Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it will open one of its leading-edge Aloft brand properties in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scheduled to open in April 2015 in the city’s central business district, the new-build Aloft hotel will feature 167 loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and a vibrant, social atmosphere.
“The Aloft brand in a terrific match for the lively city of Louisville and will likely attract savvy travellers and young professionals with its urban design and live music offerings,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.
The property will feature the brand’s signature W XYZ bar, with programming that includes a lineup of local, emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands scheduled through Live at Aloft Hotels programming. Other facilities include the Splash pool, 24-hour fitness centre and 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Owned by REI Real Estate Services, LLC and Poe Companies, LLC, and managed by White Lodging Services Corporation, Aloft Louisville Downtown will be located walking distance to the KFC Yum! Center, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Waterfront Park and the shops, dining and entertainment at the Fourth Street Live complex.
With more than 75 hotels in 14 countries around the world, Starwood’s Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional hotel landscape. Aloft recently announced that select properties will roll out Keyless Check-In, allowing guests to use their smartphones to check in to the hotel and open their guestroom door.
This follows on the heels of Smart Check-In, the first mobile check-in using RFID technology to truly bypass the front desk available at 14 Aloft properties.
There’s magic in the air when New York Burger Week rolls around.
Maybe it’s the sizzling aroma that escapes every open doorway, or maybe it’s just the city doing what it does best—transforming comfort food into a celebration.
Either way, as someone who’s eaten burgers from Buenos Aires to Bangkok, I knew I had to dive mouth-first into the madness. And oh, what a delicious journey it was.
Let me take you on a personal tour of 10 unforgettable burgers that defined my experience during the NY Burger Week. Whether you love them smashed, stacked, or steeped in steakhouse tradition—there’s something here to make your inner foodie sparkle.
Top 10 Must-Try Burgers from New York Burger Week – Quick Guide
#
Restaurant
Burger Name / Style
Highlights
Location
1
Minetta Tavern
Black Label Burger
Dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, upscale brioche bun
Greenwich Village
2
Bill’s Bar & Burger
Classic Cheeseburger
American cheese, lettuce, comfort-food vibes
Multiple Locations
3
Black Iron Burger
Smash Burger
Crispy edges, juicy thin patty, East Village cool
East Village
4
Peter Luger Steak House
Steakhouse Burger (Lunch Only)
Legendary dry-aged beef, minimalist perfection
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
5
Red Hook Tavern
Dry-Aged Tavern Burger
Juicy thick patty, hidden gem status
Red Hook, Brooklyn
6
7th Street Burger
Signature Burger
Casual, satisfying, great for late-night bites
East Village
7
The Spotted Pig
Roquefort Cheese Burger
Funky blue cheese, classic NYC gastropub
West Village (Note: Check if reopened)
8
4 Charles Prime Rib
Lux Steak Burger
Prime beef, indulgent, candle-lit atmosphere
West Village
9
Sage Bistro Moderne
Bistro Burger
Gourmet toppings, truffle fries, French bistro style
Long Island
10
Hamburger America
Fried Onion Burger
Crispy onions smashed into patty, nostalgic diner vibes
Lower East Side
#1. Minetta Tavern – The Black Label Legend
My first stop was the storied Minetta Tavern, tucked between Greenwich Village nostalgia and modern NYC flair. Their Black Label Burger isn’t just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. The patty, made with a proprietary dry-aged beef blend, is incredibly juicy with a complex, almost nutty richness.
Topped simply with caramelized onions and nestled into a soft brioche bun, this burger whispers elegance in every bite.
Local Tip: Go early or make a reservation—this place is no secret.
#2. Bill’s Bar & Burger – Comfort in Every Bite
Next, I swung by Bill’s Bar & Burger, the kind of place that feels like a cozy hug from a city that never stops moving.
Their burgers don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they perfect it. With crisp lettuce, melted American cheese, and a thick patty cooked just right, it’s the burger I didn’t know I was craving until the first bite.
Personal Note: I devoured mine with a classic milkshake. No regrets.
#3. Black Iron Burger – The Smash Hit
In the East Village, Black Iron Burger brought the crispy edge. Their smash burgers are grilled to perfection—thin, juicy patties with crackly, caramelized bits that burst with flavor.
