Take a trip back to the Wild, Wild West when you visit California’s Idyllwild preserve the weekend of July 27-29. The preserve has a Chili Cook-Off planned so bring your favorite chili recipes and all the fixings then sign up to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded. Other activities include bingo, plus entertainment by Cowboy Jack and s’mores.
Who doesn’t love a good potluck? Michigan’s St. Clair preserve is all about potluck the weekend of July 27-28 as they host their 12th Annual Potluck Cook-Off Weekend. Compete for big prizes in five categories: salad, casseroles, vegetables, dessert and other. Don’t miss all the fun cooking themed activities for kids and adults alike.
It’s Christmas in July at New Jersey’s Lake & Shore preserve during the weekend of July 26-28. Enjoy your favorite holiday traditions in the summer including cookie decorating, caroling, a hayride with Santa, tree trimming and much more. Ask someone special to the Yule Tide Ball on Saturday or come solo and meet someone under the mistletoe.
A visit to Texas’ Lake Conroe preserve puts you in stomping distance of the Bernhardt Winery Grape Stomp & Wine-a-rita Anniversary Celebration. The celebration includes guided tours through the vines hosted by Ron Saikowski, an award-winning wine columnist, plus a grape stomp, lawn games, a Lucy Look-A-Like contest, specialty food vendors, and the traditional sunset toast. Event begins at the winery at 4 p.m. Winery is located at 9043 County Road 204 in Plantersville, just 28 miles from the preserve. For information call (936) 894-9829