August 6-7: During the Livarot Cheese Fair, this town in Normandy, France, celebrates one of France’s greatest contributions to gastronomy. Festival-goers can of course sample numerous cheeses and other gourmet products, but this event is hardly the sole preserve of stuffy gourmands. The “Pig Call” and “Biggest Livarot Eater” competitions always draw delighted crowds.
August 16: Kyoto’s Obon festival culminates with Gozan no Okuribi, the lighting of five immense bonfires on the surrounding mountains. Set in the shapes of Chinese characters and other motifs, these massive blazes signify the souls of deceased ancestors returning to the spirit world. Just one of these fiery characters, all easily visible from the city center, measures 260 feet wide and 525 feet long.
August 16-30: Argentina’s capital heats up the winter with the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival. Dancers and musicians perform all over the city — in the street, in neighborhood milongas and in grand theaters. The festival culminates with the competitive Dance World Cup.
August 19-28: Foodies have recently turned their attention to Copenhagen, where Noma has topped Restaurant Magazine’s list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for two years in a row. Scandinavian cuisine has undergone a revolution, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Copenhagen Cooking. This 10-day gourmet food festival features events such as day cruises dedicated to the cuisine of Bornholm Island, dinners in private homes, “secret” multicourse meals under a bridge and ancient Roman-themed feasts.
August 20-21: The Chicago Air & Water Show draws up to 2 million visitors each year, with two days of dramatic flight and watercraft demonstrations, including performances by the Blue Angels. Most spectators gather on North Avenue Beach, but the crowd-averse watch from the private tent of the Bravo Zulu Lounge ($90 per person). You should also be able to see some of the action from the beautiful terrace of The Peninsula, a private balcony at the Elysian or a lakeview accommodation at the Four Seasons, though the views from these venues are more limited.
August 21: Oenophiles can sample exciting wines from 300 small, family-owned wineries at a San Francisco tasting organized by the Family Winemakers of California. Although mostly limited to the wine trade, the event opens to the public from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the 21st. This tasting presents an opportunity to try not only top California Cabernet and Chardonnay, but also more unusual varietals such as Touriga Nacional, Lagrein, Tannat and Pinotage.
August 27 – September 5: Budapest celebrates its Jewish heritage during the annual Jewish Summer Festival. The ornate Doháhny Street Synagogue, the second-largest in the world, serves as the venue for the most popular performances. The Metropolitan Opera Brass kicks off the festival, followed by groups such as the Kálmán Balogh Gipsy Cimbal Band and the Budapest Klezmer Band. Film screenings, theater performances and a craft market round out the festivities.
Recent Member Comments
Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos
Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos
“My husband I just returned from a 10-night stay. This was our 6th or 7th time at the Meridian Club. As always, it is peaceful and has a stunningly beautiful beach. The managers, Bev and Wally, as well as the chef and staff are at the top of their game. They are unobtrusive and genuinely want to please you. They made our trip a pure delight. We are anxious to return.”
Torre del Remei, Spain
“Absolutely loved Torre del Remei. We stayed four nights in the Suite Royale, and it couldn’t have been more lovely, far exceeding our expectations. Fresh croissants and coffee were served on one of our three balconies overlooking the Pyrenees each morning. Bathroom was very spacious and beautiful. The service was first-rate and very personable. The best meal we had on our three-week trip to Italy and Spain was at the restaurant.”
Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
“We stayed at the Ranch at Rock Creek in late May during the horrible flooding. In spite of the constant rain, it was a superb experience. The staff was attentive and the food was exceptional. We have specific dietary medical requirements and the chef made sure we ate safely and very well. The rooms were accommodating, comfortable and well laid out. We plan on returning to the Ranch in the winter.”
Hawaii Big Island Resorts
“We spend at least 6 weeks a winter in Hawaii, mainly on the Big Island but also elsewhere. While we love Four Seasons Maui the beach at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island isn’t anywhere near as nice as Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is all new now, and comparisons to the old are, well, old.
We usually stay in a top condo or villa at Mauna Lani resort because their beach club is fabulous, and we like to cook using all the fresh items available at farmers’ markets etc., but one can easily access Mauna Kea beach provided you get there early enough for the limited outside parking (9:30 or so). Four Seasons pretends you aren’t allowed on their “private” beach, but you are. Just use the magic words “public beach access,” but it’s really not worth bothering.
Four Seasons is also too close to Kona and gets the “Vog” in the winter, which rarely gets up to Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea (bad for breathing and the eyes). Agree that Kona Village luau is the best, preferably the Hawaiian one on Wednesday. Canoe House and Beach House are both superb, especially at sunset. Sansei has great sushi, which is 50% off two nights a week but you have to arrive 30 minutes ahead and stand in line. Worth it we think.
Best guide books to Hawaii are the Revealed series. I think Kona Village has become part of Four Seasons – hope they don’t lose their old Hawaii authenticity.”
Posted by andrewharpertravelblog on July 14, 2011
https://andrewharpertravelblog.wordpress.com/2011/07/14/recent-member-comments/