New Year, New Travel

January is the time for making resolutions, starting the year off with new goals and aspirations – a fresh start. Winding down from the holidays, you may sign up for the gym or swear off alcohol until February; if you’re anything like me, you scour “Where to Go in 2022” articles and start your travel planning.

Here are a few trends the Lou Hammond Group team has spotted for the new year, with some travel inspiration for the months ahead.

…But First

The latest consumer sentiment report from Destination Analysts reveals that while the concern for contracting COVID is still very real and has continued to impact travel plans, optimism is increasing and enthusiasm for travel is strong. Nearly 80% of Americans have trips planned in 2022, with 72.8% expressing the highest level of excitement for their future travel plans since Omicron arrived.

Ready for a Spree

With pent up travel demand and countless postponed trips over the past two years, Americans have been saving up and are ready to spend spend spend in 2022. We anticipate many GOAT – or “greatest of all time” – trips this year, with families and friends reuniting for bucket-list getaways. This increased spending suggests a rise in far-flung travel itineraries (cheers to international travel!), longer lengths of stay, and splurging for elevated experiences across accommodations, dining, and excursions.

Ready to head across the pond? London is calling! On Regent Street, Hotel Café Royal combines modern elegance with history, hosting everyone from Oscar Wilde to David Bowie. The hotel has partnered with “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” digital art exhibit to create a new bespoke Van Gogh Afternoon Tea experience. The whimsical menu takes guests on a tasting journey through Van Gogh’s most iconic works, with unique selections of cocktails and tea, conjuring the essence of the expressive artist.

For the ultimate wine lover, check out the inaugural Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience taking place May 20-22 in Sonoma County, California. With a focus on the producers and makers of the wine region, the celebration will offer tastings, celebrity chefs, exclusive music performances, and VIP (and even Ultra VIP!) experiences to educate on the region’s farmers and growers. Vineyard truck tours – available for the first time to consumers – will allow attendees to walk the vineyards, touch the soil and learn how wine is made from the person who makes it.

Out of Office – For Real

With the rise in “work from anywhere” office policies, many Americans used 2021 to explore a destination that served as both a vacation spot and a temporary office or school for the family. This year, however, we expect to see employees use their PTO for work-free getaways. Whether a full digital detox or simply to (re)establish the line between work and play, travelers are placing an intentional focus on leisure, self-care and mental wellness.

Along the 30 miles of Florida’s Paradise Coast – comprised of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – emails and conference calls are quickly forgotten. Instead, to do lists here include relaxing along white-sand beaches, exploring the “wild side” of the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness of the U.S., gallery hopping along the famed Fifth Avenue South and dining on fresh local seafood. New this year, the Shy Wolf Sanctuary animal refuge offers Meditate with Wolves; a unique opportunity to meet and connect with the exotic animals under guidance of trained experts to offer different approaches to meditation, energy healing, yoga, and relaxation techniques.

Fresh and Clean

As health and safety remain top of mind, consumers will pursue outdoor adventures in their 2022 travels. Destinations with clear protocols in place offer peace of mind and those with wide-open spaces are poised for the sustained popularity of nature-based trips. Many will also continue to enjoy road tripping which allows for multiple stops, small-town hopping and the opportunity to easily bring the whole family along – pets included.

Following a record-breaking 2021, the state of New Hampshire is a great destination for active travelers looking to explore the great outdoors, with hiking and biking trails for all levels, and countless lakes for kayaking and fishing. And the best part is that visitors can experience the salt air along the charming coastline and breathtaking mountain views in the same day – but there’s no rush to do so; there are more than 1,000 miles designated as foliage drives and cultural byways.

Planning a cross-country road trip? A stop in Paducah, Kentucky, is a must as the American Quilter’s Society’s QuiltWeek returns April 27-30 after a two-year hiatus. Quilters worldwide flock to Paducah – home to The National Quilt Museum – for the four-day event that includes a quilt contest, workshops, lectures and vendors.

