Fall 2024 Story Starters
October 15, 2023NORTH AMERICA
Alexandria, VA – www.visitalexandria.com
Fall into the season with bright-hued foliage, art events, outdoor festivals and Halloween haunts in Alexandria, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C. Located on the Potomac River waterfront, Alexandria is the ideal destination for the ultimate fall getaway, and the perfect home base for those who want convenient access to the nation’s capital via Metrorail, water taxi, bike and more. Join the celebrations at the 29th annual Art on the Avenue on Oct. 5 and taste unlimited samples of wine from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival. Hear ghost stories, legends, folklore and more on the ever-popular Alexandria Colonial Tours’ Ghost & Graveyard Tour, led by a colonial-costumed guide in historic Old Town Alexandria. Or embark on a journey to explore Victorian mourning traditions and tales of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences with the Grief and Ghosts Tour at the Lee-Fendall House.
Baltimore, MD – www.baltimore.org
Baltimore is a perfect spot to visit all year, offering unique experiences and activities from arts and culture to culinary to historical. During fall, especially during the Halloween days, Baltimore is steeped in history with famous battles and legendary authors and boasts haunted locales and ghost sightings offering eerie tours, haunted hotels, and macabre museums as top ways to celebrate Halloween in the city. The Fells Point Fun Festival offers live music, unique vendors, and delectable food from local restaurants. Explore the festival’s history and its significance to the community. Join the Baltimore Running Festival and follow the journeys of runners from near and far as they tackle the marathon, half-marathon, and other races. Highlight personal stories, share training tips, and capture the exhilarating festival atmosphere. The Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival is special, with an artistry behind this magical event. Interview artists, participants, and organizers to get an inside look at the creation of the stunning lanterns and floats that light up the night. Fall Art Exhibits take over in Baltimore’s museums and galleries that are showcasing stunning art this fall. Review the must-see exhibits and highlight the work of notable artists bringing their creations to the city and savor the flavors of the fall season with a visit to Baltimore’s farmers’ markets. Highlight the fresh produce available and share profiles of local farmers, along with delicious recipes to try at home.
Chattanooga, TN – www.visitchattanooga.com
Chattanooga hosts more than 80 events across 35 different sports every year – and the numbers keep climbing. Tennessee’s Scenic City is also the Southern hub for IRONMAN, which takes place Sept. 29, and is also a magnet for national high school sporting tournaments and champions. Head of the Hooch, one of the world’s largest rowing regattas, takes place along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga Nov. 2-3 and is fascinating to watch from the banks of the river. Chattanooga also has a reputation for being a magnet for music lovers, and many will be in town for the 17th annual 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival taking place Oct. 4-5 from 6-10pm along the Downtown Riverfront. Combining both traditional and contemporary bluegrass, this free music festival transcends generations as some of the biggest names in bluegrass take to the stage.
Cincinnati, OH/Northern Kentucky – www.visitcincy.com
Munich may be home to the original and world’s largest Oktoberfest, but U.S. residents can raise a beer stein to Cincinnati which hosts the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest. Oktober Zinzinnati, first held in 1976, returns Sept. 19-22. The event draws more than 800,000 people during the four-day celebration of German heritage. Over The Rhine (also known as OTR) is one of Cincy’s charming neighborhoods and is named for the vibrant German community that once called this area home. Several breweries and speakeasies are found in OTR, which is a favorite of location scouts because of its resemblance to New York City circa 1920s-30s. Every two years in mid-October, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s skylines are aglow during the world’s largest light installations. BLINK Cincinnati takes place Oct. 17-20 after dark and features small and large murals, an array of talented artists and a sense of community pride as visitors from around the world arrive to be part of the largest outdoor museum and art gallery. The event is free and kicks off with the BLINK parade, a tradition that marks the official opening of the four-day event.
