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to the Deep South, all clustered along 690 miles of Highway 127. It passes through six states and features an uncountable number of treasures just waiting to be discovered. Because of its vast nature, the 127 Yard Sale offers travelers the chance to combine two of America’s most storied pastimes: road trips and bargain hunting. There are plenty of scenic destinations to stop and admire between looking for antiques, collectibles, and everything else you could imagine. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t miss an episode of “Antiques Roadshow,” you might mistake the 127 Yard Sale for paradise. The 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally August 3–12 Sturgis, South Dakota Even if you only have the most passing interest in motorcycles, odds are you’ve heard of Sturgis. The country’s most famous motorcycle rally attracts more than a half- million visitors every year, all eager to show off their bikes, rev their engines, and have some
fun. Since its inception in 1938, the 10-day rally has become a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts of all stripes. The centerpiece events of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are the rides themselves, which include trips around Devils Tower, Bear Butte, and Deadwood. There are also rally races and hill climbs. Hop off your bike to take in the concerts, enjoy some street food, and participate in the tattoo and beard contests. Bike lovers from all over the worldmake the pilgrimage to Sturgis, so you can bet you’ll see some jaw-droppingly cool rides, frompristine vintage bikes to one-of- a-kind custom creations. Minnesota Renaissance Festival Weekends, August 18–September 30 Shakopee, Minnesota With an annual attendance of 300,000, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival has grown to be the country’s largest Renaissance fair. Technology may not be advanced enough to actually transport you back to the 16th century, but you’d never know it from the sights, sounds, and smells of the fairgrounds.
Get dressed up in your fanciest lord or lady outfit, enjoy some jousting, and shop for artisanal products made by local craftspeople. Each weekend during the festival, you can also enjoy themed events. This year, for example, August 18 and 19 will host the“Buccaneer Beer Bash,”while September 8 and 9 will feature “Shamrocks and Shenanigans.”Whether you love Shakespeare, mead, or“Game of Thrones,” you’ll find something to interest you at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The next time somebody tells you, “There’s nothing happening in August,” direct them to one of these or many other festivals and events. You don’t need a federal holiday to have a reason to mark your calendars.
When Life Gives You Lemons ... 4 Business Lessons From Young Entrepreneurs
Lemonade stands are rumored to have originated with New York journalist Edward Bok, who, as a kid growing up in Brooklyn, sold ice water on hot summer days to thirsty passersby. When other water salespeople tried to move in on Bok’s profit, he got creative by adding lemon juice and eventually sugar to the mix. The result of this innovation? Sales soared. Lemonade stands continue to be a popular summer pastime for burgeoning entrepreneurs, and there are a few things we can learn from these humble business endeavors. Be adaptable.
says, “I advertised through Facebook and word of mouth. I created my own business page. I shared it with friends, family, and the community. ArkLaTex Horse Rescue advertised my stand, and I posted advertisements to many local Facebook groups as well.” Build your business around your values. Have you heard of anyone starting a million- dollar lemonade stand? There’s one person who has, and her name is Alex. She was diagnosed with cancer as a young girl, and her determined spirit motivated her to fight back. She started a lemonade stand to raise money for other kids with cancer. The message of the stand with a purpose spread, and Alex raised $2,000 in a single day. Sadly, Alex passed away when she was 8, but her legacy continues to thrive through her family, who turned Alex’s Lemonade Stand into a foundation. It’s raised over $127 million for cancer research.
of the stand was frequented by many French- speaking Canadian customers, and since the friend was born in Montreal and spoke French, the girls greeted each customer in English and French. More conversation makes more sales. Ask for referrals. Megan, kid entrepreneur and owner of “Dr. Megan’s Mad Mango Lemonade” in Louisiana, knows a thing or two about the value of word-of-mouth marketing. Megan makes sure customers have an easy time spreading the word about the refreshing lemonade. In her second summer running the stand, Megan
Warren Buffet has had business on the brain since birth. During his childhood, when he noticed that a friend’s house got more foot traffic than his did, the future tycoon moved his lemonade stand to the prime realty. Buffett obviously benefited from this innovation; the jury is still out on his friend. Go above and beyond for your customers. When Ann Handley’s daughter and her friend opened up a lemonade stand, they found a way to connect with their demographic. The location
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