Yoga, Music Festival Unveils 2013 Event Dates

Wanderlust Festival, the one-of-a-kind yoga and music festival set within nature's most inspiring scenery, has revealed its lineup of dates and locations for the 2013 season. 

Known as the premier summer (and now winter!) getaway for yogis, music fans and outdoor enthusiasts, this year's Wanderlust Festival will include a never before seen line-up of world renowned yoga instructors, top musical acts and offer an unforgettable experience of hiking, biking, paddle boarding, running and much more.

Wanderlust will make its return to the beautiful mountainsides of Vermont, Colorado, California and Whistler, BC in the summer, following the first-ever Wanderlust Chile and Wanderlust O’ahu coming winter 2013.  

The 2013 Wanderlust Festival winter season will include Wanderlust Chile at Termas de Chillan, Santiago, Chile from February 15 to17, 2013 and Wanderlust O’ahu at Turtle Bay Resort, O'ahu, Hawai’i from February 28 to March 3, 2013.

The summer events are:

Wanderlust Vermont (June 20-23, 2013), Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Wanderlust Colorado (July 4-7, 2013), Copper Mountain, Colorado

Wanderlust California (July 18-21, 2013), Squaw Valley, North Lake Tahoe California

Wanderlust Whistler (August 1-4, 2013), Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Wanderlust 2013 will feature a broader range of experiences than ever before, including a line-up of some of the world's foremost leaders in yoga, wellness, health and green living, blended with a diverse roster of gifted musicians and performance artists. Each location will offer a unique array of yoga, music, and outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, biking, running, paddle boarding, organic food and wine events, and the Wanderkind children’s program.

Feel free to learn more at www.wanderlustfestival.com.

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

Celebrating Knoxville, East Tennessee’s Arts and Culture

For 53 years the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville has provided an enriching experience combining the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee. 

Each April, Dogwood Arts features a vibrant mix of blooming gardens and trails, visual and performing arts, literary arts, culinary arts, theatre, film, and American Roots music.

Here are some of the springtime events Dogwood Arts has in store for you.

Art in Public Places Knoxville, now in its seventh year, is a juried collection of large-scale sculptures created by artists throughout the U.S. The exhibition will feature up to 20 large-scale sculptures and the selected works will be exhibited in premiere Knoxville locations from April 1, 2013 to March 7, 2014. 

In its fifth year, Chalk Walk will feature large paintings created by professional and student artists on the sidewalks of Krutch Park and Market Square in downtown Knoxville on April 6, 2013.  

Dogwood Art DeTour provides an intimate look into local artists’ working studios as the creative process can be just as interesting as the finished product. The event will take place April 20 & 21, 2013 and studios will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm both days.

Taking place in the heart of downtown Knoxville April 12-14, 2013, Market Square Art Fair is Dogwood Arts’ popular, signature outdoor event featuring fine art and craft, live music and dance performances, culinary demonstrations and tastings, and hands-on art activities for kids and adults.

NEXUS showcases regional and national artists working in the field of contemporary sculpture. The exhibition is at the U.T. Downtown Gallery for showing from March 25-April 6, 2013. 

The Regional Fine Arts Exhibition showcases and awards the finest artists of the region. The exhibit will be on display in the Emporium Center from April 5-28, 2013.

For a calendar of events visit www.dogwoodarts.com .

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

Holiday Season Events at Fisherman’s Wharf

Crab Fest kicks off this year’s holiday season of family events in true San Francisco style at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday December 9 with three hours of eating, drinking and celebrating the season from 12 noon to 3pm.

Crab Fest features signature crab dishes prepared by chefs from renowned Fisherman's Wharf restaurants, complemented by local sustainably-produced wines.

Participating restaurants include Alioto's, Bistro Boudin, Blue Mermaid, Cafe Pescatore, Capurro's, Fog Harbor Fish House, The Franciscan, McCormick & Kuleto's, and Scoma's. Also participating are Treasure Island Wines, SFWinery and the Bay Institute.

The Crab Fest will also demonstrate many different ways to cook and enjoy crab with participating Fisherman’s Wharf chefs sharing their favorite crab dishes. The event also includes exhibits, demonstrations, recipe ideas and much more.

The venue is The Waterfront Terraces (in the Wax Museum Building) in Jefferson Street. The cost is $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door with proceeds to benefit the SF Fire Fighters Toy Program and the SF Police Department Youth Fishing Program. Advance tickets are available at San Francisco Crab Fest or Fisherman’s wharf.