Expedia Group – www.expedia.ca (Canadian B2B Media Only)
Expedia Group shares new exciting updates and products at EXPLORE™ 2024 including a new roaming buddy and a new rewards program for hotels across the world. Travellers can now rely on Romie™, the first AI travel assistant designed to accompany and assist you throughout your journey. Available on EG Labs™, Romie helps with planning, shopping, booking, and managing unexpected changes, while also learning your preferences to offer personalised suggestions, whether it’s finding boutique hotels or hiking trails. Travel Shops also debuted the Expedia app: a new storefront where creators can share and save travel recommendations, helping travellers find inspiration without endless scrolling. In their 2024 Spring Product Release, Expedia also introduced AI-powered tools to simplify planning, booking, and customer service, aiming to get travellers on their way faster. Lastly, Hotels.com also unveiled “Perfect Somewheres” 2024, celebrating the top 1% of hotels based on guest treatment, with over 60 Canadian hotels featured, including Le Germain Maple Leaf Square, Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, and W Montréal. In terms of travel advisor news, Expedia Group launches its TAAP Rewards program in Canada and Mexico. This program allows advisors to earn reward points on eligible bookings that can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, DoorDash, and Tim Hortons.
Greater Louisville, KY/IN– www.gotolouisville.com
One of the most anticipated events of the season is the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park. This event features thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, creating a mesmerizing display. Delve into the artistry behind the scenes by interviewing the talented artists and organizers who bring this spectacle to life. Experience the Kentucky Bourbon tasting like never before during the fall season. The distilleries offer unique tours, seasonal bourbon releases, and special events that highlight the rich tradition of bourbon-making. Halloween in Louisville is filled with spooky fun. Explore haunted houses, ghost tours, and costume parties that cater to all ages. Another major event is Louisville’s Fall Music and Cultural Festivals, a testament to Louisville’s diverse cultural scene. These events bring together performers and audiences from all walks of life. Interview musicians and organizers to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and community spirit behind these festivals.
Greater Miami, FL – www.miamiandbeaches.com
Greater Miami and Miami Beach offer an unforgettable vacation during fall in this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, shopping paradises, and a lively art scene await. Michelin-star culinary discoveries, water sports, relaxation in spas, and countless Instagram-worthy locations round out the offer. While the rest of the country starts to cool down, Miami enjoys pleasant temperatures and sunny days during autumn months. This destination calendar is full of events that celebrate everything from art and music to food and culture, each one of them offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and a multicultural flair firsthand. Miami will welcome the return of Miami Spice Restaurant Months. From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, locals and visitors alike can indulge in the destination’s finest eateries, enjoying prix fixe offers. To taste Miami’s best seafood, visitors can go to the 11th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival on Oct. 21, a beachfront event that features South Florida’s top chefs, pop-up cafes, 30+ open bar stations, a beer garden, live demos, DJs, live music, and interactive sponsor experiences. The electrifying NASCAR weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway takes place Oct. 26–27, with the highlight being the NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday, a must-see event in the NASCAR Playoffs that offers a variety of experiences to complement a race weekend. From Dec. 6–8 visitors can enjoy the return of Art Basel Miami Beach, North America’s premier contemporary art fair, featuring 277 galleries and attracting thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation Attractions (Ozarks, MO) www.visitozarks.org
The Missouri Ozarks are home to the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation attractions, which include the Wildlife of Wonders (WOW) National Museum and Aquarium located in Springfield and connected to the flagship Bass Pro Shop. Explore 1.5 miles of immersive galleries that include 4D dioramas with some 35,000 animals represented and more than 800 species on display, including jellies and sea turtles. The aquarium also houses historic boats captained by celebrated authors Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. Founded by Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops, WOW celebrates hunting, fishing, and the stewardship of the land and water, with proceeds from ticket sales going to support these causes. Immersive experiences include interacting with penguins and swimming with sharks. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, in nearby Lampe, features horseback riding, tram tours, waterfalls, herds of bison and elk, fishing and fabulous leaf-peeping in the fall. Nearby is Top of the Rock, home to Table Rock Lake and offering scenic golf cart cave tours, waterfalls and the Ancient Ozarks History Museum with extensive galleries and exhibits showcasing more than 75,000 items that include Native American artifacts and artwork, relics from the American West and Civil War along with priceless pieces belonging to Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
Kissimmee, Florida – experiencekissimmee.com
As the crisp air of fall settles over Kissimmee, Florida, comes alive with excitement. Known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World, it offered countless options for visitors. The season’s highlight will be Country Thunder Florida, returning to Osceola Heritage Park on Oct. 18-20, with performances by Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jon Pardi, promising unforgettable music. Halloween magic will also be in full swing with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and SeaWorld’s Spooktacular. For friendly frights, Old Town Kissimmee’s Mortem Manor provides haunted fun. As the sun set, Kissimmee buzzed with anticipation, with music festivals and spooky celebrations promising unforgettable adventures for all.
