Men's Journal

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.