Looking for a little getaway this weekend? Chances are a beachside suite is not in the budget. And if you have kids, well … don’t count on finding a babysitter who’s willing to give up prime weekend time. But hey, you still have options. Namely, the Village Venture Arts & Crafts Fair going on Saturday, October 22 in Claremont Village. The free annual event is the largest of its kind in Southern California with more than 450 arts & crafts booths ranging from shoes and jewelry to pottery, clothing and wacky knick-knacks.

The all-day shopping block party will kick off the festivities with a children’s Halloween costume parade at 9:30am and arts & crafts, not to mention tons of food, music, shopping (just in time for the holiday season) and free parking and shuttle service. And if you’re still wondering where Claremont actually is, it’s just 30 miles east of Downtown LA off the 10 freeway, so you caan easily take the Metrolink or make it a family road trip to explore this quaint neighborhood. Even better, book a room at one of the nearby hotels (I would do either Casa 425 or DoubleTree) and make it a real weekend getaway.

Saturday, October 22, 9am-5pm @ Claremont Village. Free admission.

More info: www.discoverclaremont.com