Loudoun County, VA – visitloudoun.org
Don’t miss the Virginia Wine Month in October during the Wine Harvest Season, featuring local wineries, their harvest processes, and winemaker interviews with tasting recommendations. The Waterford Fair emphasizes preservation with historic home tours and artisan crafts, providing a deep dive into the region’s cultural heritage. Discover the best trails for Hiking in the Fall Foliage, perfect for family-friendly hikes and scenic overlooks. For a unique perspective, explore Hot Air Balloon Rides over Loudoun County’s picturesque autumn landscape, capturing breathtaking views, especially in fall. Investigate local legends and haunted sites in Haunted Loudoun, including Leesburg Ghost Tours. Guide readers through the best Halloween Events, from trick-or-treating spots to spooky mazes and haunted houses. Cover important community events like the Loudoun Free Clinic’s Annual Fundraiser, with interviews from organizers and beneficiaries.
North Carolina – www.visitnc.com
In North Carolina, fall color is about so much more than leaves – it includes watching stunning sunrises and sunsets from the same spot on the beach and hopping on family-friendly hayrides after picking pumpkins. Visitors can indulge in fall flavors at colorful events, such as the Pecan Harvest Festival, featuring live entertainment, classic and antique cars, food contests, a parade and craft market. Other fall events include the Carolina Classic Fair, one of NC’s largest agricultural fairs and beer festivals, such as Mecktoberfest in Charlotte and Triangle Oktoberfest, the state’s largest Oktoberfest in Cary. Get creative this season with a trip to North Carolina, where lesser-known adventures and undiscovered destinations offer more to explore.
Oklahoma City, OK – https://www.visitokc.com/
Fall in Oklahoma City means pumpkin patches and colorful foliage for visitors to enjoy. One of the largest craft shows in the Southwest will be making its way to OKC from Oct. 18-20. The event, An Affair of the Heart, features exhibitors from over 30 states, showcasing antique jewelry, clothing, flower arrangements and more. Meanwhile, Fright Fest is back in OKC with family-friendly shows and activities during the day and terrifying haunted houses and scary rides by night between Sept. 14 to Oct. 27. If you are for activities with all fun and no fright, Kids Boo Fest is offering family-friendly fun such as trick-or-treat trails and Halloween attractions to get the whole family in the spirit. On Oct. 19 visitors can immerse in Oklahoma’s rich Native American heritage by visiting the Red Earth Festival and learn traditional dances, shop for authentic crafts and taste native cuisine. This fall, let Oklahoma City captivate you and embrace a season filled with vibrant colors and an unforgettable seasonal escape.