Meet the Locals

Beyond sightseeing, travelers are seeking to truly connect with destinations for more meaningful travel. These experiential moments span culinary – visiting local suppliers and learning about sustainable food sourcing; arts and culture – meeting the makers; history – this includes what’s unwritten; and so much more.

While Santa Fe, New Mexico, will celebrate numerous milestones in 2022, this most notable is the 100^th anniversary of the Santa Fe Indian Market in August. Produced by the non-profit Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, North America’s largest and most prestigious Indigenous art market will return in person for its centennial, featuring Native artists from all regions for visitors to experience live entertainment, fashion shows and more.

Bonus: Along with the above trends, we are seeing an increased sense of industry and consumer responsibility to protect the environment and give back to a community, which will be invaluable for the continued rebuilding of our beloved tourism industry and economy. Consider doing good where you can, even if that simply means leaving a destination just the way you found it.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about TikTok for travel inspiration – it’s not just about trending dances. The platform is seriously growing its travel content as influencers create short-form videos of their experiences around the world. There are 1M posts and more than 8.8B views for the #travel hashtag!

Happy New Year and happy travels!

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2022/01/28/new-year-new-travel/
via https://louhammond.com

Four Festive Cities to Visit This Holiday Season

From the top of Maine to the southernmost coast of Florida, destinations alongside America’s eastern seaboard are ready to provide all of the holly jolly experiences you crave. Read on for four festive cities you can visit this holiday season.

Ogunquit, Maine

December at Cliff House Maine is chocked full of holiday cheer. Guests can look forward to gourmet S’more bars, themed viewing of holiday classics like “The Polar Express“ and Christmas Cookie decorating. A partnership between the hotel and Nubb’s Lobster Shack offers a delicious and fun seaside escape, complete with a private igloo and curated menu of seasonal favorites.

Enjoy a cozy meal in a private igloo at Cliff House Maine.

 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

For those searching for the ultimate holiday travel experience, look no further than Portsmouth, NH. Visitors can finish up their holiday shopping tax-free at any of the local businesses along High Street, or head to Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth to shop among the wreath-lined streets. Celebrated for its distinct cuisine, Portsmouth offers culinary offerings at several of the most popular restaurants, including “12 Days of Christmas for Beer Lovers” at Row 34, and prix fixe menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at many of the celebrated haunts, like Anneke Jans.

Ice skaters enjoying Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth.

 

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk will host the second-annual WinterFest on the Wisconsin (aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus), a truly spectacular light display with over 1.5 million lights illuminating the historic ship. This year will feature new holiday experiences including The Grinch and Santa sightings, live music, and a lighted boat parade on Saturdays. Joining Norfolk’s festive lineup of holiday events this year is the Virginia Zoo’s ZooLumination, bringing animals to life with the help of thousands of LED lights! The larger-than-life experience will feature 29 inflatable animal sculptures that come to life at night with a stunning visual experience.

Winterfest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus.

 

Charleston, South Carolina

For the perfect Southern holiday this December, visitors can stay in the city’s newest, luxury boutique hotel – Emeline or the brand-new 153-key Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort, located on Isle of Palms. From exploring Charleston’s historic homes decked for the holidays and driving through two million lights at the Holiday Festival of Lights, to watching the annual Holiday Parade of Boats in the Charleston Harbor, travelers can enjoy a number of festive events and activities all month long. Guests can also celebrate the season while visiting Charleston’s historic sites, museums and cultural organizations that comprise the Charleston Heritage Federation (CHF). In fact, the organization recently relaunched their Essential Charleston Passport online, offering visitors a digital ticket to travel back in time and discover the city’s cultural mainstays. The passport includes admission to CHF’s five remarkable historic houses, the country’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Place, the oldest preserved plantation house at Drayton Hall and more, which will all be festively decked out for the holidays.

