of camp grounds and lodging to chose from. See here for details and contact info.

Cable Union Airport is located just two miles outside of Cable, WI.

A Taste of Block Island, June 4-6

Block Island, Rhode Island

On beautifully preserved land, nestled in the Atlantic, and just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island sits a place called Block Island. This weekend, we suggest you get a taste of it.

The well-known northeastern island has been a happening tourist spot for generations, thanks to its rolling beaches, beautiful waters, and sprawling open spaces. It’s been a sanctuary and an escape to both visitors and residents, boasting a pleasant, relaxing, and simpler way of life.

This weekend the island invites and welcomes you with its second annual Taste of Block Island event. Local restaurants, boutiques, lodging facilities, touring centers, and more will be participating in a three-day showcase of everything they have to offer, with discounted rates, promotions, and special events in abundance.

With so many options to chose from, the most stress you’ll have all weekend is figuring out where to start. Take a kayak tour around the island, or go on a nature walk. Attend art shows and cook-outs during the day, then star-gaze into a dark New England night, or even take cooking lessons from participating venues. Or just simply sit back and relax on the beach. Whatever your tastes may be, Block Island can accommodate.

Discounts can be attained with a Taste of Block Island Button, available for purchase at the Block Island Chamber of Commerce or aboard any Interstate Navigation Block Island Ferry for the extremely low price of $5 per ticket. Make sure to check out the website for all participating venues and events.

Travel and Accommodations

The Block Island Chamber of Commerce and A Taste of Block Island provide a wonderful list of hotels and accommodations. Discount buttons are already included in these packages, so there’s no need to purchase one upon arrival.

Block Island is accessible three ways — by ferry, private boat, or plane. If you have a private boat click here to learn about the island’s Old and New Harbors. Don’t own a boat? Click here to find about the island’s ferry transportation systems, accessible from multiple points of interest in the surrounding area. Boats don’t float your boat? Click here for air travel details.

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Your Perfect Weekend, May 28-30

In West Virginia, wild rivers and cliffs are calling, and in New York, fighter jets and vintage planes will scream across the sky this Memorial Day Weekend.

by Chase Scheinbaum

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Memorial Day Madness, May 29-31

New River Gorge, West Virginia

This adventure bastion holds a lifetime’s worth of outings, but a long weekend offers the chance to sample each of the area’s main attractions: climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking. River Expeditions makes a mandatory river outing easy with their Memorial Day Madness package. The one-stop bargain gets you a trip down a raging 12-mile section of the Lower New River, a barbecue dinner, three nights of tent camping and complimentary breakfasts, all for $120 per person. When not running the Class V rapids (you can choose to raft any day Saturday through Monday), fuel up with coffee and baked goods at the campground and ponder which of the area’s 1,600 routes to climb, or which trails to bike or hike.

To see the gorge from a perch on one of the world-class sandstone cliffs, head out with New River Mountain Guides; $120 for a half-day. Or click here to peruse an online guidebook. The Brooklyn-Southside Junction Trail, a moderate six-mile path along the banks of the New River, is another good way to take in some of the scenery.

Travel and Accommodations

Fayetteville, the gorge’s hub, is in the wilds of West Virginia. Fly to Columbus, Ohio, about four hours away, and get driving! If you’re not partaking of the package deal, click here for a slew of accommodation listings. Cabins with six full-size beds are also available with the Memorial Day Madness Package, starting at $65 per night.

New York Air Show, May 29-30

Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, New York

The sky above Jones Beach State Park lights up with some aeronautical acrobatics in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show. Held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the show is host to vintage and new-school airplanes alike. Outfits like the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform alongside more than a dozen other military and non-military groups. Get to the park early to set up your camp and grab some food — recent years have seen as many as 440,000 attendees over the weekend. Expect flawless sunny weather both days (Sunday will be in the mid-80s) and a $10 parking fee, but admission is free. Don’t forget to bring a chair and a cooler: Jones Beach State Park has more than six miles of ocean beaches and a sea of sand in which to bury your toes while cracking a cold drink. And if there is any doubt about your prowess on the links, you can settle the matter on the mini-golf course once and for all ($5).

Travel and Accommodations

Jones Beach is only about an hour by car from New York City. Public transportation will get you close, but the nearest train station is still a short taxi ride away. (Click here for directions from the NYC area.) The nearby Nickerson Beach Campground has RV hookups, tent sites, and cabanas; call (516) 571-7724 for availability and pricing.