Orlando, FL – www.visitorlando.com (Canadian Media Only)
Orlando is wasting no time getting into the spooky season after the summer with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights running from Aug. 30 to Nov. 3, which will feature ten terrifying haunted houses, five sinister scare zones, live entertainment, and thrilling rides, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights from Aug. 9 to Oct. 31. Bringing a taste of the world to Central Florida, Walt Disney World’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, returns Aug. 29 to Nov. 3, inviting visitors to embark on a culinary journey across six continents. For those looking to have fun outside of the theme parks Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Orlando, held from Nov. 8-10, is a massive electronic dance music festival featuring top DJs like Carl Cox B2B Vintage Culture, Eric Prydz, Illenium, Dimitri Vegas B2B Steve Aoki, and Diplo. Unlike other destinations that celebrate in June, Orlando holds Come Out with Pride Orlando festival every year in October, with the parade being held this year on Oct. 19 and expecting to draw in over 220,000 attendees. Inspired by the 1989 classic film, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure comes alive in an all-new way at the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
San Francisco, CA – www.sftravel.com (Canadian Media Only)
The World Arts West Dance Festival happens on the weekends of Aug. 25, Sept. 1, and Sept. 8 to showcase culture and wisdom, with a theme this year of “Dance as Activism.” Held at Dance Mission and the Presidio, the festival will include artist dialogues and dance workshops. The Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival, taking place on Sept. 14-15 along Grant Avenue in Chinatown, features a lively parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and a diverse array of food and drinks. Fisherman’s Wharf will host a Pier Party at the Wharf with free performances every Saturday from May 25 and through the end of October. Home to the best parks and spaces in the world, San Francisco welcomed Panorama Park in May, offering 360-degree views of the Bay Area. Highlighting the park’s allure is the Point of Infinity sculpture by Hiroshi Sugimoto, marking his first large-scale permanent installation in the U.S. Opened this summer in West Portal is George’s Donuts & Merriment, an elevated and whimsical donut café. Menu highlights will include a flight of fried-fresh donut holes with dips and ‘drunken’ donuts. Fiorella Noe opened its fourth location in Noe Valley on Wednesday, June 26, offering wood-fired pizza, pasta, and a variety of spritzes. The 50th Castro Street Fair is taking place on Oct. 6. The milestone celebration promises exciting events and activities, highlighting the vibrancy of the Castro neighbourhood and its diverse community. The fair supports local artisans, restaurants, and merchants, fostering a sense of family and community.
St. Louis, MO – www.explorestlouis.com
St. Louis offers an incredible and unique calendar of activities during fall. From vibrant art exhibitions and soul-stirring music performances to captivating theater productions and celebrations of community diversity, St. Louis’ signature events promise a year filled with fascination and engagement. The Best of Missouri Market at the Missouri Botanical Garden showcases 100 vendors with local crafts, food, jewelry, and plants. Meanwhile, GroveFest in The Grove neighborhood features everything from live performances and a Food Village to unique attractions like fire performers and a fashion show. On Oct. 26-27 join over 100,000 visitors at Kimmswick’s Apple Butter Festival, where visitors can savor homemade apple butter amidst live entertainment and hundreds of vendors. Later in November, film enthusiasts gather for the St. Louis International Film Festival, featuring exclusive screenings from around the globe. And don’t miss the enchanting and famous experience Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station, a beloved holiday tradition where families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy magical train journeys to the North Pole.
Redding, CA – www.visitredding.com
Located below the Oregon border in the Shasta-Cascade region lies Redding, California’s Sunniest City boasting an average of 300 days of rays a year. For centuries, the Wintu tribe tended the region’s verdant land. To honor and celebrate the original inhabitants, Redding Rancheria’s Stillwater Pow Wow will take place on the grounds of the Redding Rodeo on Oct. 4-6 and is free to attend. Native Americans gather at the Pow Wow to celebrate their way of life while, at the same time, honoring their ancestors with a return to sacred traditions that allow members to reflect on the power of long-held rituals that keep their communities strong, alive and bonded. Since 1991, nearly 10,000 people have attended to watch Native American dancers from across the U.S. and Canada allowing visitors to experience traditional singing, dancing and drumming while also enjoying indigenous foods, crafts and cultural enrichment.