The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD) has planned a full calendar of family fun for this holiday season.  Through January 2, 2013, Fisherman’s Wharf will be a center of holiday lights and activities for visitors of all ages, from unique special events to year-round attractions.  Events organized by the FWCDB include a Lagoon Concert & Lighting Event on Saturday, December 1; the Crab Fest on Sunday, December 9; the Lighted Boat Parade on Friday, December 14; Tree to Shining Tree Walking Tour and activities throughout Fisherman’s Wharf. 

For additional information visit Fisherman’s Wharf .

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.

Celebrate Christmas with Civil War Soldiers

Leave the hustle and bustle of modern holidays behind and travel back to a simpler place and time at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site's Civil War Christmas at Four Oaks, North Carolina.

On Saturday, December 1, drop by and help decorate an 1860s style Christmas tree, spend time with Confederate soldiers around the campfire, sip cider with civilian living historians and tour the circa 1855 Harper House. This holiday program will take place from 10am to 4pm, and is free and open to the public.

Members of the 27th N.C. Troops will demonstrate how the common Civil War-era North Carolina soldier and civilian marked the holidays by presenting musket demonstrations, mail call and discussions about uniforms and what soldiers did while home on a Christmas furlough. A small military camp will also be set up for visitors to wander through.

Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road in Four Oaks, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and  about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. 

And in Halifax, North Carolina, Colonial Christmas traditions along with a lively Christmas Parade will combine to create a festive atmosphere for all at the Christmas in Halifax festivities on Saturday, December 8 from 10am to 4pm. 

Costumed re-enactors of the 5th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line will depict the life of Revolutionary War-era through military drills, campfire cooking and more at Halifax's Tap Room, an 18th century tavern. Highlights will include firings of 18th century muskets and a hands-on recruitment and drill activity.

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives. To learn more, visit www.ncdcr.gov.

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

‘Tis the Season for Giving at Laketown Wharf

It may be cold and snowing up north, but along the snowy white shore of Panama City Beach, Florida it's warm and fuzzy as Laketown Wharf kicks off the holiday season of giving with a full-weekend of entertainment, food and fun to raise money for the Anchorage Children's Home and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Starting December 7 at 5pm, the second annual Laketown Wharf Holiday Festival gets underway with the official tree lighting ceremony, followed by two days of fun for the whole family going on from noon to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday.

Children's activities include photos with Santa, games, crafts and a reptile show. There'll also be tasty treats supplied by a variety of food vendors and lots of entertainment by local artists including: Travis Dean, Violet Blues, The Blisters and DJ Nick at Night.

The perennial favorite Silent Auction will feature a variety of goods and services donated by area businesses. Auction items include but are not limited to: a Wyndham Bay Point Resort spa and golf package, art from Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida, vacation stays at Sterling Resort properties, a photo session on the beach from Lasting Images and more.

And event goers can win a New Years Eve or Valentines Package in a raffle for $5 per entry. The overnight getaway stay in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominium at Laketown Wharf is valued at over $350.00.

All proceeds from the raffle, silent auction and food vendor sales will be donated to the Anchorage Children's Home and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

For more information on participating in or donating to the Holiday Festival, visit www.LaketownWharf.com or call toll-free 1-855-756-7457 or 850-563-3000. 

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

Magical Evenings in N.C. Holiday Garden Setting

Perhaps you’ve heard or read about enchanted forests, but have you actually experienced one? Now is your chance! Visitors who travel to Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and island beaches during the holiday season will have the opportunity to experience “Enchanted Airlie”, a spectacular glittering landscape of lighted oaks and twinkling displays in a coastal garden setting.

Now in its eighth season, Enchanted Airlie (November 23 to December 22) is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. Magical evenings and fond memories are in store for visitors and local residents who visit the tastefully decorated gardens. On select dates beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing into late December, Airlie Gardens is transformed into a visually stunning wonderland of theatrically illuminated large oaks, small native trees, holiday flowers, and elegant displays. Prepare to be enchanted by a world of holiday fantasy that features 300,000 lights and whimsical LEGO exhibits to delight visitors of all ages.

Back by popular demand is the massive LEGO exhibit that has drawn record crowds. Last year’s Wilmington-themed display featured more than 250,000 LEGO bricks that set a world record as the largest crowd to see a single LEGO display in the U.S. This year’s exhibit promises to be even bigger, spotlighting a number of miniature architectural feats with the colorful blocks. 

