FL: Sweet Pete’s Classes Teach Secrets of Creating Treats

Jacksonville, Fl Exit 353B: Unleash your inner Willy Wonka with an entertaining and interactive candy-making workshop at Sweet Pete’s Candy,  the emporium of decadent chocolates, sweet candies and ice cream. Tickle your sweet-tooth while diving into the whimsical world of a confectioner as you craft sugary treats. Sweet Pete's Chocolate PizzaSP_class-6102

Who doesn’t love chocolate?  Sweet Pete’s offer a  great class for chocolate and pizza lovers alike: Chocolate Pizza Class. Visit the candy shop and choose sweet toppings to customize your chocolate pizza to your particular taste. Your chocolate pizza is packaged in a Sweet Pete’s to-go pizza box. The hardest part is waiting for the chocolate to harden before you can eat  it: Chocolate Pizza Class – Fri, Aug 25th  @ 4PM.

Sweet Pete's Gummies in moldsDSC_8269If chocolates not your thing then maybe you’d prefer to follow Sweet Pete’s recipe and learn to make your own gummies.  Sweet Pete’s continuously uses all natural ingredients and in this class participants will make delicious gummies in a wide variety of fun shapes, as well as create a sour mixture to coat the gummies  The candy makers will lead each class through a “gummy flight,” sampling gummies exclusive to Sweet Pete’s to understand the variety of gelling agents used in gummy making world-wide.  Gummy-Making Class –  Sat, Aug 26th @ 4PM. This class includes voucher for 1 scoop of ice cream.Sweet Pete's - pouring gummies in mold_1

Either classes are approximately 1 hour long. Please check in for class at their 1st floor retail counter.

*It is store policy that children under 15 years of age, must be accompanied by a paid adult to attend the class. *Ages 4 and up*

Location: Sweet Pete’s Candy, 400 N. Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Date and Time: Chocolate Pizza – Fri, Aug 25th  @ 4:00 PM
Gummy-Making – Sat, Aug 26th @ 4:00 PM
Tel: 904-376-7161
sweetpetescandy.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitjacksonville.com

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CT: Holy Moly Guacamole: A Fiesta in your Mouth at Connecticut’s Taco Festival

Danbury, CT Exit 15 to Route 7: The best fiesta of the summer is taking place at the inaugural Connecticut Taco Festival, celebrating the tacos and taco-lovers alike.TacoFest StanIMG_6430

Your taste-buds will go crazy for the amazing variety of taco assortments from restaurants and food trucks around Connecticut. Tacos go hand-in-hand with a drink selection including frozen margaritas, tequila and Mexican beer.

While tacos lovers savor the eats, they can expect to be entertained by Lucha Libre Wrestling featuring Rey Mysterio and Jerry Lawler, Taco-Eating Contests, Live Music and Performances, including a Mariachi Band, Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Yale and local music. Kids activities include face painting, piñatas, and more. A fiesta in your mouth and loads of fun entertainment for the whole family.

Admission tickets include: free tacos, two voting tickets for your favorite tacos, access to the bar with Drink Specials (drinks are not included), entry to live music, performances and wrestling, Taco-Eating Contests, Shopping, Tasting Vendors & Kids Activities, t-shirt and free giveaways, including a shot glass.

Location: Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT 06810
Date: Sat, Aug 26, 2017
Time: 10 AM – 8 PM
Tel: 203-794-1704
cttacofestival.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfairfieldcountyct.com

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CT: Over 35,000 Oysters & Clams at the 43rd Oysterfest

Milford, CT Exit 38: The 43rd Milford Oyster Festival has one of the largest variety of oysters at any festival in the country. There will be 35,000 oysters with 19 varieties from eight states on the East Coast. The popular annual event attracts more than 50,000 people to downtown Milford and is held rain or shine.Milford Oysterfest - Arts & CraftsA and C

Besides great food, wine and a craft beer garden, the festival has a Classic Car Show, over 200 Arts and Craft vendors, Schooner Rides, Canoe and Kayak Races, amusement rides, kids and teen activities, exhibitors and some top notch entertainment including Blackberry Smoke,  Artimus Pyle and DizzyFish. Best of all admission is free. The  festival is easily accessible by Metro North Train or shuttle bus from various locations in Milford. Milford Oysterfest - ShulkingMOF 2016 Oysters DSC_1749City of Milford

Milford Oysterfest -crowd jpeg

 Oyster Shucking Contest:

– 1st heat 10:30 AM
– 2nd heat 12 Noon
– 3rd heat 1:30PM

Oyster Eating Invitational @ 2:00pm

Musical Entertainment Schedule:

Milford Oysterfest - artimus pyle band

Friday: Oyster Eve at Lisman Landing:
6 p.m.: DizzyFish, acoustic.
7 p.m.: Classic Stones Live! featuring the Glimmer Twins.

