Romantic Venice Hotel Recommend

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romantic-venice-hotel-recommend

Want a great romantic Venice hotel recommend for couples?  Keep reading…

Well, first of all, I’m a bit of a hotel “snob.” But not in the way you think.  I just like good-value hotels.  The first hotel I worked for and would recommend back then, was a Renaissance Hotel with a fine dining restaurant, banquet rooms, and a 70s-style disco lounge (Zodiac Club) near Washington Dulles Airport when I was in my 20s.  

That was quite an experience. Not only did they have great Easter brunches in the hotel restaurant, but they also had regular locals who came into the unique lounge bar with silver decorated wallpaper.  

And big clubby chairs where I served beverages I’d never even heard of!  That ambiance got me excited enough to get myself going in the hotel catering sales business as my first career, in several DC area hotels.

Fast forward to now, I love hotels and staying in nice hotels.  They don’t have to be super ritzy, they just have to have some character, of course be clean, and just be nice. 

A place that is memorable, not a cookie cutter room hotel.  Just a little north of the “Renaissance” region of the world in Florence, Italy, up in Venice, Italy, there’s a little hotel that I found that we stayed at on a travel excursion years ago.  Ca’Gottardi was really charming, perfect for a romantic getaway for couples and a perfect romantic Venice hotel recommend.

We recommended this hotel to friends who also stayed for their anniversary. I hope to hear that they are still a good hotel find and a great Venice hotel recommend. 

Our room looked like this one, in the heart center of Venice (a romantic hotel recommend).

Ca'Gottardi Hotel Breakfast for GuestsCa’Gottardi breakfast for hotel guests

Ca’Gottardi had good value compared to other hotels located in the same central area.  It was right in the middle of Venice, convenient to St. Marco Square which was what of the main benefits. It also had a fabulous continental breakfast that I still remember to this day.  

They had a buttery croissant and fruit, typical of European continental breakfast, but this was served to us, and that just made my day.  That’s when we were trying out $26 Bellini’s at the famous Harry’s Bar.

Venice is doable in 2-3 days and actually you can walk along the entire canal in one day.  So if you just have one day in Venice it’s worth it. But you want to build in time to look at shops and take a gondola ride.  

There’s an almost-FREE gondola that can take you across the canal (there are two canal sides) for less than 1 euro (it was the equivalent to 50 cents when I was there).

7 Best Summer Pink Rose Walking Gardens

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summer pink rose in every summery shade

Summer pink rose gardens are one of life’s greatest beauties. Pink means “like” 💕 and appreciation… so deeper pink roses (…yes, please!) can be a part of everyday life for greater intensity.

In case you’re into signs, red roses are special love… yellow roses are friendship… and white roses are purity. So now you know your rose sender’s intent we learned from teen magazines 😉

And likable summer pink rose varieties are common. Shades of pink are attractive to males, females, and bees. Some are fragrant. Rose water 💐 is naturally clear but often with a pink tint as a spritz.

For food flavoring, you could add a little that goes a long way. And some like light rose. 🥂 All good for mind, body, and spirit on travel to reduce stress.

And if you want to fulfill your summer pink rose list, these gardens are dazzlers 🤩 to add to your bucket list in Washington DC, Miami, Florence, and Sweden:

Two are free to visit.

1.Meadowlark Gardens (Vienna, VA)

This is a whimsical bring pink rose garden with many walking surprises and a great meetup place

Meadowlark Gardens has a swervy gameboard path garden wonderland where you get to have fun with the big bell (look out Liberty Bell!) off the beaten path… and on the main path, there’s also an imaginary Alice In Wonderland tea party setup with tree-built beams (nothing faux there!).

You never know what you’ll find each season… from natural stump stools to ever changing foliage, and of course a beautiful rose garden. Fee to visit .

Located closer to Tysons Corner that’s a corporate area surrounded by the mega mall, you might want to try racking up your Hilton Honors point at this Doubletree 🍪 🍪up the street (that’s now related to my catering hotel but that’s another story). And then the other story is my first now-Hilton hotel close to Dulles Airport in case you’re flying there.

summer pink rose is one of the many features of Meadowlark Gardens and DC area summers
Meadowlark Gardens

2. Gothenburg Gardens (Gothenburg, Sweden)

The scent of this summer pink rose garden in September is worth returning

Gothenburg or Goteborg Gardens is the first garden that you’ll take notice of is a beautiful rose garden. It’s a photographer’s haven and unless someone (me) points this out, you could miss this FREE garden that has an arched entrance if you’re in Gothenburg.

