Events in the region over the weekend:

Reworked classics

- Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, opens its mainstage season with a new adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," tonight through Nov. 15. It is a show for all ages, but is recommended for older children and adults. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25, $15 for students and seniors. Tonight's opening show is "pay what you will at the door." Call (610) 867-1689 or visit www.touchstone.org.

Accompanying the show in the Touchstone Gallery will be "The Pleasures and Terrors of a Truthful Reportage: 12 Portraits of Jacques Lecoq" by H. Scott Heist. The exhibit pairs the portraits with their featured use in publications such as the Sunday "New York Times," "Total Theatre" (UK) and "American Theatre." A reception for the exhibit will follow the Nov. 14 performance of "The Tempest."

- "The Sound of Music" was never like this. Doug Elkins and Friends take the recognizable songs from "Sound" and add dance moves associated with George Balanchine, Jose Limon, Paul Taylor and Martha Graham in "Fraulein Maria." Show time is 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Williams Center at Lafayette College, High Street Easton. Tickets are $20. Call (610) 330-5009.

Deduce from clues

Friday through Sunday, it's a Sherlock Holmes Weekend in Cape May, N.J. Full weekend packages are available at $180 per couple or $95 per person and include the welcome reception, performances, tour, luncheon and a gift. Weekend overnight packages are also available. The Search for Clues tour on Saturday can be purchased separately. Get more information at (800) 275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

Tasty combo

The Allentown Art Museum, 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown, presents "Cocktails & Collecting" from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The fall fundraiser features hors d'oeuvres and open bar. Cost is $125. make reservations at (610) 432-4333, ext. 10 or events@allentownartmuseum.org.

Singing rabbi

Neshama Carlebach performs with the Green Pastures Baptist Church Choir at 8 p.m. Saturday at Har Zion Temple, 1500 Hagys Ford Road, Penn Valley. Tickets are $25, $18 for students, $50 for reserved seating, $150 for orchestra seating (comes with a signed CD). Call (610) 667-5000 or go to www.neshamasingsphilly.com.

November already?
Tours of Koziar's Christmas Village begin Saturday at 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Get a preview at www.koziarschristmasvillage.com. Call (610) 488-1110.

Enjoy the scenery

The 14th annual Trail of Two Cities run/walk over the Ninth Street Causeway in Ocean City, N.J., begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Ocean City Transport Center, 10th and Haven Avenue, and ends in Kennedy Park in Somers Point. Registration is $25, $60 for a family of four. Call (609) 525-9300 or (609) 927-2053, ext. 3101.

Breweriana

The Great Northeastern U.S.

Brewery Collectibles Show runs 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Macungie Park's Memorial Hall, Route 100, Macungie. Admission is $5, free for ages 18 and under.

Colorful costumes, culture

The Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company leaps into the Zoellner Arts Center for a show at 8 tonight. The concert will be in Baker Hall, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. Tickets are $28 and $34. Call (610) 758-2787 or visit www.zoellnerartscenter.org.

For women AND men

Comedian Robert Dubac tackles the age-old question of "what do women want?" in the show "The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?" at 8 p.m. Saturday at the State Theatre, 453 Northampton St., Easton. Tickets are $30 and $35. Call (800) 999-STATE or visit www.statetheatre.org.

King of horror

Author Stephen King discusses his career during a "New York Times Talk" simulcast viewable at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Allentown Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and students. Call (610) 432-6715.

Back in time

- The Conrad Weiser Homestead, 28 Weiser Lane, Womelsdorf, has a French & Indian War Interpretive Sunday going on from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Historic guided tours are at 1 and 3 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk to re-enactors about the historical context, clothing and equipment of soldiers of the French and Indian War period. Admission is free. Call (610) 589-2934.

- Explore autumn customs, foods, traditional crafts and seasonal fun at Harvest Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Routes 32 and 532, Upper Makefield. Take a look at the 1770s and 1830s in the historic village with a meal cooking on an open hearth, apple cider pressing, a Colonial kitchen garden and more. Demonstrations include coopering (barrel maker), chair caning, blacksmithing and more. Guests can meet the tavern keeper in the McKonkey Ferry Inn, talk to artisans selling their wares and be introduced to the historic uses of herbs. Turn the crank on the cider press, jump into the hay pile and play old-fashioned games. Cost is $8, $6 for children 6-17. Call (215) 493-4076 or visit www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing.

