YOUTH CIRCUS ENTERTAINS NEW ENGLAND
Circus Smirkus, a Vermont-based international youth circus, hits the road this summer with its 2015 Big Top Tour, Bon Appétit! The young troupers, ages 10 to 18, perform as clowns (pictured above), jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and more in their own 750-seat European-style one-ring big top tent. The award-winning company debuts its new season with two shows in Greensboro, Vt. (June 28), before traveling to shows in a dozen-plus locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut, culminating in the season finale back in Greensboro (Aug. 14-15). Shows go on rain or shine; length is two hours with a 15-minute intermission. The ticket booth opens one hour before show time, and seating is general admission. A concession tent offers popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy, and beverages. Tickets from $18-
$25, depending on location. 877-SMIRKUS,
smirkus.org
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SET SAIL FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY IN MAINE
Fans of historic sailing vessels won’t want to miss the 39th annual Great Schooner Race on July 3 in scenic Penobscot Bay. Hosted every summer since 1977 by the Maine Windjammer Association, the all-day race from Islesboro to Rockland features more than 20 schooners divided into four classes based on size and design. Those who want to participate — and not simply observe — can sign up for 6-night Great Schooner Race packages offered by the Maine Windjammer fleet (June 28-July 4). Packages include all meals, accommodations, activities, and participation in the race such as taking the helm, tending the lines, and raising the anchor and sails. No prior sailing experience is required. The event culminates in an award ceremony for race participants with live music, food, and drinks. Rates from $740. www.greatschoonerrace.com
THERE
LUXE STARGAZING EXPERIENCE IN NOVA SCOTIA
You may know about ecotourism and culinary tourism, but how about astro-tourism? A growing trend celebrating destinations without excessive light pollution, you can experience such night-sky splendor in 5-star style at Trout Point Lodge in Nova Scotia. Located adjacent to the Tobeatic Wilderness, the lodge offers 15 rooms and suites, a restaurant with cooking classes, and outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, stargazing, barrel sauna, wood-fired hot tub, hiking trails, and more. There is a resident astronomer as well as a stargazing platform and telescopes. (1-902-761-2142, www.troutpoint.com) Making it easy to journey from Boston, the lodge has partnered with the Nova Star ferry and Amtrak Downeaster train to offer a four-night, five-day Nova Scotia Wilderness package. Includes round-trip train, ferry, and transfers; two-night accommodations and dinners at the lodge; one-night accommodation in Portland, Maine; choice of one resort activity, and more. Available June 23-Oct. 14. From $1,159 per person, double occupancy. 888-574-0777, downeasterpackages.com/nova-scotia-wilderness/
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CONTEMPORARY ART IN TWO HISTORIC HOMES
For the first time since the 19th century, artists are exhibiting new works in the residences and surrounding landscapes of the historic Hudson River Valley homes of renowned painters Thomas Cole (1801-48), founder of the Hudson River School of art, and Frederic Church (1826-1900), Cole’s student who became the school’s leading practitioner. “River Crossings: Contemporary Art Comes Home” features works by 28 contemporary artists — including Chuck Close, Maya Lin, Cindy Sherman and Kiki Smith — at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, N.Y., and the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, just 2 miles away, across the river. Through Nov. 1. Admission at each site $12; ages 16 and under free with adult. Those paying admission at both sites receive a commemorative gift. www.rivercrossings.org
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EVERYWHERE
ILLUMINATE YOUR WORLD
Looking for a lightweight portable light source for your campsite, road trip, and other adventures? CUBE by Enevu is a portable, 2-by-2-inch, ultra-bright white LED light that radiates up to 100 lumens across three settings: high, medium, and low. The unit can change from lantern to spotlight by simply removing the diffuser. Prefer some color? CUBE can cycle through an infinite range of colors, or can be locked on one color to create mood lighting of your choosing. A hook allows users to hang the unit, providing light in a variety of situations. Emergency light-mode acts as a beacon and lasts up to 48 hours. Powered by three AAA batteries; no charging required. Available in pure white, matte black, cyan blue, and fluo pink. $29.90. enevu.myshopify.com
POWER PACK FOR EXTREME ENTHUSIASTS
Extreme sport and outdoor travel enthusiasts who need to charge hand-held electronics in challenging circumstances should check out Revolt 9000,
a new portable power device by Brunton. Shockproof and weatherproof (IPX5-rated debris and waterproofing) — with a silicone exo-shell to protect against harsh drops — it provides up to six smartphone charges. Planet friendly high-yield lithium polymer battery (9000mAh) keeps wasteful alkaline batteries out of landfills. Includes 3-in-1 adapter cable (Micro USB, Lightning, 30-Pin to USB). Easy to pack and transport. Available in orange, black, yellow, olive, and mint. $99.99. www.brunton.com/products/revolt-9000
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