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Your Perfect Weekend, May 21-23

Kayak the blue waters of the Puget Sound or ride the melodic waves of the blues. From Washington State to Chicago, we’ve got you covered this weekend.

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By Chase Scheinbaum and Tara House

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Puget Sound Challenge, May 22

Puget Sound, Washington

Launch into the gunmetal waters of the Puget Sound this weekend for a 15-mile sampler of sea-spray, day breeze, and bald eagles. Wait — was that sea-spray, or was it an orca exhaling? Your kayak will glide through calm waters teeming with wild salmon, set against a backdrop of temperate rainforest. You’ll be tagging along for one leg of the Puget Sound Challenge, a 150-mile traverse (done over 13 days spread throughout the year) that covers the length of the Sound. Saturday’s tour slices through a section of the killer whale-filled inlet just south of Bainbridge Island. After departing from Manchester State Park, you’ll loop around Blake Island, an unspoiled, tree-covered nub of deep green pines. A $50 donation fee gets you an organized tour, with boaters who know the waterways, and supports the water trails that give paddlers access to the area. Click here to see a map of what Saturday’s tour looks like.

After this day-long introduction to paddling the Sound, make the most of your time there by tackling any of the other itineraries of the Puget Sound Challenge. Check out this list of the 13 segments that comprise the event.

Travel and Accommodations

Manchester is about an hour from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, on the other side of the Sound. Camping among the fir and maple trees of Manchester State Park is a good bet for sleeping outdoors; $21 per campsite (click here to make a reservation). Click here to see a map and get driving directions to the event’s put-in. Before (or after) you hit the backcountry, have a taste of cosmopolitan culture at Zig Zag Café, a renowned bar and restaurant in Seattle with sandwiches and good, strong drinks.

Chicago Blues Weekend, May 21-23

Chicago, Illinois

The blues has always played a significant role in the culture of music, and even if you’ve never spent a second succumbing to its rhythm and sound, this weekend we suggest you embrace and celebrate the genre by heading to the Windy City for its annual “Chicago Blues Weekend.” The blues has acquired quite a heavy history there, and this weekend just might open your eyes, ears, and heart to a music that has tugged at the heartstrings of millions for generations.

Kicking off Friday night, the Chicago Blues Express leaves local pub Lizzie McNeill’s, at 8PM and 9PM. The trip includes five hours of blues music at three different venues, two drink tickets, and a CD download from the Lee’s Unleaded Blues Chainsaw Dupont album release party. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased here, for $75.

On Saturday head to Lizzie McNeill’s once again for the official Chicago Blues Tour and pub-crawl. Featuring 10 clubs and 11 different bands, the tour pulls out at 8PM; buy tickets in advance and arrive early, as the blues-cruise tends to sell out quick. If you can’t make it this Saturday, try another; the event takes place every weekend.

The last day of “Chicago Blues Weekend” starts bright and early on Sunday morning with a Gospel Brunch at 10AM at the House of Blues, or a trip on the Maxwell Blues Shuttle starting at 9:30AM. Advanced tickets are required for both — shuttle tickets can be purchased here, and for brunch tickets please call (312) 923-2000. If you missed the first Blues Express on Friday, make sure to catch the second on Sunday night at 9PM, and bid farewell to your musical weekend of the right way.

Travel & Accommodations

The Congress Plaza Hotel features special rates for this weekend’s festivities every year and is conveniently located in the middle of all the fun, on Michigan Avenue. Simply call up and request the Blues Weekend package.

Another great blues spot to visit this weekend is Buddy Guy’s Legends. And of course, while blowing around the Windy City, be sure to explore and see what else Chicago has to offer.

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Your Perfect Weekend, May 14-15

Music, beer gardens, bouldering, mud runs, air dog competitions — this weekend we recommend running wild through the great outdoors in Richmond, Virginia, or Boulder, Colorado.

By Tara House and Chase Scheinbaum

Dominion Riverrock, May 14-15

Richmond, Virginia

If you like sports, music, and the adventures of river life, then strap on your helmet, grab a paddle, and bring your dancing shoes — we’re heading to Dominion Riverrock this weekend, in Richmond, Virginia. Back for a second year, Dominion Riverrock is a unique, two-day event with a mix of activities and friendly competitions throughout the downtown area of Richmond’s riverfront. The entire festival is free and includes musical performances from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (one of Rolling Stone‘s “Best New Bands of 2010″) and Robert Randolph & the Family Band.

