As the weather heats up, so do our clients’ event schedules. Check out the roundup below for some of our not-to-be-missed client events happening this summer. A much-needed getaway awaits!

The Market at Grelen: Pick-Your-Own Season: Somerset, VA – May-September, 2019

From live music, dining and stargazing to gardening and DIY workshops, The Market at Grelen’s summer itinerary provides the perfect excuse for a family outing, day trip or weekend getaway. The Market at Grelen’s produce is fresh for picking year-round! And from late May to early November, they offer a pick-your-own opportunity allowing guests to pluck ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries from late May through early June, gather juicy peaches in early June and pick crisp apples and pumpkins from September through November. For more information, please visit www.themarketatgrelen.com.

PVDFest: Providence, RI – June 6-9, 2019

For the fifth year in a row, experience live music, dance, food and visual art installations in Providence, Rhode Island. During this four-day festival, art takes over the city’s public spaces, parks and outdoor stages. PVDFest is a free outdoor party that inspires the soul, fires the spirit and draws thousands dancing in the streets. Produced by the City of Providence with founding partner First Works, this Creative Capital celebration has become a signature, much-anticipated celebration for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.pvdfest.com.

International Festival of Arts and Ideas: New Haven, CT – June 8-22, 2019

One of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas showcases stunning music, dance and theater performances, emerging thinkers and a diverse display of cultural and arts programs from around the world. This festival has been a long-standing tradition within the New Haven community and continues to draw an audience of thousands every year. The festival produces an astonishing lineup featuring hundreds of events, a large majority of which are presented free of charge and are family-friendly. For more information, visit www.artidea.org.

Victory Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes Grand Discovery – June 9-18; June 27-July 6; August 11-19, 20-28; August 29-September 6, 2019

With a commitment to small-ship cruising on the North American and Canadian coasts, Victory Cruise Lines is pleased to reveal its summer itineraries since joining American Queen Steamboat Company. This summer, the M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay for its Great Lakes Grand Discovery Cruise. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. Sailings will embark or disembark in Toronto with ports of call in Port Colborne, Niagara Falls; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Sault Saint Marie, MI; Little Current, Manitoulin Island (Ontario, Canada); and Mackinac Island, MI; concluding in Chicago, IL. Fares begin at $6,385 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.victorycruiselines.com or call 888.907.2636.

Virginia Is For Lovers 50 Years of Love Anniversary: Virginia – June 21-August 10, 2019

Virginia Is For Lovers was established 50 years ago in 1969 and is one of the most recognized slogans in the world. This summer, the beloved slogan will be celebrated throughout the state’s wineries, breweries, festivals, hotels, restaurants and small businesses in a multitude of engaging ways. Visitors can discover even more Virginia Love by visiting over 130 public “LOVE” artworks across the state, all representing the states communities and providing special events throughout the year. Virginia Tourism Corporation will be leading the anniversary promotion throughout the summer, starting off on June 21 and ending 50 days later on August 10. For more information, visit www.vatc.org/50yearsoflove.

Mighty Mississippi Cruise onboard the American Queen Steamboat Company – June 23-July 15, 2019

Luxury riverboat operator American Queen Steamboat Company invites guests to join its annual 23-day cruise from New Orleans, LA to Red Wing, MN onboard the American Queen, exploring storybook towns and vibrant bustling cities. This voyage is packed with special events, such as live music by Memphis blues legend Joyce Cobb and her band, a solo cabaret by Glenn Springs and a homespun show by Dave Para and Cathy Barton featuring a variety of stringed instruments. Ports of call include Nottoway Plantation, LA; Natchez, MS; Vicksburg, MS; Greenville, MS; Memphis, TN; New Madrid, MO; Paducah, KY; Cape Girardeau, MO; Chester, IL; St. Louis, MO; Alton, IL; Hannibal, MO; Clinton, IA’ Dubuque, IA and La Crosse, WI. Fares begin at $5,999 per person. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com or call 888.749.5280.

Oceanfest: Long Branch, NJ – July 4, 2019

Each year since 1990, crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands have descended upon the city’s oceanfront promenade from places all over the Mid-Atlantic region for Oceanfest — an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Not just a music or food festival and much more than a craft sale or street fair, Oceanfest combines the best parts of everyone’s favorite summertime memory, capping it off with the most spectacular fireworks seen along the Jersey coast. For more information, visit www.oceanfestnj.com

Fern Cave Tours: Redding, CA – Every Saturday from July 6-September 28, 2019

With exceptional rock art and a sensitive biotic environment, Fern Cave tours are a must-see summer excursion in the Shasta Cascade region. Experience this fascinating, ranger-led tour taking visitors on an hour-long trek through the Fern Caves of the Lava Bed National Monument. Tours are offered on Saturday’s at 2:00 p.m. and limited to only six people per tour. Reservations are required and can be made up to three weeks in advance. For more information, visit www.visitredding.com/eventdetail/3998/fern-cave-tours

