Photo Credit: DonnaGrayson

You can celebrate the Academy Awards even if you're nowhere near Hollywood! In honor of the 82nd annual Oscar awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 7, New York City venues are hosting a number of tributes to the film industry this weekend.

New York has been the location for a number of Oscar-winning movies over the years. Annie Hall, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Godfather all contain that extra special cast member, the Big Apple. (No, unfortunately Sex and the City didn't make the Oscar-winning list--although New York is "the city" that the television series and silver screen film refers to). Through Sunday, the Walter Reade Theater is hosting marathon screenings of these films and others that spotlight New York.

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Even though Disney's Alice in Wonderland movie opens in theaters on March 5, you can experience all the excitement that the film offers through October 31 in Cornwall, England. The highly anticipated Tim Burton film tells the tale of a 19-year-old Alice who returns to Wonderland to stop the evil-doings of the Red Queen. A Lewis Carroll classic, the visually stunning adventure is sure to intrigue audiences of all ages.

While the film has animated aspects, the live action, with stars such as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway, was shot in Cornwall. The National Trust's Antony House is an 18th-century mansion that isn't quite ready to give up its ties to the epic fairy tale. Through October 31, the property is hosting a variety of events inspired by the film's characters, plot, and fantasy locations.

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Various venues in Durango in Colorado are hosting the 5th Annual Durango Independent Film Festival during March 3rd – March 7th, 2010. The Get Reel festival, as it’s more commonly known, showcases shorts, documentaries, and feature films from across the world and is an important event for the local economy.

It’s a prestigious event on the film festival circuit and it gives local film fans the opportunity to see films not normally shown in the multiplexes. There is a family program, so there should be a movie to appeal to everyone.

Why not combine a skiing break with a visit to the festival? Durango is close to five major ski areas. The festival depends on its volunteer staff to run the event and new volunteers are always welcome. It is also grateful to the support it receives from local businesses.

For more information on the 5th Annual Durango Independent Film Festival, visit the website or email info@durangofilm.org. Ticket details, Reel Deal Packages, and travel information is available from the website.  If you are planning to stay for the festivial it might be smart to book a Durango vacation rental.

Photo Credit: thivierr

As the Winter Olympics events get underway, visitors and competitors are beginning to notice a trend in the amount of security present. The festivities surrounding these winter games are known to be fun, carefree, and almost like a vacation to all who attend; but how easy can it be to relax with all of the extra enforcement patrolling the area? Many of the normally packed bars and party spots are awkwardly spotted with few faces as opposed to the elbow to elbow scene that is more typical for a time like this.

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Oh no, according to Punxsutawney Phil we'll have 6 more weeks of winter. Guess we wont be putting our skiis away just yet as it's time to extend your winter vacation plan.

According to CNN: Phil emerged from his ceremonial tree stump at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, to a cheering crowd that had waited in the cold for his annual prediction. It is the 99th time that Phil — in his various incarnations — has seen his shadow, according to groundhog.org, the official Web site of the groundhog club in Punxsutawney, about 75 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, in western Pennsylvania.

Well grab your skiis, poles and boots and head up to the mountins.  For logding ideas visit these pages: Mammoth Rentals, Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals, Park City Vacation Rentals or Aspen Condos to name a few.

Do you ever dream of heading out West for the Rose Parade in Pasadena California?  Well here is your chance as tickets went on sale today.  Known as the 2nd largest parade in the United States (after the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade) the Rose Parade will be in it's 122nd year in 2011.  Buy your Rose Parade Tickets today.  Click here for coverage of the 2010 Rose Parade by the LA Times.

Celebrate Mardi Gras is Panama City! St. Andrews Mardi Gras is a great event for all ages taking place on February 12th and 13th. Panama City began celebrating Mardi Gras in 1997 with a modest start but has quickly grown into one of the city’s biggest celebrations.

This two-day festival has been voted "Best In The Bay" for nine years! The St. Andrews Mardi Gras is more of a family-oriented event than the rowdy, not-so-safe street party of New Orleans but is still a blast nonetheless! The first leg of the St. Andrews Mardi Gras takes place in Downtown Panama City and features live music all day, costume contests, Food and Fun Festival at the Marina Civic Center, a parade in the evening and much, much more.

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Support the gay and lesbian communities of America by attending the Gay Ski Week events of Aspen Colorado! Men and Women come far and wide to take part in the games, activities, snow sports, venues, delicious food, and of course speakers and networking with other gays and lesbians.

The funds that are raised from Gay Ski Week go straight to the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), and are then distributed to various charities for gay and lesbian interest throughout Colorado. Find out what you can do for your community by being an active part of a huge gay and lesbian yearly event.

The excitement starts on January 17th, 2010, and will last the week through until January 24th, 2010. Come out and support your community and form an amazing memory as you meet men and women that love, accept, and support your cause. For additional details about this fun filled week-long event, and how you can be a part of Gay Ski Week, feel free to call the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund at 970.925.4123.

Enjoy a local tribute to Nordic winter traditions with Aspen’s own Wintersköl. This festival started in 1951 when the town decided to create a day that was dedicated to their own special Nordic type lifestyle. This four day event is comprised of a host of games, contests, food, and other activities that are fit for the entire family.

Layer up and dress warm because Winterskol is a place that you will want to stay at for quite awhile. Beginning on January 14th, 2010, and ending on January 17th, 2010 this is an entire weekend of snowy winter magic that will entice young and old.

Participate in a colorful parade, and doggie fashion show, delicious Nordic and local dishes, and top it all off with an evening of fireworks. Winterskol is Aspen’s signature annual winter bash and will host thousands of people from Aspen, CO and

Bring out the whole family for children activities, food from around the world, and arts and crafts from local vendors. Winterskol is a tribute to the Norse god of snow and the traditions formed by the citizens of Aspen, CO.

Photo Credit: J Gutierrez

One of the top destinations for travel during the holiday season is the Big Apple, so why not brush up on this year's NY Events? There is nothing better than the cool air on your face, the hyptotic lights of the tall buildings, and the endless Christmas happenings to fill your travel dates. Whether you are up in the area during the winter season for business, family, or travel, it's always wise to make room for fun.

Time Out New York compiled a list of 101 things to do in New York City in the winter. Their top five would inspire anyone to brave the cold:

1. See the grand Central Terminal Kaleidoscope Light Show
2. Drink by the fireplace at Clover Club
3. Tuck into cassoulet
4. Work your way through the holiday markets
5. Have fondue at Artisanal

Another Holiday happening in the Big City that is not to be missed is SantaCon. You've heard of all of the Sci-Fi conventions, now it's time for Old Saint Nick to take the stage and draw winter travelers from across the country. Starting on December 12th, 2009, Santacon will welcome hundreds and thousands of lookaikes, wannabes, and just plain admirers to take part in one of the biggest Holiday centered NY Events of the year.

If you can't get enough holiday cheer, line yourself up for some NY Events and particpate in some unforgettable annual traditions.