A wide variety of sporting events will give amateurs the rare opportunity to compete side-by-side with pros. These include a 5k mud-run, a 10k trail-run, and freestyle bike, mountain bike, and kayak competitions.  There’s even an event for the furry, four-legged friends in your life: Ultimate Air Dogs.  In attendance will be world-class professional mountain biker, Jeff Lenosky.

Other fun outdoor activities will be available for families and the less competitive — raft rides down James River, kayaking in the canal, tree climbing on Brown’s Island, Segway test rides, and much more.

Travel and Accommodations

In honor of the festivities, discounted hotel rates have been secured for those participants coming in from out of town. If you still have enough energy after all the river activities, get out there and explore.

Flying in? Richmond International Airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes outside of the downtown area, where the Dominion Riverrock is being held.

The Battle in the Bubble Pro Bouldering Invitational and Outdoor Festival, May 15-17

Boulder, Colorado

The outdoor mecca of Boulder lives up to its reputation this weekend with climbing comps galore, slacklining, and beer gardens. The main event of The Battle in the Bubble Pro Bouldering Invitational and Outdoor Festival is a high-stakes professional competition at one of the country’s finest climbing gyms, but there’s plenty going on for the everyman climber, too — like a stand-up paddleboarding clinic in the Boulder Reservoir. And, of course, no trip to Boulder is complete without a visit to any one of the many classic climbing areas surrounding this hamlet of the hardcore.

On Saturday the festivities kick off at the reservoir with one and two-mile walks for a multiple sclerosis charity, the Wells Fargo Walk MS Boulder-Longmont. The rest of the day will be spent testing your mettle on demonstration slacklines and on a paddleboard. At 6 p.m., the gods and goddesses of cutting-edge bouldering will duke it out for a big purse at The Spot Bouldering Gym. Service-minded climbers — and those looking to accrue some good karma — will join pro athletes at Access Fund’s Eldorado Adopt-a-Crag day to clean up Eldorado Canyon, a place where climbers have been pushing the boundaries of the sport for several decades. Click here to register.

Be sure to grab a friend and sneak away to do some climbing on the Flatirons, the towering rock faces that serve as Boulder’s backdrop. Click here for an overview. And click here for all the info you’ll need to tackle Angel’s Way, a 1,200-foot 5.2 route that will get you acquainted with the area.

Travel and Accommodations

Fly to Denver International Airport and drive an hour to Boulder. The Boulder Mountain Lodge private campground is located minutes from climbing areas in the canyon and everywhere else you’ll want to be this weekend ($21 per night).

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Your Perfect Weekend, May 8-9

It’s Mother’s Day weekend: treat your wife to some nature-inspired R&R, enjoy the wilds of Michigan, or strafe a race track in a stock car.

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Richard Petty Driving Experience

Nationwide

Attention speed freaks: you can put away the video game controllers thanks to the the Richard Petty Driving Experience. It puts you behind the wheel of a NASCAR-style stock car and lets you rip around one of 20 speedways across the country at up to 140 mph. You can drive a stick, right?

Sign up for the $450 Rookie Experience, and after spending some class time learning safety rules and driving technique, you’ll take eight laps around the track, learning when to accelerate, brake, and turn in by tailing pro drivers. If that’s not enough track time to get your adrenaline fix, the $850 Kings Experience delivers a two-session, 18-lap orgy of fast.

Travel and Accommodations
Start your racing career at one of the major stock-car racing venues: Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, or the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando. Click here for a complete list of tracks and their respective driving schedules.

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Mother’s Day at Spring Creek Ranch, May 8-9

Jackson, Wyoming

No woman will balk at a spa day gift for Mother’s Day, but this year, step it up a notch and send your wife to rustic, luxurious Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While she’s getting the royal treatment at the Wilderness Adventure Spa — everything from detox treaments to full body massages and yoga classes — you can indulge in horseback riding, hiking, balloon rides, golf, tennis, and even a Wildlife Safari through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.

