Tag Archives: festival

Cheery Cherry Festivals

I cannot tell a lie… I don’t really like cherries. However, I live in a state where besides beer, bratwurst, cheese, and the Green Bay Packers… cherries are a way of life. They are a major Wisconsin commercial export and over the years area residents have found some unique ways to integrate the red fruit into their daily diets (see recipe below). So, I guess it should come as no surprise that each summer (despite the fact that I’m not very fond of the sometimes-sweet-sometimes-tart fruit) our family treks to one of the area’s many Cherry Festivals. Each July the … Continue reading →

Don’t Hold The Mustard At This Summer Festival

Sure, I enjoy mustard on hamburgers, hot dogs, and salami sandwiches. And, of course, there’s nothing better than dipping a warm, soft pretzel into a tangy, grainy mustard. But, licking a cone full of mustard custard? Some say you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the cool and spicy frozen treat. Judge for yourself in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin (about 20 minutes from Madison), the Mustard capitol of the World, home to the World Famous Mustard Museum, and host of a Mustard Festival that has gained national attention. The Mustard Festival gained national exposure when it was featured on the Food Network. … Continue reading →

Visiting the Home of the Hamburger

Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, lemonade, many consider them the staples of a traditional summer meal. But, have you ever wondered where each was invented? I live near a city that proudly claims that it is the “Home of the Hamburger.” However, interestingly enough, there are three other cities in various parts of the country that make the same claim (more on that later). Each summer, residents of the respective cities celebrate by hosting Hamburger Festivals. In August, Akron, Ohio, will transform into a “Hamburger Heaven” in honor of the national food icon. During the festival, more than 20 local and … Continue reading →

The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival (Not Just For Cheeseheads)

For three days each June the Village of Little Chute, Wisconsin (about 20 miles south of Green Bay) virtually shuts down as residents and visitors from across the Midwest converge on Doyle Park to celebrate one of the state’s largest exports–cheese. When my friends and family members heard I heading to The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival they were shocked. After all, I am lactose intolerant. But, my attendance is a testament that you don’t have to love, like or even tolerate dairy to have an incredible time at the annual Cheese Fest. The festival caters to families and features much … Continue reading →

Watermelon Festivals (Coming To A City Near You)

Do you know any good watermelon recipes? Our local grocery store is currently selling entire watermelons for $1.50. I bought three. I’m not sure why. My husband and daughter don’t really like navigating around the seeds, which means I am now desperately searching for unique dishes that incorporate the refreshing fruit. (In retrospect, I realize my purchase was fueled more by the price than our collective love for the fruit.) So what am I going to do with 10 pounds of watermelon? Throw my own Watermelon Festival? It’s not such a bad idea. During my search for watermelon recipes I … Continue reading →

Let’s Go Fly A Kite!

“Let’s go fly a kite up to the highest heights. Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring. Up to the atmosphere, up to where the air is clear, oh let’s go fly a kite.” Do you remember the words to that song? I’m not sure I have them exactly right, but what I can remember, I am teaching to my 2-year-old daughter as we countdown the days to our local kite festival. With the last of winter hopefully behind us we are looking forward to spending a sunny day watching hundreds of kites take to the sky. Event … Continue reading →

Are You Going to Scarborough Faire?

Have you ever been to a Renaissance Festival? They are a great deal of fun. Renaissance festivals are located all over the country and area usually held for a few weeks every year. Many of the acts you will see at one renaissance festival just as likely travel to others on the renaissance faire circuit. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the local renaissance fair is held in Waxahachie for in April and May and is open every weekend from 10 in the morning till 7 at night. I was a big fan of the Ren Faire when I was a … Continue reading →

Up, Up And Away–Traveling To A Hot Air Balloon Festival

My parents met and married in Albuquerque, New Mexico, so my brothers and I know all about the city’s famed hot air balloon extravaganza. But, recently I took my daughter to a much smaller hot air balloon festival in Wisconsin. She loved it and she wasn’t alone. There were many other families with children of all ages enjoying the sight of dozens of colorful balloons on the ground and in the air. If you are looking to brighten up your travels, arrange your next trip around a hot air balloon festival. Here’s a list of some festivals taking place around … Continue reading →