Spa Week, is coming home to you! Hi, I’m Kim, it’s my second day interning at Spa Week, and I don’t know why, but I was feeling a little southern this morning. I was born and raised in the tri-state area, but today I’m taking a little trip down south in honor of Alabama Spa Week and taking YOU with me. It’s one of our new, booming Spa Week states where Infinity Med-I-Spa is participating all over with $50 signature facials, Jet Peels, and Microdermabrasion treatments. If you’re from the ‘bama, say hi below! (Or even if you’re not.)

While sitting here at the Spa Week headquarters in New York City, I can appreciate the comforts of the South since instead of rolling green hills, we have towering skyscrappers. And as a single Manhattanite on the prowl, rarely do I come across a southern gentleman, so when I do, I like to savor him like a fine wine. Thanks to one of my favorite Ms. Elle Woods movies, I like to think all southern gents look like the yummy Josh Lucas with those puppy dogs eyes that make my weak in the knees… focus Kim! On with the tour of the Yellowhammer State…

The stars may like to visit Alabama’s distant neighbor Texas for the SXSW tour but Alabama has a long standing tradition of music festivities of their own. For 34 years, Riverfest, has been of the top displays of live music with the likes of ZZ Top, Pat Benatar, and Carrie Underwood performing there. I need to dig out my cowboy boots, jean cut-offs, faded band tee and add pheasant feathers to my hair and I’m ready to go!

Who said tailgating is just for the guys? I want to look like the southern Belles above holding those delicious wings. No one loves their wings quite like Alabamians who have their annual Kick ‘n Chick’n Wing Fest, which is the “ultimate tailgating party.” As I like to say, sometimes you gotta put down the fork and pick up the wing.

Now onto my favorite word – shopping! Riverchase Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in North America. Manhattan is a giant mall itself but I can pretty much guarantee that I’d get lost in the 2.4 million square foot space… yes, that’s right million! Can you imagine all the stores they can fit in there? Probably more than the tiny island of Manhattan could.

Last on our southern adventure and proving there’s something for everyone, Huntsville. It was ranked in the Top 10 Geekiest Cities because of it’s ability to nurture all forms of geekery. It’s original name was Alexander Pope’s hometown, Twickenham (Twicken what?) and it’s Space Camp was used as the launching pad for Apollo 13… yes, the Tom Hanks astronaut movie. Geeks unite!

Now that I’ve briefed you on the ways of the Alabamans (Alabamans, how did I do?), I would like to welcome the following cities to Spa Week in Alabama:

Anniston
Decatur
Greystone
Homewood
Hoover
Huntsville

Log onto SpaWeek.com for a full list of participating spas October 10th-16th.

This weekend, celebrity chefs, authors, wine experts, mixologists and industry insiders will be coming together to bring us food and wine tastings, cooking demos, interactive classes, party planning tips and holiday inspiration. It’s the third annual COOK. EAT. DRINK. LIVE. festival – a big celebration of the little joys we find in cooking, eating, drinking and living well.

We’ll be there seeking great new holiday food and entertaining ideas to bring back and share with you. If you’re in the New York area, come taste for yourself! The event is open to all; why not spice up your weekend with an epic epicurean adventure?

What:       2009 Cook. Eat. Drink. Live.
When:      November 6-8, 2009.  Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 2-6PM, Sunday 2-6PM
Where:     The Tunnel/La.Venue, 608 West 28th Street, NY, NY
Agenda:   Interactive food festival featuring tastings, chef demos, wineries, cocktails, popular restaurants, and opportunities for early holiday shopping.

Tickets are $65.00 per day and can be purchased online (www.cookeatdrinklive.com) or by phone: 888-695-0888.

Photo courtesy of Telluriderealestate.com

There’s something for everyone this weekend, so roam your local streets for festivals, live music, fresh salmon and more.

Telluride, CO
Event: 16th Annual Blues and Brews Festival
When: Friday – Sunday, September 18 – 20
What: Sing the blues with legends Joe Cocker, Buddy Guy and Bonnie Raitt. On Saturday, enjoy a cold one (our six) of the 150 beers to try from the 53 microbreweries before heading to the Juke Joint for after-hours jams at night.

Plano, TX
Event: Life Poolside Music Series | NYLO Plano at Legacy
When: Friday, September 18, 8:30PM | Happy hour specials 4PM – 7PM
What: Take advantage of the warm Texas weather, sipping drinks by the pool and rocking to local bands. No cowboy gear required.

Grand Haven, MI
Event: Grand Haven Salmon Festival
When: Friday – Sunday, September 18 – 20
What: The salmon are migrating and what better way to enjoy this fishy occasion than a gourmet salmon cook-off? There’s plenty to do even if you’re not a salmon fan, including live music, an art fair, a grape-stomping competition, a Michigan wine tasting pavilion and more.

D.C.
Event: H Street Festival | H Street NE, between 12th and 14th Streets
When: Saturday, September 19, 12PM – 6PM
What: Gentrification is the new black. Celebrate the revival of the eastern end of H Street with music and dance, a D.C. Fashion Week preview, games, crafts, international food and a party inside the Rock & Roll Hotel.

Boston
Event: Allston Village Street Fair | Harvard Avenue at Brighton Avenue, Allston
When: Sunday, September 20, 12PM – 6PM
What: Skip lunch (and dinner for that matter) and sample food from dozens of local restaurants, including Yoma Burmese, Haley House and Grasshopper). When you’re not stuffing your face, enjoy music, activities and fun for the whole fam.