May Vacation Ideas

Spring is at hand

Summer's almost here and, if you want to kick off the season the right way, why not visit the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, CA on May 19 - 20, 2012. Kids will love Strawberryland with free rides and shows, jugglers, magicians, and puppeteers. Adults will enjoy exhibits, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a fine arts and crafts presentation with over 200 booths, showcasing jewelry, woodwork, sculpture, glass, garden art and more. But, most of all - prepare you palate for some scrumptious strawberries. Strawberry Meadows of College Park. 3250 S. Rose Avenue 888-288-9242.

Springtime is a great time to visit St. Augustine, Florida's oldest city. Visit the Historic District with more than 200 houses dating back to the early 1700's. Cobblestoned streets and horse-drawn buggies bring you back in time as you learn about its rich history. Stroll along St. George Street and enjoy the quaint boutiques, museums, galleries, and restaurants. At the City Gates you'll be able to view the nation's oldest wooden schoolhouse. Spring and Summer bring Concerts in the Plaza for your enjoyment. The entire District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There's fun to be had all month long in May at the Memphis in May International Festival, Memphis, TN. Music, cultural and artistic festivities, educational programs, and plenty of food greet over a million people each year.

Start the month off with the very popular Beale Street Music Festival. Stay for the Salute to a different country each year, followed by Memphis' World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in mid-May. Finish off the month by attending the Sunset Symphony. Call 901-525-4611 for dates and times.

For a taste of Italy, visit the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, May 25 - June 10, 2012 for theater productions, opera, dance, and symphonies throughout the town, as well as an opening night kick-off special. More Charleston Vacation Ideas.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau presents Miami Musuem Month, a cultural celebration all month long during May with exhibitions, films, lectures, special events, and a special kick-off party with 15 participating museums. More things to see and do on our Miami Vacation Ideas page.

May starts off at the famous Churchill Downs, host of the Kentucky Derby. Catch the fever in Louisville, KY. The first Saturday in May is the designated day for the "Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports", the Kentucky Derby, also called "The Run For The Roses", a 1 1/4 mile ride at historic Churchill Downs before 150,000 fans. See more Louisville, KY Vacation Ideas

Be sure to visit the New Mexico History Museum in historic downtown Santa Fe. A 96,000 square foot world-class cultural institution guaranteed to give you a greater appreciation as you take a fresh look at history. 505-476-5200. See more Santa Fe Vacation Ideas.

While visiting Las Vegas, don't miss the Liberace Museum. Fans will love the tribute performances, exhibits of sequined costumes, glitzy cars and pianos, jewelry, flashy candelabras, memorabilia and private papers of the ever-popular Mr. Showmanship. 1775 E. Tropicana Avenue. 702-798-5595. See more Las Vegas Vacation Ideas.

Drawing almost a half million people to the Denver Civic Center is the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival (English translation: 5th of May), a weekend celebration of Mexican heritage. Mariachi bands, costumed dancers, arts and crafts, parades, live entertainment, carnival rides, and over 350 booths of Mexican cuisine. Plenty of activity in this lively atmosphere bringing people from all parts of the country to Denver for this educational and cultural experience. Call for more information (303) 534-8342 or send inquiries to 100 W. 14th. Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 81204. More Denver Vacations

The Indy 500 in late May is one of the most popular of all sporting events.

Enjoy the yearly Tennessee Renaissance Festival as the 16th century comes to life before your eyes each weekend in May with costumed villagers interacting with the public. Witness "death-defying feats" of jousting, enjoy specialty foods and drink from the Renaissance Marketplace, musicians and minstrels, games of skill, crafts from artisans across the country, and a tour of the castle and grounds. Each year brings something new and exciting for family entertainment. Just 25 miles south of Nashville. To purchase tickets, call (615) 395-9950. See more Nashville Vacation Ideas.

With the arrival of spring and pleasant temperatures, thoughts go to outdoor activities - hiking, biking, jogging, fishing, camping. Whatever your fancy, Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta, GA. is the place to be, located just 16 miles east of Downtown Atlanta on Highway 78. Open year round with entertainment and festivals. You'll want to visit often.

One of the top attractions is the Summit Skyride, 825 feet above ground to the top of the mountain. Gorgeous views of the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains. Or, if you prefer a train ride, the Scenic Railroad will take you on a 5 mile trip around the mountain, stopping off for a Dueling Wagons live show.

Another great option would be the cruise around the lake on the Scarlett O'Hara, a paddleboat that takes you on a 20 minute cruise of the lake. Miniature golf, 4D Theater, a spectacular Lasershow, interactive games for the kids, water slides, trampolines and so much more.

Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled vacation. Call Stone Mountain Park at (770) 498-5690. More Atlanta Vacation Ideas

Looking for a perfect weather getaway. Try Sedona in the Spring when temperatures rarely hit over 80 degrees. More Northern Arizona Vacation Ideas and more Sedona Vacation Ideas.

Stroll along the streets of the Historic Town of Smithville & Village Green at the Jersey Shore. Take a step back in time in this 18th century village as you shop at the 60 quaint and inviting shops. Plenty of eateries, including fine dining at the Smithville Inn right on the lake. Bring the kids to the Brownstone Puppet Theater, ride the carousel or take the children's train ride through the town, cool off on the paddle boats at the lake or test your skills at the antique arcade, housing vintage carnival games and amusements. Year round events and only 15 minutes north of Atlantic City on Route 9, Exit 48 on the Garden State Parkway. A very pleasant day trip for all ages. Call for current activities and times (609) 748-6160. More Jersey Shore Vacation Ideas

For the horse lover in you, catch the season's Opening Day at Monmouth Race Park in Oceanport, NJ for thoroughbred horse racing. Fun and excitement for the whole family. Come for the scheduled Family Fun Days. Live music, pony rides, clowns, and face painting for the kids. Garden State Parkway to Exit 105 to Rt. 36E. Follow signs to Monmouth Park. Telephone number (732) 222-5100 for more information on Opening Day and special events throughout the season. More Jersey Shore Vacation ideas

Copper Square, 90 square blocks of excitement and fun in the revitalized downtown district of Phoenix. The right place to be for museums, sporting events, music events, live theater, specialty shops, street fairs, and over 90 restaurants, bars, and markets to choose from. Something for everyone, a must see when you're in the Phoenix area. Copper Square has it all and still growing and improving to meet your every need. More Phoenix Vacation Ideas

If you're in the Tucson, AZ area, try heading out about 100 miles southeast where you'll find the town of Bisbee, formerly a copper mining town that was later developed into an artist colony. Visit the many art galleries and antique shops, gourmet restaurants and coffee houses. Stroll through the restored neighborhoods of Victorian and European style homes. Don't miss the Queen Mine Underground Tour where you'll be outfitted with miners lantern hats and experience a day in the life of a miner from days gone by. Call for reservations (866) 432-2071. Visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. For hours, call (520) 432-7071. For the more adventurous, take the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour week-end nights, a walking tour through the streets, alleys, and back roads for a haunted history of Bisbee after dark. For times and availability of the Ghost Tour, call (520) 432-3308. More Tucson Vacation Ideasand more Haunted Vacation Ideas

Catch the excitement on the third Sunday in May as The Bay to Breakers 12K world famous foot race takes place, celebrating San Francisco's spirit and enthusiasm. All ages join in on the fun, many in costume, starting at Howard and Main Street near the San Francisco Bay, running through the heart of the city, and ending at the Great Highway along Ocean Beach. More than 65,000 people are expected to participate this year. Live bands add to the excitement of the day. More San Francisco Vacation Ideas