Family Saturdays: Walk on the Wild Side with Creature Adventures: Palm Beach County, FL – July 13, 2019

In partnership with the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is offering families a WILD time. Visitors are invited to come and meet live animal ambassadors from the Palm Bach Zoo, explore what makes these animals so special and how to protect them in the wild. The program is free and includes live animals, themed activities and a take home craft. Visitors must register in advance online. For more information, visit www.events.palmbeachculture.com/event/951255/family-saturdays-walk-on-the-wild-side-with-creature-adventures

Garden Yoga in July at The Market at Grelen: Somerset, VA – July 14, 21 & 28, 2019

Grelen’s Sunday morning yoga is an opportunity to pause, breathe deeply, stretch and reset in beautiful surroundings. Offered only in July, the garden yoga will be led by Ingrid Berger. Following the yoga class guests can enjoy The Market at Grelen’s leisure trails, shopping, dining and beautiful setting. For more information, please visit: www.themarketatgrelen.com

Artists of Saint Barth Art Party: Saint Barth – July 18, 2019

The Artists of Saint Barth association hosts pop-up art parties throughout the year to highlight 10 to 15 local artists. The association is made up of 55 painters, photographers, sculptors and designers and parties are hosted in stunning venues such as the Christopher Hotel and the Musee Territorial. Artists such as photographer Michael Gramm, sculptor Jean Martin and painters Chloe Chemama and Robert Danet are among those who have been featured in the past. For more information, please visit: www.artistsofstbarth.org.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta: Santa Barbara, CA – July 31-August 4, 2019

This summer, Santa Barbara, CA will host the highly anticipated 95^th annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This event draws large and loyal crowds to the Santa Barbara area in honor of their Spanish heritage and traditions. The five-day event preserves the traditions of colorful music, dance and song mixed with the spirit of hospitality and tolerance, all serving as the pillars of the Fiesta. For information, visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

Scranton Jazz Festival: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 2-4, 2019

For three days every August, the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton, PA becomes a haven for jazz lovers, and this year is no different. The Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) has consistently attracted some of the finest international, national and regional jazz, blues and world beat artists to showcase their talent. Combined with an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers, SJF has drawn thousands over the years. For more information on the SJF’s 15^th annual jazz celebration, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair: Newbury, NH – August 3-11, 2019

This nationally-renowned celebration of traditional and contemporary craft features inspiring exhibitions of both wearable and decorative crafts, hands-on workshops and engaging live demonstrations. Situated at the base of Mount Sunapee Resort, the fair also features live original music and a New Hampshire craft beer and wine garden showcasing the state’s great local offerings. The legacy of handmade craft has long been celebrated throughout New Hampshire’s history, and this event seeks to further educate visitors on the quality of craftmanship in the Granite State. For more information, visit www.nhcrafts.org

48 Hour Film Project: Paducah, KY – August 9-11, 2019

The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which teams are challenged to make a movie. All writing, shooting, editing and scoring must be completed in just 48 hours. Each film masterpiece will be shown on the big screen at Maiden Alley Cinema. The Paducah 48 Hour Film Project is part of a larger international competition including more than 120 cities where more than 60,000 people will make short films. For more information, visit www.48hourfilm.com/paducah.

Grand Rapids AQS QuiltWeek Show: Grand Rapids, MI – August 21-24, 2019

Over 15,000 quilters will be heading to Grand Rapids, MI for the annual American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show to see some of the best quilting and textile artistry that the country has to offer. In addition to nearly 700 quilts on display, this year’s event includes workshops by renowned instructors, contests and a Merchant Mall. The show brings creativity, passion and a new definition of quilt art to Grand Rapids. For more information, visit www.quiltweek.com/locations/grand-rapids/.

La Festa Italiana: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 30-September 2, 2019

Scranton, PA embraces its Italian heritage with a four-day festival every Labor Day weekend on Courthouse Square. More than 80 vendors will be onsite offering authentic Italian food, in addition to live entertainment on multiple stages all weekend long. An annual mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral, just one block away from the festival site. For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org.

Railfest: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 31-September 1, 2019

The Steamtown National Historic Site will host the 13^th Annual Festival of Railroading, History and Industry, also known as Railfest, on Labor Day weekend. Train enthusiasts will delight in the use of steam power, diesel and electricity to power model versions of famous railroad vessels to show the impact of these locomotives on the country’s culture. For two days, the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Electric City Trolley Museum will operate on these rails. For more information, visit www.nepa.org.

