Life Is Beautiful In Vegas This Month, Photo Credit: Life Is Beautiful
Who says that the end of summer is shoulder season? There are still a ton of things to do and see now that fall is upon us. From grand circus performances and art shows to wine fests and catamaran cruises, September is packed with adventure.
Here’s where to head this month:
Las Vegas
Though major acts such as Imagine Dragons and Kings of Leon helped christen the first Life Is Beautiful extravaganza back in 2013, the art fest more than tripled last year. Organizers of the downtown Vegas fest expect similar numbers for this year’s fun (September 22 to 24) as names like Chance the Rapper, Lorde and Gorillaz are headlining. Between concert acts and grand art showings, check out more than 40 eateries.
After you’ve had your fill of munchies and music, retire for the night at SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, a winning property with a bit of artistic whim sitting a mere two miles from the stages.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Photo Credit: Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Atlanta
If you’ve never taken in a Cirque du Soleil show, head to the Georgia capital this month to catch the dazzling production Luzia. Inspired by Mexican culture, the show transports you to a dream-like world, incorporating never-before-seen tricks like a trapeze artist twirling through rain showers while flying through the air.
Book a room at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta — the luxe digs are located in Midtown near Atlantic Station, where the big top will be set up from September 14 to October 15.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Festival, Photo Credit: Gabriella Marks
Santa Fe
Culinary festivals are ubiquitous these days, but the celebration held in Santa Fe from September 27 to October 1 is something special. The 27th annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta encompasses a wide variety of events (cooking demonstrations, tastings, a chef-led bike ride and a golf tourney) over the course of five days. The culminating Grand Tasting will feature 75 chefs and 100 wines at the Santa Fe Opera grounds that come complete with spectacular views of the mountains.
To be close enough to walk to many of the events held at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, secure a room at the endlessly charming Four-Star The Inn of the Five Graces. This eclectic hotel is made up of several adobe buildings on a historic street — book a Premium One Bedroom Suite for a wood-burning fireplace and a courtyard or patio view.
The Cloister, Photo Credit: Sea Island Company
Sea Island, Georgia
Get a taste of the American South at this resort island during its third annual Southern Grown festival, which runs September 1 to 3. You’ll be introduced to a bevy of chefs, musical acts and artisans from all over the region during dinners, concerts (Drive-By Truckers, Steep Canyon Rangers) and a marketplace event.
Reserve a room at either of the resort’s Five-Star hotels — The Cloister or The Lodge at Sea Island — for close proximity to the happenings and a genteel place to retreat.
The Wort Hotel, Photo Credit: The Wort Hotel
Jackson Hole
Over the course of 12 days, this picturesque Wyoming town will host its 33rd annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. From September 6 to 17, the town will be buzzing with arts-focused events, including plays, artisan luncheons, furniture exhibits, historic ranch tours, gallery parties and auctions.
Four-Star The Wort Hotel is in the thick of the action, just half a block from the town’s main square. The 55-room property is fashioned as a comfortable-chic mountain lodge — stay here for its central locale and personal service.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Photo Credit: Rouse Photography
Lake Tahoe
We love it when breathtaking scenery and stellar eats go hand-in-hand. And that’s just what happens at the Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, celebrating its 32nd year this fall at Northstar California Resort from September 8 to 10. The line-up features so many tempting options (farmers markets, culinary classes, chef-driven luncheons, celebratory dinners), you’re likely to have a hard time deciding what to do.
When it comes to deciding which accommodations to get, however, the choice is clear. Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe will host several of these events (a harvest dinner, kids cooking class, champagne brunch), making this luxe mid-mountain hotel the perfect place to rest your head between bites.
Colorado Mountain Winefest, Photo Credit: Colorado Mountain Winefest
Palisade, Colorado
You might not think of stellar vino vintages when you imagine the Rocky Mountains, but the 26th annual Colorado Mountain Winefest, held September 14 to 17 in the town of Palisade, will change your mind. Twenty-five local vintners will be present for a weekend of food and wine pairings, seminars, grape stomping, live music, chef demonstrations and more.
Retreat to a luxury room at Four-Star Gateway Canyons Resort, about an hour away from the main events, for the full Western experience — a stay here includes access to a bevy of experiences like horseback riding, hiking, sport shooting and off-road touring.
Boca Raton Resort & Club, Photo Credit: Hilton Worldwide
Boca Raton, Florida
Labor Day is upon us but that doesn’t mean you can’t still hightail it to Florida for a weekend full of fun in the sun hosted by Boca Raton Resort & Club.
On the holiday agenda you’ll find Lobsterbash, which will feature a performance by a Police tribute band and an all-you-can-eat Maine lobster and seafood buffet; live music, outdoor games, self-serve snow cones and more at Reggae Funday; and a catamaran cruise with refreshments included.
To sweeten the deal, the hotel has a couple of packages available to help you make the most of your trip — check out the Long Weekender (save 50 percent on Sunday night stays) and the Best of Boca (unlimited golf and tennis, complimentary kids meals and more) when booking your room.
