Best Buys For Summer Vacation

Ebony, May, 2001 by Joy Bennett Kinnon

And from Alabama, it's only a hop to Louisiana, which has no shortage of food, friends or fun. Two new attractions in New Orleans are the National D-Day Museum and Jazzland, the city's own theme park. Among the exciting spring and summer events in New Orleans are the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 27-29 and May 3-6), presenting music simultaneously on 12 stages; the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (July 11-15) in which wine masters and connoisseurs from across the country gather' to taste and judge the world's greatest wines; and the Satchmo Music Festival (Aug. 3-5), a brand-new event celebrating jazz and Louis Armstrong's 100th birthday;

Also celebrating jazz and the rich heritage of African-Americans are St. Louis and the state of Missouri, which produced musical legends like Josephine Baker, Scott Joplin, W.C. Handy, Charlie Parker and Chuck Berry: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of jazz great Miles Davis, who was born near St. Louis just over the border in Illinois. Both St. Louis and East St. Louis, Ill., have scheduled celebrations and music festivals during the Memorial Day weekend. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, Mo., plans a special exhibit, Milestones, to honor the jazz pioneer from May 26 through July 25.

The annual Big Muddy Blues Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in the Laclede's Landing district and will bring the biggest names in blues for three days of music.

The state also boasts ample opportunity for family fun and adventure with amusement parks, zoos and hands-on discovery centers for children of all ages.

And while you are considering these bargains, check out group package tours, especially the group package tours for Black professionals and other premium travelers. There are special themes (Africa, Black Music, Black professional advancement) for almost every interest. The National Professional Network attracts professionals and major-league speakers on its annual Caribbean tours.

So if you are looking for a bargain and an exciting summer outing, act now for the best buys in stress-free summer outings.