Hometown Rising: Louisville, KY – September 14-15, 2019

A music and bourbon festival, Hometown Rising features country music heavyweights like Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and more. Bourbon authority and bestselling author Fred Minnick is the festival’s spirits curator and has organized the Big Bourbon Bar, the centerpiece of the festival featuring two dozen hand-selected bourbons from top distilleries. For more information, visit www.hometownrising.com.

Bourbon & Beyond: Louisville, KY – September 20-22, 2019

The ultimate Kentuckian trifecta: bourbon, music and food come together for this unforgettable music festival featuring the Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top and John Fogerty just to name a few. The Big Bourbon Bar will be a stage of its own featuring legendary bourbon such as Angel’s Envy, Elijah Craig, Old Forester and many more. For more information, visit www.bourbonandbeyond.com.

Laver Cup: Geneva, Switzerland – September 20-22, 2019

Geneva, Switzerland will host the 3^rd edition of the Laver Cup. New to the tennis world, the Laver Cup pits six top European players against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are some of the few participating in this year’s cup and hope to defend Team Europe’s title. Spectators relish in this unique experience as rivals become teammates and compete tirelessly over a three-day span. Geneva’s central location makes the Laver Cup accessible to many fans across Europe and provide international spectators a new landscape to explore. For more information, visit www.lavercup.com.

Paducah Dragon Boat Festival: Paducah, KY – September 21, 2019

The dragons are coming back to Paducah’s riverfront for the 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Gather your team or watch as the River Discovery Center hosts these races on the Ohio River. Colorful dragon boats with 16 paddlers and a creatively dressed drummer race three races each. Proceeds benefit the educational programs of the River Discovery Center. For more information, visit www.riverdiscoverycenter.org.

Louder than Life: Louisville, KY – September 27-29, 2019

Last year, Louder than Life featured rock groups such as Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains and Godsmack and specially designed guest experiences including the Maker’s Mark Southern Soul BBQ party. 2019 lineup is yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.louderthanlifefestival.com

The Ultimate Villa Experience for All Ages: Eden Rock – St Barths

Until Eden Rock officially reopens on Nov. 20, 2019, guests can enjoy the hotel’s renowned services through Eden Rock’s Villa Rental Program. Experience a summer stay like no other from daily breakfast delivery, beachside spa treatments and endless frosé from Eden Rock Beach’s very own Frosé Trolley. An Eden Rock Villa Rental Concierge is available 24/7, guiding guests to the best island spots and finest restaurants throughout their stay. A family-friendly summer getaway, Eden Rock Villa Rental offers an array of activities exclusively for kids, such as yoga and meditation classes, Eden Spa treatments, pastry workshops and art lessons with local St Barths artists. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths.

Wild Dunes Resort’s New Teambuilding Offerings: Charleston, SC

Charleston’s Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination Hotel, is debuting a collection of new teambuilding activities catering to corporate retreats, family reunions, girlfriend getaways and every group in between. With a collection of new and unique experiences including an Osprey Boat Charter or the SC Aquarium Beach Sweep, artists, health enthusiasts, foodies and golfers alike can enjoy quality time steeped in Lowcountry charm and tradition. For more information, visit www.wilddunes.com or call 855.264.4232.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line New Bicycle Offerings

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL), the only provider of 2-night cruises departing daily from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, is highlighting its fun and convenient bike offerings: the Bike & Beach Tour and Your Bicycle, Your Bahamas. With the Bike & Beach Tour cruisers can uncover the magnificent wonders of Grand Bahama Island with a guided five-hour bicycle tour. The Your Bicycle, Your Bahamas offering allows guests to explore Grand Bahama Island with friends, a bike club or bike association, and bring their personal bicycles aboard the ship at no extra cost. Whether an avid cycler or wanting to explore Grand Bahama Island in a fresh new way, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line makes it easier than ever for guests to experience the magic of the Bahamas by bike. For more information and to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

African American Heritage Tour: Kentucky

Kentucky Tourism just unveiled three new itineraries that highlight the state’s rich African American history and invites visitors to uncover the unforgettable stories of legendary heroes like famed boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, Civil War hero George Thomas Prosser and the first female African-American reporter in the White House foreign press corps Allison Dunnigan. The itineraries are divided by geographical region and include Louisville and surrounding areas, Lexington and surrounding areas and a statewide itinerary. Perfect for three- or five-day trips, the family friendly tours promise to enrich any summer road trip. For more information, visit: www.unforgettableky.com

The Bourbon Trail: Bardstown, KY

The Kentucky Distiller’s Association has just named Bardstown the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour. With eight Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the area including, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Heaven Hill, Lux Row Distillers, Preservation Distiller, Willett Distiller, Jim Beam, Four Roses and Markers Mark this is the perfect summer getaway for bourbon lovers. For more information, visit: www.kentuckytourism.com/bardstown

via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/04/18/roundup-of-lhg-client-summer-events/