At night you can dine on delicacies cooked up by executive chef Jason Mitchell at the award winning Granary Restaurant, or take a short trip off the grounds to the top-notch Rising Sage Cafe in the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Travel and Accommodations
You can’t go wrong with one of the lodge’s Inn Rooms, but if you’re traveling with kids, a multi-room suite or condo might make more sense. If you’re going with a big group, Spring Creek offers extravagant mountain villas with 4 bedrooms and at least 3 baths, which means no waiting for the shower. Rooms range from $170 to $1,500 per night and reservations can be made here; or, for the best available rate, call 1-800-443-6139.

The Jackson Hole Airport is located just 1,000 feet below the ranch, at the base of the Teton Mountains and in the heart of Grand Teton National Park.  Shuttle services are offered to and from the airport and can be booked in advance here.

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Climbing the Dunes

Leelanau County, Michigan

Hold out your right hand, fingers together, thumb pointed out. Look at the tip of your little finger. You’ve just pinpointed your next destination spot in Michigan.

Sand beneath your feet, wilderness all around, numerous trails, and a Great Lake: Just a few of the things you can enjoy at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this weekend. For starters, get in some fly-fishing. If you could use a refresher course or need an introduction to the sport, sign up for a weekend lesson at the Orvis Fly Fishing School. As for other fishing in the area, make sure you’ve got the proper paperwork. Stop by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for more information.

If you’d rather head out into the area on foot, hiking trails are never too difficult to find. Check out this page to find a good trail. Of course, your itinerary also should include a trip to the Dune Climb. Follow the Dunes Trail for a 3.5-mile roundtrip to Lake Michigan and back. You’ll be glad you did.

Once you’re done enjoying nature, there are plenty of options for great eats. Highly recommended: the pheasant cannelloni and whitefish at the Riverside Inn, and the clam miso and Vietnamese shaking beef at Red Ginger.

Travel and Accommodations
The area has plenty of options for camping, whether you’re living out of an RV or a backpack. If you really want to escape civilization but aren’t into carrying a tent, look into staying on the Manitou Islands. A number of non-camping lodging can be found here.

The easiest way to make the trip is by flying and driving or just driving. Visit this page for directions.

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Your Perfect Weekend, May 1-2

A perfect weekend awaits in the waters off the California coast and in the soulful riffs and Creole cuisine of New Orleans. Kayak in peaceful bliss, learn to sail the swells with dolphins, or take part in the undying heritage of The Big Easy.

By Chase Scheinbaum, Nicholas Ayala, and Tara House

Sea kayaking Point Reyes National Seashore, May 1-2

Point Reyes, California

Jutting into the Pacific Ocean like a 30-mile-long shark fin, Point Reyes National Seashore is a place sea kayakers can find one version of perfection. It’s everything you think of when you think of Northern California’s coast: desolate, rocky, teeming with wildlife. What it isn’t this time of year is foggy. Yes, the weather is fickle in northern California, but the sun shines here more during the spring than you might expec.

After an hour drive from downtown San Francisco, a paddling trip here starts in the protected waters of Tomales Bay, which is wedged between the peninsula and the coastal mainland. Slipping quietly over leopard sharks and sea lions, paddlers float between two tectonic plates (and hardly any boat traffic). On their way to the remote beaches at the bay’s mouth, resident Tule elk can be spotted from the water. Sea lions and river otters will be your only other company. Around a half hour of paddling past rocky outcrops will take you to the remote Marshall Beach. Not ready to leave? Beaches on the outer shore are great for overnights. Just make a reservation before hand.

Blue Waters Kayaking rents kayaks and guides a number of single- and multi-day outings on the seashore. A half day tour of the area around Hog Island is just $88 this weekend. Single-person kayaks can be rented for $65 for eight hours; tandem kayaks are $105 for a full day.

Travel and Accommodation

At Hog Island Oyster Co. you can sample the restaurant’s namesake delicacy. Buy them to go, or stay to shuck and grill them on the beach. Nick’s Cove and Cottages offers rustic but sheik lodging and an on-site restaurant. A few cottages with views of the water are still available for this weekend, starting at $375. During the week, the price drops to $275.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 23-May2

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Your Perfect Weekend, April 24-25

It’s a great weekend for the great outdoors: Mountain bike through Utah canyon-country or loop through Hot Springs, down the Appalachian Trail.

