Our Founder Lou Hammond recently provided insights regarding the future of travel to Tamara Thiessen for Forbes. Read a snippet of the article below with her thoughts: In the post-Coronavirus travel world, most Americans will holiday at home, and travel by car. The combined effect of ongoing international travel bans, easing but not over lockdowns, and the desire to stick close to home (now we’ve all grown so used to them!) will fuel that trend experts say. Lou Hammond, founder of the tourism and hospitality agency of her name, tips regional and domestic U.S. travel to thrive in 2020 as a result. As soon as people get the go-ahead, they’ll be off she says. “Vacation is considered a right, perhaps more this summer than ever. However, travel planning must be easy and not too far from home.” The predictions are backed by a Skift survey, showing 40% of Americans say their first post-COVID trip will be by car, within 100 miles of home. 26% will go over the 100 mile mark, but stick to the U.S., and to cars. Only 16% will take a flight; 8% plan to leave the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, is fueling the travel local trend, encouraging Americans to focus on domestic vacations this year as the outlook for international trips looks dim. Travel will be tricky, with all the health protocols in place. So the closer people can stay in their own little secure travel world the better. Which is why Lou Hammond believes cars will be the chosen transportation for most. “The key will be getting out and about, with little planning and without fuss. The family summer road trip may very well return as an important recovery factor. Why? Because the whole family can go, gasoline is plentiful and it seems patriotic to see the USA.” Smart marketers should plan now for family vacations for all ages, she says, offering “the true American experience.” “This presents opportunities to visit smaller cities with colorful history and culture: Alexandria and Norfolk in Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; Montgomery, Alabama; Natchez, Mississippi; Paducah, Kentucky.” For those craving a little European influence, Hammond suggests Santa Fe, New Mexico; Santa Barbara, California; or Providence, Rhode Island. She hopes local travel will prove an economic savior. “Perhaps driving vacationers will be surprised how much America offers and come away with a new appreciation lending support to our needed recovery.”
Read the full Forbes article here. via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/05/08/our-founder-lou-hammond-provides-travel-insights-for-forbes/
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Our Founder Lou Hammond recently provided insights regarding the future of travel to Laura Motta for The Points Guy. See her commentary below Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your organization and why you love to travel.A: LHG was founded 36 years ago and we have served the travel community in many capacities over the years. Travel is an indispensable part of our lives and we recognize that, beyond the joy one feels, travel bonds us globally like no other business. It gives us an understanding of the world and cultures that brings us together in the most meaningful way. Q: When will we be able to travel regionally, domestically and internationally?A: If I were to know that I would be King Solomon and always win in Vegas. While slowly we are starting to see a “leveling off,” what that really means no one knows. As soon as the green light shines, certainly regional and domestic USA travel will flourish particularly with transportation by car. I remember thinking in the “old days” the drive market was one or two tanks and we should promote appropriately. Today, let’s look at five+ and find a way to introduce multi-destination stops for an enjoyable vacation. Airlines, we just don’t know but always remain hopeful. On the international front, it will take time and that makes me sad for our global partners. However, there will be “pent up” interest and it might happen sooner than we think. Realistically I think the fall but hopefully it can be sooner. Q: Where are you based?A: We have offices all over the country but at the moment I’m in Charleston, South Carolina. Q: Where do you personally plan to go, in each of those categories, for your first trip?A: We are very fortunate as the South has many small towns to explore in an easy fashion. Speaking of “easy,” that will be key to getting people out and about so planning can be immediate without fuss. Growing up in Texas there was always the family summer “road trip” and this may very well return as an important recovery factor. I suggest smart marketers will plan now for the family vacation to include all ages. Q: What do you think will change about the way we vacation? (besides staying away from large crowds)?A: Bottom line, we will be a changed nation seeking perhaps different core values. What that means to travel, I do believe there will be more courtesy, appreciation and that America will be the vacation playground for the immediate future. Value will continue to play an important role abiding by a phrase I coined many years ago, Easy to Go, Easy to book and Easy on the Pocketbook! With