I sat at the bar and watched them press each patty like a ritual, the aroma filling the air with anticipation.
Travel Glitter Tip: Ask for extra pickles. Trust me.
#4. Peter Luger Steak House – Where Steak Meets Bun
Even legends like Peter Luger step into burger territory during lunch hours. Their burger, made from the same revered dry-aged beef as their steaks, is minimalist heaven.
No cheese, no fluff—just pure beef glory. Sitting in this old-school Brooklyn steakhouse felt like being part of New York culinary history.
Fun Fact: They only serve this burger at lunch. Plan accordingly!
#5. Red Hook Tavern – The Hidden Gem
Brooklyn’s Red Hook Tavern may be a trek, but oh, is it worth it. Their burger is a thick, juicy dream, and the dry-aged beef flavor lingers long after the last bite.
It’s everything you want in a classic burger—nothing more, nothing less, and absolutely perfect.
Monica’s Note: Pair it with their shoestring fries and a cold beer. Instant bliss.
#6. 7th Street Burger – The Anytime Crowd Pleaser
At 7th Street Burger, things feel casual and fun—like discovering your favorite dive bar also makes a killer burger. The menu offers several solid choices, but I stuck with their signature.
Unpretentious and flavorful, it’s the kind of burger that satisfies whether you’re nursing a hangover or just wandering the city.
Vibe Check: Great for a spontaneous burger fix.
#7. The Spotted Pig – A True New York Classic
There’s a reason The Spotted Pig keeps popping up on every “must-eat” list. Their classic American burger is rich, bold, and just indulgent enough.
It’s topped with Roquefort cheese, which adds a funky creaminess I didn’t expect to love—but did.
Cultural Tidbit: This was one of NYC’s first gastropubs. You can taste the legacy.
#8. 4 Charles Prime Rib – The Lux Burger
If you like your burgers with a side of opulence, 4 Charles Prime Rib is your spot. Their burger is basically a love letter to steak lovers.
Juicy, thick, and served in a candle-lit dining room that oozes charm, this is the kind of meal you linger over.
Reservation Tip: Book early—it’s small and wildly popular.
#9. Sage Bistro Moderne – For the Fancy Foodies
Now, if you like your burgers dressed up, Sage Bistro Moderne offers a bistro-style burger that feels like dining at a French café.
The patty is tender, layered with gourmet toppings, and served with truffle fries. Oui, please!
Monica’s Reflection: Sometimes you want a little sophistication with your side of ketchup.
#10. Hamburger America – A Bite of Nostalgia
Last but not least, Hamburger America delivered a burger that felt like it came straight out of a vintage diner. Their Fried Onion Burger has crispy bits of onion smashed right into the patty.
Each bite had the perfect crunch-meets-juiciness ratio. Simple, nostalgic, unforgettable.
Did You Know? This spot is inspired by a film and book that documents America’s great burger joints!
Final Thoughts from the Grill
New York Burger Week wasn’t just about burgers—it was about stories, traditions, and the way food brings people together. Each place had its own vibe, its own rhythm, and its own take on the all-American classic.
So if you’re ever in NYC during Burger Week (or really, any week), skip the same old spots and take your taste buds on a tour. Follow the glitter—it’ll lead you somewhere delicious.
There’s something magical about New York in May—the sun’s a little warmer, the sidewalks buzz a little louder, and if you’re lucky, you might just find yourself in the middle of the juiciest celebration the city has to offer: New York Burger Week.
As someone who’s eaten burgers on rooftops, in dive bars, and even one handed to me by a guy in a Chewbacca costume (more on that in a minute), I can tell you this isn’t your average food week. This is seven glorious days of creativity, community, and more beef patties than you can count. Let me take you through the events that made this week one for the books.
The Burger Feast at Hudson Common: A Kickoff You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
From the moment I stepped into Hudson Common, I knew Burger Week wasn’t messing around. The energy was infectious—live beats from Lily Vanilli spilled into the air, mixing with the sizzling scent of burgers being flipped just a few feet away.
