by Kirstin Fuller

A Special Two-Part Travel Series”...

In the first part of our first ever travel series we profiled the popular Montreal Jazz Festival which features some of today’s most popular artists performing in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. This time we profile the historic Quebec City and a festival that has hosted 1.5 million music lovers in past years.

The 44th annual Festival d’ete de Quebec (Quebec City Summer Festival) begins its celebration of music, food and culture on July 7th and continues through July 17th. If you and your family love to experience all types of music, this is the festival for you!

The festivals’ 12 indoor and outdoor stages have been graced by international superstars and great new emerging artists representing all genres of music. Hip-hop, rock, country, jazz , blues, French, gospel, classical and world music artists give great live performances during the festivals 300 shows. Last year, music superstars the Black Eye Peas, Kanye West and Sting graced the main stage along with K’Naan, Trombone Shorty, Jimmy Cliff, jazz great Allen Toussaint and Wyclef Jean.

This year Elton John graces the main stage several nights, as well as Ben Harper and blues legend Buddy Guy. The complete 2011 lineup will be announced soon.

The summer festival is a great vacation for the entire family. Before the celebrations of music begin each day, you can tour the historic streets of Old Quebec including a fort within the walled city and enjoy fun and games all day at the “Place de la Famille.” You can also surprise the kids by taking them to the “Cirque du Soleil” permanent show downtown. Feeling adventurous? Guided tours are also available. For a truly breathtaking experience, you must also visit “The Falls.”

Quebec City is also a great destination to experience beautiful boutique and unique luxury hotels. Within walking distance of the festival are: The Royal William Hotel, L’Autre Jardin Hotel, which is an African themed hotel, and Le Capitole de Quebec. All of these hotels are luxurious and unique in their own right. The Royal William luxury hotel is in the middle of downtown, close to festival and fabulous boutiques and restaurants. The Royall William offers a spa package for $169 per person for one-night accommodations and a one-hour massage for two. Le Capitole de Quebec has its own theatre next door and on-site Italian restaurant, Ristorante II Teatro, that serves excellent authentic Italian food. The hotel, theater and restaurant are literally a glance away from one of the festivals main stages.

For a fair trade hotel experience, you must stay at the L’Autre Jardin. The L’Autre Jardin is the only 100% fair trade, African themed/inspired hotel in Canada. They offer a festival package for two adults at $279 that includes two festival passes, one night accommodations and a buffet style breakfast featuring fair trade and local food products all in a suite fit for a King or Queen.
The Quebec City Summer Festival is a great music filled family vacation in a wonderful city. Come and enjoy Quebec City’s long love affair with music, fun and a little history.

For tickets and package information, please visit: www.infofestival.com (1-855-800-3347), www.royalwilliam.com, www.autrejardin.com, and www.lecapitole.com.

Tell them The Travelin Diva (Kirstin Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide) and The Frugal Socialite (Lucinda Anderson Hughes) sent you!