And then you’ll be kicking yourself that you missed it and spent your time in the shopping mall. Or riding around on the local tram that runs on a metal track. Bring your nice running shoes as everyone seems to have them. 👟.

And I recommend staying at one of many boutique-feel hotels close to the Central Station convenient to walking everywhere (you don’t have to run 👣).

fragrant summer pink rose garden
classic summer pink rose in Sweden 🇸🇪 at the Gothenburg FREE public garden

3. Vizcaya Museum & Garden (Miami, FL)

Go pre-hurricane season in spring and summer

Vizcaya is surrounded by statues and steps to the Casino, you’ll find beautiful backdrops and oh, yeah… the Villa where many large events took place including meetings with Kings and Presidents. Fee to visit.

Since this is on the Biscayne Bay side, I would recommend staying up the street so you can appreciate the special side of the breezy palms and boat tours. If you want the romantic upscale red rose vibes, mosquito net (good for summer!) and humidity-friendly tile, then this luxury hotel resort (formerly Grove Isle Resort) is one-of-a-kind.

4. Miami Botanical Garden

Miami Botanical Garden is a gem find that has a heavenly vibe and the where butterflies live. And all I can say is you may have the rose garden and koi pond all-to-yourself with the fluttering creatures if you go during the week.

And this is where you can find a beautifully fully grown eucalyptus rainbow tree that’ll keep you in awe with its color striped bark that looks like paint, but its natural. Free to visit.

5. Franciscan Monastery Summer Pink Rose Garden

Best place to see a summer pink rose garden in America and get your rosewater peace

The only Franciscan Monastery in America is in the northeast part of Washington DC. And trekking up to the Franciscan monastery is a special trip you can take. As soon as you enter the monastery you’ll see the rose garden in the front. You can walk around the paved path. Inside you’ll be stunned with the massive church where free tours are given. If you’re on a sabbatical, the rose garden is a must-to-see that’ll remind you of the Holy See. Free to visit and park.

6.Boboli Gardens (Florence, Italy)

Boboli Gardens is behind the Pitti Palace that it’s related to. Late spring and early summer is the time you want to visit to see roses in full bloom. You’ll find the beautiful garden arches and Roman structures. And maybe a ‘lil wisteria to keep you in wanderlust. Fee to visit.

You can tie this garden visitinto your grand Florence history tour with the Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli’s Birth of Venus) and Pitti Palace.

And if you want to see a more relaxed vibe and also a beautiful hillside garden in Florence, skip Boboli and visit the Bardini Gardens instead. Fee to visit.

Bardini Gardens from the top – Duomo and Florence views. Boboli Gardens is on another side of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio by the Pitti Palace.

7.Bardini Gardens (Florence, Italy)

Bardini Gardens is another beautiful garden with a summer rose garden, but not-so busy. It’s a nice slightly hilly walk through a neighborhood to get there, and you’ll enjoy the panoramic views and hillside gardens from the top. Enjoy the pergola (lavender wisteria in spring) and a summer popsicle 🍨at the top if you want, so it’s season-proof!

And if this year’s summer bucket list is already planned, something fun you can always do is appreciate the neighborhood summer pink rose scene 💕💐 Put on your walking shoes and cruise around to sniff out roses.

Unless you’re a butterfly, most residential gardens are private but you can still appreciate and sniff out the local community gardens. 🦋 These are always free (as is the Franciscan Monastery and Goteborg Sweden’s garden), so get your nature garden bucket list out.

National Cathedral Lights (An Unconventional Church)

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national cathedral lights that are unconventional features for the church

The National Cathedral lights up as one of the unconventional features, considering it’s the nation’s national cathedral and church. And it’s one I call home so I know it intimately.

During the year you can find it lit up with all kinds of surprises during the holidays and local impromptu events like the Washington Nationals taking home the win. ⚾️

You can still see the traditional Ex Nihilo tympanium scene lit up, where God breathed in earth (and light) out of nothing…

And in the day it’s all lit up through the stained glass windows. And to kids, the National Cathedral is known for its stain glassed space window that’s easy to find inside and the obscure Darth Vader grotesque that’s hard to find on the exterior. In case you’re wondering, that was a sculpture winner from a kid’s compettion that the National Geographic World magazine put out in the 1980’s.