Each corner was packed with NYC’s finest burger artisans. I devoured a juicy stack from Hard Time Sundaes and then chased it with a smoky bite from Black Iron Burger. And the beer? Perfectly chilled pours from Kelso Beer Co., each one paired to match a different burger’s flavor profile. My tastebuds were in heaven.
Travel Tip: Come hungry and pace yourself—there’s a lot of meat to love.
Burgers for Barkers: Burgers, Booze & Big Hearts
I’ll be honest—this one tugged at the heartstrings. Outside NY Distilling Co, I joined a cheerful crowd huddled around the Hard Time Sundaes truck, scarfing down free burgers while dropping cash donations into a big, friendly-looking tip jar.
The cause? New York Bully Crew, a nonprofit saving pit bulls and other misunderstood pups. Inside, The Shanty served up local spirits, while happy faces toasted to doing good with every bite. The burger was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, but the real reward? Knowing it was helping dogs find loving homes.
Boozy Burger Brunch at Beer Culture: Where Flavour Met Firewater
Brunch took a boozy, beefy twist at Beer Culture. The trio of mini burgers from Schweid & Sons—each crafted with a different beef blend—were a juicy education in meat mastery. My personal favorite? The prime chuck patty, hands down.
Each burger was paired with a craft beer or whiskey (I went the whiskey route—bold move before noon, but no regrets). With reps from Two Roads Brewing and Heaven Hill guiding us through each tasting, this brunch was all about discovery—and indulgence.
Star Wars Night at Pounds & Ounces: May the Burger Be With You
Lightsabers. Leia buns. Wagyu beef. I swear I walked into another galaxy.
Pounds & Ounces turned into a burger-loving Mos Eisley for a Star Wars-themed night. I chomped down on a Kobe-Wan Waygu Burger while watching Empire Strikes Back under soft neon. Bonus points for the Dark & Storm Troopery cocktail, which packed more punch than the Millennium Falcon at hyperspeed.
The best part? Fans dressed in full costume, competing for a Schweid & Sons apron and a $100 gift card. I didn’t win, but I did take home a Darth Vader-themed burger napkin I’ll probably keep forever.
Blind Burger Tasting at Genuine Superette: A Flavorful Mystery
Ever eaten a burger blindfolded? I have now.
At Genuine Superette, we were handed three mystery burgers and challenged to guess which was made with standard beef, Schweid & Sons’ prime chuck, and their super-secret blend. The flavors were bold and the guessing? Surprisingly hard!
I only got two out of three right, but I left with a full belly and a newfound respect for what a quality beef blend can do.
Beer Burger Dinner at Beer Authority: Elevated Comfort Food
By the time we hit Beer Authority, I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another burger. But three gourmet creations from Chef Louis changed my mind fast.
Each off-menu burger came with a carefully matched Allagash beer, plus crispy fries and tangy fried pickles on the side. It felt upscale and casual all at once—the kind of event where you clink glasses with strangers and talk about your favorite buns like old friends.
Bubbles & Burgers at New York Burger Co.: The Grand Finale
The week wrapped with a little sparkle—literally.
Inside New York Burger Co., I enjoyed a multi-course burger tasting where every dish came paired with bubbly—from dry Prosecco to rich Champagne. Each sip was designed to enhance the burger’s unique profile. My favorite? A tangy blue cheese burger paired with a fruity Rosé Sparkling that balanced every bite.
Between the elegant setup, the live music, and the knowledgeable hosts from Baron Francis, it was a gourmet sendoff that reminded me just how diverse and joyful burger culture can be.
Final Thoughts
New York Burger Week isn’t just a celebration of meat and buns—it’s a love letter to creativity, community, and the joy of food. It’s where chefs let loose, fans geek out, and strangers bond over their shared obsession with burgers.
If you’re in New York in May, do not miss it. I’ll be there again next year—napkin in hand, appetite ready, and heart full of burger joy.
Ready to plan your Burger Week adventure? Stay tuned to Travel Glitter for more tasty guides and travel-inspired food journeys.
Ever since Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant–and Harry and Sally–used the Empire State Building as the site to reaffirm their enduring love, sweeping nighttime views of Manhattan have become synonymous with romance itself.
Now the Z NYC Hotel has launched a new way to combine romance and city views.
