Why Festivals and Concerts Are the Hottest Ticket in Town

Being part of a cultural moment still has big appeal. [Travel + Leisure: Notes From the Field]( [Travel + Leisure: Notes From the Field]( [Notes From the Field]( Illustration by: Bashel Lubarsky I'm just back from our first-ever Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, which proved to be a celebrity-studded weekend of cooking demonstrations, seminars, and panels–wow, I'm full. There was even an exclusive Saturday tailgate hosted by the team at Southern Living, and held at the Amanda Lindroth-designed [Dunlin, part of Auberge Resorts Collection]( a gem of a debut property set on Johns Island. The river views were spectacular, and as the sky turned a [Clemson]( orange (go Tigers!), I was able to sample everything from standout ribs courtesy of Lewis Barbecue to fried chicken topped with caviar by none other than Tyler Florence. The meals were hearty, the drinks flowed easily, and everyone was able to enjoy the outdoor space freely, without bumping into others or standing in long lines—something that frankly doesn't always happen. Travel + Leisure hosted two special tours: a style stroll, hitting up some of the city's best boutiques, along with a crabbing expedition along the Ashley River. The whole experience taught me, as [we look ahead to travel in 2025]( that celebratory events continue to be a major draw, whether it's a Formula One race or the Olympics or a Taylor Swift concert. The idea of being together–and being a part of a cultural moment–still has big appeal. As I start to plan my travel for the next year, I'm looking forward to jazz festivals, art fairs, even Broadway shows in my hometown of New York City. A marquee performance that gets me out of the house, and into a happy state of mind, always feels like a worthy investment. [Jacqui Gifford - Editor-in-Chief]( Jacqui Recommends [I Went to a 7-Day Silent Meditation Retreat — Here's What I Learned]( [READ MORE]( Jacqui's Pick [70 Travel Accessory Deals to Snag Before October Prime Day]( Get a headstart with up to 90% off. [SHOP NOW]( [The Spending Power of Black U.S. Travelers Is Over $100 Billion — and This Is What They Want]( [READ MORE]( [America's Best Small Towns of 2024]( [READ MORE]( [Lagos Is Africa's Most Vibrant City Right Now — Here's How to Visit]( [READ MORE]( [This Luxury Wellness Retreat Is Beloved by Celebs — and It's Now Just an Hour From New York City]( [READ MORE]( [Travel + Leisure Logo]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [TikTok]( [[Check out our new podcast Lost Cultures: Living Legacies]Check out our podcast 'Lost Cultures: Living Legacies']( [Unsubscribe from Membership Updates]( [Manage My Subscriptions]( We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. This email was sent to {EMAIL} Was this email forwarded to you? [Subscribe Here]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( | [Help Center]( Dotdash Meredith, 225 Liberty St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10281 ©2024. All Rights Reserved. [Dotdash Meredith]( Travel + Leisure is part of the [Dotdash Meredith]( publishing family.