By Chase Scheinbaum and Tara House

Mountain Biking, April 24-25

Moab, Utah

Utah canyon-country during the high season can feel a bit like Universal Studios with its ubiquitous movie-set backdrops and theme-park-esque undulating singletrack. A weekend there will not be without crowded trailheads and campgrounds. It will not be without some noisy Jeeps. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go — because there will also be the red rock dreamscape the place is known for. And while you may not have any of its slickrock wilderness all to your lonesome, you can enjoy a bit of solitude. Don’t ask ‘Where?’ but ‘When?’ Dawn and dusk. Guide service Rim Tours’ owner Kirstin Peterson says that even on popular trails, riders can find themselves alone at sunset. Wait out the hot afternoon temperatures and ride your favorite trails as the fading light airbrushes the sky purple. Then, switch on a head lamp and enjoy the solitude.

Trails of virtually any length and difficulty can be found around Moab. Experienced riders will savor a one-way, 15-plus-mile ride on Porcupine Rim Trail (pictured above). For something lighter, the 10-mile Intrepid Trail at Dead Horse Point State Park offers a fairly new intermediate ride 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. Rim Tours guides both rides, along with a slew of other day-long and multi-day rides. Rim Tours rents bikes for their outings. To rent a mountain bike independent of a guided trip, try Chile Pepper Bike Shop. Moab is stacked with guiding outfits to service each of the main attractions: mountain biking, climbing, rafting and kayaking. Click here for an exhaustive list of guides for literally dozens of adventure activities.

For some additional inspiration, and another example of crepuscular riding, here’s a story about a dawn outing on the classic White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park.

Travel and Accommodation

Grand Junction Regional Airport in Grand Junction, Colorado is the biggest local crossroads for air travel. If driving, hit the road now: Moab is far from just about everywhere else. It’s around 100 miles from Grand Junction, 230 miles from Salt Lake City, and 460 miles from Las Vegas. But every minute of travel is worth it.

 

Lovers Leap and the Appalachian Trail, April 23-25

Hot Springs, North Carolina

Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and grab your lover. This perfect weekend we’re hiking, leaping, and looping all around the heart of Hot Springs. Tucked away in the depths of Pisgah National Forest, a 2-mile trail known as Lovers Leap Loop spawns off the historical Appalachian Trail, up over the French Broad River, and amidst the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, hikers can explore the short terrain, as it climbs upward 500 feet, depositing visitors at one of Hot Springs’ finest views. Mountains for miles and a winding river to boot…

The trail is said to have gotten its name from the Cherokee Indians, after one of the tribe’s maidens, Mist-on-the-Mountain, leaped to her death from the trail’s viewing point, and into the tumbling waters below.  As legend has it, the femme-fatale took the plunge because her lover, Magwa, had been killed by a jealous rival by the name of Lone Wolf.

Once you’ve looped back down to the center of town, set up shop at the Rocky Bluff Campground, or “rough it” in style at the luxurious Hot Springs Resort and Spa. With 100 acres of camp grounds, tent sites, primitive cabins, RV hookups, and the area’s famous, hot and bubbling mineral baths, Lovers Leap won’t be the only thing of beauty you experience this weekend. Check here for resort pricing.

While you’re in town make sure to check out the French Broad River. Whether it’s simply continuing your hike along the Appalachian Trail and the river’s banks, or jumping in a raft and tackling its tumultuous whitewater, nature’s third oldest river awaits.

Travel and Accommodations

Don’t feel like camping or pampering yourself?  How about living like one of Peter Pan’s lost boys and sleeping in a tree for the weekend?  Well, a treehouse cabin, to be more precise. Just $150 for the weekend, one can still get that feel of the great outdoors, but with all the amenities and shelter of a fully-equipped cabin in the trees.

The closest airport to Hot Springs and the Appalachian Trail is Asheville Regional Airport, about 40 minutes outside of Pisgah National Forest. Transportation from the airport can be arranged upon arrival, or you can call in advance to make a reservation. Car rentals are also available here.

 

 

 

 

 

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Your Perfect Weekend, April 16-18

The prevailing theme of this perfect weekend is water. In the Sierra-Nevadas the snowmelt has begun to flow—kayakers and rafters take note. In Sarasota, a film festival takes place in close proximity to Gulf Coast wilderness. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, an eco-festival celebrating the element brims with adventure.