The hotel’s Rooftop Picnic Package allows guests to picnic in style, on a stunning 5,000-square-foot rooftop, with breathtaking views overlooking Manhattan.
From its Long Island location, the 14-story Z NYC Hotel offers distinctive views of the city’s skyline, especially in the morning, when the skyscrapers glow with the rays of the eastern sun.
The Rooftop Picnic Package includes:
Accommodations in a Queen Room with a view
Picnic setup for two on the hotel’s rooftop, Z Roof
Picnic basket packed with a delectable meal
Assortment of games to play while picnicking
Rates for the Rooftop Picnic Package start at $225/night excluding tax and gratuity, and the package is through Oct. 1, 2013.
The Z NCY Hotel, originally a warehouse until 1996, opened in 2011 amidst the hip food outlets, shops, galleries and sculpture studios that comprise Long Island.
Each of its 100 guest rooms feature panoramic views, and the roof is the perfect spot to watch the myriad fireworks displays that take place all year long.
The Z NYC Hotel is a quick 10 minute cab ride, or one subway stop over the river on the 7 train, and complimentary shuttle service is provided every hour.
Nature lovers can enjoy an off-road experience tracking bear, moose and bald eagles through the alpine terrain of Grand Teton National Park, thanks to the new Fall Wildlife lodging package offered by the Wyoming Inn, in partnership with local sustainable tour company Eco-Tour Adventures.
Guests will enjoy a personal look at Grand Teton National Park, visiting off-the-beaten-path wildlife hotspots and following unmarked dirt roads in comfortable four-wheel drive vehicles.
Experienced guides will lead guests to the best sites to view area wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, wolves, black bear, grizzly bear, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.
Between wildlife sightings, the tour will stop for lunch at one of the park’s venerable lodges – either overlooking Jackson Lake at the Signal Mountain Lodge or at Dornan’s overlooking the Snake River with the magnificent Teton Mountain Range in the background.
The Fall Wildlife package, available October 10 to November 30, 2013, includes three nights lodging at the Wyoming Inn, which recently completed a major four-year renovation of its 68 guest rooms.
The all-new guest rooms and baths offer a sophisticated version of the hotel’s trademark Western style, with plenty of new “connected traveler” tech upgrades.
Located on Jackson Hotel’s free shuttle line, guests can enjoy the inn’s scenic landscape, while enjoying easy access to the town’s retail and culinary offerings.
Jackson-based Eco-Tour Adventures was created to help people connect with the natural world. The company’s professional guides share a passion for wildlife and hold related degrees ranging from wildlife biology to environmental sciences.
A sustainable tour company, Eco-Tour Adventures fuels its jeeps with biodiesel, maintains a carbon neutral status via Carbonfund.org, and donates a percentage of every tour’s dollars to local nonprofits through its Dollars for Conservation program.
The Fall Wildife pacakge, including three nights accommodation and a full-day ecotour for two starts at $389.99 per person (double occupancy).
The El Portal Sedona Hotel, in partnership with MasterCard and Visa, has teamed up with local animal charity, High Country Puppy Rescue, a Flagstaff, Arizona-based organization that rescues puppies from neglectful or abusive situations, and fosters them out to volunteers in order to relieve pressure from shelters and pounds.
When guests stay at the El Portal Sedona Hotel and use either their MasterCard or Visa, the credit card companies will donate a portion of the fees to the High Country Puppy Rescue.
El Portal owner Steve Segner is no stranger to animal organizations. Before he was the owner of El Portal Sedona Hotel, Segner was a the owner of a number of pet stores, and during that time, served as the President of the World Wide Pet Association for three years.
After valtrex order online selling their California-based pet food business, Steve and his wife Connie, moved to Sedona, AZ and bought the El Portal Sedona Hotel.
The El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet-friendly, luxury boutique property in Sedona, Arizona.
El Portal Sedona is a luxury boutique hotel that is also pet friendly because the Segners believe that neither owners nor pets should have to sacrifice amenities, style, or service to experience all that Sedona has to offer.
Each of the property’s guest suites includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath and WiFi; featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, and premium down pillows and comforters Here, guests have access to concierge services for Sedona and the surrounding area.
