Rocking out at Top Music Fests that Cannot Be Missed

December 26, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Music is a huge part of our lives, and it dominates both underground and mainstream pop culture. To commemorate the amazing talent of the United States’ most popular music artists, there are music fests that allow for music lovers to enjoy some of their favorite music from all over the country in just a weekend.

These festivals allow for indie fans to enjoy their favorite artists, and for pop lovers to flock together to dance to their favorite artists. No matter the genre of music, or the lifestyle of the fan, there is a music festival to go to. If you are planning on going this year, make sure to book a comfortable neighborhood hotel room well in advance, as neighboring hotels tend to run out of vacancy quickly.

1. Nerdapalooza – Orlando, Florida

All things nerd and musical can be found at this festival. The nerd culture has a strong following, and visual and digital artists from around the world come together with performers such as I Fight Dragons and Metroid Metal. Everything from nerdcore hip hop to video game music is featured at this festival.

2. SXSW – Austin, Texas

This is one of the biggest festivals in the country, and it has been a leading music event for a quarter of a century. This is also a trade show, so musicians can come and see some of the most legendary musicians, such as Bruce Springsteen, talk about what has helped them be successful.

3. Joshua Tree Music Festival – Joshua Tree, California

This festival, held at beautiful Joshua Tree, was created by a group of family and friends for the sole reason that they love music. Because this festival is in the middle of the desert, it’s important to pack a good amount of food for the duration of the festival, unless you plan on making the 8-mile trek to the nearest civilization. Some of the festival’s more recent artists include Dubconscious, Afromotive and Flowmotion, who love having their audience join in on the musical celebration.

4. Wakarusa – Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas

Wakarusa is held in one of the most unique spots in the world, the Ozarks, near the Mulberry River. Thievery Corporation, Mumford and Sons, Reelfoot and James and the Devil have performed at this festival. Unlike other festivals, Wakarusa offers yoga, Frisbee golf and other fun activities in between the performances. This is a perfect festival for those who love music and the great outdoors. This is the perfect destination after a road trip, and it will sure to be a festival that you will want to attend again.

5. Outside Lands – San Francisco, California

This isn’t just a music festival; this is a food, wine, arts and music festival. There are a plethora of stages, with artists such as Muse, Arcade Fire, Foster the People, Deadmau5 and OK Go being just a few of the big names that have graced the stages here. One of the top features of the festival is the food, which is not the standard festival fair—organic food and wine are the fare to be enjoyed.

Seeing More than Potter and Mickey Around Orlando

October 3, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Odds are, either for business or vacation (especially if you have kids), Orlando, Florida may be on your travel list. Not only is it home to Disney, Epcot, Potter World and much more, but it’s become a top business convention and trade show destination. However, whether you’ll be in the area for business or pleasure (or both), with kids or without, there are a number of lesser-known attractions in the area that are well worth your time—and that can get you away from the big crowds. Plus, with daytime temperatures back down in the comfortable range (upper 70s-low 80s), late fall is an especially great time to visit.

Strolling Downtown

When most folks think of Orlando, old-time charm, gracious homes and cobblestone streets don’t come to mind, but that’s exactly what you’ll find through the Thornton Park neighborhood. Several outdoor cafes and restaurants dot the area, as well as specialty shops for great window-shopping.

Only about a mile in circumference, Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is a great site for a relaxing walk through the encircling park or a paddleboat ride on the lake itself. The lake is home to swans and dozens of other colorful birds, and the huge lighted fountain in the center is magical at night. You can also often catch free concerts at the park band shell.

Florida’s Nature Scene

Want something a bit more stimulating? Well, how about ‘gators? Okay, maybe you don’t want to run into one on the sidewalk (though that’s been known to happen…), but from a safe distance, those prehistoric-looking creatures are pretty fascinating. Gatorland offers you literally thousands of the scaly guys (and gals), as well as other reptiles and even some touchable critters in the petting zoo. Add in the breeding marsh, nature walk and rookery, plus the splash park and zipline for those wanting more adventure, and you’ve got a day’s outing to please all ages.

