Men's Journal

Photo credit: courtesy of NASA

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

By John Cookson and Diane Kahng

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Space & Seaside Weekend, Nov. 14-16

Canaveral, FL

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

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

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

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

Travel and Accommodation

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

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, November 12-15

British Columbia, Canada

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

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

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

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

Travel and Accomodation

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

Wine and Food Festival, Nov. 12-15

Grand Rapids, MI

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

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

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

Travel and Accommodation

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

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