people returning to work and offices, they will have little time to plan, so I recommend let’s start organizing now for their upcoming travel. At the end of the day, for sure travel has taken a big “hit” but Americans know they deserve a vacation and my money says they will GO and we will all be pleasantly surprised. Yes, I am counting on that. Read the full article from The Points Guy here. via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/04/29/our-founder-lou-hammond-provides-travel-insights-for-the-points-guy/ Branded Zoom BackgroundsThe virtual background feature allows users to display an image or video as their background during a Zoom Meeting. Users can also upload their own images or videos as a virtual background. There are no size restrictions when uploading a virtual background but Zoom recommends cropping the image to match the aspect ratio of your camera before uploading it. Example: If your camera is set to 16:9, an image of 1280 pixels by 720 px or 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels would work well. Clients can push out images via their social media channels that they would like users to display on their personal virtual calls or meetings. Clients can also set up a ‘virtual party’ instructing their followers to join a video conference with them, using a particular image as the background. Example Background How to Upload
Zoom TipsWith Zoom becoming a major way that meetings and networking get done in the COVID-19 landscape, here are a few tips to make sure you put your best foot forward when you take your professional interactions online.
We hope you find this resourceful for your virtual meetings. Well wishes from team LHG. via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/04/03/zoom-in-style-branded-zoom-backgrounds/ With COVID-19 affecting lives across the world, there’s no denying that it’s also affecting the content we’re sharing on social media as well. Brands are more aware than ever about what they’re choosing to share on their platforms to ensure sensitivity and connection. At LHG, we represent a wide variety of travel, tourism and hospitality organizations, all of whom have been impacted by COVID-19. These are the trends we’re seeing and what we’re recommending for our clients to share on social media during these unprecedented times. Recommendations on Social Content
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Even amidst this crisis, there is still an opportunity to connect and engage with your audience on social media as well as be a valuable resource for the community in a meaningful and thoughtful way. Stay safe, all. via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/04/03/managing-social-media-in-the-midst-of-covid-19/ The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is an English grammar style and usage guide created by American journalists working for or connected with the Associated Press to standardize mass communication. Like many public-facing organizations and news outlets, Lou Hammond Group follows the AP Stylebook to promote consistency for ease of reading and a common understanding in press statements, news articles and other formal announcements. As publicists, we see firsthand how the media climate changes to address global or domestic crises and we must always keep up with the changing story — utilizing AP Style along the way. We understand writing during uncertain circumstances may not be a part of your regular routine and potentially out of your comfort zone. To help streamline your writing, we have pulled together a few tips and rules from the Associated Press Stylebook related to disaster coverage. Pandemic and Epidemics
Hurricane
Earthquakes
Tornado
During times of crises, the public looks to its news sources to stay up to date on the latest news. The AP Stylebook is a valuable and helpful point of reference no matter the topic. via Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2020/03/16/reference-these-ap-style-rules-during-global-or-domestic-crises/ Pack away your winter gear and plan a spring getaway! Check out the roundup below of some of our not-to-be-missed client events this spring.
The Grand Opening of Kimpton Key West: Key West, FL – March 2020Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will open their newest hotel collection in Key West, Florida this March. Kimpton Key West will be the sixth property in the Sunshine State and Kimpton’s first in the Florida Keys. The collection will be comprised of five separate hotels located in the historic district, each offering its own distinct story and stay experience, blending timeless architecture with an eclectic, bohemian style only found in Key West. For more information, visit www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels.
Cliffside Igloo Rentals by Cliff House Maine: Cape Neddick, ME – March 2020Cliff House Maine and Nubb’s Lobster Shack are offering a delicious and fun seaside escape this March. Two Igloos overlooking the Maine coast are available for rent and include a deliciously curated menu. Cliffside Igloos are available for reservations from 3-5 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout March. For more information, visit www.cliffhousemaine.com.
