Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show

In celebration of its 79th year, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show in Philadelphia, one of the most respected and well attended outdoor art shows in the country, will have two festivals this year.  The first takes place June 4-6; the second takes place September 17-19.

Key to the City

Mark your calendars now for the upcoming Key to the City art happening, scheduled from June 3 to June 27 in New York City.  Here's the idea: while historically, keys to the city have been awarded to heroes and dignitaries, this public arts project will allow ordinary folks to bestow keys to the city to anyone they want -- for any reason they want.  The best thing?  These keys are actually functional  and can be used to open spaces across all five boroughs of New York City, including back doors, front gates, community gardens, graveyards, and museums.  You'll receive a map with your key so you'll know what hidden treasures the key will unlock.

Free NYC Gallery Walk

On Saturday, May 15th, from11 AM to 6 PM, over 50 art galleries located on Madison Avenue and adjacent side streets between 57th and 86th Streets will participate in a series of  free guided tours.  You can meet exhibiting artists and enjoy talks offered by curators and artists; view exhibitions of artwork from the city’s talented students; and even participate in a scavenger hunt with two-for-one admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Walking tours will depart hourly from two Event Information Centers located in the Fuller Building-Vornado Realty Trust (41 East 57 Street at Madison Avenue) and Arader Galleries (1016 Madison Avenue, between East 78 and East 79 Streets).

For details call 212-861-2055 or visit www.madisonavenuegallerywalk.com.

Airfare Increases Expected This Summer

Once again, industry experts are predicting that airfares will rise this summer.  They predicted the same last year (as expectations that recessionary fears were diminishing) and it largely didn't come to pass (although airlines did start to institute baggage fees, which on the consumer had much the same effect).  What will really happen?  Who knows!  The violence in Greece, volcanic ash in the air, terrorists in Times Square and yesterdays stock market crash may all combine to make people stay at home again.  But maybe not.  Honestly, your guess is as good as mine!

Avoiding Extra Hotel Fees

Along with the rise of pay-as-you-go airline fees for everything from checked luggage to pretzels -- things that used to be free -- comes a corresponding push from hotels to get in on the fee action.  We've long complained about -- and told our readers how to avoid -- things like Internet surcharges and bar restocking fees.  As the economy recovers (and as hotels see how successful the airlines have been), travel experts cited in today's article in the New York Times expect hotels to raise existing fees and to impose more of them.  So don't miss our advice about how to avoid these extra hotel fees!

Baseball in the Bay Area

We love that it is San Francisco Giants' Baseball Season at SBC Park again! Don't miss the inspiring 9-ft statue of Giants legend Willie Mays as you enter the stadium.