Saturday: Main Stage:
Noon: DizzyFish.
1:30 p.m.: Artimus Pyle.
3:30 p.m.: Blackberry Smoke.

Saturday: Lisman Landing
Noon: Milford Arts Council Winners
1:20 p.m.: Blues Patrol.
3 p.m.: Classic Stones Live! featuring the Glimmer Twins.

Location: Downtown Milford, CT 06460
Date: Sat, Aug 19, 2017
Hours: 10am-6pm
Tel: 203-878-5363
milfordoysterfestival.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: milfordct.com

 

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NH: Fantastic Family Fun for the Young and the Young-at-Heart

Hampton Beach, NH Exit 2 : There is no better place to be a kid than at Hampton Beach. That’s especially true during one week from August 14th to 18th when the Hampton Beach Children’s Festival returns to delight the young and young at heart again.Hampton Beach Children's Festival Girl2017-07-20_10-28-16

The family fun event kicks off on Monday, August 14th with a magic show by BJ Hickman on the famous Hampton Beach Seashell Stage at 10 a.m., and building up to a huge Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on Friday, August 18th. Every child gets a prize just for being a part of it.

Hampton Beach Children's Festival2017-07-20_10-28-16Enjoy five days filled with free non-stop activities and entertainment for children and their families, including sand castle contests, costume parades, Ronald McDonald Magic Show, children’s entertainment on the Sea Shell Stage.

There will be also be mini-golf, dancing, storytelling, balloons, Monday Movies on the beach and a kids’ bumper sticker contest where the winner gets a free bike.

Free ice cream, Coca-Cola and…every child wins a prize! All Children’s Festival activities are free and open to the public.Hampton Beach Childrens fest StageIMG_7282

Download the 2017 Schedule

Location: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH, 03862
Date: Mon, Aug 14 – Fri,  Aug 18,2017
Time: 5:30pm
Tel: 603-926-8717
hamptonbeach.org/events/childrens-events/
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: portsmouthnh.com

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Entertainment, Festival, Food, Fun, Kids, Nature, New Hampshire, Special Event | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MD: The Howard County Fair Celebrating 72 Years!

West Friendship, MD Exit 38 B to Rt. 32 West: The 72nd Annual Howard County Fair kicks off on Saturday, August 5th through Saturday, August 12th, 2017. The fair is a  celebration of Howard County’s farming past and present. Howard County Fair -girl

An American tradition loaded with wonderfully wholesome family fun including: magic shows, clowns, balloon artists, carnival rides and games, interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, livestock exhibits, musical entertainment, an animal petting zoo and appetizing food.

Howard County Fair -Pig RacesThe Howard County Fair hosts horse shows, pony rides, Antique tractor pulls, and livestock competitions, 4-H shows/exhibits, Demo Derby, Rodeo, Horse-Pulling Contest, Antique Automobile Show, Pie Eating Contest,  Pig Races, Bingo, AG Displays and Farm produce. Enjoy some of the area’s best live music, from rock and country, to bluegrass Howard County Fair - Tractorand oldies.

There is also a PRCA All American Pro Rodeo on August 7th & 8th, 7:00 pm as well as a Demolition Derby on August 9th & 12th – 7:00 pm.

