HERE
Two new exhibits at whaling museum
Learn about the history of scrimshaw and Native cultural heritage through two new exhibitions opening at the New Bedford Whaling Museum June 14. “The Wider World & Scrimshaw,” on show through Nov. 11, explores the art of scrimshaw and the cross-cultural influence of this tradition between whalers and indigenous carvers in the Pacific regions. See more than 300 objects that suggest cultural and material exchanges between these two groups, and include carvings on walrus tusk, whale tooth, tortoise shell, wood, and coconut. An exhibition by multimedia installation artist, ceramicist, and filmmaker Courtney M. Leonard, called “BREACH: Logbook 24 / Scrimshaw,” runs in tandem with the “Wider World” exhibit and highlights the relationship Native coastal communities have with marine mammals, and how environmental and social injustice issues also impact these communities. The exhibition, on view through Nov. 3, explores the historical and contemporary ties between place, community, whales, and the marine environment. Leonard, a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, has produced an entirely new body of work for this installation that connects the museum’s history and collections with culture bearers from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. Admission: $23 for 18 and older, $21 for 65 and older, $13 ages 4-17. www.whalingmuseum.org
THERE
This Seattle hotel has a robotic butler
Next time you visit Seattle, consider staying at Astra Hotel Seattle, a modern and hip hotel located in a now-pristine area of South Lake Union referred to locally as the “Amazon campus” (Amazon even pays to clean all the neighborhood streets each night and offers free parking in its lots after hours). The hotel, part of Marriott’s Tribute collection, makes the perfect base for exploring the city, giving guests easy access to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Museum of History and Industry located on Lake Union (almost within eyeshot of the hotel), and other notable sites. The 265-room LEED-certified hotel has a subtle space theme décor with one of the main highlights being Sparky, a robotic butler that can deliver room service, forgotten toiletries, towels, and other items to your room for free, and will even tell a joke, if asked. Rooms have one-touch mechanized blinds, a digital concierge, bathroom nightlights that automatically switch on when you enter, and a mini fridge. Guestroom space is a bit tight (in keeping with LEED standards), but the views and location make up for that. Caffe Ladro serves tasty breakfasts, from pastries to eggs Benedict, in a cozy street-level seating area off the main lobby, while ALTITUDE on the 16th floor offers light bites and drinks as one of the city’s newest rooftop bars, with a wrap-around deck that provides stunning Space Needle and Lake Union views. Rates start at $209. https://astrahotelseattle.com
EVERYWHERE
App helps travel planning go smoother
TripIt, the go-to trip planner app, has released its new Risk Alerts feature for TripIt Pro members, drawing on info from the travel risk intelligence company Riskline. The app now sends notifications to users when there’s a scenario or incident that may affect their trip, such as political unrest, an airline strike, communication or technology outages, airport issues such as runway maintenance or an emergency closure, and threatening weather (thunderstorm, snowstorm, or tornado, for instance). That way, they can amend their plans, if needed. If you haven’t used TripIt before, give it a try: This super handy app keeps tabs on important aspects of your trip such as flights, rental cars, and hotels (just forward your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and it populates the info in the app); tells you when to leave for the airport; guides you to airport lounges, restrooms, coffee shops, baggage claims, and more; keeps track of your airline and hotel points, and travel documents (only accessible using a PIN number set by you); and provides international travel tips by destination (everything from types of wall sockets used and tipping suggestions to the local US Embassy address). Some of these features are free to basic TripIt members, while others — including the new Risk Alerts — require a TripIt Pro membership ($49 annually). www.tripit.com
KARI BODNARCHUK
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.