Enchanted Airlie runs November 23-24, 29-30; December 1, 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 in two time slots: 5-7pm and 7–9pm. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.airliegardens.org or in-person at Airlie Gardens service center (300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington) between 9am and 4pm. Individual tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 – 12. Children under age 3 are free.

From the river to the sea, more than 40 holiday activities celebrate the season in Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. 

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

American Sand Sculpting Championship

Master sand sculptors from all over the world will descend upon The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida for the 26th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship from November 16  to 25. 

Held on Fort Myers Beach, this event is one of the longest running sand sculpting competitions in the world. This year it will be the largest in the state of Florida showcasing 30 sand sculptures with the theme “Winter Wonderland.”  Area accommodations will offer attractive rates and packages for this event.

More than 1,000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted into unbelievable works of art. For the first time in its history, the American Championship will host both singles and doubles divisions. Southwest Florida residents and visitors alike will have a remarkable opportunity to see a collection of some of the world’s top sand sculptors create master sculptures and compete for the title of American champion. The singles competitions will take place the first week, followed by the doubles competition in week two.

In addition to watching the sculptors compete, there will be various interactive activities for all ages to participate in during the event. The main event will be open daily from 10am to 5pm Tickets are $5 for adults and children 5 and older, 4 and under are free.

Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.  

Visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com for a full schedule of daily events and information, or for information on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, log onto www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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

Beauvoir Celebrates 1889 Holiday on Mississippi Gulf Coast

Beauvoir, the historic last home of American statesman Jefferson Davis located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, will take a step back in time this holiday season with the 1^st annual Christmas at Beauvoir, an 1889-themed holiday celebration now held each Thursday through Sunday (5pm until 9pm) through January 6, 2013.

First Lady of Mississippi Deborah Bryant, honorary chairwoman of Christmas at Beauvoir, joined by Father Claus and school children singing carols, opened the new holiday event by turning the switch on thousands of white lights that adorn 100 live oak trees across the grounds.

Christmas at Beauvoir is an engaging holiday event with carolers, storytellers, actors and musicians in 1889-period dress entertaining visitors as they take a train tour of the grounds among the lights of the 100 live oak trees and stroll through Jefferson Davis’ home decorated in 1889 fashion. Father Christmas will be on hand for photos with children, and families can enjoy crafts, games and activities from the time period. Admission is $20 for adults; $12 for seniors, military and children ages 5-15; and children under 5 are free.

The light display will continue through Sunday, January 6, which is Twelfth Night. Reigning Gulf Coast Carnival Association King d'Iberville and Queen Ixolib (Ick-suh-lib) will darken the lights and then parade to the Mardi Gras Museum to officially welcome the Mardi Gras season to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Christmas at Beauvoir ties in with other holiday light displays across the Gulf Coast region such as Celebration in the Oaks at City Park in New Orleans, La. and Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Ala. Beauvoir is located midway between New Orleans and Mobile, with just over an hour drive to either city.

Beauvoir, the last home of Jefferson Davis, overlooks the Gulf of Mexico in Biloxi, Mississippi, and is a National Historic Landmark, National Literary Landmark and Mississippi Historical Landmark.

Visit www.beauvoir.org for more information on Christmas at Beauvoir.

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

Boston's Historic Freedom Trail Celebrates Holidays

When the trees are sparkling and the window displays enticing, The Freedom Trail joins revelers to celebrate the season with the annual Historic Holiday Stroll.

While Christmas was not widely celebrated during the American Revolution in Boston, visitors may now enjoy Boston’s festive atmosphere on this merry 90-minute tour Thursday through Sunday at 3:30pm beginning November 15 through January 2013.

Led by a costumed tour guide dressed in 19^th century Dickensian garb, visitors learn how holiday traditions evolved in Boston while experiencing highlights of the American Revolution. The tour concludes with the chance to warm your bones with hot chocolate, tea, or wine and Boston Cream Pie at the historic Omni Parker House.

Following the Stroll, guests enjoy 10 – 20% discounts off museum store purchases at Freedom Trail sites, including the Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church (valid with any Freedom Trail Foundation tour receipt from November through February).

“The Freedom Trail and Boston as a whole are alive with tradition all year and especially during the holiday season,” said Suzanne Taylor, Freedom Trail Foundation Executive Director. “The atmosphere is reminiscent of the 19^th century and the Holiday Stroll makes visitors feel like characters in ‘A Christmas Carol’ set against the unique backdrop of Boston’s historic sites and the American Revolution.

