HERE
ARTS FESTIVAL IN NORTHAMPTON
Need plans for Columbus Day weekend? For live jazz, festive dining, arts galore, and more, head to the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton for the Paradise City Arts Festival
(Oct. 12-14). Now in its 19th year, this three-day event showcases fine and functional art — including painting, jewelry, ceramics, fashion, furniture and more — presented by more than 275 artists from every corner of the country. Also features a flowering sculpture garden, silent auction, and Hocus Pocus, a special exhibit of magic and make believe. 800-511-9725, www.paradisecityarts.com
HISTORICAL PAINTINGS IN DEERFIELD
For scenes of rural life in New England in the early 20th century, head to the preserved Colonial village of Deerfield where paintings by Robert Strong Woodward (1885-1957) are on display at the Memorial Hall Museum (www.robertstrongwoodward.com). A paraplegic at 21 after a shooting accident, Woodward settled on his uncle’s farm and produced over 600 oil paintings and almost 300 drawings. A selection of his landscapes, barn paintings, and window pictures are on display through Oct. 14. Ticket includes access to exhibit and all museum collections. Adults $6, children ages 6-12 $3. 413-774-3768,
deerfield-ma.org
THREE GRACE HOTELS INSTANTLY IN NEW ENGLAND
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This just in: The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Conn., and its sister hotel, the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine, are now part of Grace Hotels, an international boutique hotel group. The two properties join the Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, R.I., to create a trio of elite lodgings in New England. The Mayflower will become known as The Mayflower Grace, and The White Barn Inn will be renamed The White Barn Grace. Both hotels will retain their affiliation to the Relais & Châteaux association of fine hoteliers, chefs, and restaurateurs. www.gracehotels.com
THERE
WATERY GETAWAY WITH DIANA NYAD
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Olivia Travel, a company offering chartered cruise, resort, adventure, and luxury vacations especially for the lesbian community, reports that Diana Nyad, world record long-distance swimmer, will participate in its all-inclusive, eight-day, seven-night getaway to the Club Med Resort in Ixtapa, Mexico (Nov. 2-9). Nyad will be on hand to enjoy relaxing and adventurous activities — sailing, snorkeling, fitness classes, circus school, tennis, water aerobics, dance lessons, and more — and will host an event to speak about her record-breaking Cuba-to-Florida swim. Following a $20 million upgrade, the Ixtapa resort boasts ocean views, refurbished rooms, three resort-exclusive restaurants, and a new spa. Early bird booking through mid-October from $1,299. 800-631-6277, www.olivia.com
HEROES SERVICE HONORED IN FLORIDA KEYS
Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is offering a Heroes Welcome program as its way of saying “thank you for your service and sacrifice” to US military, fire rescue, law enforcement, and medical personnel (through Nov. 26). Available to men and women who have served in the past and present, the program offers nearly half off room rates (from $109 on weekdays) as well as discounts on resort activities (like the one pictured below) and a series of tribute events. Civilians can receive 20 percent off room rates by donating as little as $2 to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. 888-313-5749, www.hawkscay.com/heroes-welco me
EVERYWHERE
PERSONAL TRAVEL WIPES
La Fresh, maker of eco-friendly personal care products, offers a new way to stay fresh while travel-ing: Travel Lite wipes. This towelette
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line includes products for facial cleansing, makeup removal, antiperspirant, DEET-free insect repellant, female and male hygiene, shoe shine, nail polish remover, lens and screen cleaning, and more. Individual and multipack disposable wipes ensure no spills or leaks in your luggage and are airport security and carry-on friendly (from $2.49). Carry-On Friendlies combo pack (for him or her) serves most travel needs ($19.99). 888-552-3737, lafreshgroup.com
MEDICAL RECORDS APP
Take control of your health — and medical emergencies — when traveling with MedXCom Patient. This HIPAA Certified app acts as a portable health record, allowing patients access to recorded conversations and secure texts with their doctors. Created by a physician, it allows you to travel with your health records stored securely on your phone simply by uploading all medical information. To find a doctor in a specific area, travelers can search MedXCom and then grant permission to that physician to access their records and discuss care. Available for iPhone and Android. Free. 855-477-5396, medxpatient.com