Hermann, Missouri

Photo - Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn in Hermann - Jumping Rocks Photography

The historic town of Hermann, MO., in scenic Missouri Wine Country, is the Napa of the Heartland. Situated on the Missouri River 70 miles west of St. Louis, it's an old German town where everyone knows one another and welcomes visitors to their antique shops, B&Bs and wineries.

Hermann is perfect for a weekend getaway, with seven wineries and over 300 bed and breakfast rooms in the area. Beer lovers should also visit the Tin Mill Brewery, which follows traditional German methods of beer making. The historic downtown district off of the riverfront is full of antique and handmade gift shops, art shops, museums and unique restaurants. The nearby Katy trail draws bicyclers from all over the Midwest. Hermann’s comfortable B&Bs provide rest, great breakfasts and unique lodging experiences. Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Riverbluff Cottages serves up some of the best views in town. Its eight-room Inn overlooks Hermann from the highest hilltop, with a Norton grape vineyard laid out on the hillside below the guest room balconies.

Across town, its Riverbluff Cottages feature private decks over the river with hot tubs and barbecue grills. The suites at both the Inn and the Cottages boast king-sized beds, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and flat-screen TVs. A modern wedding chapel and event pavilion adjacent to the Cottages are a stunning venue for a wine country wedding, and the white gazebo at the crest of the bluff is perfect to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the water.

Visit www.hermannhill.com for more information.

Sonoma Valley, California

Sonoma Valley, gateway to Northern California’s Wine Country, is located just 45 miles northeast of San Francisco in the southern section of Sonoma County. Approximately a one-hour drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the valley is home to the historic City of Sonoma and the communities of Glen Ellen, and Kenwood. A prime grape growing region it offers a rare blend of renowned wineries and unique historic sites reminiscent of the Old West. Today many of the world's finest wineries make this region their home.

Dress is country casual and bringing layers (even in the summer) can be very helpful due to the variety of temperatures in Sonoma’s micro-climate. Wineries are open-year round and most wineries offer shipping services and wine clubs. If you plan on shipping wine to your home state, first find out if your state allows for direct shipment of wine from California. If you plan a summer visit be sure to make lodging reservations well in advance especially for weekends and most importantly for festival weekend celebrations. Visit during the winter months or during the week for your best lodging values.

Visit www.bestinsonoma.com for more information.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Bed & Breakfast Association of Coeur d'Alene Area

The North Idaho Bed and Breakfast Association welcomes you to beautiful North Idaho. If you desire peaceful solitude of the countryside, stunning views of our lakes and mountains, or small-town friendliness, bustle and convenience – whatever lodging you desire can be found in a variety of bed and breakfasts, inns, private guest suites and cottages. Our organization consists of 20 bed and breakfasts. Each is unique in design and amenities and awaits the traveler with a rewarding experience.

North Idaho is rich in cultural history, art and entertainment. The opportunity to participate in outdoor activities in the Northwest like skiing, golfing, hiking, biking and water sports make this an ideal location for year around fun!

Member B&B's "Provide the best that North Idaho has to offer". They have lake-side, mountain-top, river-front and in-town homes;- some built in the early 1900s, others built from then until now. Each has something unique to make your stay one you will always remember. Find your heart in North Idaho and come visit often!!!

Visit www.bb-cda.com for more information.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Dancer from the Nuvatukya’ovi Sinom Dance Group
Photo © 2008 Michele Mountain/MNA

SUMMER FESTIVAL BRINGS THE HOPI PEOPLE TO FLAGSTAFF

Summer is the time of ceremonial dances, growing corn, and monsoon rains to the Hopi people. And for the last 75 years, summer has also been the time that this hardworking and spiritual people come to Flagstaff to share their art and culture. This July 4 and 5, the Museum of Northern Arizona will open its doors for its 76th Annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, “the Oldest Hopi Art Show in the World”.

The Museum comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Hopi people—evoking the very spirit of this Colorado Plateau culture.

Events include:

Heritage Insights Presentations
Making Hopi Basketry
Acoustic Guitar and Native Flute
Katsina Doll Carving
Lectures on Hopi Culture
Casper and the 602 Band
Traditional Hopi Foods-yeasted bread baked in an outside wood-fired bread oven
Pottery Making
Sash Weaving
Creative Corner Outside for Kids
Hopi Fashion Show of Native Inspired Creations.
Traditional Hopi Songs,
Hopi Quilt Display

More Festival Activities

In addition to the 75 booth artists, the Museum staff has made several trips to the Hopi Reservation to collect one-of-a-kind consignment items for sale from individual artists. The collecting trips have always been an important part of the Hopi festivals, allowing artists who produce only a few items per year, or who might not have transportation to Flagstaff, a chance to market their work. Hundreds of distinctive art pieces such as quilts, rattles, pottery, katsinas dolls, paintings, and baskets are for sale at this year’s festival.

The Nuvatukya’ovi Sinom Dance Group will perform the Polhikmana or water maiden dance, and the koshari or clown dance, a Supai dance celebrating the Havasupai people.

Visit www.musnaz.org for more information.