July tends to be a month filled with events for the vacationers and tourists visiting the popular regions.

But even in the summer the New England states are putting on major community events and festivals or celebrating birthdays and artist tours.

These events can make the best places for visitors to get a true taste of New England traditions.

Here are four special events you may have missed when choosing your vacation visits over the next few weeks and you should add to your calendar whether you’re a resident or traveling through the area.

Rock River Artists Studio Tour – July 17^th & 18^th – Southern Vermont:

The Rock River Artists open their homes, gardens and studios to visitors for the 18th year in a row from 10 to 6 Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18. The self-guided tour begins with a group exhibit at the historic Old Schoolhouse, at Dover and Augur Hole Roads in South Newfane, where visitors can also pick up a map of studios to help them plan their weekend.

Whether you like photography, pottery, painting, fabric arts, prints, fine cabinetry, sculpture or something else altogether, the Rock River Artists Tour has something you will enjoy.

If there is one drawback to the tour, it’s that even though the artists all live within a ten-mile radius, one weekend is not usually enough time to drink it all in. Most visitors return year after year to visit their favorite artists and see the work of someone new as well.

For more information about the Rock River Artists, including directions, maps and nearby food and accommodations, visit www.RockRiverArtists.com

Green River Festival – July 17^th & July 18^th – Greenfield, Massachusetts:

Located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, this annual celebration combines music on multiple stages, delicious local food, crafts from a range of artisans, a dance tent, a wide array of kids’ activities, balloon illuminations and hot air balloon launches (weather permitting) for the Pioneer Valley’s biggest outdoor event of the summer. This is the only music festival in Massachusetts that features hot air balloons and balloon rides.

This is a large family event in one of New England’s scenic areas. For more information about this event check out their official web site at http://www.GreenRiverFestival.com

Samsonite Birthday Event – July 14^th – Boston, Massachusetts:

On Wednesday, July 14, Samsonite will be celebrating its centennial birthday at the company’s flagship store in Boston. Started in Mayfield, MA in 1910, Samsonite is inviting local consumers to celebrate 100 years of groundbreaking innovation with a celebration at its Boylston Street location, where attendees can play games, win travel-themed prizes, and have the chance to win a four-piece luggage set.

Samsonite representatives will be on site to talk about the company’s 100 years in the community, and its newest line of luggage and suitcases. Samsonite has become synonymous with the word of quality in the luggage world and here is a chance to get to know their history and get some deals if you’re in the market for luggage.

For more event information and details, please visit: http://www.samsonite.com

Meerkats Exhibit at the Maritime Aquarium – July – Norwalk, Connecticut:

If you remember the Lion King and Timon and how he stole our affection in the Disney Movie then head on out to Connecticut’s Maritime Aquarium and see a special exhibit of a family of Meerkats.

Meerkats are members of the mongoose family that live in social “mobs” or “gangs” of up to 30 members in burrows in the Kalahari Desert, in the southern African nations of Botswana and South Africa.

“These are active animals with very charismatic faces and highly interesting social structures, so they’ll be a lot of fun for visitors to watch,” said Jack Schneider, the Aquarium’s curator of animals.

The exhibit will feature six sibling meerkats – three males, three females – born in the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. And there will be a viewing bubble, so visitors can stand up right among the meerkats.

Although this special exhibit will run through February 2010 the summer months is a great time to take the family to the Aquarium and see this fascinating family at play. For more details go to the Aquarium web site at www.MaritimeAquarium.org

I hope you’re able to get to one of these events this July and sample all the fun available in New England during our favorite outdoor months.

Another New England post by one of our writers is being prepared right now so be sure to visit again or just subscribe to our RSS Feed here and get notified automatically of events and news.

Joan Daniels
Staff Writer
New England Online Magazine

Related posts:

1. Celebrate a New England Fourth of July at these Unique Destinations
2. Hancock Shaker Village Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Summer and Fall 2010 Events
3. 4 Events in New England to Include in Your Vacation Plans
4. Christmas in New England – Personal Top Picks and Favorite Events
5. Seven of the Best Halloween Events in New England