San Antonio, TX – www.visitsanantonio.com
San Antonio is home to the largest Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in the U.S. taking place the last week of October. Dia de los Muertos is a festive time in San Antonio celebrating those who have departed with friends and family coming together to share memories of loved ones. Ofrendas (altars) are found throughout the Alamo City, from the corner bakery to stylish boutique hotels, with people stopping by to leave sugar skulls, tamales and more. San Antonio hosts a number of events, including a colorful River Parade on Oct. 25 where guests can watch from the banks along the River Walk. An alfresco celebration featuring live music, food and more will take place during the 11th annual Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair—named one of the best fall festivals in the U.S.by National Geographic and located on the site of the 1968 World’s Fair. The new Kimpton Santo Hotel, San Antonio’s first Kimpton property, will open just in time for Dia de los Muertos. A blend of historic charm and modern elegance, the hotel sits on a storied property occupied by a 19th century schoolhouse – which has been incorporated into the design. The hotel boasts a collection of stylish rooms, an outdoor courtyard shaded by century-old live oak trees and the tallest open-air rooftop in the city.
U.S. Virgin Islands – www.visitusvi.com
As autumn embraces the U.S. Virgin Islands, visitors who don’t care about fall foliage can enjoy unique events along the islands’ sun-soaked beaches instead. St. Thomas hosts the USVI Charter Yacht Show from Nov. 8-11, 2024, at Yacht Haven Grande, featuring luxurious yachts, culinary competitions, rum tastings, half-day sails, and seminars on sea turtles, national parks, and pirate history. St. Croix’s Christiansted comes alive during the Jump Up mini carnival on Nov. 29, 2024, with streets closed to vehicles, making way for music, dancing, and vendors offering food and craft. In St. John, the Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta on Nov. 30, 2024, showcases sailing crews navigating the beautiful waters, kicking off the holiday season with thrilling races. Basketball enthusiasts will flock to St. Thomas for the YES USVI Classic Basketball Tournament from Dec. 13-15, 2024, at the University of the Virgin Islands, featuring HBCU teams competing and free clinics for youths. With these exciting events and the added convenience of no passport needed for U.S. citizens, the U.S. Virgin Islands promise an autumn filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Washington, D.C. – www.washington.org (Canadian Media Only)
All eyes may be on the US capital this fall for the next resident of its most famous address, but Washington DC is one of the most exciting places to be in the fall beyond politics. The highly anticipated DC Jazz Festival will return for its 20th season from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 with jazz artists from around the world, including GRAMMY Award winners and NEA Jazz Masters. While DC is its own district, the city still celebrates the District’s agricultural, culinary and cultural talents at the DC State Fair on Sept. 7, a free showcase of family fun. For history lovers, fitness aficionados, movie buffs, or those simply looking to get into the Halloween spirit, take a hike up the 75 steep stairs at the corner of 36th and Prospect Streets in Georgetown where Father Karras fell to his death in the 1973 horror film, The Exorcist. The famed staircase has had a historical designation as of 2015. Opening in October, the Arlo Hotel will be the city’s first property from the independent lifestyle brand, promising a distinctive fusion of historic preservation and contemporary amenities, including a rooftop lounge, a pool, and inventive dining options.
Western Massachusetts – explorewesternmass.com
With its collection of charming and historic villages often set against a bucolic background of steepled churches and covered bridges, Western Mass certainly has all the write stuff – both figuratively and literally. Several members from the 19th and 20th century literati were born and bred in this part of the world (or chose to make Western Mass their home as adults). While these storied scribes are no longer living, they’ve left an indelible mark on the world with their words, prose and storytelling. Visitors to Western Mass can also browse their namesake studios, museums and former homes to get a better understanding of their work as well as their personal lives, including the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, housed near the author’s childhood home at the Springfield Museums. Eric Carle, another favorite children’s author who penned such classics as The Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? and spent the last 30 years of his life in Northampton. In 2002, he and his wife opened the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a gathering place dedicated to the art of children’s books – both his creations and many others. Edith Wharton’s privileged upbringing seeped into her writing, drawing on the Gilded Age’s lives and morals. In 1921, Wharton was the first woman to nab the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for her novel The Age of Innocence. At the turn of the 20th century, Wharton designed and built a magnificent home, The Mount, a National Historic Landmark in Lenox. The pet-friendly gardens are open year-round, while tours of her estate are offered seasonally beginning in May. Other places to visit are the homes of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick; Emily Dickinson’s family home in Amherst; and Norman Rockwell’s original art studio in Stockbridge.
