Experience the California Wine Country Lifestyle for Less

Need a break from the so-called "lazy days of summer?" The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) has what you need - more than 80 accommodation packages that invite you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the wine country lifestyle during California Wine Month this September.

Whether you're looking to explore California wine country on a bike or in a Bentley, there are packages to indulge your fantasy getaway no matter how big your wallet. Established or aspiring oenophiles can access great budget or extravagant getaways while saving up to 35 percent on overnight packages in premier and emerging wine regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Temecula Valley.

"Whether you're a passionate wine lover or just a dabbler in our state's signature beverage, there's nothing quite as exciting as visiting California wine country just before and during harvest time," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president & CEO. "The beautiful valleys are abundant with the fragrance and colors of grapes and vines, and the bustle of vintners getting ready to create their next great vintage. With these great California Wine Month offers, there's no better time to visit our wine country – whether you want the ultimate bargain or luxury experience."

California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S., producing 90 percent of American wine and nearly 400 different crops, inspiring a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California's great wine and fresh produce.

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.

For information on special accommodation deals for California Wine Month, check out www.visitcalifornia.com/winemonth.

Maryland Steams into 55th Annual Steam Show

Arcadia in Baltimore County, Maryland became well known when it was chosen as the model for the fictional hometown, also called Arcadia, on the 2003 - 2005 CBS television series Joan of Arcadia.

This small rural idyllic town (the post office is in fact labeled not Arcadia, but Upperco) is today equally celebrated for the Maryland Steam Historical Society’s annual Steam Show – this year its 55th annual show is from September 16 to 19.

The show draws huge crowds from across the country – people who are interested in steam traction engines, other steam-operated equipment, gas and diesel tractors and engines, antique farm equipment of all kinds, horse-operated equipment, and displays of all of these. There are threshing, sawmill, and shingle sawing demonstrations on all four days.

Activities include a consignment sale at 2pm on the Thursday of the Show; an antique tractor pull at 6pm Friday; and a pedal tractor pull for kids at noon, and an antique car display, all on Saturday.

It also features a huge flea market and crafts display. Food is available all day long, beginning with breakfast.

The Steam Show is at the Arcadia Fire Company grounds, located 3 miles south of Hampstead and 5 miles north of Reisterstown. Members can be reached at the fairgrounds (410-374-1332) about one month before the start of the show until it closes.

For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.

For more information on the Steam Show visit the Maryland Steam Historical Society at www.marylandsteam.org