ORCHID LECTURE IN NORTHAMPTON
Orchid enthusiasts won’t want to miss the lecture at the Botanic Garden of Smith College, “Native Orchids: Models for Ecological Interactions, Conservation and Education,” presented by Dennis Whigham, senior botanist and deputy director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. (April 17, 7:30 p.m.) Whigham will talk about orchid life cycles, interactions between orchids and fungi, native orchid ecology, the current status of orchids (pictured) in North America, and efforts to ensure their long-term survival. Following the talk, attend a reception at the Lyman Plant House and view orchid paintings by British botanical illustrator and author Florence Woolward (1854-1936) on display in the Church Exhibition Gallery. Free. 413-585-2740, smith.edu/garden/home.html
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TRUSTEES ADVENTURE SERIES
The Trustees of Reservations is offering a new outdoor adventure series at the Crane Estate in Ipswich (pictured at right). Designed to introduce visitors to wild and scenic areas they may not have experienced, the program includes full moon and folklore hikes, scavenger hunt, snake hunt, kayak trips, and more. Next on the schedule: Spying on Spring Peepers, a mile-plus hike through dunes and bogs in early evening darkness to listen for — and hopefully see — spring peepers as they call to find a mate. (April 12, 7-9 p.m.) Adult $10, child $5, preregistration required. Other events: adult $12- $35, child $8-$10. 978-356-4351, ext. 4052, www.thetrustees.org/craneoutdooradventuresprogram
THERE
CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN NEW YORK
Kitano New York, a Japanese-owned boutique hotel on Park Avenue, is offering two packages celebrating cherry blossom season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Kitano Cherry Blossom Immersion includes two-night accommodations in Japanese-style Tatami or Townhouse suites; traditional kaiseki and sake pairing dinner in the hotel’s Hakubai restaurant; limo transportation to and from botanic gardens; admission and cherry blossom tour; Ikebana floral arrangement class, and more. ($2,900 for two.) Kitano Cherry Blossom Outing offers one-night accommodations; garden admission and tour; JAZZ at KITANO performance with cocktails; breakfast buffet, and more. ($525 for two.) April 1-May 15. Savvy travelers will book during the garden’s Sakura Matsuri festival, April 26-27. 212-885-7000, www.kitano.com
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SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL IN OREGON
For a unique experience, travelers to Portland, Ore., can check in at the recently opened Caravan, a.k.a. The Tiny House Hotel. Touted as the “first and only” tiny house hotel in the country, Caravan offers four one-of-a-kind 100- to 200-square-foot custom-designed houses built on flatbed trailers — The Caboose, Skyline, The Tandem, and The Rosebud — each with kitchen, full bath, Wi-Fi, and room to sleep one to four people. Located in the heart of the funky Alberta Arts District, the hotel provides earplugs and white noise machines for light sleepers in order to mitigate possible noise from adjacent bars and restaurants. $125 a night, double occupancy; additional $25 for each guest over age 10. 503-288-5225, www.tinyhousehotel.com
YOSEMITE VISITORS GUIDE
The new Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant. The 50-page booklet, available by mail or online, lists festivities planned around the occasion, and also offers comprehensive information on lodging, dining, camping, and recreational activities in Yosemite and Madera County, California. In addition, the issue suggests preplanned itineraries such as the Fossils to Falls journey from Chowchilla’s Fossil Discovery Center to the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. The Majestic Mountain Loop illustrates how visitors with limited time can visit three national parks in three days. Other maps include Bass Lake and the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway. Free. 559-683-4636, www.yosemitethisyear.com/visitors-guide
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EVERYWHERE
SNAZZY BATTERY CHARGER
Stay powered when you travel with the Neptor NP056K Dual Port Portable Battery Charger. Designed for frequent phone and tablet users, this lightweight (five-ounce) charger allows multiple-device users to quickly charge two devices at the same time. High rate discharge capable DC/DC converter and rechargeable lithium polymer batteries provide protections against overcharging and over-temperature. In-meter battery shows power usage. Flashlight feature uses energy-efficient LED light bulb that never needs replacing. Available in bright colors: blue, red, purple, orange, and green (pictured above). $49.99. www.neptor.com
WOMEN’S TRAVEL PANTS WITH POCKETS OF SECURITY
Women on the go can feel secure
while being comfortably stylish in
the newly-released P^cubed Pick-Pocket Proof Women’s Travel Pants
offered by Clothing Arts. A side cargo pocket hides a double-secure internal pocket large enough for a passport; double-secured rear pocket (with button and zipper) can accommodate
IDs, credit cards, and cash; dual side-zippered pockets fit five-inch smart phones. Made of durable nylon, with the look and feel of cotton, the pants are quick drying, lightweight, and wrinkle resistant. Available colors: olive, grey, and khaki. $99.95. 646-422-9222, www.clothingarts.com