For even more variety in animals, you can head just a half hour north to Sandord to visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Here, too, you can cool off in a water park area and get your thrill on zip lines and treetop rope bridges at the ZOOm Air Adventure Park.

Late Fall Specials

Floridians may be acclimated to the summer heat, but they also seem ready to break out and celebrate as things begin to cool down a bit by late fall. You’ll have your choice of any number of arts, sports and other events during this time. At the end of October (23rd), downtown Orlando holds a ten-block wide Hispanic festival, Calle Orange, with traditional foods, music and entertainment from Latin America and the Caribbean.

For more music and a chance to do some ice skating at an outdoor rink, you can take in the University of Central Florida’s Light Up UCF: 50 Nights of Music, Lights and Ice, from November 12 through January 2.

Want something more competitive? The annual Pop Warner Youth Football Super Bowl will be held in Orlando December 10th-12th, along with concurrent national cheer and dance championships.

A Side Trip Worth the Drive

Orlando’s nearest beaches are less than an hour southeast, along the famed Space Coast, which is home to Kennedy Space Center. This stretch of Florida coast features what many consider the finest surfing spots in the East, not to mention the world famous Ron and Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. Near the Kennedy Space Center is the Merritt National Wildlife Refuge, where kayaking and nature trails hikes may let you catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, bobcat, manatee or armadillo.

Traveling with Tunes

May 6, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Thanks to MP3 players and smartphones, bringing your favorite music with you when you travel is easy. But as personal electronics have improved, our expectations have also grown. Sometimes you want to remove the ear buds and kick back in your hotel room or share some tunes while visiting with family and friends. Time to pull out the portable speakers and docks! While admittedly the finest sound is found in larger speakers, convenient travel-sized speakers can provide clarity far beyond what the music players themselves offer and, often, for quite reasonable costs.

Super Budget-Conscious Speakers

If you want a speaker that gives good sound, but that you won’t have to worry about having to protect a pricey investment (say you’ll be taking it to the beach), you might want to snag the DB Portable Foldable Speakers for MP3 Players. Available online from several merchants at the amazing price of under $5, this little speakers’ dock (folded size: 4” x 2 ½” x 2 ½”) can run on four AAA batteries or the included USB cable and consistently gets four-star reviews from consumers. Almost as inexpensive (about $10) and absolutely tiny (3.5" x 3/4” x ¾”) is the blue Lego-style iPod Brick. It works with iPhones, too, and it doesn’t require batteries. Instead, it draws power from the player itself.

A Bit More Style, a Bit More Sound

For about $25, you can get a bit more style and sound with the Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker, which comes in its own case and has a convenient wrap-around cord. The round speaker provides 360-degree sound, can run for up to 24 hours on three AAA batteries (longer than most battery-operated speakers), and also gets high 4-star-plus reviews from users. And, if you also want something with a big-time cuteness factor, consider the Panda Pal at about $25. The little three-inch round panda face has dual speakers in it and runs off your choice of USB connection or three AAA batteries. It’s compatible with any device (phone, laptop, MP3) that accepts a 3.5mm headphone jack.

If you’re most comfortable with a name-brand you recognize and don’t want to deal with batteries or power drain on your device, Sony has a folding portable speaker that runs around $20. This device is what’s called a “passive speaker,” meaning no actual amplification, yet it still produces more volume and sound quality than the internal speakers of most cell phones or MP3’s—and the big plus is that it requires neither batteries nor a power cord.

Laptop Uses, Too!

Having good portable speakers can also be a big plus if you want to watch movies on your laptop or if your business travel includes PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos. All too often, the speakers in a laptop lack sufficient projection ability for a large room. A speaker like Brookstone’s Ultra-Thin Travel Speaker connects easily via the 3.5 mm cable (included) to any laptop, and its folded size (5” x 6” x ¾”) lets you slide it into your laptop sleeve or case. Reviewers note that the AAA batteries are fairly long-lasting, too.