Haunted

- In honor of the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's birth, Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, presents "Tales from Poe" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays Oct. 21-Nov. 15. Dr. Morane, who witnesses the death of Poe, is haunted by his ghost and he experiences the worlds of "The Cask of Amontillado," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "Ligeia," "William Wilson" and "The Masque of the Red Death." Tickets are $20 with $3 discounts for seniors and students and $12 for children 18 and under. Call (610) 565-4211 or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org.

- The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Route 72 off of Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 266, Cornwall, offers a Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights theme weekend 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1. Tickets are $29.95, $9.95 for children 5-11. Call (717) 665-7021, ext. 231 or visit www.parenfaire.com.

- From Friday through Halloween, it's Halloween Happenings in Cape May, N.J. The two weeks of specially-themed tours and events including Ghostwriter Trolley Rides, Miss Parmentier's Psychic Teas, Historic Haunts Combination Tours, Phantoms of the Physick Estate and more. Call (800) 275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

Barns, farms, houses

- The Bedminster Land Conservancy holds its fifth annual Barns & Farms Tour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Walk through working barns that serve multiple uses and visit properties that provide a glimpse of a past era. There will be demonstrations on horseback riding, sheepherding, wood carving and more. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on Sunday, free to children under 12.

Call (215) 795-2352 or visit www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org.

- Trinity Episcopal Church of Solebury holds its 19th annual House Tour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Four Solebury stone homes will get their settings, style and furnishings showcased. Tickets are $30. Children under 12 are not permitted. Gourmet box lunches will be offered for $12. Lunches must be pre-ordered and are picked up at Trinity the day of the tour. Call (215) 297-8285 or visit www.trinitysolebury.org/housetour.

Different kinds of Indian

- Seven young, Indian musicians put a contemporary twist on traditional Indian classical music as Shastriya Syndicate and dancer Ramya Ramnarayan perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. Tickets are $18 and $22. Call (610) 758-3414 or visit www.zoellnerartscenter.org .

- The Museum of Indian Culture (meaning Native American), 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown, holds the "A Time of Thanksgiving Festival" from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy Native American drumming, craft and jewelry vendors, food, "lifeways demonstrations," dancing, singing, a children's craft area, Aztec Fire Dancers and more. Admission is $5, $4 for seniors and children 12-17. Call (610) 797-2121 or e-mail info@museumofindianculture.org.

Beer, wine, dessert

- Lehigh Valley Brewfest 2009 is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday in Hugh Moore Park, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton. Have a taste of more than 30 microbrewed beers and enjoy food and entertainment. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the gate, $5 for designated drivers. Call (610) 967-6256 or visit www.lvbrewfest.org .

- It's a Chambourcin Weekend 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the nine Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries. Chamourcin is the only type of wine that all of them have in common. Get directions and a complete list of special events at www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com.

- The Just Desserts Festival happens 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in South Side Bethlehem on the luminaria-lit Third and Fourth streets. Enjoy live entertainment and sample more than 30 desserts. Get unlimited desserts for $10, or $1 per sample. Call (610) 841-5831.

Steepest and deepest

The Banff Mountain Film Festival captures the thrill of skiing, kayaking and extreme mountain sports at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Colonial Theater on Bridge Street, Phoenixville. For tickets and information, call Philadelphia Rock Gym at (877) 822-7673.

Rare breed

The Lipizzaner Stallions perform their brand of equine ballet at 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Stabler Arena, 124 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem. Tickets are $22.50, $20.50 for seniors and children 12 and under. Call (610) 758-6611.
Educated Oktoberfest

Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast's "Deutches Kuche Vernuggen" tour/demo is scheduled Friday through Sunday. The package includes a Bavarian cooking demonstration; dinner at Stoudt's, a German themed establishment that makes beer according to the Bavarian Purity Law; and a tour of Landis Valley Museum. The package costs $160. Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast is at 311 E. Main St., New Holland. Call (888) 824-3763 or visit www.harvestmoonbandb.com.

Events for the week of October 1 - October 8

Musical theater

- The musical "Camelot" is on stage at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. Tickets are $33 and $40. Call (610) 758-3414 or visit www.zoellnerartscenter.org.

- The DuPont Theatre, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., presents "Girls Night: The Musical" at 8 p.m. tonight and Friday. Tickets range from $38-$55. Call (800) 338-0881 or visit www.duponttheatre.com.