The festive streets of Charleston, SC.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/12/22/four-festive-cities-to-visit-this-holiday-season/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG’s Best Spots for Seeing Fall Foliage

Saying goodbye to summers warm months is always hard, but falling into fall is the time vivid reds, bright yellows, and deep browns take over the green leaves and brings blockbuster of color. See a selection of destinations that are the best for fall foliage below.

Cashiers, NC (Jackson County)

In the mountains of Western North Carolina, visitors can experience one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country – the Shadow of the Bear. This naturally occurring phenomenon makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 p.m. mid-October through early November just outside of Cashiers, North Carolina in Jackson County. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley and grows until it finally evolves into the bear as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain – what many geologists deem to be the oldest mountain in the world.

Outside of this special event, which also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March, Jackson County is the best destination to view fall foliage due to its unique location tucked between the Nantahala National Forest and on the edge of the country’s most-visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fall in Jackson County is more eye-popping than your average autumn escape and beckons leaf peepers from across the nation.

Marquette, MI

On the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan is a community where nature’s assets are on display through scenic vistas, rugged trails and rushing waterfalls. With 30% of Michigan’s land mass and only 3% of its population, the Upper Peninsula town of Marquette is nestled in dense forests that turn a combination of fiery reds, golden hues and pops of orange – there is no better Midwest destination to explore the outdoors while enjoying the bounty of Fall colors.  Outdoor activities range from hiking to fat tire biking on the city’s many trails to fly-fishing.  From unique dining experiences, award-winning craft breweries and a thriving art scene, Marquette embraces a culture anchored in artisanship and ingenuity.

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe National Forest, just 15 minutes from Santa Fe Plaza, is a site to behold year-round; however, in the latter half of September, the Aspen trees that dominate the forest turn a bright gold color that makes it especially beautiful. The peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower above the high desert offering a breathtaking vantage point of Santa Fe’s natural landscape. Ahead of ski season, Ski Santa Fe opens its main ski lift exclusively on weekends and holidays in September for visitors to take in a birds-eye view of the foliage throughout the valley.For those who prefer to stay within the downtown area, the cottonwoods and other deciduous trees along the Alameda Street walking path and Santa Fe River also turn gorgeous autumn colors by mid-October.

Sacramento, CA

Known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento, California, is a culinary force featuring bustling restaurants, a thriving public art scene, and interesting Gold Rush history. What some may not realize is that the typography and climate in the region creates impressive opportunities for vegetation – from grapes to apples – and in autumn, vibrant trees. Visitors traveling east on US-50 through Folsom will soon arrive at the perfect place for flannel shirts, cider, and Instagram-worthy scenery. Comprised of over 50 orchards, the Apple Hill region offers vibrant foliage and impeccable fall vibes for visitors pursuing leaf-peeping, apple picking, and pumpkin patches. Surrounded by Sycamores and oaks, Apple Hill remains one of the most popular fall destinations in Northern California. Due to the more temperate climate, harvest typically begins around Labor Day and can run until the beginning of December. The changing colors can be enjoyed on nature walks, or while taking advantage of the local activities including golf, wine tasting, and shopping from the local farm-to-table vendors.

White Mountains, NH

With fall quickly approaching, New Hampshire is gearing up for another epic season of leaf peeping. Known for its picturesque landscape that becomes increasingly beautiful with the arrival of autumn, the Granite State has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Visitors can experience the ultimate road trip as they uncover glorious views of New England’s famous foliage from the comfort of their car. Within the White Mountains, the most popular scenic drive is the Kancamagus Highway, commonly referred to as “the Kanc”). From Conway, the Kanc offers 34.5 miles of stunning mountain scenery through the White Mountain National Forest. In Lincoln, you can either turn north onto I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and its soaring mountain peaks, or continue west on Route 112 through Kinsman Notch to Route 302, which heads to Bath, Lisbon, Littleton, Bethlehem, Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods, home of the Mount Washington Hotel. Rt. 302 continues east through Crawford Notch and past some of the most spectacular scenery in the East. Additional scenic drives can be found here. 

