HERE
WATERFRONT MUSIC FEST IN BURLINGTON
Overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain, the 2015 Grand Point North music festival returns for a 5th season at Waterfront Park in Burlington (Sept. 12-13). This two-evening performance extravaganza features Vermont's hometown gal-made-good Grace Potter along with legendary acts The Flaming Lips, Shakey Graves, Mike Gordon, Greensky Bluegrass, and more. Continuing a tradition of highlighting local talent, the concert lineup also includes bands in the Burlington music scene, including Madaila, Soule Monde, Heavy Plains, and Mal Maiz. Each night will close with a full set from Potter's new band, featuring both new and old faces. Tickets: two-day $79; single $59; ages 12 and under free. Festival is rain or shine. The fun continues with separate after-parties at local venues ($10-$20). grandpointnorth.com
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PHOTO CLASS ON MOUNT WASHINGTON
Aspiring nature photographers can learn tricks of the trade from professional photographer George Mitchell on the Mount Washington Cog Railway's guided train tour (Sept. 13). Ascend to the 6,288-foot summit — the highest in New England — aboard one of the company's modern and eco-friendly biodiesel engines. The daylong venture features a two-hour round-trip train ride; four hours shooting time at the summit (including walking to various points around the mountaintop), one-on-one instruction, box lunch, and time to visit the new Extreme Mount Washington exhibit at the Sherman Adams Summit Building. Tour departs on the 10:30 a.m. train and returns to the base station at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited: reservations recommended. $165 per person. 603-278-2255; www.thecog.com
THERE
SINGLES BAREFOOT CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Single travelers: Make plans now for next year's six-night barefoot cruise aboard the windjammer sailing vessel S/V Mandalay, operated by Sail Windjammer (July 3-9, 2016). SinglesCruise.com, organizer of hosted singles cruises, announced that — for the first time — it has booked an entire ship, meaning guests will enjoy exclusive access to all cruise offerings and activities, such as raising the sails at sunset and taking a turn at the helm. Departing from Grenada, the vessel will stop at seven islands for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the crystal clear Caribbean. SinglesCruise.com is offering a precruise option for its clients in Grenada, allowing guests the chance to meet in person before the journey. Also, a private group network allows single cruisers to connect online prior to their trip. Free roommate matching cuts the cost of booking single staterooms. From $1,499. 800-393-5000, www.singlescruise.com/sail-windjammer-private-charter-singles-cruise
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WINE AND DINE WEEKEND AT HERSHEY RESORT
Enjoy all-things-wine — and a splash of comedy — at the sixth annual Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival (Sept. 11-13). Hotel guests may sign up for one or many events including the kickoff dinner reception featuring Chilean wines and food, and a comedy show, "Something To Wine About," by Laurie Forster, The Standup Sommelier. Other weekend offerings include a tour of Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery (complete with wine and local cheese tasting); a Bordeaux blending class; Italian winemaker dinner with Cesare Benvenuto from Pio Cesare Wines; VIP winemaker breakfast; and a grand tasting event in the hotel's formal gardens and harvest plaza. Tickets vary per event, $30-$120. Registration: 717-534-8800. www.thehotelhershey.com/dining/wine-food-festival.php. Hotel rates for doubles from $359/night. www.thehotelhershey.com
EVERYWHERE
ROAD TRIP AUDIO GUIDES FOR YOUR PHONE
Ever wish you had your own personal tour guide when driving through US National Parks? Now you can turn your smartphone into a road trip audio guide with Just Ahead, a new app created by adventure loving travelers. Designed to keep you entertained as well as informed, the app utilizes GPS technology to know exactly where you are on the road, and delivers stories and maps relevant to your location. Currently available for Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Zion and Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches, and Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Interstate 15. Additional guides in production include Rocky Mountain, Badlands, Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, and more. Free app download through Apple App Store or Google Play. Each destination is available as in-app purchase; includes free trial and guide updates. $7.99-$9.99. www.justahead.com
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TANGLE FREE EARBUDS
You know the scene: You settle in your seat on the plane or train, pull out your tablet or phone, and reach for your earbuds only to discover a knotted mess. You can bid goodbye to tangles and say hello to SLIDE, a newly patented "zipperless zipper" technology designed to eliminate twisted and knotted cords. A ridge and valley design seals the cables together and easily slides open when ready to use. Includes noise-filtering, in-line microphone and remote for hands-free calls. Available in four colors. $49.99. zipbuds.com/slide