Travelers wanting to indulge in their wilder side, or re-enact their favorite scenes from 50 Shades of Grey, need look no further than Personality Hotels of San Francisco.
The boutique hotel collection is offering guests a chance to live out some of their favorite scenes from the wildly popular erotic book series, at their three Union Square hotel locations.
The new 50 Shades of Women…Come Again package, which includes a sexy set of naughty gifts, is available at Hotel Diva, Kensington Park Hotel and Hotel Union Square.
And living out your naughty fantasies comes with an added bonus, as Personality Hotels will donate $10 from each package to the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund (BCEF), an organization which provides quick and compassionate emergency financial assistance to low-income people battling breast cancer.
“Our original 50 Shades of Women package in 2012 was so successful that we’re rousing our guests to return alongside the launch of the ‘50 Shades of Grey’ where to buy levitra film on February 14,” says Yvonne Detert, founder and CEO of Personality Hotels.
“Our ‘Come Again’ package is more enhanced than the first, with more frills guaranteed to please our adventurous guests.”
The package, a $150 add-on to the regular room rate, includes: The Minna Limon Vibrator (squeeze as you please) Art of Lust Condoms Feel Me Bondaids Handcuffs Silky Sash Restraint Lilly Fringe Whip Madame’s Mystique Paddle Les Petits Bon Bon Tickle Me Tickler Wicked Aqua lubricant 2.0 fl oz
“A discreet black satin box with the indulging toys awaits you in your room upon check in,” said Detert. “It’s up to you how you unwrap and use the goodies inside this sexy treasure chest. Personality Hotels has you covered, all in the privacy of your own deluxe hotel room.”
Having fun during the summer in San Diego doesn’t require a lot of money. In fact, many things to see and enjoy in San Diego are absolutely free.
With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather and a variety of summer street fairs, concerts and arts and cultural events, San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive summer getaway.
Following is a list of ten fun and free activities that guests can enjoy during San Diego’s summer months:
Hit the Beach
Put on your bathing suit, grab your towel and head to one of San Diego’s 33 beaches, all open to the public, and perfect for body surfing, boogie boarding, building sandcastles, collecting seashells and basking in the sun.
Take in a Concert
Bring a picnic and listen to Coronado’s Summer Concert Series in Spreckels Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer.
On the first and third Sundays of the month, come early and browse the work of San Diego artists during the Coronado Art Association’s bi-monthly Art-In-The-Park event.
Watch the Sun Set
Catch a magnificent Pacific sunset and watch sea lions play along the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.
Free Fly Fishing Lessons
Take free fly-fishing lessons from the San Diego Fly Fishers club on Sunday mornings during 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Lake Murray, located in La Mesa. If you don’t have your own gear, arrive early for a free equipment loan.
Eat Fresh
Sample some of the more than 200 varieties of fresh produce grown in San Diego at one of the region’s many Farmer’s Markets, held daily at locations throughout the county.
Get Some Air
Bike, walk or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Bikers, walkers and joggers share more than 20 miles of scenic paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline with workout courses at planned stations along the route.
Rollerblade, skateboard, bicycle or people watch along the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach Boardwalk, a scenic three-mile boardwalk running along the coastline of these lively neighborhoods.
Stargaze
Stargaze on the first Wednesday of every month from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park during “Gazin’ with the Experts.”
Members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set up huge telescopes and offer guests a great view of the moon, planets and brighter stars.
Celebrate Independence
Join the festivities at San Diego’s many Fourth of July celebrations, held in numerous communities throughout the county. Coronado’s popular Independence Day Celebration on July 4 features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay.
The Port of San Diego celebrates with the Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county.
See the Grunion Run
Join San Diegans in a local natural phenomenon, the grunion run, on warm summer nights when the tide is high and the moon is full.
Guests can witness thousands of small grunion fish swimming ashore to mate and bury their eggs in the sand before riding the waves back out to sea.
Take Fido for a Walk
Watch tail-waggin’, Frisbee-catchin’ and stick-fetchin’ dogs splash in the surf. Man’s best friend is permitted to roam leash-free at all hours of the day on designated beaches in Ocean Beach, Coronado and Del Mar.
Mendocino County is giving away four amazing, free getaway vacations, with each one including a three-night stay, a locally-produced meal, an assortment of premium local wines and artisan crafts, and a variety of local activities.