When choosing your travel speakers, remember that the smaller the speakers, the more likely you’ll find sound distortion at higher volumes. So if you want the speakers for travelling party time, you may need to get the slightly larger models. For in-room background and relaxation music, many of the very small and economical speakers will still give you far superior sound to what your MP3, phone or laptop provides.

A Visitor’s Guide to Pow Wows, Part 1

April 20, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Have you seen announcements or billboards for pow wows (also spelled “pow-wows” and “powwows”) in your travels and wondered what goes on at these celebrations? Have you wondered if outsiders are welcome? If they are, have you wondered how visitors should behave? In fact, most pow wows are open to—and welcome—spectators, but yes, as with any visiting experience, etiquette is important. With pow wows, just as with rules of the road, it all rests on courtesy and respect. One of the best ways to show that respect is to first learn more about these cultural festivals.

The Setting of a Pow Wow

Although the origin of the pow wow is uncertain, pow wows held today combine both the sacred and the social, honoring the beliefs, practices and histories of Native American peoples through ceremonies, dance, song, competitions and other activities. Lasting from half a day up to a week, pow wows draw together participants from many tribes to preserve and share their heritage and to socialize. Settings range from tribal lands to county fairgrounds, from major city sites, such as the Denver Coliseum, to college and university stadiums.

Although each pow wow will have its own unique elements and emphases, depending on region and tribal hosts, there are features common to almost all. The performance area or arena for the pow wow is circular—a shape with sacred meanings relating to earth, wholeness and cycles of life. This area, sometimes called the “arbor,” is considered sacred ground and should not be entered by spectators. Around the performance area may contain seating, however these seats are typically reserved for dancers, drummers, singers and other participants. Beyond the peripheral seating is the area open for spectators—including visitors—to stand or sit. Actual seating is not usually provided, so it’s wise to bring beach or yard chairs or blankets.

What to Expect During a Pow Wow

During the pow wow, the master of ceremonies will announce each ritual and performance, and may provide background information or commentary. The event opens with the ceremonial Grand Entry, during which dancers and performers in full regalia enter to drumming and songs. The entrance is generally led by individuals carrying flags and Eagle Staffs. Members of the audience stand and remove their hats during this processional.

At the end of the Grand Entry, the master of ceremonies will announce the series of dancers—individuals and groups—who perform traditional, exhibition and open intertribal dances, sometimes competitively. As the Pow Wow Network notes,

“Dancers have always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. Most dances seen at Pow Wows today are social dances, which might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance has not.”

Each dancer’s detailed, handcrafted regalia (not “costume”) has symbolic significance, and as Becky Olvera Schultz at Pow Wow Power explains, it often includes pieces that are family heirlooms. One additional etiquette and respect note for pow wow guests: Be sure to ask permission before taking photos. Pointing is also considered disrespectful.

In addition to the dancers, drum groups and singers, a large pow wow may include the following:

  • Rodeos
  • Athletic competitions
  • Games
  • Ceremonial giveaways
  • Vendors selling craft items

Vendors selling food (including burgers, delicious Indian fry bread and tacos) can usually also be found, although visitors can also bring their own picnics. Pow wows are alcohol-free, making them especially family-friendly, so be sure to bring non-alcoholic beverages in your cooler.

Pow wow organizers and participants welcome visitors who want to learn more about Native cultures—and just have some fun. Although pow wows are held all year, the majority occur in late spring through summer, so to help you plan your visit, the next Road Warrior blog will provide a sampling of upcoming pow wows across the U.S.

Vacationing in North Carolina’s Research Triangle

February 9, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

If your work involves technology, medicine or higher education, travel may very well take you to North Carolina’s “Research Triangle,” bounded by the cities of Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, with its dozens of universities, high tech companies and medical facilities. And if business doesn’t take you there, you might want to consider the area for a future vacation. Just recently, Durham itself was listed by the New York Times as one of “The 41 Places to Go in 2011.” Though the area’s winters can be relatively chilly, by spring you’ll usually encounter daytime temperatures in the 60s to low 70s—perfect for hiking in the many parks, sightseeing, rambling through the farmer’s market and lunching at one of the prominent restaurants or cafes.