Kids Free Spring Break: Santa Fe, NM – March 1-April 15This year, TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe travel partners have joined forces for the fifth annual Kids Free Spring Break 2020 city-wide initiative. During this time, kids age 12 and under receive complimentary lodging, meals and numerous culturally immersive activities while experiencing Santa Fe’s diverse family offerings. Families and children will have various options to take advantage of, including but not limited to, off-road Jeep tours, skateboarding lessons, art classes and even museum tours. For more information, visit www.santafe.org/Spring_Break.
The Lanesborough x Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea: London, England – March 3-June 2The Lanesborough Hotel, London, is delighted to launch an exclusive new afternoon tea experience with world-famous bakery Peggy Porschen. Combining one of London’s most beautiful afternoon tea settings, under the naturally illuminated domed glass roof of Michelin-starred Céleste, with the fairy tale pink aesthetics of Peggy Porschen, guests can expect a spring-time immersion into a celebration of beautiful floral features, pastel-hues and exquisite tastes. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough.
The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience: Santa Barbara, CA – March 13-15The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) is a world-class three-day event celebrated throughout greater Santa Barbara. Immersed in the American Riviera and showcasing a taste of Santa Barbara by bringing together local and national talent in the spirit of Julia Child, the public will enjoy Santa Barbara—Julia’s final home—with its dynamic food and wine scene. In partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, participating restaurants, bars and hotels across the city and waterfront will offer their inspired spin on classic Julia Child dishes, signature Julia and Paul Child cocktails, educational programming, memorable stays, tours, talks and other creative programming, all to benefit The Julia Child Foundation. For more information, visit www.sbce.events.
Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade: Lackawanna County, PA – March 14Lackawanna County’s largest annual celebration, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade will include 12,000 participants, including Irish groups, bagpipers, high school and string bands, elaborate floats, Irish dancers and more. Since 1962 the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County has conducted this nationally acclaimed parade the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. “Parade Day” as it’s known locally, is one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country, regularly attracting 150,000 spectators. For more information, visit www.visitnepa.org.
St. Barts Bucket Regatta: St. Barts – March 19-22The world’s most spectacular superyachts will gather in St. Barts for this annual, invitational regatta. While the horizon fills with the sails of over 40 sailboats, the island will fill with fans, crews and curious spectators for a full weekend of social events concentrated in Gustavia, the island’s largest town. For more information, visit www.bucketregatta.com.
UNwineD: Panama City Beach, FL – March 20-21This award-winning event will return to Aaron Bessant Park for its fourth year, featuring craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert with headliner Death Cab for Cutie and indie-rock band JOYWAVE. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.
First and Second Round of the NCAA March Madness Tournament: Sacramento, CA – March 20 & 22The Road to the Final Four® will stop in Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center as Sacramento State University will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Guests can purchase individual tickets or an all-session pass to experience all six games across the two full days. This is the first time the tournament will return to Sacramento in 13 years. For more information, visit www.golden1center.com.
The 25th Annual NH Maple Weekend: New Hampshire – March 21-22From interactive tours to tastings at more than 50 sugarhouses across the state, NH Maple Weekend provides travelers with just one more reason to visit the state this spring. While sap is harvested throughout the state during Maple Month, the Granite State’s White Mountains region is a particularly robust area for syrup production and offers a variety of interactive experiences for travelers. For more information, visit www.nhmapleproducers.com/maple-month.
Zelda: Montgomery, AL – March 24-May 31This exhibition at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will feature oil paintings made by Zelda Fitzgerald in Montgomery at the end of her life and examples of her watercolor paper dolls. The works are part of the museum’s permanent collection and among those given to the museum in 1986 by Scottie Fitzgerald Smith, daughter of Zelda and F. Scott. For more information, visit www.mmfa.org.