By Chase Scheinbaum, Nicholas Ayala, and Tara House

Kern River Festival, April 17-18

Kernville, California

Kayakers, rafters, and pilots of what we’ll call “boats” — read on for clarification — will converge this weekend in the Southern Sierra-Nevada Mountains for a long-established festival of all things whitewater. The Kern River, the centerpiece of this weekend’s competition, has already begun to swell with meltwater from the winter’s snowpack (a whopping 25 percent above average). On the border of Sequoia National Forest, the green waters of the Kern rage through lush stands of trees and gunmetal granite, making for the kinds of rapids — up to Class V — that boaters usually only see in their dreams.

Now in its 46th year, the Kern River Festival plays host to slalom races on the Kern and Brush Creek — gnarly, experts-only affairs — as well as a Junior Olympic slalom qualifier. More modest boaters can rent rafts for $30 and run the rafting sprint race…or race their own homemade “boats” from Ewings Rapid to the bottom of Riverside Park. The rules of this “Hooligan Boat Race” mandate that watercraft must be made from “non-boat materials.” Start improvising!

All races can be seen for free, and whitewater gear manufacturers will be on hand for demos, so you can try out that rad new boat, paddle, or PFD. Click here to check out a photo gallery from past races. Don’t leave the area without a stop at Kern River Brewing Company in Kernville. They’ve got seasonal ales as well as four signature brews including the apropos Class V Stout.

Travel and Accommodations

Great free camping can be found along the streams in the national forest. Start a search for other nearby campgrounds here. Kernville is about three hours from Los Angeles International Airport. Find detailed directions from Los Angeles here. Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield is a bit closer; it puts you within 60 miles of Kernville. For loads of useful links to nearby recreational opportunities and other regional attractions, click here.

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Your Perfect Weekend, April 10-11

From the crystalline waters of Jacksonville to the quartz crystals of Joshua Tree National Park — Men’s Journal will help make this weekend yours. Read on.

By Chase Scheinbaum and Nicholas Ayala

Joshua Tree National Park, April 10-11

Twentynine Palms, California

This week, dig out your cams (and bouldering pad) for a stint in the desert-adventure oasis of Joshua Tree National Park. Named for the Dr. Suess-esque trees, this Mojave Desert destination is known to climbers everywhere for another reason: its stunning quartz monzonite formations. The winds that sweep through the high-desert canyons won’t keep J-Tree cool for much longer, so now’s your chance to have a run of the place before the summer scorch ensues. Make it there now, and you can also witness the evanescent wildflower bloom — the rainstorms that left Southern Californians paddling to their cars this winter has made the desert a color wheel a vibrant hues.

One of J-Tree’s longer lines, the four-pitch Right On (5.5) is a perfect warm-up and will deliver a vista over the park. If your rock technique needs some sprucing, take either of two two-day courses offered this weekend by Vertical Adventures’ experienced, AMGA-certified guides. Hone your traditional climbing skills in a course focusing on anchor-building and lead climbing; $245 or $125 for a single day. Or, perfect your lead climbing techniques and evolve into a smooth, confident crack-climber; $295. Both courses are offered Saturday-Sunday.

For diversion from the cliffs, hike the park’s trails to see its namesake flora, or hop in a Jeep to cover more ground. Try the burly 6-mile Quayle Mountain hike, or a shorter jaunt like the scenic 3-mile Ryan Mountain trail.  Jeep tours of the park and the nearby San Andreas Fault are offered by outfits like this one. Fellow climbers can be found yammering about their day at the crags over pints at Crossroads Café and Tavern in the town of Joshua Tree.

Travel and Accommodation

Good camping for climbers can be had in the park on the fly at Hidden Valley or Ryan Campground. But try to plan ahead and reserve Indian Cove or Black Rock Canyon to sleep amongst the stones. Click here to view all campsites in the park and make reservations. Sacred Sands Bed and Breakfast offers private spas, and king-size beds in a luxury strawbale building. The park is a three hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport and just a tad longer from San Diego International Airport.

Springing the Blues Festival, April 9-11

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Looking for something other than fairytales and mice in Florida? With twenty years down, George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival at Jacksonville Beach’s Seawalk Plaza has proven itself to be one of Florida’s premier events. Enjoy a weekend of more than 20 musical acts playing the blues on the beachfront — all for the low cost of FREE. Of course, premium seating is available by day or for the entire weekend ($10-$50), landing you in front of the stage with armchairs and a beverage bar. Not a bad setup.