INTERNATIONAL
Barbados – www.visitbarbados.org
Touted as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” Barbados also has the distinction of being the birthplace of rum, both of which pair well with a post-summer getaway. The annual Food & Rum Festival gets underway Oct. 24-27 on one of the world’s most-breathtaking islands. This star-studded and taste-budded event showcases Bajan’s culinary talents, from renowned rum producers to award-winning chefs. Guests can participate in a menu of food and beverage experiences while enjoying the beauty and surroundings that only Barbados offers. Just in time for the holidays, Delta will launch daily service from Atlanta to Barbados beginning Nov. 23 and Saturday-only flights to Barbados from JFK starting Dec. 21.
Belize – www.travelbelize.org (Canadian Media Only)
Get ready for a vibrant celebration in Belize City on Carnival Road March, held on Sept. 7. The day kicks off before dawn with J’ouvert, where participants dance through the streets covered in coloured mud, chocolate, and paint. Since 1975, this colourful event has taken place the weekend before the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day. Witness the Belize flag flying high during the St. George’s Caye Day parade on Sept. 10 and enjoy glistening fireworks lighting up the sky for Independence Day. Belize Independence Day is celebrated on Sept. 21 with patriotic fervour and cultural unity. The day begins with official ceremonies at Memorial Park in Belize City followed by the Uniform Parade through the city’s streets. The festivities continue with the Independence Day Street Bram on Albert & Regent Streets, featuring local foods and lively entertainment. Travelling to Belize in the off season (June-November) allows visitors to experience Belize without massive crowds at popular attractions. Belize has been recognized for its commitment to sustainable tourism, receiving a nomination as the “World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2024” at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). This first-ever awards show is hosted at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Site in Belize on Sept. 27. WSTHA received hundreds of entries.
Chile – www.chile.travel/en
Chile is home to a diversity of festivities, where the Independence Day celebrations are central. From Sept. 18-19, Chile celebrates its independence with parties. During the fall months Chile will host the Motivation Luxury Summit in Puerto Natales, Patagonia, exclusively for the luxury incentive travel industry. The event will bring together 50 VIP buyers from the US, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, along with 50 exhibitors from Latin America, maximizing networking opportunities between them. On Sept. 7, Puerto Natales hosts the 12th Patagonia International Marathon in Torres del Paine National Park. The event offers 42K, 21K, and 10K races on challenging gravel roads with breathtaking views of Paine Grande, Cuernos del Paine, and Torres del Paine. Chile will also host the World Rally Championship (WRC). The only South American leg of the championship will take place in the Biobío Region from Sept. 26 to 29. Nearly 350,000 attended last year’s event, where famous driver Ott Tanak was crowned champion. For film enthusiasts, the destination will host Valdivia Film Festival 2024, the 31st edition of this pivotal cultural event running from Oct. 14-20. The festival promotes a platform for showcasing and competing with high-quality national and international audiovisual productions.
