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Finally! An Art Auction for People Who Hate Art

November 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM | 0 Comments

This is the time of year when New York’s socialite set starts gathering for charity dinners and gala auctions, where those who still have money to burn can get their name in Page Six by way overpaying for both dinner and art purchases, all in the name of charity.

If you’ve got just a little less cash to go around but still want to get in on this game, check out NYxNY’s Bad Art Auction, taking place for the second year tonight at West Village bar Le Poisson Rouge.

You won’t see any Rothkos or Warhols up for bidding, but last year’s items ranged from inflatable pig paintings to NASCAR portraits. So bring your wallet--and a sense of humor--as all proceeds go to nonprofit New York Cares.

Related Stories:
· Bad Art Auction [Official Site]
· NYxNY Presents Bad Art Auction [Flavorpill]
· Art coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: axle]

Fun Fun Fun In Austin This Weekend

November 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM | 0 Comments

Austin becomes the center of the indie rock universe every spring for the South by Southwest music festival. But while that 15-year-old fest has grown pretty unaffordable for anyone who doesn't own a record label, another Austin festival is stepping up to the plate with something a little more every-rocker.

The Fun Fun Fun Fest, now in it's third year, takes place this weekend in Austin's Waterloo Park. FFFF doesn't have SXSW's 1,000-plus bands, but they do bring a pretty stellar lineup this year, with indie A-listers like The National, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Minus the Bear, and ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead.

And with tickets starting at $25--including free after-parties around Austin--we might have a reason to start moving our annual Texas trip to November.

Related Stories:
· Fun Fun Fun Fest [Official Site]
· SXSW coverage [Jaunted]
· Music Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Fun Fun Fun Fest]

Food, Wine, Desert

November 3, 2008 at 4:30 PM | 0 Comments

Three's always the perfect amount of company when you're combining food, wine and art. Head to Palm Desert, California from November 6-9 for the Annual Art of Food & Wine Festival, which features celebrity chefs (Rick Tramanto, Sara Moulton), tastings, art tours of the area's galleries and live music (The B52's).

One of the cooler events? A tasting-slash-golf tournament at Desert Willow Golf Resort where each hole brings something delicious from a well-known chef or nearby winery. Tickets aren't cheap at $275, but you'll be stuffed by the time you're done. Or check out the "Opening Night Food Flight" event where guests judge the celeb chefs on what they liked best. For sweet tooth types, there's an opening night "Sweet Dreams" dessert in the desert event, with tons of sugary snacks paired with wines, champagnes and after-dinner drinks.

Make it easy and stay at the Desert Springs Resort (a Marriott) and get their Weekend Pass Package which includes a standard room and tickets to the daily Grand Tastings and opening night events for $495.

Related Stories:
· Travel Calendar: Art of Food & Wine [LAT]
· The Art of Food & Wine [Official Site]
· Art of Food & Wine Festival Package [Desert Springs]

[Photo: Art of Food & Wine]

Marathon Month In The Outer Banks

October 29, 2008 at 12:03 PM | 0 Comments

Some would consider the month of November marathon season. After all, New York, Philadelphia and Seattle all run their 26.2 miles during the month. However, for most people, these races, especially the one in NYC, are quite difficult to register for--let alone qualify for.

However, there's also the Outer Banks Marathon set along the backdrop of North Carolina's barrier islands. It's a point-to-point course, meaning you won't have to circle back around and go past the same sights over and over again. Cool fall temperatures greet runners as they traverse sand dunes, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and of course, Albemarle Sound.

It's a pretty flat course except for when you cross the bridge around mile marker 23 onto Roanoke Island. If you're totally ridiculous, feel free to dress like a pirate---you won't be the only one! There's still time to register, but hurry up, as the starting gun fires on November 9.

Related Stories:
· OBX Marathon [Official Site]
· Marathons coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: jimslownsteady]

Get Your Caffeine Buzz on the Big Island

October 27, 2008 at 1:20 PM | 0 Comments

Hawaii's oldest food festival kicks off on November 7 and runs through November 16 in celebration of the island's famed crop. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, as the name implies, also attempts to reveal more about the community and its heritage in addition to just serving up tasty beverages.

The International Lantern Parade starts things off on Friday evening. Groups take to Alii Drive dressed in ethnic costumes. On Sunday, practice your coffee picking abilities in a timed competition. Both experts and novices are welcome as you compete for prizes, including cash.

On Thursday, November 13, head over to the Keauhou Beach Resort to witness the final round of the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition. Growers from up and down the coast eagerly anticipate who will be honored with the award for finest coffee. Finally, if your caffeine high is still going strong, wrap things up on the final festival weekend with the Kamehameha Schools Kona Coffee Grand Parade. Try you best to sit still as floats, costumes and even Miss Kona Coffee march through town.

Related Stories:
· Kona Coffee Cultural Festival [Official Site]
· Fall Festivals coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: lrargerich]

Fall Festivals Travel: Even More Fried Food on a Stick

October 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM | 0 Comments

The North Carolina State Fair kicked off on October 16 and runs all the way through October 26 with the world's largest (somewhat) portable roller coaster, Toxic Shock and fried everything-on-a-stick.

