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CULINARY VENUE DEBUTS IN MAINE
The foodie scene in Maine heats up this fall as the Kennebunkport Resort Collection introduces a new event space for its popular culinary series, Table. Featuring programs that highlight Maine and New England’s dynamic food industry, Table’s new venue, at 27 Western Ave., Kennebunk, will host mixology classes and provide a full kitchen for hands-on cooking classes, demonstrations, events, dinners, and more. The space debuts with Of All the Gin Joints: Gin Tasting and Education, a class that includes sample tastings, small plate pairings, and a gift bag (Oct. 17, $40). Additional fall classes are Distilled in Maine; Bubbles, Bubbles, Toil and Truffles (sparkling wine and chocolate truffles); Boozy Desserts a la Mode; and Holiday Punches. Table also sponsors specialty-themed dinners held in KRC’s various properties’ dining venues. 207-967-1510, www.tablemaine.com
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CLUE COMES TO LIFE AT CASTLE HILL
Don your festive party attire and be a spooky sleuth on Halloween eve with Live-Action Clue for Adults at Castle Hill (Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.). Located in Ipswich on the 2,100-acre Crane Estate, this cocktail party and game for adults involves solving a mystery in the Great House by joining teams and looking for clues, such as who did what and where. (Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with a candlestick, perhaps?) The winning team will receive yet-to-be-announced mystery prizes. Advance reservations required. Sign up if you dare. Member $25; nonmember $35. 978-356-4351, www.thetrustees.org/crane-estate
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ARTSY HOTEL ARRIVES IN RICHMOND
If your destination is Richmond, or if your road trip takes you near the city, it’s worth spending a night at Quirk Hotel. Built in 1916 to be the city’s finest department store, J. B. Mosby & Co., the historic Italian Renaissance building is now home to a new 74-room boutique hotel in the downtown arts and design district. Owner Katie Ukrop (who also runs the 10-year-old Quirk Gallery of art) and her husband, Ted, have preserved much of the original structure from the building’s historical department store days, including the lobby’s segmental arches, groin vault ceiling, and ornamental ironwork staircase. In the guest rooms, 100-year-old Virginia wood beams removed during demolition have been repurposed as glossy walnut bedframes. The restaurant Maple & Pine, led by chef David Dunlap (previously of The Inn at Little Washington), focuses on modern American craft cooking. A rooftop bar — with small batch spirits and regional beers — provides views of Richmond’s skyline. Rates from $269. 844-757-8475, www.quirkhotel.com
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BIKE (OR RELAX) IN VIETNAM
Cyclists can enjoy time on the road without leaving the family at home on the six-night Vietnam Coastal Bike Tour offered by Ride & Seek. Designed for both cyclists and their non-rider family members, the tour provides guided morning cycle excursions (pictured above right) with the aim of being back at the hotel in time for lunch and traditional tourist activities, ranging from exploring historic sites and national parks to lounging on the beach. Accommodations are provided at two four-star hotels. March 20-26, 2016. $2,995 double occupancy.
011-61-(0)-2-8007-3161, www.rideandseek.com/local/vietnam-coastal
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POCKET GUIDE FOR SAVVY WOMEN TRAVELERS
Go! Girl Guides, publishers of travel guidebooks for women, has just released 50 Essential Items for Female Travelers. This handy, full-color pocket guide offers essential travel products — recommended by more than 100 female travel writers, bloggers, and professionals — designed to make traveling easier, safer, and more comfortable. Featuring items such as a scarf with a discreet zipped pocket for carrying your passport, a portable bag for washing clothes, fabrics that roll and release effortlessly, plus products in tech, wellness, beauty, and more, the guide aims to help women decide what to fit in their carry-on bags. Available in bookstores or online. $9.95. gogirlguides.com/store/
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HEAT PACKS KEEP COLD AT BAY
Stay toasty warm while on the go this winter with the new Heat Packs offered by ThermaCELL. Available in two versions, Hand Warmers and Pocket Warmers, these lightweight, rechargeable warmers with adjustable temperature settings provide up to six hours of comfort, helping maintain a higher body temperature to keep the cold from cutting your winter activities short — whether you are hiking, skiing, or cheering for the Patriots. $69.99/$79.99. If your toes are cold, consider ThermaCELL’s Original or ProFLEX heated shoe insoles, featuring a built-in thermostat with remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature without removing your boots. $134.99/$184.99. 866-651-7579, heat.thermacell.com