Key West’s funky, eclectic flavor will be amplified during Fantasy Fest 2010 when the Florida island destination is transformed into this year’s theme, “Habitat for Insanity,” Oct. 22 -31, 2010. The over-the-top extravaganza will entice participants to leave their cares behind in exchange for a fantastical escape. During the 10-day long festival, revelers can party in more than 40 masquerade balls, costume contests and celebrations with a dazzling parade with large floats and costumed marching groups being the Fantasy Fest highlight.

A Royal Coronation Ball kicks off festivities on Oct. 22 when the king and queen of the “habitat” are crowned. A Goombay street party in the Bahama Village neighborhood is scheduled for Friday and Saturday of that same weekend and celebrates Key West’s Caribbean roots.

Additional festivities include the “Diagnosis Psychosis” Headdress Ball (Tuesday) with prizes for best masks, feathered turbans and other cranium covers; Pretenders in Paradise costume competition (Thursday) when entrants will don glittering costumes and dance under the stars; Fantasy Fest Street Fair (Friday), an ideal time for Key West vacationers who did not bring Fantasy Fest attire can pick up a feathered mask or just enjoy food and libations followed by the Masquerade March through Key West’s Old Town.  Monster’s Ball, a rowdy toga party, tea dances, sensual after-dark soirees and exuberant themed costume contests top off Fantasy Fest celebrations.

If vacation time is limited, plan your Key West Fantasy Fest trip around the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade in Key West’s historic downtown on Saturday, Oct. 30. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to gather around for a spectacle which usually includes Caribbean bands, fantabulously decorated floats including a 40-foot mechanical shark, and feather-bedecked marching groups. Being Key West, be prepared for other visual surprises.

The complete Fantasy Fest event schedule can be found at www.fantasyfest.net or call 305-296-1817. Be sure to let us assist you in finding the best value lodging in Key West during your fantastical vacation.

Image Source: Screen Shot of Official Fantasy Fest Website

Raise your glass and make a toast. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed September 2010 as California Wine Month for the sixth consecutive year. Many of California’s wineries, wine grape growers and regional associations are hosting events surrounding the state’s signature beverage. Hmm. Perhaps it’s time to plan a vacation to California.

“California has long been known for our production of superior, award-winning wines,” said Governor Schwarzenegger in his proclamation. “The Judgment of Paris in 1976 brought California wine to the world stage and established our wine producers as respected masters of their craft. This month is dedicated to celebrating our rich history of wine-making and the bright future of this important industry.”

California is home to more than 4,600 grape growers and 3,000 bonded wineries and accounts for about 90 percent of wine production in the United States. Special tastings, harvest tours and wine festivals are some of the events scheduled throughout the state. Visit www.discovercaliforniawine.com/learn/september-wine-events to find those September events. California Wine Month is a campaign coordinated by Wine Institute and its more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses.

A California destination we’re familiar with is Palm Springs, located less than a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles. While there aren’t any specific activities related to California Wine Month (but check the Discover California Wine site as events are being added daily) in Palm Springs, there are still wine-focused activities to enjoy such as the wine shop called PS Wine (188 S Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs; Tel: 760-322-4411); Palm Springs Wine and Art, a wine tasting room in an art gallery-type setting (242 N. Palm Canyon Dr.,  Palm Springs; Tel: 760-325-9991); and the wine bar Wild on the Vine (390 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs; Tel: 760-325-9930).

Swirl, sniff, sip and stay in Palm Springs this September.

Image Source: Palm Springs Visitors Center

Summer is winding down and it’s time to gear up for fall festivities in Hilton Head. Plan a culinary Hilton Head vacation around these deliciously fabulous events.

Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival, Sept. 13 – 18, 2010
Hilton Head’s week-long Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival celebrates the world of craft brews complemented with jazz performances. Activities include beer tastings, beer and food pairings and jazz. We’re told not to miss the Men Drinking Beer (MDB) Grand Tasting or the Public Beer Tasting Sept. 18 at Shelter Cove Harbour. New to this year’s event is the Golf & Brews tournament on Sept. 17. Visit www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com for additional information.

Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, Oct. 17 – 24, 2010   
Bluffton’s historic and eclectic district serves as the backdrop for the 6th Annual Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival. Over the eight days, Low Country cuisine is front and center with locally harvested seafood showcased. Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival events include the Bluffton 5K Oyster Run, shrimp boat tours, kayaking trips, Art Around Town, live music and entertainment and an Iron Chef Challenge. This is all served up with a heaping bowl of Southern hospitality Bluffton is famed. Visit www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com for additional information.

Hilton Head Oyster Festival, Nov. 14 & 14, 2010
How much could an oyster shucker shuck if …well, you get the idea and maybe you’ll find the answer during the South Carolina Bank & Trust Oyster Festival at Shelter Cove Park, Hilton Head. Savor fresh and local flavors including oysters, shrimp, chili and other dishes. Activities include music, children zone and holiday craft show and more. Find additional information at www.islandreccenter.org.

We can hear your tummy rumbling with hunger. Visit Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau for additional information and let us help you find the perfect accommodations during your Hilton Head vacation.