Things to do, places to go 01.10.2008

I’m getting back into the weekly posting routine, including the Thursday list of upcoming events and current good travel deals. My only problem is that I’d like to have this up earlier in the day!

** On January 12th, try winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on Winter Trails Day.

** London is hopping with the International Mime Festival starting January 12th, and the Russian Winter Festival in Trafalgar Square January 13.

** They celebrate winter in unique ways in pretty Blowing Rock, North Carolina January 24-27 (I discovered the town last summer while researching my NASCAR/North Carolina road trip article for Automotive Traveler.)

** In Canada, the kids would love the huge Quebec Winter Carnival February 1-17, just one of many great Canadian winter festivals and events. If you’re in Europe, here are 10 ideas for a January break.

** It’s out with the evil and in with good fortune during Setsubun in Japan February 4th. Get rid of your mental and physical gomi (trash.)

** Chinese New Year is celebrated in many US cities February 7th. It’s the Year of the Rat!

** Are there art lovers in your family? Here’s a list of well-respected arts fairs and festivals through the year in places across the U.S.

** Florida celebrates some yummy agricultural products during January and February – citrus, seafood, strawberries and corn — with fun local festivals.

** Current travel deals that may interest you: 13 nights in 5 Balkan countries, three-day family getaways in Illinois, great airfare to Germany (how about some castles while you’re there?) airfare plus 3 nights in Orlando FL or 6 nights in Peru. Here’s an entire list of trip deals on Budget Travel.

** Hotel deals are available in Boston, in Chicago (tie in with visit to the Museum of Modern Ice,) in New York City and at a major resort in San Antonio (good deals at hotels all over Texas, in fact, even winter rates at Texas RV parks.)

** Finally, check out the best of the best during winter in each US state’s parks.