August is the month when most Americans pack their bags and redeem what precious few vacation days they’ve accumulated. Unfortunately, Europe typically comes to a halt at this time of year, with many businesses closing as tourists arrive. The answer? Smart alternatives. While Paris is dead in August, other parts of France are throwing fêtes. Italy also slows down, though some people manage to find enough to do, and life in Edinburgh goes on more or less normally with the help of its own festival. Stateside, some art galleries in New York take advantage of fewer open businesses to attract visitors to their unique summer shows, while county fairs seem to pop up just about everywhere else. And if heat and crowds aren’t your thing, there’s always August skiing; just be sure to account for travel time.
Where do you like to spend the dog days of August? Take our poll to tell us your ideas.