At first thought, any place with the word “research” in its name isn’t likely to conjure up images of relaxation, vacation and fun. But look just a little more closely—at this Research Triangle—and you just may change your mind.

Located in the Piedmont section of North Carolina, about halfway between the Atlantic and the Great Smokey Mountain stretch of the Appalachians, the Triangle is a beautiful area of rolling hills, pinewoods and rivers. Raleigh itself has been called “the park with a city in it” because of its thousands of acres of parks and greenspace. Whether you’re looking to stretch and get some fresh air between business meetings or to take a daylong hiking excursion, you’ve got literally dozens of choices, including Eno River State Park outside Durham and Chapel Hill’s Johnston Mill Nature Preserve Trail (great for birders).

Speaking of moving your feet, are you looking for some foot-tapping sounds? Chapel Hill has a thriving music scene with lots of live clubs as well as larger venues, drawing major rock performers like Bruce Springsteen and U-2, plus local and regional country, blue grass and “Piedmont Blues.” And be sure to come hungry: Chapel Hill was named “America’s Foodiest Small Town” in 2008 by Bon Appétit. Such food stars as Rachel Ray have featured many of the local eateries. To sweeten a bit of downtime, visit one of several farmers’ markets in the area to pick up great local cheeses, candies and fruits, plus a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to take back to your hotel room.

Sports fans may be disappointed that the only pro-sports offered is the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, though Durham is home to Triple-A baseball’s Durham Bulls (farm team for the Tampa Rays), too. But hey—this is the South, and college sports are truly king. During the basketball season especially, every other store has a TV on—especially if the arch rival Blue Devils (Duke University) and Tar Heels (UNC, Chapel Hill) are playing—and local sports bars will be packed with wild fans.

No matter when you visit, you can take your pick of cultural events. With the great number of colleges and universities plus the cities’ own cultural offerings, you can almost always find current theater, symphony, ballet and opera performances, as well as art and museum exhibits. In Raleigh alone, nicknamed the “Smithsonian of the South,” you’ll find the Museums of Natural Science, Art and History, as well as interactive kid-pleasers like Playspace and Exploris. And if your trip is going to include children, be sure to visit the North Carolina “Kids Page” for fun facts, games and links about the state—before going or while there, as something to keep the kids entertained while you’re relaxing at one of the many Extended Stay Hotels in the area.

U.S. 61: The Blues Highway

January 25, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Road warriors throughout the United States have travelled along parts of U.S. Highway 61. This vast route runs north-south between the states of Wyoming, Minnesota and Louisiana, though it’s the southern stretch of it that’s primarily known as the Blues Highway. In the first decades of the twentieth century, black musicians deepened and developed the music that would become the blues. All along the old two-lane road through the Deep South, they worked, played and traveled northward seeking opportunity. Early blues great Robert Johnson captures that longing in “Me and the Devil Blues,” when he sings, “You can bury my body down by the highway side so my ol’ evil spirit can catch a Greyhound bus and ride.” Bob Dylan’s 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited, which he has said is the best thing he ever recorded, is another tribute to the power and influence of this asphalt stretch of music experience and history.

The historically richest stretch of U.S. 61 runs from Memphis, Tennessee to Leland, Mississippi, through the rural Mississippi River Delta: beautiful, fertile and heartbreaking–like the blues it spawned. Legend has it that Johnson, standing at the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, sold his soul to the devil to become king of the blues. Today there is actually a crossed-guitars sculpture at the sign marking the crossroads. This heart of the Mississippi Blues Trail is 135 miles long, but the first portion, Memphis to Clarksdale, is only about 75 miles, and you can travel it as a day trip from Memphis. Both Clarksdale and Leland have many blues history sites and venues for contemporary artists, and Clarksdale especially can itself fill a day’s visit. Add to that the Delta scenery, and you’ve got a great mini-road trip or a several days’ excursion.

