Arrive Magazine - March/April, 2008

and Jackie’s famed nuptials is home to the annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, a full day of good old-fashioned culinary competition. Hosted by the Newport Yachting Center, the cook-off invites restaurants and chefs from Portland, Maine, all the way to Florida and Ireland to compete in a series of categories, including Clam, Seafood and Creative (our personal favorite).

How much chowder is on hand at the cook-off? 10,000 gallons, so get ready to sample plenty of 2-ounce portions of chowder in every flavor, color and texture. It’s the Souper Bowl of chowder—and who would want to miss that? June 7; newportfestivals.com/chowder-cook-off

Fairies, knights, pirates and gypsies! No, it’s not an open casting call for Pirates of the Caribbean—it’s the annual Western Pennsylvania Fairie Festival. If you have a penchant for the mystical and imaginary, come join the hundreds of fairiego-ers who head to this annual celebration of “those who honor the Earth and the Fairie.” Perhaps a distant, eccentric cousin to medieval times, the Fairie Festival invites lasses and lads far and wide to join in the revelry, check out local artisans and witness the Fairie Queen Crowning and Procession, which might make your neighborhood July Fourth parade seem like just another day at the races. Coopers Lake, Slippery Rock, Pa.; June 28-29; 724-715-7171; wpafairiefestival.com

No Northeastern town will ever suffer a shortage of flea markets, al fresco fairs and swap meets, but if you crave something a little less traditional in the way of hunting for handmade goods, make time this summer to attend the Renegade Craft Fair. Created in 2003 by Sue Blatt and Kathleen Habbley—two self-professed do-it-yourselfers—the fair caters to a more eclectic craft-loving community and pays homage to the past few years’ recent revival of old-world crafts with a new-world spin. Check out everything from comic books and reconstructed clothing to sewing patterns and handmade jewelry.

The fair has annual outposts in Chicago and Brooklyn, where more than 150 vendors set up temporary shop, drawing curious craftees from all over the country.

Brooklyn’s McCarren Park Pool; Brooklyn, N. Y.; June 14-15; renegadecraftfair.com

Treat yourself, and your expense report.

Right in the heart of midtown Manhattan, The Roosevelt Hotel embodies a rich heritage and quintessential style at a reasonable price. It’s not for followers of trends. Not for en vogue enthusiasts. It’s what travelers hear of, imagine and hope for in a New York experience.

Madison Avenue at East 45th Street 212-661-9600
theroosevelthotel.com

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Your Oasis in Manhattan.

In-room high speed internet access, business center, cardio fitness room, conference & meeting rooms, Zagat rated Black Duck Restaurant, complimentary european breakfast & much more.