Schedule of Some Featured Events:

Horse-Pulling Contest – First Saturday @ 10:00 am

Antique Tractor Pull – First Saturday @ 4:00 pm

Antique Automobile Show – Sunday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pie Eating Contest – Sunday @ 12:00 noon

Pretty Animal Contest – Sunday @ 11:00 am

Miss Howard County Farm Bureau Contest,
Future Howard County Farmer, and
Little Miss Howard County Farm Bureau Contest – Sunday @ 3:00 pm

Mule Pulling Contest – First Saturday @ 9:00 am

Coon Mule Jump – First Saturday, immediately after Mule Pull

Howard County’s Got Talent – Thursday @ 7:30 pm

Baby Contest Miniature Parade – Last Saturday @ 10:00 am

Parade of Floats – Last Saturday @ 5:00 pm

Amusement Rides & Games – Hours:
Saturdays and Sunday: 12 Noon – 11 pm;
Monday through Friday: 2pm – 11pm

“Kids and Critters” Barn Hours:
10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(CLOSED DAILY FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM)

Pig Races – 12 Noon, 3 pm, 6 pm, & 8 pm
Bingo Hall – Opens Daily at 6 pm
Pony Rides – 10 am – 10 pm
AG Displays – DAILY
Farm Produce – DAILY

Location: 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794 Get Directions
Dates: Aug 5 – 12, 2017
Time: 8 AM – 11PM
Tel: 410-442-1022
howardcountyfair.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visithowardcounty.com

 

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FL: Delicious History of Chocolate with a Walking Tour of St. Augustine

St Augustine, FL Exit 311: Explore the decadent delights of the nation’s oldest city on this indulgent tour of St. Augustine’s finest chocolate creations. The VIP ‘ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE’ Tasting Tour is an especially delectable way to learn more about St. Augustine’s historic district, where you will get to experience the most unique chocolate selections that St Augustine has to offer.St Augustine Choc Tour-Choc Image

Guests will explore culinary venues, local fixtures, and off-the-beaten-path foodie hot spots to sample heavenly chocolate in all of its glorious adaptations. Samples will include wine, sauces, toppings, dips, desserts, and more.

Aside from the sheer decadence, you’ll discover how chocolate played a pivotal role in influencing the history and culture of the New World, while seeing unique points of interest along the way. Imagine taking in the delicious antiquity of the old city while indulging in one of man-kinds most beloved ancient tasting treasures along the way.St Augustine Chocolate Tour -Peppers 1

This 2+ hour tour departs from Tour St. Augustine Inc., located downtown at 4 Granada Street, on select weekend dates. Tour departs at 1 pm (check in 15 mins prior) and advance reservations are required. Visit here to book a tour.St Augustine Chocolate Tour - Desserts2

Location: The tour departs from Tour St. Augustine, 4 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Date and Time: The first Saturday of the month in 2017 at 1:00 pm (Aug 5, Sept 2, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec2)
Tel: 904-825-0087
staugcitywalks.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: floridashistoriccoast.com

 

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VA: Yves Saint Laurent’s Fashion at Richmond’s VMFA

Richmond, VA Exit 78: The excitement of the fashion runway come to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts this spring with Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style. showcasing highlights from the iconic designer’s 44-year career.Yves St Laurent 2017-06-14_14-45-42

Drawn from the collection of the Fondation Pierre Bergé—Yves Saint Laurent,  and other private acquisitions, this impressive compilation offers an intimate and extensive view at the lifetime achievement of Yves Saint Laurent, one of history’s most avant-garde  and influential fashion designers.

Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent,Paris.
Photo: Guy Marineau

Featuring 100 examples of haute couture and ready-to-wear garments—some never shown publicly before—this exhibition reveals Saint Laurent’s artistic virtuoso, as well as his working technique, and the origins of his design inspiration. Witness his immersive operative process from his first sketch and fabric selection to the various stages of production and fitting before a final garment was realized.St Laurent Interior Exhibition

In addition to haute couture ensembles and ready-to-wear clothing, Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style also includes accessories, photographs, drawings, films, and video from the Fondation’s vast archive.St Laurent Tuxedo

 

Photo by David Stover © VMFA

The exhibition traces the trajectory of Saint Laurent’s style as it developed over the course of his career, beginning in 1953 with the Paper Doll Couture House that he created when he was a teenager, the exhibition is a journey from his first days at Dior in 1958, through his groundbreaking designs in the 1960s and 70s and the splendor of his final runway collection in 2002.                            