Clarksdale is one town that claims the title of birthplace of the blues. It was there, in the first years of the 20th century, that W.C. Handy, called the Father of the Blues, began melding the elements he heard in the music of fieldworkers, Black churches and traveling musicians of the region, whom he describes in his autobiography as “pour[ing] their heart out in song.” It must be noted that many towns throughout the South and beyond lay claim to both blues birthplace and to Handy himself, and a road trip just following Handy’s history would take you to places as far apart as Chicago, Illinois, where Handy played in the 1893 World’s Fair, and Henderson, Kentucky, where he lived for a decade (try to hit Henderson June 11th - June 18th for the annual W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival).

Clarksdale has also been home to other major blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, Junior Parker, John Lee Hooker, Ike Turner and Sam Cooke, all of whom have lived or performed there. In Clarksdale’s Delta Blues Museum, housed in the town’s historic brick freight depot, you’ll find artifacts and old instruments from these and other blues musicians, including a must-see for blues fans: B. B. King’s guitar, Lucille. The town has other fantastic stops, whether you’re looking for more history (like blues radio station WROX) or juke joints featuring local, up-and-coming and headliner artists.

About an hour down U.S. 61 from Clarksdale is Leland, home to the Leland Blues Project, which includes another Blues Museum and a summer blues festival. Last summer, the 109th Mississippi Blues Trail marker (this gives you an idea of how seriously blues are taken here!) was unveiled, honoring Leland natives and blues/rock musicians and brothers Edgar and Johnny Winter.

Whether you decide you only have time for a daytrip or are able to head all the way down to New Orleans to see where blues and jazz come together, U.S. Highway 61 takes you on a fascinating journey through American music history. And be sure to take along Give My Poor Heart Ease: Voices of the Mississippi Blues by blues historian William Ferris for a great read.

Mardi Gras Fun for Everyone

January 4, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Ask most people what words they associate with Mardi Gras, and you’ll probably hear answers like “wild,” “partying,” “extravaganza” and “outrageous.” Mardi Gras celebrations—which occur all over the U.S. and in other countries—often include regional folk festivals, music performances, fantastic foods and kid-friendly parades and activities. So if you’re thinking of a vacation this winter or have a business trip coming up during Mardi Gras season, consider checking out the various forms of Mardi Gras put on around the country.

While the season officially begins January 6 (the Christian celebration of Epiphany or Three Kings Day), the major celebrations tend to be concentrated in the week or two before “Fat Tuesday” (March 8 this year), the last day before Lent, with most major parades and activities on the preceding weekend.

Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. originated with French colonists along the Gulf coast, and the first was probably held more than 300 years ago in Mobile, Alabama. Today Mobile’s Mardi Gras includes more than a dozen parades (the first on February 5th) and other events described as “family fun, revelry and camaraderie” by the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association. Mardi Gras parades in all areas of the country include paraders tossing “throws”: bead necklaces, doubloon coins, wrapped candies and sometimes small stuffed animals and other toys—instant souvenirs for everyone. Other Gulf Coast towns holding Mardi Gras celebrations are Biloxi, Mississippi; Galveston, Texas; and Pensacola, Florida.

The country’s second oldest and most well known Mardi Gras is, of course, in New Orleans, and festivities there also will begin in early February with dozens of parades (often several in one day), music and other live performances, as well as public parties at locations ranging from the French Quarter to local parks and plazas, to restaurants and bars. The French Quarter is party-central for adult revelers, though on February 7th it is the site of the annual Dog parade, a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Other kid-friendly locations include Charles Street (another popular parade route). You can also find very kids-oriented Mardi Gras celebrations in smaller Louisiana towns, such as Alexandria.

Several major cities—New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Indianapolis—celebrate Mardi Gras. While not all include parades, most feature other classic elements of the festival such as performances, parties and special food and dining experiences. St. Louis hosts a celebration identified as another of the big ones and includes a number of especially kid-friendly events, such as the annual dog parade and Weiner Dog Derby.