- Puppets, people surviving in New York City, big dreams with a tiny bank account and adult humor are featured in the musical "Avenue Q" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Sovereign Center, 136 N. Sixth St., Reading. Tickets range from $38-$65. Call (610) 898-7299.

Big Halloween party

Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, N.J., presents Fright Fest from 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1. It will also be open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Columbus Day on Oct. 12. Daytime attractions include "Monster Mash Bash - A Tale of Love at First Fright," "Mr. Six's Spooktacular Street Party," "Kidz Scary-oke," the "Get Ready to Wiggle" Halloween show and "Professor Slithers Creepy Critters." After 6 p.m., the ghouls come out and it's strictly for ages 12+ with "The Awakening," "Elvira's Superstition," "Dead Man's Party," two haunted outdoor walking trails and more. Admission is $49.99 plus tax, $39.99 plus tax online at www.sixflags.com, $29.99 plus tax for children under 54 inches tall and disabled patrons. Call (732) 928-1821.

Musical diversity

- Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer perform together in concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Williams Center at Lafayette College, High Street, Easton. Tickets are $33.

- Violinist Janine Jansen joins the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra at the Williams Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 7. Tickets are $29. Call (610) 330-5009 or visit www.lafayette.edu/williamscenter.

People of the corn

Miller's Orchards Farm Market, 1515 Fairview Road, Clarks Summit, has a seven-acre corn maze, which pays tribute to the TV show "The Office." Hours through Nov. 1 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $8.50, free to children under 2. Call (570) 780-1019 or visit www.millersorchard.com.

Think conservation

Snipes Farm, 890 W. Bridge St., Morrisville, features a Green Living Festival starting at 10 a.m. Saturday with information on organic farming, alternative energy demonstrations, green building construction, music, healthy living workshops, yoga, vendors, family activities and more. The music lineup features Hoots & Hellmouth and Natural Breakdown. General admission is $6.50. Visit www.farmschoolatsnipes.org.

Pioneer spirit

Pioneer Festival is a living history event with Native American and Pennsylvania Dutch pioneer demonstrations of blacksmithing, log hewing, pottery and soap making, story telling, music, tours of the Zeisloff log house and the recreated Fort Everett and more. You'll find it 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Ontelaunee Park, Route 143 off Route 309, New Tripoli. Bring your own seating. Call (610) 298-2309.

All American

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra and guest vocal soloists Julie-Ann Whitley Green and Edward Pleasant perform works by Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Allentown Symphony Hall 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Tickets range from $25-$45. Before the Sunday performance, there will be a related "Americana: Art and Music in Allentown" presentation at 12:30 p.m. at the Allentown Art Museum, 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown. Then there will be light refreshments at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium, which will be followed by a preconcert lecture at 2 p.m. Symphony patrons will receive a special buy one, get one free discount to view the exhibit "A Force for Change" on Sunday. Call (610) 432-6715.

Toast to October

Oktoberfest 2009 is open to the public and held 5 to 10 tonight, 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Grove at the Reading Liederkranz, 143 Spook Lane, Reading. For more information, call (610) 373-3982 or visit www.readingliederkranz.com.

By: Aixa Torregrosa, Lifestyle Editor

Earlier this summer my husband and I decided to check out Susquehanna State Park in Maryland.
I know, there are plenty of parks and trails around here and Pennsylvania boasts beautiful and scenic natural areas. But we, specially I, had to check it out.
It was worth the effort.
The park is roughly 2 hours from our area and a few minutes off I95 once you go across the bridge over the Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace.
The park runs parallel to the river .
After leaving I95 and the main roads, we drove through some beautiful rolling hills, the smell of honeysuckle -- and dead animals -- in the air.
At the park you can go hiking, camping, boating, fishing, biking, birding, among other activities, and visit the Rock Run Historic Area. For information, check http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/susquehanna.html or call (410) 557-7994
Our visit consisted of walking along the river, getting to enjoy the scenery and biking. We biked the
Greenway Trail which starts at Fisherman’s Park at the Conowingo Dam. We enjoyed a warm (but not too hot) day and were treated to striking views of the river, hundreds of herons to watch and an almost-empty trail. Though it is a long drive, for us, it was worth it. The area is beautiful. We also visited Havre the Grace. It is a quaint town with walkable streets, shops to browse and quite a few restaurants. We didn’t get to any museums, but you can visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum and the Concord Point Light & Keeper’s House among other sites. Check http://www.hdgtourism.com. On another recent visit to Havre de Grace we took mom along and enjoyed walking the 3/4-mile boardwalk alongside the Susquehanna River and from which you can access some points of interest in town including the Concord Point Lighthouse. You can catch sweeping views of the river and enjoy some bird watching. There are some benches along the way and while taking a rest at one of them, we watched a seagull catch a rather large fish, toss it around until it swallowed it and then do a little neck dance to send the unfortunate fish down to its belly.
So head down the Mason/Dixon line. You can make it a day at either place, the park or at Havre de Grace. Both places are worth checking out. And if you stop at Fisherman’s Pak at the Conowingo Dam you may be treated to eagles sightings and the occasional black snake, like the one that scared the bejesus out of me and kept my husband laughing (at me) for a while on that first visit.
Note: Since we still have warm days ahead, do not forget the sun block and the bug spray. Carry your own water as well and take your trash with you after you visit.