Fondation Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint Laurent, Paris. Photo: Gérard Pataa

Location:Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
Dates: Until August 27, 2017
Hours: Daily: 10 am – 5 pm, Thu & Fri: Until 9 pm
Tel: : 804-340-1405
vmfa.museum
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitrichmondva.com

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RI: Five Days of Dance, Storytelling, Music and Theater at Providence’s Fringe Fest

Providence, RI Exit 20: Providence’s 4th annual Fringe Festival, FRINGEPVD 2017 – will be held July 24-29, 2017 and it has grown rapidly since it started.

The Providence Fringe Festival (FRINGEPVD) is open to anyone who wants to produce their own show. For some artists, it’s a once-a-year opportunity to create a show and for others it can be an opportunity to try something new.

This year more than three hundred individual theatre, music, dance, multi-media, and performing artists  will be brought together for five nights in traditional and non-traditional performance venues throughout the Providence area.

Founded in 2014 by The Wilbury Theatre Group, the festival offers affordable tickets for outside-the-box performances that run from 40-60 minutes. Some are Free, while other tickets are $5 or $10 and can be purchased at the door. Audiences are encouraged to take full advantage of the variety of performing and visual artists participating in the fringe and attend performances that you wouldn’t normally attend, see things you wouldn’t otherwise see. Keep an open mind, have fun and check out multiple shows each night. Hringe Festival Profile2017-07-19_13-34-22

Downtown venues include AS220 Black Box Theater, Aurora, Big Nazo Satellite Space, The Dean Hotel, Mathewson Street Black Box Theater, and the RISD Museum and more. Eleven venues in total. fringepvd.org/venues.html

Location: The Wilbury Theatre Group, 393 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907 and various other venues
Dates: July 24 – July 29, 2017
Times: 6pm – 11pm
Tel: 401-400-7100
fringepvd.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goprovidence.com

Posted in Articulture, Culture, Entertainment, Festival, Fun, Providence, Rhode Island, Special Event, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FL: Praise the Lord and Pass the Suntan Lotion

Daytona Beach, FL Exit 261: The Daytona Beach Drive–In Church – Back in 1953 when this was still the Neptune Drive-In Theater, The First Christian Church organized the first drive-in service. Daytona Drive In Church

Buying the property in 1957, they now welcome everyonetourists, the physically challenged, families with kids or those looking for a unique way to worship (honking your horn = clapping).

Services typically last for about 55 minutes and they offer hot coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts before and after each service in Friendship Hall.

Perfect for those going to swim on Sunday (don’t need to wear your Sunday best!) – just stay in the car, tune in on your radio, and at the end Rev. Robert Kemp-Baird will shake your hand through the window – then you can zip across the street to the beach.

Location: Daytona Beach Drive In Christian Church, 3140 South Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
Hours: Sun 8:30 & 10
Tel: 386-767-8761
driveinchurch.net
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: DaytonaBeach.com

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NC: Secret Outlet For Bargain Athletic Wear

Fayetteville, NC Exit 52: Young girls love the Soffe line of casual athletic wear, but there’s apparel for everyone else here too. Soffe is an all-American lifestyle activewear brand that makes sizes for the entire family including; toddlers, girls, juveniles, youth, juniors, women, and men including big and tall. 

In solid colors, there’s varsity pants, jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, running shorts, windbreakers, cheerleading clothing, ranger shorts and more.

IMG_2864It’s an  outlet store, so pricing can go from $1 pieces of clothing piled in giant cardboard boxes to $29.99 on the racks. If you’re  lucky you might arrive when they’ve opened the back warehouse room to the public. Then men, women and children might score their well-made clothing for the amazing price of $1-$3. Sandra loaded up the last time that she was there.IMG_2869

The Soffe juniors’ line has been strong in the brand’s cheer-leading apparel but has expanded to include  yoga, dance and running. Be sure to check out their performance wear, which features technical fabrics.

Their outstanding quality stems from their roots as a distributor to the military. This line is tough, durable and dependable, and it is designed to channel America’s original athlete: the soldier.

There’s another location in Smithfield at Exit IMG_287095 next door to JR,
49F Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way, Selma, NC 27576
919- 965-0062

Location: Soffe Outlet Store, 1005 Dunn Rd, Fayetteville 28312
Hours: Fayetteville: Mon – Sat 9:30 – 5:30, Sun – closed
Smithfield: Mon – Sat 10 – 6, Sun 12 – 6
Tel: 910-483-1776
soffe.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfayettevillenc.com

 

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