Spending time at museums may seem like the perfect Sunday activity, but many art centers are offering up their space during evening hours with various events and activities, so you're not limited to interacting silently with a Picasso.

Some of the museums offer social opportunities, as well as stunning pieces of art.

Boston, MA - there are a couple of different options at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston: Winesdays (we love the way they think) - the last Wednesday of every month offers expert-led wine tastings in the museum's famed restaurant, Bravo. Or sample a wider variety of cocktails with MFAsummerFridays: "Leave your work week behind and relax wih friends both old and new. Enjoy live music outside in the Calderwood Courtyard and specialty cocktails from our cash bars."

Chicago, IL - Museum of Contemporary Art offers First Fridays: "Relax after a long workweek with a cash bar featuring specialty drinks and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers." and Tuesdays on the Terrace: "...another exciting season of free evening jazz concerts on the MCA's Anne and John Kern Terrace overlooking Lake Michigan. Enjoy cocktails and a buffet dinner ($16.50) while listening to Chicago's finest jazz musicians..." (June-September)

Miami, FL - Every third Thursday of the month, there's a JAM at MAM. "Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and Djs spinning laid back grooves. MAM members free; Non-members $10."

New York, NY - the Frick Museum offers monthly, sometimes bi-monthly, classical music performances.

St. Louis, MO -City Museum's Monstro Movie Series runs Friday & Saturday nights throughout the summer.

San Francisco, CA -the Legion of Honor offers their summer series of movies that were filmed in San Francisco.

Seattle, WA - the newly renovated Seattle Art Museum has it's very own after hours club. Sort of. "SAM presents a lush and lively atmosphere with live performers and public programs from 5 to 9 p.m. on select Thursday and Friday nights."

Take your girlfriends for a sophisticated Girls' Night Out!

There used to be a commercial on TV in the 80s that sang "Cheese, glorious CHEESE! So scrumptious and luscious!" I find myself belting that jingle out, on a regular basis. This post is not for the lactose intolerant, sorry! The rest of us will honor a moment of silence for you.

Cheese! It's a garnish, it's an appetizer, it can be a full meal if you're feeling decadent. There are so many different varieties of cheese, and so many different areas and regions from which the cheese came, it's practically imperative to make it a travel/food challenge of sorts. To really experience the cheese, you should visit the place it originated. This is really just a great excuse to take a trip and eat.

We recommend starting in Europe!

The Netherlands - Gouda

Did you know this is pronounced HOW-da? We did not know that. Now we do, but will still probably say GOO-da unless in the company of an artisanal cheese expert. Gouda is a great blend of salty and sweet flavors, that develops a faint caramel taste as it ages.

Milk Type: Cow
Cheese Type: Semi-Hard
Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon & white varietals

Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom - Colston-Bassett, Stilton

The finest and creamiest Stilton, that is perfect served with Port or Sauternes for dessert. Colston-Bassett Stilton is also fabulous in salads and sauces.

Milk Type: Cow
Cheese Type: Blue
Wine Pairing: Sauternes

Lombardy, Italy - Parmigiano Reggiano

This is a hard, fat, granulated cheese made from raw cow's milk, and is vastly different from the "parmesan" cheese that masquerades as the real thing.

Milk Type: Cow
Cheese Type Hard
Wine Pairing: Champagne or a great Italian red

Fuerteventura Island, Canary Islands - Majorero Cheese

The taste is acidic, with a buttery but not salty taste. This cheese is very versatile, and can be used with pastas, potatoes and many vegetables.

Milk Type: Goat
Cheese Type: Soft
Wine Pairing: Vinho Verde

And if you can't make the trip across the pond, there is a Stateside destination that offers one of the most magnificent cheeses ever created:

Arcata, CA (Humboldt County) - Humboldt Fog

This is no time to be objective - Humboldt Fog is the best cheese ever. It is a creamy brie & blue combination that makes everything seem like a fairytale. Try it with a baguette, an apple, or just scoop it up with a spoon. It's delicious!

Milk Type: Goat
Cheese Type: Soft
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay

Pairing wine and cheese is standard; pairing travel and cheese is going to be the next big thing! Don't be afraid to jump on the bandwagon; Tuscany & Umbria have some excellent cheeses, and could be your first stop!