By BRIAN BINGAMAN

Barbecue jam

WXPN welcomes the Camden County Backyard BBQ. The free event runs 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday in Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina, Mickle Street and Riverside Drive, Camden, N.J. There will be activities promoting health and wellness, Cajun barbecue, Latin food, concessions, children’s activities and live music by Robert Randolph and the Family Band, George Porter Jr., Russell Batiste, Brian Stoltz, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Tasha Taylor, 61 North, D-For and Subito Sounds. Go to www.ccparks.com.

Seasons start

- The Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, opens its 13th season with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White performing as a trio at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35 and $40. Call (610) 758-ARTS or visit www.zoellnerartscenter.org.

- Chamber music meets contemporary with Ethel, as the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College, Hamilton and High streets, Easton, begins its Performance Series. The concert is at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $15. Call (610) 330-5009 or visit www.lafayette.edu/williamscenter.

Wine mixed with jazz

Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, hosts its Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Bring your own picnic or purchase food on site. Along with wine tastings, there will be music by the Steve Rudolph Quartet and the Victory Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, Papa John DeFrancesco, and Denis DiB and George Rabbai on Sunday, and the Dave Posmontier Quartet and Budesa Brothers on Labor Day. Cost is $25. Call (610) 388-6221.

Nordic peoples

Celebrate the history and culture of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden during Scandinavian Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Vasa Park, 1 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, N.J. Highlights include craft and gift vendors, more than 50 performers on four stages, children’s activities, a Viking longboat, folk dancing and more. Admission is $14, $13 for seniors, free to children under 12. Visit www.scanfest.org.

Higher purpose

Christian rock, hip-hop and singer-songwriters, plus guest speakers, a BMX team and a skateboard team, will all be a part of Revelation Generation on Friday and Saturday at Revelation Farms, 45 Fitzer Road, Frenchtown, N.J. Headliners include Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, Relient K, Barlow Girl, Underoath, Flyleaf and more. Tickets are $45 for Friday, $50 for Saturday, $85 for both days. For the complete schedule, go to www.revgen.org.

Stars of bluegrass

The Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music presents the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Friday through Sunday at the Salem County Fair Grounds, Route 40, west of Woodstown, N.J. Musical flavors include bluegrass, old-timey, Cajun music and Scottish- and French-related Canadian music. The bill includes Marty Stuart, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Grascals, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, The Gibson Brothers, April Verch, Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass and the Steep Canyon Rangers. A Children’s Stage will be in operation on Friday and Saturday and will feature the Give & Take Jugglers, magician Chris Capehart and folksingers John and June Gallagher. Call (302) 635-3001 or visit www.delawarevalleybluegrass.org.

Labor Day traditions

- Long’s Park, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, is the site of the Long’s Park Art and Craft Festival. Besides the works of 200 artists and craftspeople, there will be special events at 2 p.m. featuring other arts — writing on Friday, floral design Saturday, wearable art and jewelry on Sunday and culinary arts on Monday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, till 5 p.m. on Labor Day. Tickets are $10, $12 for a multi-day pass. Visit www.longspark.org.

- The 66th annual Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair is held 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Labor Day at the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, just beyond the intersection of Routes 100 and 401, Glenmoore. On Saturday, the show will feature classes for younger riders and schooling classes. Hunters and jumpers, ranging from adult and child beginners to top regional competitors, will compete Sunday and Monday in sidesaddle, equitation, pleasure and classes for families, pairs and hunt teams. The show’s highlight, the Association Jumper Classic, will begin at 1 p.m. Monday. Exhibitions will feature the Pickering Hunt Pony Club competing in mounted games, and the Thorncroft Mainstreamers, a six-horse, 13-member drill team consisting of riders with and without disabilities ranging in age from 11-15. The Country Fair provides rides, games, shopping, entertainment, food and a tent with games and activities for kids. There will also be an antique and classic car show Sept. 7. Admission $7, $3 for children 12 and under. Call (610) 458-3344 or visit www.ludwigshorseshow.org.