There’s much of Mardi Gras that kids can enjoy, but as with anything new, sometimes a bit of pre-trip prep can help them get even more out of the experience. There are many websites with crafts and educational activities for children aged two and up, introducing them to such traditional Mardi Gras elements as masks, crowns and King Cake (with easy recipes).

Where to stay is also an important consideration to think through. Because Mardi Gras festivities tend to continue late into the night and can, indeed, get pretty noisy, you may want to consider booking a hotel that is not right in the center of things, whether you’re traveling with kids or not. Restaurants can also be more crowded than usual at this time, and you may want to relax and dine at your leisure; a comfortable room with a well-equipped kitchen at any of our Extended Stay Hotels locations lets you enjoy Mardi Gras at your own pace.

Travel Tune Trivia Game

November 15, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

A quick Internet search will turn up lists of “best travel songs” by everyone and his brother, sister and long-lost cousin. But we’ve got something more specific in mind: a travel tune trivia game. Like, what are the best R & B tunes about a hotel? Classic rock numbers about air travel? Songs about specific states? Songs about modes of transportation? There are thousands of different themes. To get you started, we’ve assembled some categories—with a few contributions—just about guaranteed to start up conversations the next time you’re driving on cruise-control through the Mohave Desert or stuck in O’Hare nursing a beer at Wolfgang Puck’s.

DESTINATIONS:
States: James Taylor’s “Carolina on My Mind” and the Mamas & Papas’ “California Dreamin’.”
Cities: “NY, NY” by Frank Sinatra and “Ooh, Las Vegas” by Emmy Lou Harris. And here’s a two-fer: Tish Hinojosa “Taos to Tennessee.”
Geographic features and tourist sites: John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High.” And for a really long trip, how about the whole country? Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” and “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash.
Lodging: “Hotel California” by the Eagles.

TRAVEL MODE:
Car: Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and Chuck Berry’s “Riding Around In My Automobile.”
Airplane: “The Letter” by Joe Cocker and “Jet Airliner” by Steve Miller Band.
Boat: Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” and “It’s Been a Lovely Cruise” by Jimmy Buffet. And we think the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” can count.
Train:No contest. Has to be Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans” (which Johnny Cash named “the best train song” he’d ever heard). And here’s a travel mode three-fer: Joni Mitchell’s “Trains and Boats and Planes.”

TRAVEL MODE "TRAIN" BY GENRE:
Classic Rock: “Big Railroad Blues” by Grateful Dead.
Pop: “Last Train to Clarksville” by The Monkees.
Motown: “Midnight Train to Georgia”by Gladys Knight & the Pips (two-fer—state & genre)
Country: “Life’s Railway to Heaven” by Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson.
Blues and jazz: John Coltrane’s “Blue Train.”
Alternative: John Mayer’s “Stop This Train.”
Folk: “500 Miles” by Peter, Paul & Mary (add PPM’s “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane” and you have another category: multiple travel songs by the same group/singer!)
Kids: “Conjunction Junction” from Schoolhouse Rock!

DECADE:
40’s - “Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe” by Judy Garland
50’s - “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley
60’s - “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett
70’s - “Ramblin’ Man” by the Allman Brothers
80’s - “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
90’s - “Please Come to Boston” by Jackopierce

Get the picture? Even writing about it can be addictive. You can play this travel tune trivia game alone, while in transit with a coworker, or while trapped in the car during your next family vacation. If you want to add a competitive edge to it, invent a point system: 1 point for just the title, 2 points for title and band/singer and 5 bonus points if for the songwriter. When everyone has to pass, the last person who had an entry is the winner. If the game is to continue, that person gets to name the next category. And when someone misses, well, you can pick the penalty he or she must pay.

Last-Minute Weekend Deals: Extended Stay Hotels from $23.99/night

August 18, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Last minute deals for new bookings this weekend (stays 8/20 through 8/22) and next weekend (stays 8/27 through 8/29) at select Extended Stay Hotels(sm) locations. Visit our Weekend Deals section by clicking here.  From there, you can book and save at least 20% on stays this weekend or next at your favorite destinations, like Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta, and many others.