If the usual midway games, carnival rides and huge vegetables on steroids aren't enough, Jared the Subway Guy is also making an appearance as he hosts a wacky dance competition--Pants Dance Revolution. Hopefully he won't fall off the wagon and be tempted by the fried pecan pie.

Entertainment offerings on tap for this year include ubiquitous Food Network celebrity Bobby Flay along with more traditional music acts including Montgomery Gentry, Mario and Idol-fave Bucky Covington. If the fair's unorthodox timing doesn't jive with your calendar, you can still stay in touch with all its happenings. Follow along through its blog--Fried @ the NC State Fair--or through Twitter.

Related Stories:
· 2008 NC State Fair [Official Site]
· Fried Fair Fare: Mac & Cheese, Pecan Pie [N&O]
· Fall Festivals coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of Onion Rings of the Future: baltimike]

Fall Festivals Travel: Plenty of Pumpkins

October 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM | 0 Comments

Even though they're a little early, the residents of New Hampshire are ready to celebrate Halloween this weekend at the Keene Pumpkin Festival.

Things start at 10 am on Saturday with a craft fair and all kinds of food, but the real fun starts at noon with the pumpkin seed spitting contest. More entertainment kicks off in the afternoon with musicians spread out across three stages. If you're up for more eating, or were impressed by Joey Chestnut's recent feat, then get a good spot for the pumpkin pie eating contest.

The day's events culminate when the official count of lighted jack-o-lanterns takes place. That's right, the whole festival is centered on trying to break the world record for the most candle-filled pumpkins in one place: Last year the festival got close with 25,644, but nearby Boston still holds the record with more than 30,000!

Related Stories:
· The Keene Pumpkin Festival [Official Site]
· Fall Festivals coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: jmwests]

Rebel Travel: Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November

October 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM | 0 Comments

Most American celebration plans are currently focused on Election Day parties or Thanksgiving dinners, but if you're looking for more of an escape-minded November, Britons are prepping for one of their fave holidays: Guy Fawkes Day.

Celebrated every November 5, the holiday marks the anniversary of a rebel plan to blow up Parliament 403 years ago. The plot was foiled, and the UK went on to live at least another few centuries.

Since Britain doesn't have an independence day like all the countries it used to control, Guy Fawkes Day will have to do. Every November 5, British patriots--and "V for Vendetta" fans--light up the country's sky with massive bonfires and firework displays. Check out some of the biggest in London, Glasgow or Somerset County.

Related Stories:
· London Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· Glasgow Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· UK Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Y Canada News]

Fall Festivals Travel: Goodbye Pumpkin, Hello World Record

October 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM | 0 Comments

If you aren't excited for Halloween yet, then this just might do the trick. In just two weeks, the World Championship Punkin Chunkin gets underway in Delaware. Running through the holiday weekend, the festival finds a unique way to dispose of those extra pumpkins that weren't luckily enough to be carved.

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Back of the Envelope Guide: Windy City Comicon

October 16, 2008 at 4:15 PM | 0 Comments

For those in the Midwest that couldn't make the pilgrimage to the main event in San Diego, here's some good news: Windy City Comicon is a little more than a week away. Comics, games and more will all be on display for an event that hopes to return for years to come.

Presentations will teach you how to write, draw and promote your idea and even how to publish on the Internet instead of going the dead-tree route. (Haven't you heard print is dead?)

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Nostalgia Travel: NYC's Big Wheel Race

October 15, 2008 at 11:15 AM | 0 Comments

This Saturday, October 18, Central Park will play host to the NYC Big Wheel Race. Tossed together by the pranksters at Newmindspace, racers can enter with big wheels, tricycles, skateboards or even a roller skate screwed to a 2x4--just as long as the vehicle's seat is no more than a foot off the ground.

Superhero attire--as well as protective gear--is suggested, and you'll probably need it: The race takes place down the Great Hill, the highest point in the park.

You'll need to email Newmindspace to register if you're racing, but spectators can just show up at 103rd Street and Central Park West by 2 pm to catch the start of the action.

Related Stories:
· Newmindspace [Official Site]
· The Big Wheel Rally [Zoomdoggle]
· Flash Mobs coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of a Big Wheel rally in San Francisco: Jef Poskanzer]

Oregon Is for Beer Lovers

October 13, 2008 at 10:30 AM | 0 Comments

While the attraction for most ale-heads at this weekend's Great American Beer Festival was the 1,800-plus brew list, the festival's not just about getting sloshed: There are also a bevy of awards handed out, and they can reap serious dividends for small breweries.

The prestigious awards span 75 categories, from best fruit or vegetable beer to best coffee flavored beer. The big winner this year: Oregon's hop-heavy breweries, who walked across the podium in Denver again and again. The Beaver State beat out almost all of its larger competitors by taking home nine gold medals and 19 overall.

For those looking to get a taste of just what these Oregonian brewers have going on, the state's Fresh Hop Beer Tastivals offer a chance, coming up in Portland on October 18 and in Eugene on October 25.

Related Stories:
· 2008 GABF Winners [Official Site]
· 2008 Fresh Hop Beer Tastivals [Official Site]
· Fall Travel: Say "Scumps" at the Great American Beer Festival [Jaunted]

[Photo: inajeep]