As most of you know summer is just around the corner, which means its time to start planning your escape to the land beyond the boundaries of the ‘Nati!”But where should I go you ask?” Well, here are some suggestions to get the old “think-box tickin’.”
The first thing that comes to mind for me are summertime festivals, because there is nothing better than schwilling on your favorite beverage (mine happens to be a Fat Tire), and listening to live tunes and “hangin’ out with some buds!” If this idea is something that floats your boat, there are two festivals that come to mind; one is relatively close and the other … well, the other is in Nevada, but hey, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?”
First on the list of good times is the Bonnarroo Music Festival down in good ole’ Manchester, Tennessee. And “shoo wee doggy,” it’s going to be fun! This crowd pleaser suits young and old alike with an extensive array of music, ranging from James Brown to the Roots, on over to The Dead and then working its way back down the line to Mix Master Mike! The festival itself is June 13-15 and is a guaranteed three full days of soul soothing rhythm. Just check out the site at www.bonnaroo.com, and you’ll see what I mean.
But if music isn’t your bag and you dig on something with a more cultural appeal, then Burning Man is your ticket to cultural freedom. The event takes place atop the playa, a flat sandy expanse in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, approximately three hours north of Reno, and if any of you have ever been to Nevada then you know there isn’t much to it, save for gambling and otherwise illegal activity. Yet for a solid week the playa becomes the third largest city in the state and actually tops Las Vegas for sights to see.
The fiesta lasts from August 26 to September 2, and is a full week of drivable art, theme camps, bars, and LOTS and LOTS of creative expression, all of which is totally free (once you’re in the door, of course). The event culminates on September 1 with the burning of a 40-foot tall wooden man, instigating a ceremony of fire, dancing, and good-time-partying that’ll make the WEBN fireworks seem like a walk in the park.
I know it sounds kind of wild, but it’s an incredible adventure, especially for those looking for something out of the ordinary. Anyway, don’t just take my word for it; check out the site at and see for yourself.
Well, there are two ideas to get started with, and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to write me at , and I will help you out as best I can.
Until next time, happy trails!