10 for the Road

You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.

1. 31st Annual Virginia Lake Festival.

July 17-19. Clarksville, Va. Tethered balloon rides, sand sculptures, a juried arts-and-crafts show with more than 200 vendors, helicopter rides, antique cars, live music, and fireworks. www.clarksvilleva.com; 434-374-2436.

2. New England Sand Sculpting Competition. July 13-20. Revere, Mass. Ten master sculptors from around the world create stunning sand castles, with an amateur competition for those who want to test their skills. www.fitzysnowman.com; 781-249-1494.

3. 16th Annual Vermont Brewers Festival.

July 18-19. Burlington, Vt. The longest-running outdoor brewers festival in the East, with beer tasting, live music, and wonderful views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. www.vermontbrewers.com; 802-244-6828.

4. Celtic Music and Arts Festival. July 19. Queensbury, N.Y. Scottish, Welsh and Irish music, games, and entertainment, plus children's activities and camping. www.redcrossadirondacksaratoga.org; 518-792-6545.

5. Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival. July 18-20. Marion, Va. More than 100 artists display traditional artwork, leather and wooden crafts and pottery, along with demonstrations, children's activities, music, and food. 276-781-7400; www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hun.shtml

6. Ocean State Reggae Festival. July 19-20. Charlestown, R.I. Some of the world's most famous reggae artists, plus craft and food vendors, swimming and camping. www.oceanstatereggae.com; 860-536-9832.

7. Craft Expo. July 17-19. Guilford, Conn. One of Connecticut's oldest craft shows, featuring 180 artists and artisans. www.guilfordartcenter.org; 203-453-5947.

8. 164th Annual Barnstable County Fair.

July 18-26. East Falmouth, Mass. Carnival rides, blacksmith demonstrations, agricultural and flower exhibits, crafts, food, and live entertainment. www.barnstablecountyfair.org; 508-563-3200.

9. Stowe Street Arts Festival. July 18-19. Waterbury, Vt. Painting, photography and fine arts for sale, accompanied by music, dancing and a barbecue. 802-244-8300.

10. Reggae Wine Festival. July 19-20.

Mount Airy, Md. Sample 19 wines to the sounds of reggae music. www.linganorewines.com; 410-795-6432.

- Elizabeth Fox