1. Kansas City Renaissance Festival

What: Outdoor festival depicting a 16th-century English village, albeit one with 13 stages of entertainment, food and 500 costumed characters.

Where: Bonner Springs

When: Sept. 4-Oct.17

Distance: approximately 26 miles

Info: (800)373-0357 or www.kcrenfest.com

2. Picking Sundays

What: Enjoy a day of grape picking and learn about the finer points of wine.

Where: Basehor

When: Aug. 24-Sept. 28

Distance: approximately 29 miles

Info: (913)724-9463 or www.holyfieldwinery.com

3. Walnut Valley Festival

What: A top-notch bluegrass festival where attendees scramble for the best campsites every year.

Where: Winfield

When: Sept. 15-19

Distance: approximately 180 miles

Info: (620)221-3250 or www.wvfest.com

4. Dream Ride in the Flint Hills

What: Saddle up! This trail ride in the flint hills will renew your relationship with nature.

Where: Cottonwood Falls

When: Oct. 16-17

Distance: approximately 98 miles

Info: (620)273-6763

5. Haunted Lebold Mansion Tour

What: This historic home was built in 1880 and is said to be haunted by its many and varied past residents. Visit during the Halloween season and hear the tales told with some creepy ambiance.

Where: Abilene

When: Oct. 22-31

Distance: approximately 115 miles

Info: (785)263-4356

Sources: Kansas Department of Commerce, Department of Travel and Tourism, www.mapquest.com