This special Freedom Trail Historic Holiday Stroll is offered to the public Thursday through Sunday and may also be booked as a private family or group tour (perfect for company outings).  Beginning at the ArtsBoston Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

For reservations, more Freedom Trail information, and to learn about special Freedom Trail hotel packages visit The Freedom Trail.

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

Winter Festival Entices Families to Idaho Resort

Sun Valley, America's first ski resort, welcomes families to experience the holidays from around the world through its Holiday Window Stroll, one of several activities planned for its Winter Wonderland Festival starting November 23.

The Window Stroll includes 13 international art displays resort-wide, connected by a "Celebrating the Language of the Holidays" theme. Each display honors the cultural diversity of the holidays and festive celebrations around the globe, from Italy to Norway, Kenya to China, Russia to Argentina. It is free and open to the public. 

Sun Valley visitors will receive a "passport" to be stamped at every display, each bearing a holiday greeting in a different language. A seasonal confection will be given to each participant at the end of their stroll. Art will be displayed until January 4. 

The Window Stroll is one of many Christmas events planned at historic Sun Valley Resort, which will sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights, a series of trimmed trees and holiday décor throughout the property.   

In addition, kids of all ages will enjoy Breakfast with Santa each Saturday and Sunday from December 8 to 23, and visit the Sun Valley Gingerbread Display, a 20 x 30-foot village featuring Sun Valley's famed Bald Mountain and the Snowball Express Train. 

Skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and a plethora of winter outdoor sports will also be available to families throughout the holiday season, along with horse-drawn sleigh rides to Trail Creek Cabin, tubing, and festive holiday menus throughout the resort's restaurants. 

Locations, ticket information and accommodation details can be found at www.sunvalley.com/winterfest.

Visit www.sunvalley.com for more information about Sun Valley Resort.

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

Chicago Treats for Chocolate Lovers

Chocoholics rejoice! The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show, a unique fine chocolate & culinary event open to the general, chocolate-loving public will feature fine artisanal chocolate creations from around the world. 

World class chefs and master chocolatiers will showcase classic techniques of chocolate making, from truffles to marshmallows, presenting the versatility of chocolate as an exceptional ingredient amongst a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Over 100 vendors will offer samples for you to taste and enjoy as well as specialty items for purchase.

The show will be held Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 at Chicago’s Navy Pier - Festival Hall. 

The event features live pastry demonstrations by the world famous French Pastry School; fun and interesting seminars created by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), ranging from small batch chocolate making from bean to bar, leveraging and creating trends, sustainability in chocolate, the lifecycle of chocolate from the farm to table and more; free samples; and The Story of Chocolate presented by the National Confectioners Association – where you’ll learn the six steps of the creation of chocolate.

Guests will learn how to pair and taste the nuances of fine chocolate with not only wine, but with beer and spirits as well as coffee, tea and more. Guests can explore what they enjoy and what pairs well and what doesn’t through guided tastings from chocolate expert Clay Gordon of The Chocolate Life.

This affordable, family-friendly event is the perfect place to enjoy your weekend or to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Visit www.chicagochocolatefestival.com for more details.

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

Texas Revs its Engine for Formula 1

Racing fans, rejoice! November 16 to 18 marks the first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the brand new Circuit of The Americas in Austin. This is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the country designed for racing events of all forms. 

Formula 1 has selected Austin to hold races from 2012 to 2021 because of the city’s central location, easy accessibility for international fans, desirable climate and world-class music scene.

The FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ will attract as many as 300,000 people each race weekend, with an estimated 80 percent of attendees coming from outside Texas. 

The Circuit of The Americas’ boasts a one of a kind, 5.5 km track with capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of approximately 40 metre. Circuit of The Americas is situated on a 1,000-acre site in southeast Austin, approximately two miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with scenic views of downtown.

Keeping with Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World, some of the biggest names in music will soon be entertaining fans at Circuit of The Americas. Once completed in 2013, the Tower Amphitheater will be the largest permanent stage in Austin, with a capacity of 15,000 people, and will host major concerts and national touring events through a partnership with Live Nation.

The Circuit of the Americas complex will also include a conference center, banquet hall and state-of-the-art medical facility. Future proposed features include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park.

Visit www.traveltex.com for more information about travel experiences in Texas.

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