There’s events, and then there’s events, and the American Cheese Society Annual Conference and Awards definitely falls into that latter group. Picture it: a vast ballroom lined with tables, over a thousand different cheeses stacked up to your eye line, and you, free to do what must be done. If that’s not heaven, then I have overestimated heaven.
The American Cheese Society’s yearly conference and competition is coming to my home state of Texas for the first time ever, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The event is actually a full four days of extra-cheesy events including cheesemaking sessions, retailer conferences, restaurateur meetings, networking opportunities, book signings and an awards competition. But to us regular folk, it’s really only one thing: a festival of cheese.
Unless you’re in the competition, the main event is Saturday’s evening Festival of Cheese. For three and a half hours, you can sample as much as you like from the products of cheesemakers all across the country. More than one thousand cheeses will be on offer, along with crackers, beer, wine and other complements, all free with the ticket price. The award winning cheeses will be marked, so be sure to hunt them down before they run out.
If you find a cheese that you just have to have, head back on Sunday for the discount cheese sale. Vendors from all over the nation will stick around to sell their amazing products at a discount just for guests of the festival.
Just don’t be looking for American cheese. At this place they only serve the real deal.
The American Cheese Society Conference and Competition will be held at the Hilton Austin in Austin, Texas on August 5-8, 2009. The Festival of Cheese takes place on Saturday, the 8th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Hilton Ballroom. Learn more about the complete schedule and pricing here.
The Hilton is fully booked, but you wouldn’t want to stay there anyway. Stay off-site for half the price (and all the comfort) at the Fairfield Inn Austin North. It’s an easy drive into the hotel, and at less than $100 a night, there’s no arguing with the rates.
Meet USA Travel Guide
I said I wouldn’t miss it for the world. USA Travel Guide’s head writer, Steven Mayo (that’s me), will be in attendance at the Festival of Cheese on August 8th from 5:30-9:00 p.m. If you want to meet one of the scatterbrains behind USA Travel Guide, drop us a line and we’ll see you there.
-Blessed are the cheesemakers.
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5 Comments
I want…to go….to there….
Austin is a great place to live because of the diversity of things to do. Every week there is a new festival, live music, or art gallery showing something interesting. While the heat might get you down, the nightlife is where all the fun is. If staying home is more of your style, there are lot of great neighborhoods to live, whether with or without a family. If you are looking for a new start, Austin is a great place to begin again.
Well, Megs, if you get the chance, let us know and we can do a reader meet-up.
I’ll be there. Was able to use points for the Hilton just last weekend. I can’t wait for my cheese mini-vacation.
I guess they really have an event for anything and everything! Why not for cheese? Who does not love melty, delicious cheese? I don’t think I’ll ever make it out that way but it sure does sound interesting!