Cliff House Maine (Cape Neddick, ME)

Nestled across 70 oceanfront acres atop Bald Head Cliff on the southern coast of Maine, Cliff House Maine offers guests unrivaled experiences that are accessible, exceptional and spectacular. One of America’s most celebrated coastal resorts, the 186 guest rooms and 40 luxury suites, in addition to a classically restored New England cottage with a front porch overlooking the ocean, are an ideal spot for fall leaf peeping. Within a short drive from the resort (less than an hour), Maine’s natural tapestries can be enjoyed at: Rachel Carson’s Wildlife Refuge in Wells: Established in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of 11 divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. Laudholm Farm: Trails feature signs to help you find your way, identify plants and animals, understand the natural and cultural history of the site, and explore the changing leaves. Parson’s Way: A serene and somewhat secluded environment, featuring sweeping views and picturesque landscapes of fall leaves juxtaposed against the blues of the ocean. Fort Williams Park: Beautiful free park with walking paths with the nearby Portland Head Light – the most photographed lighthouse in America, and also the oldest in Maine. Mt. Agamenticus: Scenic vistas, fragile habitats, and distinctive trail system. Mt. Agamenticus is unlike any place else on earth and contains a very Authentic East Coast environment.

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/10/28/roundup-of-lhgs-best-spots-for-seeing-fall-foliage/
via https://louhammond.com

Four New Clients Join Lou Hammond Group – September 2021

Lou Hammond Group (LHG) announced four new clients for public relations/corporate communications, strategic planning, branding and digital marketing:

Jukes Cordialities – Launched in 2019 in the U.K. by internationally acclaimed wine writer and taster Matthew Jukes and his co-founder Jack Hollihan, Jukes Cordialities is a unique category of sophisticated beverages for discerning adults, with complex flavors assembled by the olfactory and sensory expertise of a professional wine taster.

Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Located some 20 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte, it encompasses five municipalities; the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and towns of Harrisburg, Midland and Mt. Pleasant. Known as a hub of engaging experiences, the destination is home to premier motorsports entertainment, shopping, family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, charming downtowns, and so much more.

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah – Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, one of London’s most affluent and exclusive neighborhoods, the hotel is a five-star luxury property where history and sophistication meet. Owned and operated by global luxury hospitality company Jumeriah Group, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, previously known as Jumeirah Carlton Tower, opened at the end of July with a new name, design features and amenities after an 18-month $137 million renovation.

SquareMouth – America’s fastest growing travel insurance comparison website that has helped over two million travelers find the best travel insurance policy for their trip at the lowest possible price. With decades of expertise, a multi-award-winning customer service team and industry-leading technology, SquareMouth allows travelers to save money and time by instantly comparing and purchasing a travel insurance policy from every major provider in the U.S.

Lou Hammond Group is an award-winning full-service marketing communications firm representing premium brands globally. The company, founded in 1984, is headquartered in New York with offices in Atlanta, Charleston, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Tampa. Visit www.louhammond.com.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/09/28/four-new-clients-join-lou-hammond-group-september-2021/
via https://louhammond.com

Crafting a Crisis Communications Plan

A crisis is defined as a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion when problems must be solved or important decisions must be made. So how does this translate in the world of public relations and communications?

From a negative review to a natural disaster to a global pandemic, a PR crisis can come in all shapes and sizes, some having a large impact or others that may slide under the radar unnoticed. Crises can happen at any turn and with little to no notice. And in today’s world, the power of social media and going viral can turn any crisis into a #PRnightmare.

So how do we avoid the pitfalls of bad publicity? Having a team of PR pros on your side to protect your brand’s hard-earned reputation is an invaluable asset. Should the unthinkable ever occur, the below strategies are a few tools we utilize at Lou Hammond Group to navigate crises efficiently and successfully, no matter the size.

