FREE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OFFER SUMMER FUN WITH PLENTY OF VALUE

NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 – With economic concerns front and center for many Americans, travelers who long for a summer vacation need not despair. From Atlantic City to Salt Lake City, areas all around the country are offering a variety of no-charge events, festivals, and cultural attractions that won’t break the bank. Below is a sampling of fun, free ways to explore the U.S. on a budget.

I Love New York – With 11 distinct vacation regions and a rich cultural history New York State (www.iloveny.com) offers a diverse range of activities for travelers of all ages and interests.

·      Alive at Five (June 4 - Aug 13) – This free summer concert series has kept downtown Albany’s spirits high on Thursdays for 19 years. The stage comes alive with a different genre of music from national, regional and local artists; www.albanyevents.org    

·      Syracuse Jazz Festival (June 26 and 27) – Onondaga Community College is home to the 27th Annual Syracuse Jazz Fest, the largest free festival of its kind in the northeast. This year, pop star Kenny G. will headline on Saturday, June 27; www.syracusejazzfest.com  

Virginia is for Lovers – To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism campaign, the state has compiled a list of 40 free things to do on vacation in Virginia. A selection appears below, visit www.virginia.org for the complete list.

·      Burke’s Garden – This mountain-ringed bowl 10 miles in diameter holds some of the state’s most fertile farmland. The Tazewell County region is worth exploring by foot, bike or car; www.tazewellcounty.org/tourism/broch8.html  

·      Foamhenge at Natural Bridge – Enchanted Castle Studios has created a full-size foam replica of Stonehenge. Travelers are invited to bring their camera to try and fool their friends back home; www.naturalbridgeva.com/foamhenge.html  

·      Virginia Beach Boardwalk – America’s longest commercial beach boasts a three-mile boardwalk bustling with family friendly recreational facilities and a premier selection of restaurants and shops. In summer, three oceanfront stages offer nightly entertainment; www.vbfun.com

Palm Beach County – From distinctive attractions and top notch festivals to an assortment of cultural venues, Palm Beach County’s sub-tropical paradise offers the perfect setting for any vacation; www.palmbeachfl.com.

·      Clematis by Night (Thursdays) – Every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach is home to the award-winning Fountainside Concert Series, featuring rock, R&B, reggae, blues, soul and swing music. 

·      TurtleFest 2009 (April 25) – This free, family friendly event takes place at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, one of the most heavily nested sea turtle beaches in the world. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment on two stages, educational workshops, enviro-friendly vendors, arts & crafts, kids’ games, marine-themed merchandise, sea turtle viewing and more; www.marinelife.org.  

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