Where to ring in 2013
(CBS News) The Times Square Ball drop on New Year's Eve is a time-honored tradition that will never go out of style.
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But if you can't make it to New York City, or you're looking for something completely different, travel editor Peter Greenberg has six quirky alternatives that are sure to please a wide range of tastes. From Peeps to grapes to drag queens -- there's something "dropping" for everyone.
PEEPSFEST - This annual event features an 85-pound fiberglass Peep dropped from a crane. Yes, by "Peeps," we do mean those little, yellow marshmallow candies first popularized as Easter basket fillers. The three-day festival -- which also includes a 5K run/walk and a Peeps diorama competition -- is held in Bethlehem, Pa., where the candies have been manufactured since the 1950s.
5th Annual Hard Rock Guitar Drop - The city that called itself home to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, celebrates its music roots with a guitar drop at the Hard Rock Cafe Memphis. In addition to the live music all night on their indoor and outdoor stages, complimentary champagne and party favors are offered at midnight.
The Pier Park Beach Ball Drop - For those who like their drops on the beach as opposed to city streets, Panama City Beach, Fla., offers a free event for the whole family. Not only is there an 800-pound, Waterford Crystal beach ball that drops at midnight, but earlier in the night, 10,000 inflatable beach balls are dropped on the boardwalk. Both ball drops are accompanied by fireworks displays overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
The World Famous Shoe Drop, a.k.a., The Drag Queen Drop - And now, for something completely different . . . Key West, the city known as the "Conch Republic" since its mock secession from the U.S. in 1982, lays claim to one of the most unique drops yet. Here, at the stroke of midnight, a drag queen named Sushi is lowered in a huge, red, high-heel shoe from the top of a hotel on Duval Street to the ground. It's a big street party that makes for great people-watching.
Torchlight Parade - Okay, so this one isn't really a drop as much as a downhill flow. For the last 40 years, the town of Telluride, Colo. has celebrated New Year's Eve with a parade of lights down the ski slopes. Skiers carrying torches light up the entire mountain, as they make their way down to watch fireworks, on the main street, just before midnight.
New Year's Eve Grape Drop - Temecula, Calif., may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of vineyards, but they've been growing grapes for over 40 years. And now, they're dropping grapes -- GIANT ones -- to ring in the New Year Temecula-style. The evening of family-friendly entertainment and fun includes live music, face-painting, and two countdowns -- one for the East Coast, and one for the West Coast.
To watch Peter Greenberg's full interview, click on the video player above.