With the summer season now in full swing, those who haven’t already headed out are now starting to plan that refreshing summer vacation the whole family has been waiting for. But where to go? Well, with the nation’s stationary attractions growing more tired every year, the latest trend in vacation travel is “event vacations”, that is, trips to places with the intention of taking part in local events, festivals, and gatherings rather than the same old sightseeing.

There are plenty of benefits. Not only does it vastly improve your chances of enjoying an experience that is unique to you, there is also no better way to discover and explore the culture of a singular place. After all, an art museum in New York is about the same as an art museum in Los Angeles, or in Dallas, or wherever, but a festival in New York, bred by New Yorkers for New Yorkers, can be as many miles apart from a Los Angeles festival as the two cities themselves.

Here we provide a cross-section of the United States presenting both the east and west coasts as well as couple stops in between. We don’t discuss the years-old, not going anywhere, check it off your life’s to-do sightseeing stops that clog up most summer itineraries, though. Here we discover celebrating summer the way the locals do. Hotel recommendations are also provided.

East

Singer Island, Florida

An island paradise on Florida’s eastern coast and part of West Palm Beach, Singer Island doesn’t need an excuse to celebrate, but that doesn’t stop them from pulling out all the stops come summertime. In fact, thanks to generous weather all year-long, they kick off the summer festivities a little early with SunFest, Florida’s largest waterfront music and arts festival.

Every year, over 275,000 boisterous music fans head into West Palm Beach the first week of May to celebrate the fast approaching summer season with live music, friendly competitions, creative crafts, and explosive fireworks. SunFest regularly draws in some of the biggest acts in the country, and since the inaugural bash in 1982 has seen performances by John Mayer, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Cyndi Lauper, and even Ray Charles.

Of course the 2008 SunFest has already come and gone, but you should mark your 2009 calendars April 29-May 3.

Lodging: For a fine West Palm Beach luxury hotel, try the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort.

Central

Detroit, Michigan

It may not be surprising that the Motor City has a number of excellent car shows throughout the year, but that doesn’t make August’s Woodward Dream Cruise any less exciting. Considered by some counts as the largest single-day event in the world, this singular car show unlike any other attracts over 2 million spectators to the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a tribute to the classic “cruising” cars of the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s including a dynamic assortment of vintage muscle cars, hot rods, and special interest/limited release cars, along with plenty of custom jobs. In all, 40,000+ classic vehicles eventually line up to cruise Woodward Avenue as they might have over 50 years ago.

True cars nuts can make a full week’s vacation out of this single-day event as the classics begin to arrive at least a week in advance to prepare for the big day and do a little showing off. In 2008, the Woodward Dream Cruise will be held on August 16.

Lodging: For hotel in the Detroit area, consider the Doubletree Hotel Detroit/Novi.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Unlike an east coast sanctuary like Singer Island, Milwaukee, Wisconsin doesn’t enjoy agreeable weather year-round. In fact, come wintertime, the average daily temperature likes to sit somewhere between 20° and 30° F, a bit cold for any kind of outdoor extravaganza. That’s why come summertime, the Milwaukeeans have to do those east-coasters’ SunFest one better with SummerFest, a massive celebration recognized by the Guinness Book of World Record’s as the world’s largest music festival.

Running from late-June through early-July (and always including the 4th), SummerFest is a sprawling 11-day music festival bringing together major acts from all over the country, along with dedicated comedy stages, booth shopping, food stands sponsored by local restaurants, Karaoke pavilions, and of course a fireworks display. Along with the fantastic music, the food is especially important. Milwaukee is a remarkably robust ethnic town, and the fanciful variety in the food is the best way to discover its many cultures.

Considering the incredible amount on entertainment on display, SummerFest is a bargain even at the $15 that adult admission typically runs, but if you do a little research in town before you go, you’re likely to find a way to land a discount, if not altogether free tickets.

Lodging: For a fine Milwaukee hotel, try the Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee/Brookfield.

West

Dana Point, California

Hitting up the Southern California coast, the local festivals and events take on a laidback demeanor to match the outdoorsy, cares-to-the-wind lifestyle of major surf spots like Dana Point, California. At one time home to the merciless “Killer Dana” tidal pattern before harbor construction impeded the water, Dana Point remains to this day a fantastic vacation spot for beach-goers at any time of the year.

While Dana Point’s festival schedule is best known for the early-spring Festival of Whales, the town still heats up the summer with a cool Blues Festival every year around the middle of May. Unique to the Doheny Blues Festival (named for the local Doheny Beach) is the open access the visitors have to many of the star performers. A music store and pavilion is opened up on-site during the festival where performers go to mingle with fans after their shows. In a relaxed atmosphere like Dana Point, California, the lack of boundaries between performers and fans makes perfect sense, and it’s something you can’t truly understand until you’ve experienced it.

The official dates have yet to be announced for 2009, but the event will occur sometime in May. The announcement is expected by September, so check early so you can plan your visit ahead of time.

Lodging: A relaxing Dana Point, California hotel awaits you at the Doubletree Guest Suites Doheny Beach.

Oxnard, California

Located in the heart of California’s Strawberry Coast, Oxnard has a genuine claim to fame and it flaunts it yearly at the Oxnard California Strawberry Festival. Occurring the third week of every May, Oxnard kicks off a rather delicious summer with this celebration of their most prodigious local crop.

Particularly great for family vacations, the California Strawberry Festival captures the dynamic feel of a state fair yet packs a surprise around every turn. Take part in strawberry tart throwing contests, pie eating contests, live concerts, a fun strawberry village for kids, and of course the incredible food. Experience something truly wild like strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza, or marinated strawberry kabobs, or just stick with the old-fashioned favorites like strawberry ice cream and strawberries that have been dipped in rich chocolate.

The California Strawberry Festival was declared by Westways Magazine as “The Perfect Summer Kick-off” and it’s hard to argue. The event takes place in Oxnard’s College Park. There is a charge for admission, but all admission proceeds go to local charities.

Lodging: For a cozy Oxnard, CA hotel, choose Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor.

Palm Springs, California

Our final west coast destination actually isn’t that close to the coast, but that means that the focus has moved away from all the outdoor fun of Southern California and has extended into the upscale entertainment that Palm Springs resort-home residents prefer. From August 21-27, 2008, the 14th Annual Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films & Film Market will bring a stunning display of artistry, determination, and plain old fun to the Coachella Valley.

The companion event to the Palm Springs International Film Festival held in January, the Short Film Festival honors and plays entries from over 40 countries, totaling up to nearly 300 films. The Film Market, an industry event that runs concurrently, opens up over 2,200 films to potential buyers and distributors.

Along with the film presentations, “ShortFest” hosts seminars with filmmakers, cast, and industry executives on numerous topics, including open-mic Q&A sessions. Best of the Fest awards are handed out on the final day.

Lodging: A rewarding Palm Springs lodging can be found at the Wyndham Palm Springs.

This is simply a sparse cross-section of the beautifully complex and varied act of summertime celebration across the United States. Any other six cities would produce six completely different attitudes and cultures. The important thing to remember is when planning that summer getaway, don’t just think about what you are going to do – think about what the locals like to do, and that’s how you’ll discover the attractions that last a lifetime.