Monaco – www.visitmonaco.com/en
Delve into the Monaco National Day Preparations for its National Day on Nov. 19th, exploring the cultural traditions, parades, and the significant role of the royal family in these celebrations. The Monaco International Clubbing Show (MICS), usually held in November, draws nightlife professionals worldwide, highlighting new trends in the nightclub and bar industry. For culinary enthusiasts, the Autumn Gourmet Festival is a must-attend. The Monte-Carlo Gastronomy Fair and other culinary events spotlight local chefs, gourmet tastings, and the best fall dishes in the region. Halloween in Monaco brings its own brand of excitement. Halloween Celebrations in Monaco include themed parties, events at local hotels and casinos, and family-friendly activities. For those seeking relaxation, the best Fall Wellness Retreats in Monaco offer spa experiences focused on health and rejuvenation before the holiday season. The nearby wine regions come into focus during the Monte Carlo Wine Festival, where wine-tasting events and festivals celebrate the harvest season.
Scotland – https://businessevents.visitscotland.com (business events story ideas only)
VisitScotland Business Events (VSBE) continues its “Journey to Change,” which leverages the business events platform as a catalyst for positive change inspired by Scotland’s pioneering spirit. Establishing itself as a wellness destination, perfect for relaxation, cultural immersion and wellbeing both physically and mentally, Scotland is excited to host the Global Wellness Summit at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews. At this conference, experts and thought leaders in the health, wellness and innovation spaces will come together to discuss and ideate on how to make the world a healthier place. The Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh is beginning a new chapter to celebrate its 120th anniversary with a multimillion pound renovation to improve the infrastructure, modernize the bedrooms and revamp the public spaces to enhance the guest experience. Murrayshall Hotel in Perth is also undergoing a four- to five- year, 30-million-pound renovation that will include glamping amenities, driving and golf academy, a spa with a gym and two restaurants, 50 additional rooms and more.
Toronto – www.destinationtoronto.com (business events story ideas only)
Toronto, home to some of the most-innovative hotels and venues in North America, is gearing up for a series of activations this fall. In September, the red carpet rolls out for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Toronto International Festival of Authors, drawing creatives from all over the world. For more than 14 years, Nuit Blanche (White Night) has been one of the most colorful events in Toronto, inspiring a new generation of gatherings across Canada and other cities worldwide. Taking place Oct. 5 this year, the all-night art event will include a different theme explored through different interactive exhibitions across the city and free programs, panel discussions, artist Q&As, and intimate performances taking place online and off leading up to and following the event. This November, Toronto gears up Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Scheduled to take place for six nights at Rogers Centre from Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21 – 23,Toronto’s venues are poised and ready. Bisha Hotel, is preparing to transform into the Taylor Hotel, re-naming one of its suites to The Taylor and providing a full Taylor experience for its guests, including renaming all of its seven floors to different eras. Additionally, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will also be hosting Toronto’s Version: Taylgate ‘24 on concert days. Located steps away from the Rogers Centre, ticket holders are invited to explore 150,000 square feet of indoor space at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s North Building, featuring photo-worthy activations, complimentary pre-show makeup stations, a massive bracelet-making and exchange area, concert-ready merchandise, and more.
Vienna – www.wien.info/en
Explore Vienna’s outdoor wonders and rich cultural scene this autumn. Venture to the picturesque vineyards and cozy taverns, stroll through parks or visit captivating art and design exhibitions. For a leisurely day, consider scenic walks like wine hiking, city hiking, or tackling the Rundumadum trail. Discover local wonders like the Central Cemetery and the exquisite church of St. Karl Borromäus. Enjoy a perfect autumn day in Vienna where vibrant foliage enhances every corner. Take in the tranquility of Viennese parks, vineyards, and forests for a breath of fresh air. Don’t miss the serene paths of the Green Prater, a cherished local haven for both people and wildlife alike. Vienna Design Week, from Sept. 20 to 29, transforms the city into a hub of creative events, showcasing the power of design. Spending Halloween in Vienna is also a must-do experience to discover the city’s spookiest spots such as Halloween in the Prater, Madhouse Tower, or the extensive Central Cemetery. Vienna’s Central Cemetery, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, is a magical place with graves of honor from Beethoven to Falco, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and lush greenery that makes it a beloved local spot. Guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, these locations embody Vienna’s morbid charm.
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