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CIRCUS SPECTACULAR
IN VERMONT
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus may be closing after 146 years, but the circus is alive and well at the New England Center for Circus Arts. The nonprofit organization is sponsoring its 7th annual Circus Spectacular, a two-day event at the Latchis stage featuring some of today’s most renowned high flying aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers from around the world, including from Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Mechanics, Celebrity Cruise Lines productions, Circus Bella, and celebrity ringmaster Paul Binder, founder of the Big Apple Circus. The event will support NECCA’s Circus in the Neighborhood, diverse programs including after-school instruction for special needs youth, workshops for cancer survivors, and off-site performances in area group homes and rehabilitation centers. Two shows only: March 4, 7:30 p.m., and March 5, 1 p.m. Tickets $15-$50. 802-254-9780, www.necenterforcircusarts.org/events/shows/spectacular/
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FARM TO FORK FONDO
DEBUTS IN BERKSHIRES
It’s not too early to plan ahead and reserve a spot in the Farm to Fork Fondo Ride in the Berkshires (Sept. 23 and 24). Dust off your bicycle and bring your appetite to the first excursion offered in Western Massachusetts by this series of non-competitive cycling events. Designed to support the “relationship between cyclists, farmers, and beautiful landscapes,” ride options range from 10 to 100 miles, and include several on-farm rest stops where participants sample chef-prepared treats made from each farm’s ingredients. Featured farms on the Berkshire ride include Hilltop Orchards and Bartlett’s Orchard in Richmond, Colfax Farm in West Stockbridge, High Lawn Farm in Lee, and Wolfe Spring Farm in Sheffield. Hancock Shaker Village will serve as the start and finish venue on Sept. 24, and will host a pre-ride Meet-the-Farmers Dinner on Sept. 23. Additional series in the Hudson Valley (June 11); Finger Lakes (June 25); Vermont (July 16); Pennsylvania Dutch (July 29); and Maine (Aug. 27). www.farmforkfondo.com/berkshires/
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HISTORY MEETS LUXURY AT NEW ST. AUGUSTINE INN
Those who enjoy the personal touches of a B&B combined with the modern amenities and service of an upscale inn will want to check out The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, St. Augustine Florida’s newest accommodation making its debut March 1. Opening at the site of the former Dow Museum of Historic Houses, the property — dating back to 1790 — encompasses an entire block on the edge of Old Town. Nine repurposed houses contain 30 guest rooms, many of which feature a separate living room, balcony or porch, and fireplace. Visitors will find a fusion of modern Spanish and southern coastal styles including exterior coquina walls and museum-quality décor from the Dow collection of antiques. Complimentary amenities include daily European continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception. Guest programming includes historic tours led by the inn’s resident historian, a mixology program, and on-site bike rentals. Rates from $199. 904-209-5800, thecollectorinn.com
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SPICY MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
Calling all Christian Grey fans! Here’s your chance to take a walk on the wild side with Desire’s adults-only, clothing-optional Mediterranean cruise, April 28-May 5. Billed as a “luxurious and sensual adventure,” the cruise begins in Barcelona and proceeds to Rome with port-of-call stops in Sete and Marseilles in France, Monaco’s Monte Carlo, and Portofino and Florence in Italy. Cruise highlights feature provocative theme nights and daytime events, and couples’ workshops. Amenities include clothing-optional areas, private playrooms, adult-oriented entertainment, and fine dining. Rates from $5,766 per cabin. www.desire-experience.com/cruises/barcelona-rome-cruise-april-2018/
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LONELY PLANET’S HONEYMOON PLANNING GUIDE
You’ve found the perfect dress or tuxedo. You’ve cut the cake and danced. But will your romantic getaway be as fabulous as your wedding? “The Honeymoon Handbook,” Lonely Planet’s first guide exclusively for honeymoons, provides everything you need to plan the perfect, personalized trip to start your life together in wedded bliss. Featuring more than 25 locations for couples — from Andalusia to Zambia — the book starts with a quiz to determine what kind of trip to take based on what you love to do. Beyond destinations, the book offers ideas for safari, luxury, island-themed and other trips. Planning tips include how to pick hotels, planning a multi-stop trip, planning a realistic budget, and how to factor in seasons and climates. An LGBT-friendly indicator for same-sex couples rates each location from 1 to 5. $17.99 http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/world/the-honeymoon-handbook-1/
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL IRON
Sometimes one needs crisply-ironed clothes while on-the-road. Business and leisure travelers are both applauding the SteamFast SF-717, a compact steam iron that’s easy to pack. Perfect for touching up wrinkled apparel when away from home, the portable appliance features a non-stick soleplate, travel bag, and dual voltage for overseas travel. Weighing less than one pound, it’s a must-have accessory for the frequent traveler. $29.99 800-711-6617, www.steamfast.com/fabric-care/SF-717-travel-steam-iron