Destinations

What so great about summer other than the weather? Festivals! Summer is the best time for going to see new and exciting things happening in your town and the world. If you’re looking for something to do while your out and about these are only some of the events that will tickle your fancy.

The Capital Fringe Festival, Washington D.C. July 10-27: The Capital Fringe Festival features more than 500 performing arts shows at several venues around the Penn Quarter of D.C. It is an annual festival that was established to exhibit new, risk-taking art, and non-traditional performances from theater to dance to music and more.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington D.C. June 25-29 and July 2-6: Sponsored by the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage it is an annual event that focuses on celebrating cultural traditions from around the world. There is everything from music and dance, to cooking and crafts, to storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. This year the program will be featuring issues concerning Bhutan, NASA, and Texas.

Essence Festival Back Home In New Orleans: The Essence Festival celebrated its return in 2007 and is continuing the traditional this year. It will have more than 200,000 of the nations best African-American musical talent. In addition one can listen to some of the finest speakers in empowerment seminars. Usually held over the Forth of July weekend.

Taste of Chicago 2008, June 27 through July 6: Chicago’s biggest event started in 1980 as a small food festival, Taste of Chicago has become the world’s largest outdoor food festival. It is an extravaganza of more than 3 million people tasting the cuisine of over 70 of Chicago’s favorite restaurants.

Notting Hill Carnival, London: Since 1964 the Notting Hill Carnival has celebrated the cultural traditions of immigrant population from the Caribbean. In the 1950’s and 60’s the immigrant population faced harsh racism and after the race riots this small party was design to bring people together to remember their cultural roots. The party now has more the two million revelers and is held in August on Bank Holiday synonymous with the Caribbean Carnival.

The Carneros Inn, a small world class retreat with dramatic vineyard vistas. A perfect place to visit for a Bay Area Getaway. Located just inside the Napa County line off Highway 121, across from Tattinger Vineyards, a one hour drive from San Francisco.

Spacious accommodations in freestanding cottages with private furnished patios. Spectacular bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers and heated slate floors. Beautiful Italian bed linens.

The Hilltop restaurant serves breakfast and lunch.The FARM is the signature dining room and for casual eating there is the Boon Fly Cafe. Two swimming pools, a whirlpool, gym, yoga studio, running trails and bocce courts. A wonderful spa with 15 treatment rooms.

It seems that everyone is getting in the mood for wine, there are new and exciting ways for wine lovers to expand his or her palate. From the Ritz to Disney this spring is a great time to take advantage of these venues wonderful offers, the beautiful weather and of course the wine selection.

• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Florida has announced its Wine Program 2008 – Salt Signature Wine Dinners. Held in the AAA Five Diamond restaurant Salt, Chef de Cuisine, Richard Gras is offering four signature dinners that will be accompanied by both Old World and New World wines. Each dinner features a seven course tasting menu that complements the vintage served. Wine specialists will share their expertise all through the dinner giving the diner a enlightening and interesting dining experience. The four dinners will be held: April 30 which will serve wines from Oregon and Washington, June 27 which will serve wines from Silver Oak and Foley, October 23 which will serve wines from Chile and Argentina, and December 12 for the Holiday Champagne Dinner which will serve Veuve Clicquot.

• All Walt Disney World Resorts are offering some unforgettable rates this spring and packages that are guaranteed to satisfy the adults in the family. Epcot Center is having its annual Flower and Garden Festival with more the 70 million blooms now through June 1. To add to your “Fun in the Sun” experience you can add Wine & Dine Plan to your Magic Your Way Package. Every night you will have your pick of one bottle from the wine list that includes a broad collection from the globe enhancing the dining experience Disney has to offer.

• The Bellagio in Las Vegas has become the home of the most Sommeliers in the world. They have just announced a new Court Master Sommelier Joseph Phillips of Sensi. With Phillips joining the team he helps the Bellagio set the record for most Master Sommelier at a single property in the world. The Bellagio caters to a variety of palates, occasions and budgets. They have to offer more the 50,000 bottles, 5,000 selections and 250 wines by the glass. Diners can request a wine for any of the Bellagio’s restaurants and the team of Sommeliers will locate the wine and deliver it within eight minutes. The Bellagio looks to make every dining experience educational and enjoyable and with some of the best-trained specialist one is sure to have an exceptional experience.