Kids are king

- The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire offers free admission for children 5-11 (with a paid adult admission) during a Children’s Fantasy weekend, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Route 72, south of Pennsylvania Turnpike exit 266, Cornwall. Special activities this weekend only will be a birthday party with Queen Elizabeth, a “Children’s Interactive Music Workshop,” a Children’s Parade, children’s Renaissance crafts and entertainment from Mikael the Mime, Fool Hearty and Empty Hats. Tickets are $29.95, $9.95 for children 5-11. Call (717) 665-7021, ext. 231 or visit www.parenfaire.com.

- Help summer go out with a bang on Sunday as Sesame Place offers a dinner luau at 7:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display at 8:30. Adults can enjoy the luau feast for $22 and children ages 2-11 are $16. The park is on Sesame Drive, Langhorne. Admission is $50.95, free for children under 23 months. Call (866) GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com.

Weekend fun

Taking flight

Philadelphia Eagles training camp returns to the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem. The rookies report starting Sunday, while the veterans start July 29. A popular activity is the autograph sessions that take place following the morning practice. Get the schedule and directions at www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/trainingcamp.html.

Sculpting statements

"Homage to Baskin" explores the work of sculptor and graphic artist Leonard Baskin, Sunday through Nov. 8 in the Payne Hurd Gallery at the Allentown Art Museum, 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown. Baskin's subjects include mythology, predatory birds, Old Testament themes, images reflecting death and the frailty of man, literary and artistic figures and social consciousness. At least 16 works will be displayed, including "Crow," one of his best known sculptures. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6, $4 for seniors 60+ and students, $3 for children 6-12, free to members, children under 6 and to all on Sundays. Call (610) 432-4333 or visit www.allentownartmuseum.org.

Like the movie

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, presents "Living Night at the Museum" on Friday. Visitors go through six different scenes stationed throughout the museum, each featuring a re-enactor portraying a legendary figure from the Old West. One-hour tours start at 5:30 p.m. with a new tour every 15 minutes. The final tour starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $7, $5 for children. Call (610) 435-1074.

Take the train

It's a Kids Fun Weekend on Saturday and Sunday at the WK&S Railroad, 42 Community Center Drive, Kempton. This weekend only, there are free motorcar rides, free ice cream for all train riders, a petting zoo and more. Train rides are six miles round-trip and leave hourly from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $8, $4 for children 3-11. Call (610) 756-6469.

Sound of the blues

The 18th annual Pocono Blues Festival takes place Friday through Sunday at Big Boulder Ski Area, 1 South Lake Drive, Lake Harmony. There will be 20 national recording artists on three stages. Hours are 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $37 per day, $11 per day for children 6-12. Call (570) 443-8425 or visit www.jfbb.com.

Only handmade

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen's Fine Craft Fair returns 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St., Wilmington, Del. Explore handmade works by more than 170 craftspeople in glass, jewelry, pottery, wood, metal, fabrics, furniture and more. Ten live demonstrations will give visitors perspective into how craftspeople approach their work. Admission is $7 ($1 off with the coupon from the guild's Web site, www.pacrafts.org), free for children under 12.

Wild blue yonder

- One of the highlights of the Warren County, N.J., Farmers Fair is the Hot Air Balloon Festival of Warren County. Check out mass balloon launches, tethered rides and county fair fun, Sunday through Aug. 1. The fairgrounds is off Route 519, north of Phillipsburg, N.J. Admission is $5, $3 for children 5-12. Get the complete schedule at www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org.

- The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is held Friday through Sunday at the Solberg Airport, 37 Thor Solberg Road, Whitehouse Station, N.J. It features live music, crafts and hot air balloon launches of balloons shaped like Darth Vader, a giant panda, a golf ball and more. Entertainment includes Al Jardine, One Call, Meaghan Martin, Kool & the Gang and Michael McDonald. Ticket prices vary. Call (800) HOT-AIR-9 or visit www.balloonfestival.com.

