Festival Season

Living in Manhattan is fantastic but sometimes you just need to get away. You don't have to go far - but occasionally you do need to get away. For years friends have been telling me about charming Milford, Pennsylvania. So on a whim I decided it was time to go. The town itself is absolutely picturesque with an interesting history and friendly people. The town is small, as in one traffic light, but within a few blocks of that single light you will suddenly find yourself transported to a little slice of pure Americana. As luck would have it, the Milford Music Festival was happening during my visit. This music festival has an organic feel to it. You have full-scale bands performing at small sponsored locations complete with fan clubs and CDs for sale to a lone guitarist playing on a bench under a tree. Even Pete Seeger came to play a song or two. People walk from place to place enjoying some free music and fresh air before moving on. Between performances some people stop in to art galleries while others hunt for interesting gift items in the unique shops. After wandering around town for a bit it was time for lunch. I was sitting on the porch of The Fauchere hotel just about to have lunch when I noticed a group was getting ready to play. By the time I had finished lunch the Gypsy Jazz Quintet was in full swing and had drawn a rather good crowd - some sitting in rocking chairs, some were dancing on the grass, while others were being pulled along the sidewalk in little red wagons. It was one of those perfect weekends when you realize getting out and doing something different is exactly what you needed. So in honor of Festival Season, be brave and go to a festival that you've been considering or one that you've never heard of.  And enjoy the summer!

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