Preparation

Navigating a crisis is something that every organization should be prepared to face at some point in its operational life cycle. Developing a crisis communications plan allows you to respond quickly, efficiently and confidently. An effective plan will 1) designate a spokesperson for all media relations and to whom you will attribute media statements to 2) identify your key audiences 3) distinguish the best communication channels – whether social or traditional – to reach your target audiences and 4) inform all employees, board and team members of the above protocols so that communication efforts are streamlined.

Key Messaging

Once an emergency, disaster or misstep occurs, it is important to gather all the facts in order to craft your response. Every situation varies but leading with transparency and honesty is always recommended for when a public statement is necessary. The best responses typically address the key facts – the who, what, where, when and why – as directly as possible. To put it simply, sharing what your company has done, will do or when an update should be expected without placing external blame is the hallmark of any effective response. By creating these holding statements in advance, you are setting your company up to respond to any situation promptly and confidently.

Delivery

The saying – delivery is more important than the content – rings true in crisis communications. While content informs our audiences, its delivery can cause the message to be interpreted entirely out of its intended context. With that, the importance of how you choose to share your message cannot be over emphasized.

The delivery of a crisis statement can find itself taking many forms, but the first pivotal decision can be boiled down to whether you want your message shared proactively or reactively.  The benefits of a proactive approach allow you to get in front of the situation. The sooner you address the issue, the sooner people move on it from it and retain their trust in your brand. On the other hand, the benefits of a reactive approach allow a company to monitor the public sentiment and avoid shining additional light on an already negative situation. The particular crisis will inform your decision on how to time sharing your company’s response. Media training for executives and spokespersons is another tool we often recommend so that messaging can be practiced, tailored and effectively delivered in those more traditional interview settings.

Find Your Audience

Once you have established what your message is and when you want to deliver it, you will need to identify who you want it to be shared with – from stakeholders and employees to customers and media. Effective and swift communication with your target audiences is critical to a successful crisis strategy – whether you are sharing the protocols internally with executive leadership, informing stakeholders on the next steps and plan of action or communicating with the media publicly. Perhaps your crisis communications strategy is to share your holding statements with a few, targeted media that are familiar and friendly with your brand. Regardless of who your audience is, your messaging should be tailored to address their specific needs.

And let’s not forget about social media here. Businesses now more than ever rely on social media to communicate directly with consumers. This direct line of communication can be an asset, as well as a potential risk, and needs to be navigated thoughtfully. Having a presence on social media makes brands completely accessible to the opinions of the public, which brings us back to the importance of transparency and honesty in your key messaging.

Monitor

A crisis communications plan should be treated as a fluid, living strategy that can evolve with the needs of the company. This is why it is imperative to monitor public sentiment both during and well after a response is made to a crisis. Understanding various viewpoints and tracking how they evolve will only strengthen a company’s response. These viewpoints can range from the general public, a business’ customer-base, the media or even competitors. Having a firm grasp on what others are saying about your brand and its actions through the crisis will allow you to not only address but curtail further negative commentary. By critically assessing how your response was received, companies are provided the opportunity to learn and grow as for future crisis planning and better meet the needs of their stakeholders and customers.

The above strategies create a solid foundation for a successful crisis communication plan. The ultimate takeaway though is to create a strategy and stick to it. Take a sincere and honest approach. Communicate with transparency and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow from the situation.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/08/24/crafting-a-crisis-communications-plan/
via https://louhammond.com

4 Tips for Post-Grad Networking

Those four years of college fun fly by quicker than most of us anticipate. The end of one season of life is just the beginning of the next. For newly graduated professionals, especially those eager to start their career, a strategic approach to networking will open the door to opportunities that may have seemed beyond reach. 

As a recent graduate and new hire at Lou Hammond Group’s Charleston office, I know that the experience can be challenging at times. Take a look at four personal tips on how to network after college, which helped ease this transition period in my life. 

Don’t be afraid to use the shotgun approach.

Some people graduate from college knowing exactly what they want to do and where they want to work. However, most of us (like myself!) have no idea where to start and that is okay. My advice is to cast a wide net. Candidates stand a much better chance of getting an offer when they apply for more positions. College majors are designed to equip you with a wide variety of industry-related skills, so do not be afraid to look at non-traditional roles in your desired field. 

