The five best New Year’s Eve celebrations that you did not know
Are you sick of watching the same boring Dick Clark special every year? Get out of town and hit the road in search of something completely new. There are several destinations across the United States that host the most exclusive New Year’s Eve parties, and you’ve never heard of them.
I’m not talking about New York or Las Vegas, where you’ll spend half the night squeezing your body in crowded spaces. I’m talking about the cities and towns across America who know the true meaning of the New Year: how to bring it in with culture and style.
I’ve compiled a ‘top five list’ of these places across the country so those of you within driving distance can get away from the same crowd and ring in 2009 the right way. (And as always, price is a consideration considering how much a glass of champagne and a rental tux cost today.)
1. New Orleans, LA
Head to the Big Easy for a beautiful fireworks display on the Mississippi River, then embrace the city’s celebratory culture as the biggest party of 2008 spills into the Quarter. New Orleans does everything a little differently, so don’t expect the same ball to drop this time. This year, a large gold and black fleur-de-lis will ascend a 25-foot-tall pole above Jax Brewery as fireworks light up the Mississippi. And don’t forget to fill up on tasty Creole cuisine before midnight.
Where to Stay: With budget in mind, the Frenchmen Orleans is a New Orleans hotel just minutes from neighborhood festivities and offers comfortable accommodations for a night or weekend in the Big Easy.
2.Austin, Texas
Austin’s mix of history and celebration ensures that anyone can have a unique experience over New Year’s weekend. The city’s official New Year’s celebration will take place throughout the city, although most people will be partying on the city’s famous 6th street. There will be live music and exhibits at Auditorium Shores, Cesar Chavez, City Hall, South Congress and more. At midnight, a fireworks display will go off over Lady Bird Lake.
Where to stay: We recommend the cozy Brava House bed and breakfast, a retreat of urban serenity located in downtown Austin. You’ll appreciate the peace and quiet after a night out in one of America’s most exuberant cities.
3.Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the perfect romantic city for a couple to ring in 2009. It has the perfect blend of elegance, history and style that can make New Year’s Eve both relaxing and festive.
New Year’s Charleston is a free, city-wide program that has something wonderful for everyone: comedy, African dance, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, children’s activities and much more. Food vendors will be on hand to tempt your appetite and add to the celebration.
Where to stay: The Church Street Inn is a romantic 19th-century Charleston hotel that packs both history and luxury at an affordable price. It is located right next to the city’s historic public market.
4. Santa Cruz, Calif.
Relax as you welcome 2009 in the sleepy Californian city of Santa Cruz. Get a front-row view of the Pacific at Coconut Grove’s New Year’s Eve event as you sip champagne and make your New Year’s resolutions. Be sure to end the night by heading to Beach Street for bar hopping while getting acquainted with Santa Cruz.
Where to Stay: The Coconut Grove offers a variety of ways to accommodate the specific needs and requirements of groups within the Grand Ballroom and Sun Room.
5. Jackson Hole, WY
Ski in your new year in the winter wonderland of Jackson Hole. This snow bum’s utopia offers a plethora of activities that will make your New Year’s Eve unique and memorable. Whether your vice is skiing, snowboarding or dog sledding, Jackson Hole can kick off your new year to an exciting and adventurous start. After your adventure, relax with a champagne toast as you recline in a Jacuzzi as the snowy wonderland glimmers in the distance.
Where to stay: Grand Targhee Resort’s Targhee Lodge, which sits directly on the base area of this fantastic year-round mountain resort.