Downtown Lancaster AQS QuiltWeek Show: Lancaster, PA – March 25-28Over 15,000 quilters will be heading to downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the annual American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show to see some of the best quilting and textile artistry that the country has to offer. In addition to there being nearly 500 quilts on display, this year’s event includes workshops by renowned instructors, contests and a Merchant Mall. The show brings creativity, passion and a new definition of quilt art to Lancaster. For more information, visit www.quiltweek.com.
The Superyacht Show: Palm Beach, FL – March 25-29The Superyacht Show, in cooperation with the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) and the Superyacht Life Foundation, will offer buyers and charterers, as well as their brokers and representatives, the opportunity to step on board some of the finest superyachts in the world. Complementing the on-water display will be a hand-picked selection of new designs and innovations presented by some of the leading international shipyards. Burgess Yachts will be in attendance and has thus far confirmed HASNA for their exclusive lineup at this inaugural show. For more information, visit www.burgessyachts.com.
California Artisan Cheese Festival: Santa Rosa, CA – March 27-29This weekend long celebration will bring together a lively and friendly group of experts and presenters from the wonderful world of artisan cheese. The festival promotes a broad awareness of the artisan cheesemaking community, inviting guests to meet cheesemakers and taste their creations at the 14th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival. Festivities include chef demos, seminars, farm tours, the Grand Tasting and the Tasting and Marketplace. Tickets range from $25 to $150. For more information, visit www.artisancheesefestival.com.
Cherry Blossom Jubilee: Alexandria, VA – March 28Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Art Center will host a satellite celebration for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Guests will enjoy a lively afternoon of hands-on activities, performances and chances to shop the art center’s works of art. The event is free. For more information, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Montgomery Beer Ballot: Montgomery, AL – March 28This inaugural beer festival will feature breweries from across Alabama. Held at Montgomery Union Station, the Montgomery Beer Ballot will feature Back Forty Beer Company, Black Warrior Brewing Company, Cahaba Brewing Co and more. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/629499114479598/.
New Haven Restaurant Week: New Haven, CT – March 29-April 3Info New Haven is proud to present New Haven Spring Restaurant Week. The event will feature many of downtown New Haven’s award-winning and internationally diverse restaurants, each featuring lunch and dinner fixed price multi-course menus. For more information, visit www.infonewhaven.com.
150th Anniversary of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Côte d’Azur, France – April 17The legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc will celebrate its 150th anniversary with its season reopening on April 17. Located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, the Oetker Collection property will be honoring this momentous occasion with an exclusive gala to recount their storied history of the last century with “Les Années folles,” their partnership with the Cannes Film Festival since 1946 and more. Further, the hotel will be welcoming Chef Eric Frechon from sister property, Le Bristol Paris, as a consultant joining Executive Chef Arnaud Poette in presenting a new dimension to the culinary experience offered onsite. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com.
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s 100th Marriage Anniversary Open House: Montgomery, AL – April 3The only Fitzgerald museum in the world, housed in the former home of the literary couple, is commemorating the 100th wedding anniversary of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald with an open house for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org.
Angry Bear Festival: Marquette, MI – April 4Each April, as the frozen grounds of Lake Superior’s shore attempt to thaw, the Festival of the Angry Bear comes out of hibernation and takes over Spring Street in downtown Marquette. Modeled after some of the great beer festivals of Europe, this event is a showcase of barrel-aged beer, live music and delicious food. For more information, visit www.travelmarquettemichigan.com.
Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light, Murrells Inlet, SC – April 8-September 12Brookgreen Gardens will host internationally recognized light artist Bruce Munro for Bruce Munro at Brookgreen: Southern Light. Known for his large, immersive displays of thousands of lights, Bruce Munro continually draws people in with his dazzling displays. The exhibit at Brookgreen will consist of seven works of art in light and mixed media, each designed specifically for the natural garden spaces where they will be installed. Brookgreen’s exhibit will be the only opportunity to see Munro’s work in the southeastern United States in 2020. Tickets are $25 for non-members. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org/bruce-munro.