Networking is your friend.

Ask for help and use your connections to collect new contacts in your desired city. Professors, LinkedIn and alumni resources are extremely valuable and can help you establish meaningful connections. Your professors are a great place to start because they know you on a personal level and are more likely to keep in touch on LinkedIn regarding future opportunities. Professors tend to have wide networks themselves, so they can likely introduce you to their personal contacts in the industry of your choice. Also be sure to take advantage of your college’s alumni association, which can assist as you build your resume and keep you informed about career events in the area. This will open further opportunities for you to network and develop as a professional – even if it is just for practice. Your parents’ friends remember what it was like to be young and new to the job world, so they understand what you are going through and want to help.  You never know what connections these people might have, so reaching out and asking for help could establish some important connections. 

Understand that not all industries have the same process for hiring. 

I was constantly comparing my job search to that of everyone around me when I graduated. However, what I did not realize is that every industry has different workloads, structures and hiring practices. It is important to understand the industry you want to work in so that you can set realistic expectations and avoid feeling discouraged.

Be yourself.

I promise it is not cliché when I say this. Interviews can be nerve wracking, so it is often hard to feel comfortable and confident. Always remember that your resume is there to reference when you are not sure what to say and come prepared to discuss situations and roles that reflect your personality and strengths the most.  It is encouraged to add a little anecdote to ease the tension and allow the interviewers to get to know you better, and always be transparent with the company about your knowledge and experience. If you do not know something then be honest and tell the company that you are open, willing and excited to learn. This does not come from reciting your resume, but instead shines when you are being yourself in a way that shows you are professional and poised even when nervous. 

Remember: Trust the process and you will ultimately find a great fit.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/07/13/4-tips-for-post-grad-networking/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG Client Summer Events

Summer festivals are back! After many events were cancelled or held virtually in 2020, many events are returning to in-person in summer 2021. See a list of summer festivals happening in some of our LHG destinations below.

UNwineD, Panama City Beach, FL – June 4-5, 2021

UNwineD is an award-winning culinary event held in Aaron Bessant Park, featuring craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition, followed by a live concert. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined/.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, Panama City Beach, FL – June 4-6, 2021

The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam brings the best of today’s country music to the beach. Previous artists include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and Eric Church. As the sun begins to set, free shuttles will take guests to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/.

FestivalSouth, Hattiesburg, MS – June 5-26, 2021

Hattiesburg’s FestivalSouth is an annual, multi-week festival presenting a variety of musical and other arts-related entertainment aiming to transcend social, cultural and economic lines. Events include a live concert by Motown Downtown Revival, a music theatre mashup Broadway in the ‘Burg, an International Ballet Competition Showcase, and A Night at the Opera. FestivalSouth offers exceptional performing and visual artists enriching and engaging Hattiesburg’s vibrant cultural community. For more information, visit www.visithburg.org.

Summer Light: Art by Night at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC – June 9-Aug. 21, 2021

Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina’s premier botanical garden, will hold an event series allowing after-hours access to the historic gardens. Summer Light: Art by Night will feature nine lighted art installations throughout the sculpture gardens and arboretum, live music and food vendors. The event begins June 9 and continues every Wednesday through Saturday until Aug. 21. In addition to the ethereal lighted displays throughout the grounds, Brookgreen’s indoor gallery spaces will be open and a pianist will play nightly on Anna Hyatt Huntington’s baby grand piano. For more information, visit https://www.brookgreen.org/.

