Great Vacations for August, September and October 2012

Still trying to find a great location for some vacation FMF (food, music and FUN). Check out these vacation spots in scenic, diverse cities. Each city is known for wonderful attractions and ambiance and each has planned a great festival or celebration. Note, some of these events sell out months in advance so if you really want to go, get your tickets ASAP.  Enjoy!

Concours d' Elegance

When: August 2012

Where: Pebble Beach, California

If you know your way around (or maybe want to know your way around) a high-brow automobile, join fellow aficionados on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach golf course for the Concours d' Elegance -- a parade of high-end autos and motorbikes. This competition showcases vintage cars, hot rods, lakesters, Bonnevilles and Indycars. If you enjoy name-dropping, you can expect to mingle with Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and Pierce-Arrow at this event while enjoying classical music and excellent cuisine including some authentic Italian dishes.

And, if you enjoy a good auction, plan on attending the Peeble Beach Car Auction for a chance to raise a paddle or an eyebrow. But bring a few gold bars for this rare car sales event; In a past auction, a 1935 Duesenberg sold for almost 4.5 million.

If you can tear yourself away from the cars and elegance, enjoy the beauty of Carmel-By-The-Sea and other attractions including the Montery Bay Aquarium and the Ventura Vineyards.

MusicFest Vancouver

When: August 2012

Where: Vancouver, Canada

Classical . . . Jazz . . . World Music . . . Choral Music . . . Contemporary. You'll find it all at this musical festival in this beautiful city in the sheltered harbor. There are 50 events planned at the 2011 festival which features Poncho Sanches, the Latin Jazz Band, and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. There's a family day and jazz piano series -- music in the garden -- with five intimate performances from Argentinian, Canadian and Australian artists.

Vancouver Island has excellent whale-watching excursions. Also, plan to visit Stanley Park and Gastown.

New York Chamber Music Festival - September 2012

Where: New York City, New York

If you haven't had the chance to visit the city that never sleeps, why not plan a Labor Day or October jaunt.

Celebrate classical music at the Chamber music festival, sponsored by the New York Orchestra. This festival features performances by soprano Alessandro Marc; pianists Octavio Brunetti and Pascal Roge. Christine Walevska, Liang Wang, Pascual Martinez Forteza, and Judith LeClair are slated to appear also. You can even take a violin master class with Professor Kurt Sassmanshaus.

CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival - October 19 - 21, 2012

Or, plan your visit to coincide with the CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival. This 31-year-old festival highlights a diverse selection of professional, international and regional films and artists. Past films have included Pulp Fiction, Phone Booth and The Men Who Stare at Goats.

New York City offers a smorgasbord of activities and sightseeing opportunities including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Times Square, Chinatown, the United Nations, famous Museums, Radio City and Broadway.

Bumbershoot Music and Art Festival

When: Labor Day (Tickets go on sale in March)

Where: Seattle, Washington

Seattle hosts one of the largest U.S. festivals during the Labor Day weekend at the 74-acre Seattle Center. Bumbershoot celebrates its 40th year showcasing the best in comedy, music, film and the performing arts. This year Bob Dylan, Neko Case, Weezer, The Decemberists and Mary J. Blige are scheduled artists. Theatre productions include The Jammer and BJ: A Musical Romp. Other events include the Circus Una Motorcycle Thrill Show, Axis Dance and Squonk Opera.

While you are in town, visit the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and take an underground tour while in Seattle. Victoria, British Columbia is just a two-hour trip away.

Renaissance Festival

When: September 3 - October 16, 2012

Where: Harveysburg, Ohio

Return to the 16th century England when you attend the 21st annual Renaissance Festival staged on 30 acres just 45 minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio. Over 150 costumed characters will be roaming this English village during the six weeks of this food, games, rides and arts & crafts celebration. Hobnob with handsome knights, snooty nobility and feisty pirates as you witness or participate in 100 shows on 11 stages including a full-armored joust, games and rides, archery demonstrations, and strength contest. Food will be hearty and plentiful -- feast on giant roasted turkey legs, stews, soups and steak-on-a-stick as you enjoy the arts & crafts in the Medieval Marketplace. And, if you enjoy a good brew, there will be plenty of ales and wines to enjoy.

Before or after enjoying the festival, you can take a side trip to Cincinnati for a concert at Riverbend Music Center with American Idol Live and Crystal Bowersox, or Aerosmith among others. Other Cinncinnati attractions include the Krohn Conservatory with over 3,000 plant species, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and the American Sign Museum.

Aloha Festival

When: September 2 - 26, 2012 (Parade September 25, 2012)

Where: Hawaii

Aloha. Celebrate Hawaii's history, dance and music during this festival designed to help preserve island traditions. This year's theme is Mele Ailaa - Celebrate Island Music. There will be multiple venues and stages during this festival which is celebrated on each of the Hawaiian islands. Expect beauty, food and entertainment starting with the Royal Court Investiture and continuing with block parties and musical celebrations. Don't miss the Aloha Festival Floral Parade with its beautiful floats, fragrant flowers, enthusiastic marching bands and masterful procession of pau riders.

Of course, breathtaking beauty and sights are to be had on each of the islands. You will find the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, as well as Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Earth, Wind and Flyers Balloon Festival

When: October 2 - 8, 2012

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico

This parade of hot air balloons is considered the most photographed event worldwide. Over 600 balloons join in for the mass ascension at this 365 acre park. Events include the Flight of Nations, and Dawn Patrol (pilots take off in the dark and land in daylight), and America's Challenge ( a long-distance race that typically lasts three days).