Golden Egg Hunt: Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC – April 11Kids can hunt for golden Easter eggs hidden around Wild Dunes Resort this spring. The hunt will last until all eggs are redeemed. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes.
Fifth Avenue’s Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival: New York, NY – April 12Fifth Avenue’s Easter Parade is always a spectacle as New Yorkers and visitors alike come to the avenue to show off their very best bonnets. The parade commences at 10 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Marching along the avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street, this New York City tradition lives on but with a twist this year. The Fifth Avenue Association will bring a red carpet to the scene for all to strut and show off their bonnets! For more information, visit www.fifthavenue.nyc.
Les Voiles de St. Barts Richard Mille: St. Barts – April 12-18Five days of challenging coastal courses draw expert sailors from around the world to St. Barts. More than just a competitive regatta, Les Voiles de St. Barts Richard Mille is known for its central Race Village, where competitors gather for morning coffee and evening concerts, and the legendary mid-regatta “Day Off” crew party at Nikki Beach. Fair winds, following seas and warm hospitality make this one of the most anticipated Caribbean regattas of the year. For more information, visit www.lesvoilesdestbarthrichardmille.com.
Annual Earth Day Festival: Naples, FL – April 18This April, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida will be holding its Annual Earth Day Festival. Visitors are invited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day with live animal shows, food vendors, educational programs, games and various exhibitors throughout the Conservancy. A great opportunity for children to get out and see many different Florida species, the Earth Day Festival is the biggest community celebration of the year. For more information, visit www.conservancy.org.
Alabama Book Festival: Montgomery, AL – April 18The Alabama Book Festival is an annual event to promote literacy around the state and celebrate local authors. Hundreds of people will gather in Old Alabama Town for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, visit www.alabamabookfestival.org.
Beyond the Horizon Air and Space Show: Montgomery, AL – April 18-19Big planes, small planes, twisty twirly planes, planes with sharp teeth, planes that leave colorful designs in the clouds and the well-known Thunderbirds are all coming to Montgomery’s Maxwell Air Force Base. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the static displays up close, watch these giant metal birds fly through the sky, learn about “Made in Alabama” aviation technology and more. For more information, visit www.MaxwellAirShow.com.
Kool April Nites: Redding, CA – April 18-26Kool April Nites is one of Redding’s most anticipated annual events celebrating local businesses and Redding’s history through a classic-car show, food, drink and music. The week kicks off with Show and Shines throughout the city leading up to Friday’s Cruise Nite, followed by more shows throughout the weekend. Cruise Nite begins at 6:30 p.m. with a spectacular parade of cars from all eras. The grand finale of Kool April Nites is Sunday’s “Big Show.” The day begins with an opening ceremony, followed by an opportunity to sell or buy classic cars and an awards presentation. Kool April Nites events are all free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.koolaprilnites.com.
Kentucky Derby Festival: Louisville, KY – April 18-May 2The most-exciting two minutes in sports is celebrated for a full month leading up to the starting gate. Festivities officially kick off with Thunder over Louisville, one of the nation’s top firework shows, and the rest of April is packed with can’t-miss events such as the BB&T Great Balloon Fest, the PNC Tour de Lou bike race, the Great Steamboat Race and the Pegasus Parade. The Kentucky Derby Festival includes both free and ticketed events. For more information, visit www.kdf.org.
New Haven Cherry Blossom Festival: New Haven, CT – April 19Now in its 47th year, this event celebrates the annual blooming of Wooster Square’s Cherry Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossom. The festival will feature live music, great food and activities for all ages. The first festival was held in 1973 to commemorate the planting of the trees and has grown over the years, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually. For more information, visit www.historicwoostersquare.org.