For Arrival Dates 8/20/2010 and 8/21/2010

* Los Angeles, CA - Rates from $42.99/night
* Chicago, IL - Rates from $39.99/night
* Boston, MA - Rates from $55.99/night
* Houston, TX - Rates from $37.99/night
* Washington DC Area - Rates from $43.99/night
* See all Locations >

For Arrival Dates 8/27/2010 and 8/28/2010

* Phoenix, AZ - Rates from $23.99/night
* Orlando, FL- Rates from $31.99/night
* Atlanta, GA - Rates from $31.99/night
* Las Vegas, NV - Rates from $39.99/night
* Dallas, TX - Rates from $27.99/night
* See all Locations >

Summer Music Fests

May 4, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Nothing says summer more than hot days, warm nights, delicious food and great tunes. That’s why summer is the perfect time for stepping out and hitting some of this country’s greatest music festivals. Whether you find yourself in San Francisco or Jersey City, there’s a musical event that will suit your soul.

June

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a 4–day event featuring a variety of great musicians. The 2010 lineup includes a mix of well-known bands (Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, Norah Jones) and a great selection of up-and-coming artists. The festival also includes unique products and crafts for sale, food and drink vendors and a variety of alternative and eclectic activity tents. The festival is held at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles southeast of Nashville, from June 10–13.

If you’re not afraid of crowds, the Summerfest Music Festival is the one for you. Held from June 24–July 4 at the Henry Maier Park in Milwaukee, it attracts close to one million people each year. The Summerfest Music Festival features an amazing musical lineup that includes: Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow and Carrie Underwood, to name a few. It also includes comedy acts, shopping vendors, fireworks and other exciting attractions.

July

The Pitchfork Music Festival is the weekend of July 16–18 in the heart of Chicago at Union Park. With a lineup that features Modest Mouse, Wolf Parade, Delorean and more, this festival is sure to strike the right note. With a variety of activities and vendors, (over 40 musicians and artists) the Pitchfork Music Festival is a reasonably priced musical event that the whole family can comfortably enjoy. It is easy to get to via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus (#9), or you can hop on the train and get off at the Ashland Green Line stop. Children of all ages are welcome and children under 10 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Featuring New York City’s own unique band, Vampire Weekend, along with the musical talents of Jay-Z, Cold Play, Tool and more, the All Points West Music and Arts Festival is one of the best around. Held at Liberty State Park in New Jersey from July 30-August 1, the All Points West festival includes delicious food and art exhibits. All ages are welcome to attend, and ages 5 and under are free. If you plan to attend All Points West, be sure to visit some of the most famous landmarks in the area, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

August and September

The Outside Lands Music Festival takes place August 13–15 in San Francisco’s famed Golden Gate Park. With over 60 musical acts, unique vendors, interactive attractions, an eco-friendly vibe and top-name performers, Outside Lands is an entertainment treat. If you’re planning on attending Outside Lands, be sure to check out the park’s other special features such as the Japanese Tea Gardens, De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.

Bumbershoot is Seattle’s famous Music and Arts Festival. Held at the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot is considered the largest festival of its kind in North America. With seven stages of music ranging from jazz to hip hop, a strong lineup of comedians, short films on varying themes, dance troupes, art exhibits and famous authors, Bumbershoot has something for everyone. This year, Bumbershoot will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, so be prepared for an amazing festival.

Finally, if you’re looking for a music festival to attend, but can’t seem to find one that fits into your summer schedule, check out Spacelab and/or Consequence of Sound for a comprehensive list of 2010 music festivals throughout the world. And, remember whether you’re in Seattle, Chicago, Tennessee or points in between, Extended Stay Hotels are conveniently located near each one of the music festivals listed above. With reasonable rates and fully equipped kitchens, your summer is sure to be a memorable and musical experience.