The festival includes a car show and fireworks display. Children and adults will enjoy the Balloon Discovery Center for education, demonstrations and simulations. Admission for this event is only $6 person/12 and under are free.

Albuquerque boasts the lovely Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande. History buffs will enjoy the National Atomic Museum.

Festa Major De Gracia

When: Weekends: (tba)

Where: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia, celebrates with numerous festivals throughout the year. The Festa Major de Gracia is one of the better-known celebrations where the streets are decorated with elaborate paper mache and woodwork ornaments along with glowing lanterns. Expect music and partying on every square.

Also, expect to be wowed in this colorful city which sits on the Mediterranean coast, and still has buildings dating from medieval times. Visit the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, Picasso Museum and the Barcelona Maritime Museum. Include Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia, and the Paula and Park Guell mansion and grounds.

64th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival

When: Labor Day Weekend

Where: Hendersonville, North Carolina

Got a craving for a slice of delicious apple pie? If so, plan on attending this celebration of labor and apples. Planned events include daily breakfast ($6/7.00) (pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, grits, apples, juice, coffee and milk), sidewalk sales, street fairs and the 28th Annual Gem and Mineral Spectacular. There will be a parade, music, arts & crafts, a car show, Kids Fun Zone, and an antique airplane show. Join in for the Mountain Music Jamboree, or swing to big band, Top 40, Motown, Beach or Oldies music. In addition, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra will be featuring An Evening of Rogers and Hammerstein. And, oh, did I mention the Apple Recipe Contest.

If you have time, plan a visit to nearby Asheville, (30 minutes), home of the famous Biltmore Estate, Folk Art Center and several haunted tours.

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Labor Day Weekend 2012

Plymouth, Indiana

Looking for a small town festival that is big on flavor. The tiny town of Plymouth, near the northern Indiana border, celebrates a bountiful blueberry crop each year with over 100,000 visitors to its food and music festival. This is the 43rd year for the blueberry festival which was started by the Jaycees with the goal of providing no or low-cost family entertainment.

This year's event will include entertainment on three stages, a gospel show, antique auto show, parade and 5k, 15k and family fun run races, an fireworks. Over 400 vendors are slated to return with jewelry, wine art, pottery, soaps, wood crafts and wreaths and other arts and crafts. And, of course, there will be plenty of the guest of honor to whet the appetite of hungry visitors -- blueberry pie, ice cream, cheese cake, and doughnuts.

San Diego Festival of Beer

September 2012

San Diego, California

The San Diego Professionals Against Cancer sponsor this downtown festival which is celebrating its 16th year. Join thousands for a day of dancing and music, and, of course, plenty of beer. Over 70 breweries are lined up for this event. The $30 admission ticket includes ten beer tastings.Obviously, this is not a kids event; no one under 21 can attend.

Musical guests include Midnight Jogger, Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Behind the Wagon and Midnight Rivals.

Visit the historic Gaslamp District, Coronada Island or San Diego Chargers game while in San Diego.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

When: September 2012

Where: Austin, Texas

Join thousands of music lovers in 46-acre Zilker Park in Austin for some fine music and food. Musical acts include The Black Keyas, Blues Travelor, Carolyn Wonderland, Kings Go Forth, The Kicks Qbuta and Miike Snow.. Venues scheduled include the arts, crafts and merchandise display at the SoCo Art Market. Visitors even get the opportunity to meet their idols at an autograph session. .

And while you are partying, you will have the chance to help someone by signing up at the Love-Hope-Strength tent. There you can get added to the blood marrow transplant bank list of potential donors. Workers take a quick, painless swap from inside your cheek to see if you are a match for one of the 30,000 folks currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant.

While you are in Austin, make sure you try some Texas barbeque and plan to visit the Texas Memorial Museum, Hippie Hollow, and Mount Bonnell. And, if you are into bats, check out the Congress Avenue Bridge for a nightly mass bat parade.

Catalina Island Trax Jazz Festival

When: Weekends -- October 5 - 20, 2012

Where: Catalina Island, California

Join 40,000 lovers of hot jazz and cool scenery on this small island 24 miles off the southern cost of California for three long weekends in the Fall. Drew Davidson, Eric Darius, David Bonoit, Marc Antoine and Brian Simpson will join 35 other artists.

The island of Catalina was purchased by William Wrigley in 1919. Wrigley in conjuction with the State of California, worked to preserve much of the island in its original state as a Conservatory. There are daily tours and you can obtain a pass for hunting, fishing, or camping. You can reach Catalina by ferry from Los Angeles -- a fine place for some good sightseeing and star sightings.

Savannah Film Festival

When: October 29 - November 5, 2011

Where: Savannah, Georgia

This film fest is hosted by the Savannah College of Art & Design and includes features, shorts, documentaries, student films and animation. Workshops and panel discussions are planned.

Savannah is a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most scenic cities in the U.S. Plan to walk around this city and enjoy the 19th century dwellings, Forsyth Park and Johnson Square. Other notables not to be missed include The Second African Baptist Church, City Market and Tybee Island.

Get Ready to Have a Great Time!

This information is accurate as of the publication date, but always check the referenced websites to verify dates and venues. If you're planning a great trip for Halloween check out these spooky sites.