Art Week, Marquette, MI – June 21-26, 2021

The City of Marquette Arts & Culture Division is excited to present the 2021 City of Marquette Art Week. Art Week is an annual event held during the last week of June that kicks off the summer event season. Local artists, organizations and businesses are invited to come together and collaborate on a series of free arts and cultural programming for the community including concerts, workshops, performances, exhibits and more. For more information on Art Week, visit www.mqtcompass.com or https://bit.ly/2PSH0XT. The 2021 City of Maquette Art Week is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Marquette Trails Festival, Marquette, MI – June 25-27, 2021

Whether it is biking, hiking or running, Marquette Trails Festival is a fun-filled weekend that celebrates the many outdoor adventures that the area has to offer. Featuring mountain bike races, trail running races and socials, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All proceeds from the event support the Noquemanon Trail Network trail building program. For more information on the Marquette Trails Festival, visit https://marquettetrailsfestival.com/.

Real.Fun.Fourth, Panama City Beach, FL – July 3-4, 2021

Panama City Beach will hold the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast for an all-American weekend of Independence Day celebrations during Real.Fun.Fourth. Friends and family can gather on their beach in red, white and blue to enjoy an electrifying firework show.

International Folk Art Market, Santa Fe, NM – July 7-18, 2021

This summer, the showcase of global folk art traditions is back in Santa Fe, with 160 master artists from 53 countries descending on the city to put together a temporary gallery of handmade folk art traditions. Visitors can shop craft goods of a wide variety of handmade forms, textures and designs such as textiles, jewelry, beadwork, basketry, wood carvings, ceramics, rugs, glass and metalwork, sculpture, mixed media, toys and more. Meanwhile, a variety of live music performances and culinary offerings will round out the experience for visitors as well. For more information, visit https://folkartmarket.org/.

Blueberry Festival, Marquette, MI – July 30, 2021

Washington and Front streets will be bustling with sidewalk sales during 2021’s Blueberry Festival. Downtown restaurants will satisfy cravings for blueberry fare, from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer, while many downtown shops will offer “blue” specials. This year’s festival has been scaled back to better comply with COVID-19 best practices. The festival will not have outside vendors as in past years, which will allow the focus to be on showcasing the wonderful shops and restaurants that comprise downtown Marquette. For more information on the Blueberry Festival and modifications to accommodate COVID-19 safety precautions, visit https://www.downtownmarquette.org/downtown-events/blueberry-festival.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara, CA – August 4-8, 2021  

Since 1924, a five-day festival celebrating the Spanish history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions of Santa Barbara has taken place at the beginning of August. This year’s in-person events are back after the celebration was fully virtual in 2020. This year, the lineup of pageantry and dance-filled events that make it the largest annual festival in Santa Barbara will be available for visitors to experience in person and will feature virtual components viewers can experience from home. The festivities kick off on the steps of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, with traditional flamenco and folklorico dance performances at “Fiesta Pequeña”, while two days later “El Desfile Historico” is a large parade honoring Spanish traditions with colorful floats, marching bands, traditional horse-drawn carriages and carefully coordinated equestrian groups, just to name two highlights. For more information, visit https://www.sbfiesta.org/

Railbird Music Festival, Lexington, KY – August 28-29, 2021

Returning after its successful debut in 2019, the Railbird Music Festival will be held at the Keeneland Racecourse and will feature Grammy Award-winning headliners, culinary demonstrations with Lexington’s top chefs, plus exclusive bourbon tastings. The festival takes its name from a “railbird,” a horse racing enthusiast known for hanging on to the rail as the horses come barreling down the track. For more information, visit https://www.railbirdfest.com/.

Touchdowns & Tunes, Paducah, KY – September 3-5, 2021

Touchdowns and Tunes Tailgate Party is a 3-day music festival where live country music meets televised college football to create the ultimate tailgating environment! This event will feature live performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, Ashleigh McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Parker McCollum, Eric Paslay, The Steel Woods, Larry Fleet, Kameron Marlowe, SixForty1, Walker Montgomery and Elvie Shane. Three dedicated zones will be showing televised college football games and offering tailgate games. Held in Paducah’s Carson Park, tent and RV camping passes are available. For more information and tickets, visit www.touchdownsandtunes.com.

 

 

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2021/06/08/summer-2021-festival-roundup/
via https://louhammond.com