Oftentimes on a family vacation there is some downtime you’d like to fill.  Sometimes you are looking for a local event that everyone would like to be a part of, just to get a feel for the locale and it’s people.

Whether it’s clam bake, a blue grass festival or a best chili cook-off, local events can often be fun side trips that can get you off the beaten path and sometimes lead to unexpected locations and local interactions.

If you’ve just arrived and are looking for some inexpensive local attractions, here are some good starting points:

• Use your laptop or iPhone to search the ‘Net.  Google “location + local events” for a listing of upcoming concerts, craft shows, festivals, etc.
• Check the website of the local paper for upcoming events
• Stop by a bookstore and pick up a magazine of the local area
• Check the Chamber of Commerce site to find the events of the upcoming week
• If you are in a hotel, there is usually a listing of events in the room.  If not, check with the concierge for updates.
• If you are a member of a road club, such as AAA, be sure to pick up a book of the area before you head off on your trip.

You’ll be surprised at the number of local activities available at a reasonable cost. We’ve found some really great events on the spur of the moment in our travels.  These ranged from a Moonshine Festival in North Carolina, a Renaissance Fair in Phoenix, to a Lobster Bake in Downeast Maine.

Always take time to check out local events and you may be surprised at the activites going on that will please the entire family on your family vacation.