AQS Spring QuiltWeek Show Paducah: Paducah, KY – April 22-25The American Quilter’s Society’s Spring QuiltWeek will return to Paducah for the 36th year. Over 400 quilters will be competing for $126,000 in cash awards. Special exhibitions on display include AQS 2020 Focus on Flowers, The Stonehenge Traveling Quilt Show, Silk Route: Claudia Pfeil’s Journey in Silk Quilts and The Bob Ross Cherrywood Challenge. Also during QuiltWeek the second Paducah quilt mural, depicting Melinda Bula’s quilt “…And the Flag Was Still There,” will be revealed on the flood wall by the Carroll Convention Center. For more information, visit www.quiltweek.com.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 22-26Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth jazz artists for a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The 22nd annual event is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater, featuring internationally known acts as well as local performers. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.
Dinner on Dexter: Montgomery, AL – April 23Enjoy an evening of music, food and entertainment on Montgomery’s historic Dexter Avenue, to support the Montgomery City-County Public Library. The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour, music and delectable hors d’oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course meal prepared by top local chefs. For more information, visit www.dinnerondexter.com.
SandJam Music Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 24-26Panama City Beach’s third annual alternative rock music festival will be set on the beautiful sugar white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing a picturesque backdrop for this spring’s biggest festival. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam Music Festival, presented by Pepsi. For more information and this year’s full lineup, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events.
Rock to Rock 2020: New Haven, CT – April 25Rock to Rock is New Haven’s biggest Earth Day celebration, allowing participants to explore the Elm City on bike while raising money for the planet. A thousand riders will travel from West Rock and East Rock, with celebrations on both sides of the city plus great food and music along the way. For more information, visit www.rocktorock.donordrive.com.
Spring Gala: This Side of Paradise: Montgomery, AL – April 25Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publication of “This Side of Paradise,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first novel, The Fitzgerald Museum is hosting the 31st Spring Gala. General tickets and sponsorship packages are both available for this celebratory event. For more information, visit www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org.
Watches & Wonders: Geneva, Switzerland – April 25-29Commonly referred to as the watchmaking capital of the world, Geneva will host the 30th edition of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the trade show for top journalists and collectors in the watch industry. Watches & Wonders will consist of two parts, the “Salon” and “In the City.” The exclusive “Salon” is the place for professionals, media and special guests of the exhibiting maisons to delve into workshops and panel discussions while “In the City” transforms the center of Geneva into a week-long discovery of activations in watchmaking boutiques and private venues – The Patek Philippe Museum being one of them. Between shows and activations, visitors can take a boat cruise around the lake for lunch or wander Rue du Rhone and its many luxury shops. For more information, visit www.geneve.com.
St. Barts Film Festival: St. Barts – April 28-May 3The 24th annual St. Barts Film Festival showcases the astounding talent of the area with screenings, debates, lectures and meet-and-greets with notable producers, actors and directors. For more information, please visit: www.stbarthff.org.
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally: Panama City Beach, FL – April 29-May 3The most biker-friendly rally in the country, Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally will feature 200 vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows with category judging and much more. Events will take place at multiple venues throughout the Panama City Beach area. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
The Virginia International Tattoo: Norfolk, VA – April 30-May 3The largest spectacle of music and might in the country, the Virginia International Tattoo offers an astounding display of inspirational military music, majestic massed pipes and drums, show stopping drill team maneuvers, colorful and elegant dancers and much more. This year’s theme is “Stories of the Greatest Generation: 75 Years Since the End of World War II.” This year’s lineup features performances from Australia, Canada, Latvia, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. Tickets start at $10. For more information, visit www.vafest.org/tattoo.
Fifth Avenue Blooms!: New York, NY – May 1-16Fifth Avenue Association will entice visitors and draw crowds with the creation of a public, site-specific, large-scale flower installations along Fifth Avenue this May. In collaboration with floral designers and talent such as the globally celebrated Preston Bailey, the association will offer an immersive backdrop that will become the season’s “must see” public art installation. For more information, visit www.fifthavenue.nyc.