And throughout the week, you can take a tour of the cathedral, that’s the nation’s symbol of peace and unity on your visit. And sometimes even a Tour & Tea where you sit seeing above the roof and looking out the window. 🫖

And learn all about the church that’s also home to so many special national events that the Presidents past and present attend.

It’s a modern cathedral built in the 19th century, so you’ll find all kinds of light up surprises. Downstairs isn’t your typical catacomb crypt you’ll find in many large churches. It’s much happier. You’ll find…

A large gift bookstore that’s an extension from the small one upstairs. And down the “secret passageway” stairs, you don’t want to miss seeing the celebration of life remembrance chapels.

On certain days of the month, you can find a labyrinth maze that’s meant to be a self-discovery moment…

The National Cathedral Lights also represents an opportunity for personal growth as it’s also known as the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. And in this maze you’ll go on your own inner journey, traveling on feet as fast or slow as you want.

This could be a wellness or sacred retreat. You’ll see others doing the same and sometimes there are classes you can attend online or in person. Just remember, you’re never alone!

And if you’re visiting from out of town and need best DC restaurant for groups and DC hotel recommendations that are a short drive or Uber ride from the Cathedral, these are my insider picks for you. 😊

Fall Color President Drives to Homes

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You can appreciate fall color President home drives to former President Washington and Jefferson historic homes when you’re in Washington DC. And appreciate the two memorials (Washington Monument and Jeffereson Memorial) PLUS the Lincoln Memorial… and the current President’s home at the White House… and so much more!

Then within a beautiful 45-minute and peaceful drive from DC, you can take the no-stop (and no traffic light) George Washington Parkway to George Washington’s home.

Mount Vernon is one of the best fall color President home drives you don’t wanna miss. 💕 And you can visit year-round and visit George Washington’s home and the very large souvenir shop where you’ll find all kinds of local goodies.

fall color president home drives

You can also bicycle around on the GW Parkway Trail to get there from Alexandria which is one of my preferred ways. You can enjoy the memorial skyline, natural fallscape, and Potomac River water landscapes!

Weekends are a great time for either DC area drives or bikes as traffic is minimal compared to the work week.

And along the way, do stop off at one or more of these parks to have a break or picnic: Belle Haven Park, Riverside Park, or Fort Hunt Park where there’s a bike and pedestrian trail that’s a delightful shaded bike ride. 🚴‍♀️ These are my biased insider travel tips I’d recommend. 😉

And if you want to see the water AND also then the mountains, you can visit Monticello (home to Thomas Jefferson) just a couple hours away in Charlottesville. Which btw, has some of the best Virginia wineries.

To see more, stay in these DC-area hotels and spend less time in the car and more time enjoying and sightseeing. 🤩

NY Film Festival at Lincoln Center

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new york film festival is at the lincoln center and the kennedy center is the largest performance arts theater

Are you a film buff who maybe visits the annual NY Film Festival? Someone who love cinema 🎥 and knows everything about diverse films that most people aren’t familiar with.

…If that’s calling you, then you’re probably excited when film festivals crop up around the world with fall’s crisp air… just in time to pack up the outdoor festivals and take them indoors.

The NY Film Festival at the Lincoln Center is one such festival that celebrates by unleashing a New York freedom of international films… a fitting melting pot liberty symbol that she (NYC) is.🗽

And the New York Film Festival has been a tradition since the 1960s when classic black and white films were popular.

The Festival has about double the 38,000 Cannes Film Festival attendees, in case you’re curious or counting.

And you can see the lineup of actor’s films like Bradley Cooper’s Maestro about Composer Leonard Bernstein (as a 2023 highlight).

But, besides the NY Film Festival, another reason to visit the Lincoln Center is it’s home to the New York Philharmonic. People often add “symphony” or “orchestra” to the end as a better reference.

…Which btw, a symphony is actually a music piece or composition, and an orchestra is the group of musicians that can make a composition with their harmonious instruments.

And the Lincoln Center is one place where this can all happen with live performances.

It’s a super unique center that’s worth a visit…

You probaby didn’t know that you can take 75-minute tours of the recently renovated Lincoln Center next time you’re touring in town. The David Geffen Hall is a new architectural masterpiece and amphitheater part of the Lincoln Center project that just opened in October 2022.

