PRELUDE: EVENTS

New York City
Central Park Ice Skating
Until March 17th
No winter trip to the Big Apple would be complete without a spin (or fall) on one of Central Park’s two rinks. You’ll find Wollman Rink East Side at 62nd St and Lasker Rink at the north end of Central Park, near 110th St and Lenox Ave. Wollman, the most picture-perfect of the two, has a rink-side café where you can watch your loved one effortlessly glide on by-or collapse into a heap.
www.wollmanskatingrink.com

New Orleans
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
March 30th-April 3rd
This event celebrates the life of Tennessee Williams and features a host of discussions about his work. While you’re there, sign up for a literary walking tour or buy a rare copy of one of his books. You’ll also get the chance to see modern and traditional versions of classics such as A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
www.tennesseewilliams.net

Miami
Winter Music Conference
March 22nd-26th
South Beach, Miami, will be partying like crazy as the annual conference hits town. Now in its 20th year, it’s the world’s leading dance event for DJs, promoters, celebrities, music industry personnel and visitors from over 60 countries wanting to dance the day and night away.
www.wmcon.com

Philadelphia
Flower Show
March 6th-13th
If you want inspiration for your own garden, visit this year’sflower show, the largest in the world, which features thousands of varieties offlowers. Also on offer are gardening workshops and shopping specials.
www.theflowershow.com

Las Vegas
Harlem Globetrotters
February 16th & 17th
As if there wasn’t already enough to do in this desert jewel of a city, basketball fans will beflocking to the Orleans Hotel and Casino to catch showboating basketball legends, the Harlem Globetrotters. Tickets for the show start at $11 and then skyrocket.
www.harlemglobetrotters.com

Los Angeles
Chinese New Year
February 12th-13th
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rooster with the Golden Dragon Parade and its array of painted dragons, fireworks and cabaret. Dragons will head the parade and race down North Broadway. The city hosts a number of other events during the celebrations, including the Miss LA Chinatown Fashion Show and the Chinese New Year Festival. www.lagoldendragonparade.com