4 Great American Summer Book Festivals

You probably (desperately) need a summer vacation. But like a lot of us, you're also probably prone to sunburn and constitutionally averse to recreation involving the wearing of a bikini. So forget the beach and, for that matter, one of those expensive, epic, phrasebook-assisted voyages to foreign lands. Because there is a way you can simultaneously relax and broaden your horizons: Head out to one of America's great book festivals. Feed your mind, meet other avid readers, and, just maybe, get David Sedaris's autograph. If you're really lucky, you'll also return home with the ultimate reading list: enough inspiration, ideas, fresh voices, and new worlds to carry you through the winter.

Next: Start by pampering your body and mind in Aspen (and at summer rates, too!)