EatDrinkRI: Providence, RI – May 6-9Showcasing the best of the ever-expanding Rhode Island culinary scene, the Eat Drink RI Festival is a four-day, all-local food festival held throughout downtown Providence. The festival showcases the best of the culinary world in Rhode Island, presenting farmers, chefs, bartenders and food and drink artisans from across the state. For more information, visit www.eatdrinkri.com.
Emotional Fitness Retreat at Red Mountain Resort: St. George, UT – May 6-10Red Mountain Resort, a premier adventure and wellness destination in southern Utah, is hosting a special Emotional Fitness Retreat led by energy healing expert Andrea Becky Hanson. This five-day, four-night retreat encourages guests to resolve their deepest emotional blocks through private and group healing workshops, a fire ceremony, outdoor journaling, yoga and meditation and more. Guests will leave with a newfound understanding of their life’s purpose, their heart’s deepest desires and strategies to live a more compassionate, confident lifestyle. Retreat pricing starts at $2,325 per person. For more information, visit www.redmountainresort.com.
International Bar-B-Q Festival: Owensboro, KY – May 8-9The world’s foremost pitmasters turn out for the International Bar-B-Q Festival, now in its 42nd year. Visitors and local alike attend the festival to enjoy four stages of live music, all the BBQ one can eat and the exhilarating team competition for the ‘best secret recipes.’ The winner is awarded the Governor’s Cup for best overall Bar-B-Q cooking team. Festival attendees can enjoy free entertainment while sampling burgoo and bar-b-q sandwiches before buying their favorite mutton, pork and chicken by the pound. For more information, visit www.bbqfest.com.
Visit Panama City Beach 70.3 Gulf Coast: Panama City Beach, FL – May 9What began as a challenge between groups of Navy SEALS has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. IRONMAN is a statement of excellence, passion and commitment that is a true test of mental and physical toughness. Panama City Beach has proven to have the best combination of temperature and terrain for this competition, making the Florida edition of the challenge one of the most popular races on the circuit. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.
Florida Beach Jam: Panama City Beach, FL – May 13-16Thousands of jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the fifth annual Jeep Beach Jam. This five-day family event, organized by the JBJ Productions, Inc. team will be filled with many fun-in-the-sun activities including concerts, scavenger hunts, off-road excursions, bonfires and more. Events will take place at many locations throughout the city. For more information, visit www.floridajeepjam.com.
Lower Town Arts & Music Festival: Paducah, KY – May 15-16The Lower Town Arts & Music Festival is a two-day celebration of art, music, food, beer and wine from Paducah and the surrounding region. The event will also feature acclaimed headlining musical acts, to be announced. The growing festival takes place in the historic Lower Town Arts District close to downtown Paducah. This event is fun for all ages. The event is free. For more information, visit lowertownamf.com.
Fred Wilson: Afro Kismet at The Gibbes Museum of Art: Charleston, SC – May 15-October 4Fred Wilson: Afro Kismet, will be on display at the Gibbes Museum of Art in partnership with Spoleto Festival, USA, and features the internationally acclaimed artist’s most recent body of work originally produced for the 15th Istanbul Biennial. Fred Wilson challenges assumptions of history, culture, race and conventions of display. By reframing objects and cultural symbols, he alters traditional interpretations, encouraging viewers to reconsider social and historical narratives. In Afro Kismet, Wilson investigates the long-ignored presence of communities of African descent from the time of the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey. Tickets are $12 for non-members. For more information, visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.
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AuthorLou Hammond Group is a global public relations agency specializing in lifestyle, travel & technology with offices in New York City, Charleston, SC, Houston, TX, Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA. Contact
Lou Hammond Group - Houston 410 Pierce Street, Ste 220 Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 713-568-6109 Email: [email protected] Website: https://louhammond.com/houston-tx/ FIND ME ONLINE
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