Each year, The American Bus Association (ABA) selects North America's Top 100 Events. While the focus is on choosing those events that make great motorcoach destinations, the top events are a diverse selection of festivals and celebrations that you'll enjoy no matter how you get there! This year, the ABA's Selection Committee tapped 12 New England and New York State events for the Top 100 List.
Here's a round-up of the events in New England and neighboring New York that made the Top 100 List:
June 23-25, 2006
Connecticut's River Valley Rose and Garden Weekend
Greater Hartford, Connecticut
800 793-4480
Rose Weekend, held annually for more than a century in Hartford, Connecticut's Elizabeth Park, was expanded several years ago to feature garden events at 10 other central Connecticut locations. Now, in addition to exploring the nation's oldest municipal rose garden, visitors can enjoy workshops, tours and concerts at other lovely gardens, all located within driving distance.
June 23-25, 2006
Newport Flower Show
Newport, Rhode Island
(401) 847-2251
New England's premier outdoor flower show is held each year at Rosecliff, one of Newport's historic mansions. The colorful event features judged plants, flowers and exhibits; lectures by gardening experts and a gardening marketplace. The theme of the 2006 Newport Flower Show is "The Pleasures of Summer." Take my virtual photo tour of the 2001 Newport Flower Show for a preview of what you'll see.
June 30-July 2, 2006
Vermont Quilt Festival
Essex Junction and Colchester, Vermont
(802) 485-7092
The Vermont Quilt Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2006, and the event promises even more new and antique quilts to see, plus classes, lectures, kids programs, quilt appraisals and more. The festival also moves to a new, air-conditioned location this year, Champlain Valley Exposition, with classes and lectures to be held at nearby St. Michael's College.
July 13-August 27, 2006
Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions
North Hero, Vermont
(802) 372-8400
Did you know that the famous Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions spend their summers on an island in Vermont? See these graceful horses perform their equestrian ballet at a new arena in Knight Point State Park during regularly scheduled public shows.
August 2-6, 2006
59th Annual Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland, Maine
(207) 596-0376/800 LOB-CLAW
If you love lobster, you need to be in Rockland, Maine, August 2-6 for the 59th annual Maine Lobster Festival. There's only one word for this gargantuan five-day celebration of Maine's beloved crustacean--Yum!
August 4-6, 2006
Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally
Binghamton, New York
(607) 761-2475
Never had a spiedie? These marinated, slow-cooked meat sandwiches were invented in Binghamton, New York, in the 1920s by the city's Italian immigrants. This annual festival features not only food but hot air balloon launches, arts and crafts, an antique car show, live entertainment, fireworks and more.
Next Page: More Top Events for 2006