And in summertime, keep your eye out for the FREE Summer in the City event where Studio54 disco balls can meet modern Hip Hop dance. And sometimes flamingo (fun and deflatable) floats around minus the real Bird of Paradise and palm trees (well… maybe with climate change?).

When in the Big Apple in the summer, be sure to get some good NYC Restaurant Week eats

And if you’re heading to DC or down south, the busiest performing arts center is the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Close to the Potomac River waterfront in Georgetown, the Kennedy Center is a few hour’s drive from NYC. If or when you’re there, these are some great DC local restaurants and DC hotels to checkout. I met with many DC brunch groups for good eats!

Charlotte International Arts Festival (starts end of Sept.)

Charlotte uptown is home to the Charlotte International Arts Festival

If you’re looking for a travel idea you can drive to and get ideas or create some curiosity, then the Charlotte International Arts Festival is up your alley! The CIAF is worth a visit and it’s running for a few months so you can plan this out.

Stay overnight (and stay within your budget!) to enjoy the NC mountain and festivals in between. And if you’re doing budget travel, you can drive to the western NC mountains and Asheville just a couple hours away.

There are plenty of free event opportunities at this festival. And one of the event halls is connected to the tallest and most recognizable building in Charlotte, the Bank of America Building on N. Tryon Street. And S. Tryon Street just down the street, you’ll find the Bechtler Museum of Art that stands out year round with bright red ornament balls that’s easy to find and remember. And is a good photo opp. 🤳

And more city event photo opps include the Sky of Bubbles that has an ephemeral light and sound show. During the day, the bubbles have a blue, purple, white, pink, green, and yellow glow.

Think of those soap bubbles you blow that create fun and wonder. 🫧 And at night, anything can happen! So if you missed the natural Super Moon 🌑, this could be your chance to look up and be in wonder.

The emphasis on international carries across the cultural bazaar fair with Indian and Latin American performances. 💃🏻 You can find the new events between Uptown and Ballantyne. Diversity themes are trending.

The luxury Ballantyne Center boutique hotel and spa is swanky and spacious in the ‘burbs. Have you seen the luxury pools? It’s also a hotel home to a gingerbread competition if that spices up your life or if you want to walk into a grand staircase lobby feel with a can’t-miss child-high colorful floral centerpiece.

…That thought reminds me of 💭 when I worked in one specific luxury hotel early in my hotel catering days, that had a fab waterfall glass feature that ran from the hotel lobby to the mezzanine level. You don’t hear about those much these days! 😅

And in Charlotte, if you would like to be closer to Uptown (city center downtown), check out this roof top view hotel. The Charlotte International Arts Festival events are just steps or minutes away, so very convenient.

And what should you expect to find? For ticketed events, think jazz, Bier Garten, creative media artists, cultural dancers, mixed- media painters, and so much more! I guess you’ll have to go to find out 🎉

NC Mountain State Fair near Asheville

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nc state mountain fair

If you want to know where Noah’s Ark is, then the NC State Mountain Fair will answer that… as there are over 4,000 animals. That’s 100 times more than carnival rides they have (40 in case you wanted quick math).

And unlike some carnivals that have mystery rides (that they don’t announce until you’re there), these are no sketchy plans, as they rides are all listed here.

And the NC State Mountain Fair is a close drive to artsy Asheville, NC, where there are plenty of artisan displays to check out if arts and crafts and quilts are your thing. And the Asheville Early Girl Eatery is a good place to enjoy breakfast next to the mountains, and also now in Charlotte a couple hours away.

And enjoy Southern Comfort food at Tupelo Honey Cafe while you stroll the art galleries.

…Asheville, NC (…you may have heard) is full of world-class fun from picturesque Lake Lure (where Dirty Dancing movie shots were taken).

And Chimney Rock’s Hickory Nut Falls was a waterfall debut in The Last of the Mohicans. And of course is home to the Biltmore Castle where there was a recent Leonardi da Vinci exhibit. The castle is good also to see at Christmas time if you like decorated Christmas trees. Plus, there’s a Biltmore winery on ground that remind me of the Virginia wineries if that’s your thing!

Idea 💭 : you can rent a pontoon to enjoy the lake when the weather is nice. And staying at a downtown boutique hotel is a good idea. If you want a unique mountain rock feel in a resort atmosphere with a tennis court, then you can check this one out.