Participants can select any of three ways to enter, each of which take less than five minutes.
Submit entries by: May 15, 2012
Winning prizes include:
Magic in Mendocino
3-Night Stay at the Little River Inn Dinner for Two at the Ravens’ Restaurant Voucher for Canoe/Bicycle Rental at Catch-a-Canoe And Bicycles Too Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Fun in Fort Bragg
3-Night Stay at the North Cliff Hotel Dinner at Cliff House Restaurant of Fort Bragg Passes for the Skunk Train 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Beachfront Beauty
3-Night Stay at the Beachcomber and Surf and Sand Lodge* 2 Passes for the Skunk Train 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) An Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
Enchantment in Elk
3-Night Stay Elk Cove Inn and Spa 3 Bottles of Premium Mendocino County Wine (Must be 21 or Older) An Assorted Gift Basket Featuring Local Artisan Products
To Enter
Entry 1
Mendocino County is always eager to learn more about what they can do to make the area a more attractive destination – what visitors love about it, and what they’d love to see.
Take the following survey, be sure to enter your email address, and you’ll be automatically entered to win. www.surveymonkey.com/s/5WGJSJF
Entry 2
Mendocino County loves its Facebook fans. Like them on Facebook, then post on your own wall why you Like (or Love!) Mendocino County, and share the link to their Facebook page.
Rand McNally and USA Today want to know the most beautiful town in the United States. Visit the Mendocino County page, leave a review, and vote for Mendocino as Most Beautiful Town. www.bestoftheroad.com/town.do?destinationId=18565
American music is tragically underrepresented in museum facilities. Here are fourteen museums you can (and should) go visit.
Autry National Center Los Angeles, Calif. Although not strictly dedicated to music, The Autry National Center is dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories and experiences of the people of the American West.
With more than 500,000 artifacts, it is one of the most significant collections of western memorabilia in the United States.
On the third Sunday of every month, the Western Music Association Monthly Jam features musicians and cowboy poets who perform the songs of the Old West. www.theautry.org
Country Music Hall of Fame Nashville, Tenn Operated by the Country Music Foundation, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of country music and related music rooted in southern culture.
The facility features a variety of dynamic, state-of-the-art exhibits featuring historic country video clips and recorded music. The museum’s public space is home to an ongoing line up of live performances and public programs. www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Delta Blues Museum Clarksdale, Miss. The City of Clarksdale, located at “the crossroads” of Highways 61 and 49, and the surrounding Delta region, are known as ”the land where the blues began.”
Located in the heart of Clarksdale, the Delta Blues Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States—and the oldest in the state of Mississippi—is dedicated to preserving the history of the blues.
The Delta Blues Museum Stage hosts a year-round music education program and is home to several local festivals, including the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in August and the Juke Joint Festival in April. www.deltabluesmuseum.org
Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theater Ferriday, Louisiana The sounds of Delta Blues are also preserved at the Delta Music Museum, located in Ferriday Louisiana.
The facility, housed in the city’s old Post Office building, tells the story of three cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and Jimmy Swaggart, as well as other performers who have contributed to Southern music.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum Owensboro, Ky. Established to preserve the history of the music form created by Bill Monroe, who wrote the state song “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” the International Bluegrass Music Museum is located just 30 minutes from where Monroe was born.
Coined bluegrass in the 1950s, the music form attributed to Monroe and his band, “The Blue Grass Boys,” which developed the music style based on a blend of styles, including Appalachian mountain music, rural “old time” string playing, folk ballads, blues, African stomp, and black and white gospel.
The International Bluegrass Music Museum is the world’s only facility dedicated to the history and preservation of the international history of bluegrass music. www.bluegrass-museum.org
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem New York, NY Once the stomping grounds of such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Count Basie, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday, Harlem has a storied history of nurturing some of the best jazz in the world. Today’s musicians continue to find Harlem a place to innovate contemporary jazz sounds.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem presents a weekly roster of events—both live performances, as well as lectures—dedicated to preserving the art as well as fostering it for future generations. www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org
Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Set on the grounds of the Dollywood Theme Park, the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame honors the music that found much of its origins in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
