Men's Journal

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

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

Olympic Heritage Celebration, January 8-17

Squaw Valley, California

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

Travel & Accommodation

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

Elvis Turns 75, January 7-10

Memphis, Tennessee

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

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

Travel & Accommodation

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

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

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

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

Travel & Accommodations

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