And that’ll put you in the natural mood to visit the Chimney Rock’s Hickory Nut Falls. The waterfall made a debut in The Last of the Mohicans if you’re a movie buff (where Acor Daniel Day-Lewis cried out, “I will come find you” to Madeleine Stowe’s character). And it was voted one of the best waterfalls in America helping to make America beautiful.

Cinque Terre, Italy Gem Stay

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cinque terre italy gem hillside town
Vernazza, Cinque Terre Italy gem stay in the heart of Cinque Terre (views are postcard-esque and something to write home about 💌)

This is a hidden Cinque Terre, Italy gem. La Polena Hotel is apartment-like and has a rooftop that we had for private sunbathing and enjoying at sunset. It’s private to the building that only has 2 other rooms that may or may not be occupied.  

In the Emerald Suite, there’s a beautiful view above the water (Ligurian Sea), that you can indeed swim in.  It’s lovely in the summer.

Great way to travel is to take the boat ferry and village hop in Cinque Terre.  You can also take the train from town to town.  If you love hiking and walking, it’s a great place for hikers and walking enthusiasts.

And if you’re Italy hopping, you can take the train to La Spezia. From Florence, you’ll see the Carrara marble and quarry that Michaelangelo used to dream up and carve the statue of David in the town of Carrara.

And then in Cinque Terre, you can enjoy the dreamy Italian tourist seascape. 🌊

cinque-terre-italy-gem-hotel

The Emerald Suite comes with a Nespresso maker and coffee, and a kettle (hot water pot).  The bedroom is in a separate room separated by a hallway that leads to the bathroom.  The bathroom is very modern and nice.  

There’s a shower enclosed by glass (no bath tub).  There’s a bidet beside the toilet.  It’s not really a family with kids’ place, it’s actually perfect for a romantic getaway. 

There’s a big wardrobe in the room hallway. The safe inside did not work when we stayed but perhaps is fixed now.

Not a big deal as there’s a lock outside the door of the building.  For the hotel room price, this is a Cinque Terre, Italy gem. You’re getting a suite in the heart of Vernazza, one of the 5 famous villages in  Cinque Terre, Italy!

When you leave the building, halfway down the steps (which mind you, are real Cinque Terre steps –stone and uneven), there’s a great restaurant. 

They have delicious fresh seafood and an anchovies plate (Cinque Terre is known for anchovies and pesto).  I don’t usually leave recipes but this is so simple:

Cinque Terre pesto: Crush up basil, pine nuts, and garlic with some salt in a mortar. Then mix with grated parmesan cheese and olive oil.

In the Vernazza village where this hotel is, there’s one restaurant that stands on a cliff and has amazing food.  It’s the Belforte Restaurant. 

We made a reservation at 7 pm and were standing in a line outside in the heat.  But it’s worth the wait!  The food is amazing.  If you love seafood, THIS is the place. I loved their black squid ink pasta.  I could eat that every day.

cinque terre italy gem restaurant on the vernazza cliff
cinque terre italy gem finds like this patio dining

Then for breakfast, it is free and included with your hotel stay at La Polena, a Cinque Terre, Italy gem.  It is a nice buffet with fruit, yogurt, bread, and pastries.  A server will come by and ask if you would like a beverage, like a coffee or cappuccino.  You can sit inside or outside.  This free-for-guests-breakfast restaurant has an outside picturesque view of the main plaza in Vernazza.  For lunch, this restaurant is busy with tourists.  We had lunch there one day and I ordered the seafood pizza that was 10 euros.

Night Roof view of Vernazza from hotel

And if you like charming Cinque Terre water views, you’ll probably love the canals in Venice

US Open Tennis NYC

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us open tennis can include touring

If you’re a tennis fan, then the US Open Tennis Grand Slam Flushing Meadows event is a favorite. 🎾 And, you can enjoy NYC touring the Flat Iron Building district while you’re there. It’s close to the Eataly that I remember going to on its opening day. Those were the days. I worked in foodie restaurants and got to sit on the set of the The Martha Stewart show. Now, I’m really dating myself. 😅

And, the US Open tennis players back then are mostly all retired, but Djokovic had already won his first Glam Slam against Nadal and Federer.

With the New York US Open event, I especially like that the players get to express themselves in their sporty clothing (like I get to express my bright colors as I’m not afraid of the cuh-lah!)… and that’s totally different from Wimbledon pageantry where everyone wears white. But, that’s (white) hot too!