Springing the Blues isn’t the only event happening in Jacksonville Beach this weekend. Get some exercise by entering Performance Running the Blues 5K Run & 2.5K Walk on Saturday. You’ll be able to register at the race site an hour before the race begins at 10:30 AM. Surfing is on the menu, too. Although the deadline for the Surfing the Blues contest has passed, you can still go check out pros and amateurs alike ripping the waves Saturday and Sunday at the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

If you’re gearing to get even more active, the Fort George Island Cultural State Park is just up the road. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking are just a few of the things you can do at this Jacksonville spot.

What’s a weekend trip without great food? Goat cheese crusted chicken at Eleven South Bistro and scaloppini alla moda at Giovanni’s Bar & Grill should do the trick for two out of the three days. Just remember to explore.

Travel and Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Jacksonville Beach shouldn’t be much of an issue. Choose from a number of hotels here and enjoy that oceanfront. Traveling to Jacksonville Beach will likely consist of a flight and a drive or just the latter. If you’re arriving by air, land via the Jacksonville International Airport. Basic driving directions and map can be found at the bottom of the page here.

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Your Perfect Weekend, April 2-4

With winter officially out and spring officially in, we’ve got three perfect ways you can spend your weekend: Embrace the warm outdoors with a bucket of bait and night out at sea in California, dare-devil trek through the marshy, wildlife-filled swamps of Georgia, or bid farewell to the slippery slopes of winter with one last ski in Maine.

By Nicholas Ayala, Chase Scheinbaum, and Tara House

Ski & Stay Weekend, Sugarloaf Mountain, April 2-4

Carrabassett Valley, Maine

If you’re still looking to hit the slopes before spring and summer roll around, take on Maine’s second highest peak with a Ski & Stay weekend package at Sugarloaf Mountain (starting at $79 per person per night). With almost all of its terrain still open, nearly 1,400 skiable acres await. Sugarloaf also has a superpipe, in case you want to try to land that Double McTwist 1260 before the season ends. The package includes lodging, a lift ticket, and access to the Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness Center or Hotel Spa.

You can enjoy the snow in other ways too. Rent a snowmobile in nearby Stratton for either a full or half day. If you need a break, swing by the Carrabassett Valley Anti-Gravity Complex and hit the indoor rock-climbing wall.

Now to the food. We recommend secluded mountain restaurant Bullwinkle’s at Night for herb-crusted rack of elk and foie gras mousse. Just be sure to make a reservation. Of course, there is always The Bag & Kettle, a legendary local spot for grub (207-237-2451). Try the famous Bag Burger or the equally mouthwatering Cheeseburger Soup.

Travel and Accommodations

When it comes to lodging with your weekend package, choose from either the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, Sugarloaf Inn, or an on-mountain condo. If you want to explore the area and get off the mountain, make a reservation 15 miles from Sugarloaf at the Herbert Grand Hotel, which also offers a ski package.

Driving directions complete with travel tips for several different starting points can be found here. Planes and buses can get you to Portland, Boston, and Bangor, but a rental car might serve you better for the last leg of your trip.

Okefenokee Swamp, Wildness Canoe Expedition, April 2-4

Folkston, Georgia

Take a cue from the lazy alligators in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and slow it down this weekend. This massive swamp in Georgia is home to many species of flora and fauna that require a stealth approach and sharp eyes to be seen: orchids, insect-eating plants, Sandhill crane hatchlings, and black bears are just a few. Kayakers and canoeists who travel the area’s 120 miles of tea-colored waterways will be rewarded with sightings of these swamp inhabitants, but also with the absence of another certain bipedal mammal. Try for a two-night journey beginning at the 685-acre swamp’s eastern terminus near Folkston, Georgia.

Get there this weekend while the temperatures are still cool — daytime lows hover around 80, nighttime temperatures drop to the low 50s this weekend — and the mosquitoes aren’t yet at full force. Overnight travel in the Okefenokee costs $10 per person, per night (get a permit here, find out about shuttle service, and find more info on canoe travel here.)

Travel and Accommodations

Folkston is a little over an hour from Jacksonville, Florida. It’s another 13 miles to Kingfisher Landing, your launch point. Crash at the Kingfisher Wilderness Campground to get an early start and a full day on the water. Everything you might need to get started planning your perfect weekend in Okefenokee can be found here.

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