Outdoor concerts are music to our ears, plus deep discounts on cars and hotels

Travel news you can use

Opera North debuts its Summerfest 2020 season at their Blow-Me-Down Farm location.HANDOUT

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OUTDOOR MUSIC CONCERTS

Enjoy live music in a healthy and safe environment in Cornish, N.H., as Opera North debuts its Summerfest 2020 season at their Blow-Me-Down Farm location. Produced in partnership with the National Park Service, the family-friendly, outdoor concerts are designed to entertain while protecting the company, artists, musicians, and the community. The musicians, spaced at least six feet apart, will perform from a large stage under a bandshell tent to an open-air audience who can sit on the lawn in “patron pods” or in their cars. “Bluegrass and Broadway” features pianist Evans Haile, two singers, and local bluegrass performers (Aug. 1); Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” sung in English, will be in a concert format with a cast of 10 singers and 24-piece orchestra (Aug. 6 and 8). All performances start at 6 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Capacity will be limited to allow for maximum physical distancing. All patrons and staff will be asked to wear face coverings. Performers will wear face coverings when feasible. Reservations required. Free. operanorth.org

Those heading to the Berkshires will be happy to learn that The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough is now open.HANDOUT

Al FRESCO DINING AT HISTORIC INN

Those heading to the Berkshires will be happy to learn that The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough is now open and accepting reservations for overnights in its 11 guest rooms, and dinner on its newly expanded — and fully tented — outdoor patio. The 1,200-square-foot “Big Top” will allow the inn to accommodate additional socially distant tables while offering al fresco ambiance and fine-dining service along with full bar and vintage wine list. The three-course prix fixe menu ($55) includes luxury add-ons like foie gras and caviar. (A la carte and chef’s tasting menus are on hiatus.) Also new this year: an advance reservation system will allow contact tracing for the foreseeable future. Rooms $285-$395, includes breakfast. 413-229-7924, oldinn.com

Guests at Topnotch have access to the pool, tennis facilities, on-property hiking trails, and direct access to the Stowe recreation path. HANDOUT

VERMONT RESORT RESUMES OPERATIONS

Get out in the wide-open spaces of Vermont at Topnotch Resort, a luxury resort and spa tucked into 120 acres of woodland at the base of Mount Mansfield. The 68-room property recently resumed operations of its amenities, following health and safety protocols as directed by the CDC, the state of Vermont, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Guests have outdoor access to the pool, tennis facilities, on-property hiking trails, and direct access to the Stowe recreation path. Indoors, guests in need of a post-lockdown haircut, massage, and other self-care services can visit The Spa at Topnotch (reservations required); and have access to another pool, fitness center, and food and beverage operations in The Roost Restaurant. The Vermont Resort Summer Getaway Package features three accommodation options to keep your family together but with extra space between neighboring guests. (Book by phone; from $799/night.) Individual room rates, $299 mid-week/ $399 weekends. 800-451-8686; www.topnotchresort.com

Get out in the wide-open spaces of Vermont at Topnotch Resort, a luxury resort and spa tucked into 120 acres of woodland at the base of Mount Mansfield.HANDOUT

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PLAN AHEAD FOR ALL-WOMEN TRAVELS IN 2021

AdventureWomen, a women-owned and women-run adventure travel company, has announced its itineraries for 2021. Spanning destinations around the world, some of its adrenaline-pumping tours allow guests to take in the great outdoors while naturally social distancing, such as downhill skiing in Montana, searching for the Northern Lights in Iceland, hiking in Italy’s Dolomites, and a new summer trip to Yellowstone with horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking. Additional new itineraries include a cultural tour through Poland, exploring culinary traditions, folk art and the lush countryside; a South Africa trip including Cape Town, nearby winelands, and wildlife safari; private luxury barge on the Rhone River canals of France in southwestern Provence; a deep exploration of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, known as the world’s tapestry of cultures and civilizations; and more. 800-804-8686, www.adventurewomen.com.

AdventureWomen, a women-owned and women-run adventure travel company, has announced its itineraries for 2021.HANDOUT

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SUMMER DISCOUNTS ON CARS AND HOTELS

Satisfy your wanderlust while taking advantage of deep discounts for car rentals and hotel stays with Priceline.com’s recently launched Summer Sale. Priceline’s data indicates road trips are on the rise, based on a spike in one-way rentals for off-airport pickups of 168-percent compared to pre-COVID averages, suggesting people are renting cars and driving to destinations for extended stays with family or friends. In response to this need, Priceline’s deals include up to 40-percent off major rental car brands, including Avis and Budget; $20 off two-night Express Deal hotel stays nationwide; and highlighted deep discounts across top travel destinations. For example, compared to the same time last year, 3-plus star hotels rates are significantly reduced in Hawaii (available at $171 per night, down from an average of $482); New York ($125 per night, down from an average of $253); and Orlando ($99 per night, down from an average of $167). Visit website for coupon codes and deal details. www.priceline.com/partner/summersale

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