And coming up soon, there’s plenty to get excited about for the US Open Tennis…

The trophies are high-class Tiffany branded so they’re made by a NYC company. 🏆 Who would’ve thought it would be stylish to hold a trophy to sweeten the silver pot?

Do we think Djokovic or upsetting newcomer Carlos Alcaraz will win this time? And what about Swiatek or Jabeur for the Ladies trophy?

It’s anyone’s game… and that’s btw, why they play!

If you’ll be there or you live there in the NY or NJ area, you can check out mouth-watering foods served up like at the Flavors of the Open event happening during the US Open Tennis event (as a doubles event!)… this is super special because top local chefs will feature dishes, and there will be live music entertainment. We all could use a ‘lil hip-hop and pep in our step. You can read the lineup on their site.

David Burke is one of the chefs featured. And if you’re there you can also visit his restaurants! And for the cutest boutique stay, I love this place. Like I love hotels and I love New York! ❤️

And if you want to be in the thick of it in Queens ♕, this is a Flushing boutique hotel or a cool Brooklyn boutique with a stair-stepping building that fits in the NYC skyscraper skyline 🗽

take time to eat out during the US Open Tennis that's summer friendly

2023 Great Oktoberfest Events in U.S. Autumn Foliage

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2023 Oktoberfest events are all over the U.S. like other festivals showing up annually in the early autumn. And during the fall, the Northeast in the U.S. is a great area to watch the autumn leaves fall backdrop. 🍂

Oktoberfest is edibly known for bratwurst, soft pretzels, German potato salad, large drumsticks, beer, and German desserts. Pennsylvania Dutch 🥨 with German mustard, please!

Sometimes there’s a Kirchdorfer band.. and t.here’s always fun lederhosen leather and dirndl bodice with full skirt 👗

Oktoberfest costumes that were once the work attire for farmers and peasants. They’d probably laugh at our suspenders and denim today. 😅

And our modern Oktoberfest tradition started in Munich, Germany in 1810 as a wedding celebration 👰‍♂️for the crown prince of Bavaria (…and reminds me of the make-believe Genovia in Princess Diaries for Genovia). The Oktoberfest events in U.S. today are definitely a celebration in spirit. 🇩🇪

And I got a ‘lil Oktoberfest German inspiration from The Great Britisth Baking Show… making my own gingerbread cookies batches that has become an Advent Christmas tradition.

Oktoberfest events in U.S. include german desserts

You probably remember your first Oktoberfest event you experienced that could’ve been with desserts

…My first Oktoberfest event was under the pavilion at the Reston Town Center.

Every year for several years, the winter ice skating rink was transformed into the famous German fest with blue and white checkered tablecloth tables.

And if you’re an Oktobest fan-goer, the ones below in the Northeast U.S. are worth a visit for the cool landscape.

The question is…

To kid or not?… while Oktoberfests are as common as county fairs, they differ in that these events are often more adult-friendly than family-friendly.

It’s kinda like deciding whether to take your kids to a concert or not. 💭 And good to research in advance. If you see gallery photos from previous years of beer pitchers 🍻on tables as the main focus, then probably better to keep the kiddos at home.

…But then if a petting zoo is on the agenda or you see kiddos in photos, then you know. And good to check out the plan in advance anyway, as some Oktoberfest have healthy adult mountain climbs and other exciting annual opps you don’t wanna miss… but remember, it’s rooted as a fun German ground fest with the Chicken Dance and not a serious yodeling Swiss Alps fest.

2023 Oktoberfest Events to Check Out

Bier Garden Oktoberfest in Portsmouth, Virginia (my home state ❤️) – Saturday, September 30.

Das Best Oktoberfest in Baltimore, MD – Saturday, October 28

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest in Newark, DE – September 15-17

Bavarian Oktoberfest in Canonsburg, PA – September 15-17

Oktoberfest in Portland, Maine – September 7 (where you can drive up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor and stay at a fab boutique hotel on the water)

And if you prefer to stay inland in the middle of the state, then Rangeley, Maine could be your Oktoberfest on October 8 (with cider seltzers and a 5K mountain opportunity).

New York Oktoberfest in New York City (on Pier 15)- September 8 – October 29. There’s no Little Germany, but this could be what you’re looking for.

Mountain Creek Resort 35th Annual Oktoberfest – September 21 – 22. There’s even a lodging boutique onsite.