Birthday party

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, celebrates the "Sesame Street" character Bert with a birthday celebration and fireworks on Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a luau-themed party with Bert, Ernie and other characters for $22 for adults and $16 for kids. The fireworks follow at 9. Park admission is $50.95, $45.95 for seniors, $47.95 for AAA members, free to children under 23 months. Call (866) GO-4-ELMO.

Great Americans

"Faces of a New Nation: American Portraits of the 18th and Early 19th Centuries from The Metropolitan Museum of Art" is at the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, from Saturday through Jan. 24. See paintings portraying men, women and children across a span of nearly 150 years, including John Smibert, John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart and Samuel F.B. Morse. Winterthur is at 52 Winterthur Road, Winterthur, Del. Admission is $18, $16 for students and seniors, $5 for children 2-11. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Guided gallery walks through the exhibition are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. Call (800) 422-1181.

Summer wine party

"Summerfest 2009: Caribbean Jam" happens 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Upper Makefield. Enjoy Caribbean-style cuisine, live music and be sure to wear your favorite island shirt and flip-flops. Tickets are $50. Call (215) 493-6500, ext. 19.

Looking for a historic weekend getaway for the July Fourth weekend?

AAA Mid-Atlantic has released a list of historic inns that might just put you in a patriotic mood. According to AAA, 1,300 lodging properties are listed as 'historic' in their guides nationwide, including these 15 in the Philadelphia region:

1. Sweetwater Farm Bed & Breakfast, Glen Mills, AAA Three Diamond Rated

This beautifully appointed B&B on 50 acres features suites located in spacious cottages, plus comfortable guest rooms in an 18th-century manor house.

2. Kennett House Bed & Breakfast, Kennett Square, AAA Three Diamond Rated

A stone manor in the Foursquare architectural style, this 1910 house is attractively furnished with antiques and oriental rugs.

3. LaFayette’s Retreat, Lafayette Hill, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Set back amid tall oak trees, the guest house of this inn is quiet, and an on-site restaurant features a brewery with a variety of fresh beers.

4. Cornerstone Inn Bed & Breakfast, Landenberg, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Guest rooms in this Colonial-style country home and its adjacent outbuildings are elegantly furnished with 18th- and 19th-century antiques.

5. Pineapple Hill Bed & Breakfast Inn, New Hope, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Rooms at this stone and frame 18th-century Colonial manor house are traditionally furnished, with each having a private balcony or gas fireplace.

6. Fox & Hound Bed & breakfast of New Hope, AAA Three Diamond Rated

An 1850s stone manor, this B&B is on two-acre grounds; guest rooms offer simple yet tasteful homey decor.

Fox & Hound

7. Aaron Burr House Inn & Conference Center, New Hope, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Guest rooms at this charming Victorian-style 1872 home are furnished with a collection of antiques and feature artistic paint treatments.

8. 1870 Wedgwood Inn of New Hope, AAA Three Diamond Rated

This huge Victorian B&B features wood floors, area rugs, lace curtains and individually decorated rooms with fireplaces, plus a gazebo and a creek.

9. The Brick Hotel, Newtown, AAA Three Diamond Rated

It's said an aide to Napoleon Bonaparte once owned this hotel, which dates from 1764; guest rooms are comfortably appointed.

10. The Thomas Bond House, Philadelphia, AAA Two Diamond Rated

Convenient to downtown attractions, the 1769 Georgian Revival home has rooms from compact to comfortable, with antiques and reproductions.

11. Chestnut Hill Hotel, Philadelphia, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Near shops and restaurants on Germantown Avenue, rooms at this Colonial-style hotel are individually decorated with antique reproductions.

12. Best Western Independence Park Inn, Philadelphia, AAA Three Diamond Rated

This small property, built in 1856, has a boutique-style appeal; afternoon cookies and tea are available daily in the lobby area.

13. Alexander Inn, Philadelphia, AAA Three Diamond Rated

Find a fireplace in the lobby of this seven-story brick inn built in 1900; a parlor/breakfast room has a fireplace, artwork and decorative lighting.

14. Penn’s View Hotel, Philadelphia, AAA Three Diamond Rated

This charming 1828 structure, formerly a warehouse, offers elegant rooms with some upscale details; a few units have gas fireplaces.

15. Tattersall Inn, Point Pleasant, AAA Three Diamond Rated

This 18th-century, plastered-fieldstone manor is nestled in a riverside village close to shopping and restaurants.