JAZZY STROLL ALONG THE CHARLES
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss Jazz Along the Charles: A Walkable Concert presented the Charles River Esplanade. (Sept. 23, 2-4 p.m.) An amazing assemblage of 25 ensembles will perform at a series of connected, easy-to-stroll-to locations, interpreting the same curated list of Boston-related tunes in one collective concert. Enjoy the same songs in a variety of styles — including avant-garde, bebop, blues, Bossa Nova, chamber jazz, cool, free, funk, fusion, gypsy jazz, klezmer, Latin, New Orleans Swing, reggae, and world jazz — performed by musicians with wide levels of experience, including amateurs and those with collegiate, pre-professional, and professional backgrounds. The sets will close with each ensemble performing a selection from their own repertoire; free, www.celebrityseries.org/live-performances/public-performance-projects/jazz-along-the-charles.
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NEW CHARGING STATION IN MAINE
Electric car drivers can now journey to Acadia National Park without worrying about losing power. The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with A Climate to Thrive (a nonprofit organization seeking to achieve energy independence for Mount Desert Island by 2030) has installed a level 2 electric vehicle charging infrastructure at its seasonal visitors center, open from April to October. Located at 1201 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, the new charging station is owned and operated by the visitor center and is free of use to EV owners (www.aclimatetothrive.org/evnow). Bar Harbor, Maine is the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the nation’s most visited national parks, and the largest community on Mount Desert Island (www.visitbarharbor.com).
NOB HILL HOTEL REIMAGINED FOR DIGITAL AGE
Tech-savvy travelers to San Francisco can now enjoy digital-age amenities along with pampered service and historic digs at the newly renovated Stanford Court. Located atop San Francisco’s famed Nob Hill, the iconic 400-room hotel has just completed a multimillion-dollar makeover of its guest rooms, lobby, and public and meeting spaces. In a nod to the town’s innovative spirit, the new guest rooms are outfitted with a mix of modern functional furnishings, high-speed internet connectivity, and in-room amenities featuring 55-inch Google Chromecast-equipped HDTVs, ample outlets, and USB charging ports both bedside and at the work desk. Guests also can enjoy daylighted digital art installations; Kinima.fit virtual personal training and Peloton training bikes in the fitness center; a tech library complete with Jambox speakers, iPads, GoPro cameras, MacBook Air and Chromebook computers; Blix Electric Bikes; FloWater filling stations; electric vehicle charging stations; and extensive access to electronic magazines and newspapers. Too much tech? The lobby boasts a music room with an old-fashioned record player, and hundreds of vinyl albums. Rates from $249; 415-989-3500, www.stanfordcourt.com.
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL FOR WOMEN
ONLY
Leave the guys at home and sign up for the brand-new high-energy offering from AdventureWomen, a women-owned and women-run adventure travel company. Italy: Cycling Puglia — A Biker’s Delight leads travelers on a range of active experiences. Biking an average of 30 miles per day, the itinerary begins in Lecce and winds its way through Puglia’s rolling hills to UNESCO World Heritage towns of Alberobello (known for its conical-shaped trulli houses) and Matera. Along the way, cycle past ancient olive groves, the Greek ruins of Egnazia, panoramic valleys, ravines, and gorges. Stops include the rock churches of San Nicola and Santa Margherita, farms making mozzarella and burrata, olive oil and wine producers, a local bakery, organic farm and more; April 28-May 6, 2019, $5,590, 800-804-8686, www.adventurewomen.com/
adventure-vacation/italy-cycling-tour-for-women/.
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ALEXA HITS THE ROAD
Need a new companion on your next road trip? Roav VIVA debuts a new car charger with Alexa integration, meaning you can now bring your favorite Amazon voice personality along for the ride. You won’t need to take your hands off the wheel as the voice activated service allows you to get directions, listen to audiobooks from Audible, play music, and more over Bluetooth, Carplay, Android Auto, or an Aux in connection. Two high-speed charging ports featuring PowerIQ technology to charge mobile devices at optimal speeds. Tap the a button to effortlessly mute and unmute the microphones, so Alexa is only listening when you want her to be. If your VIVA cannot be plugged into your car, or has connection issues, return it for a full refund in 30 days; $56.99, goroav.com/pages/viva.
VOICE COACHING EARPHONES
Staying fit while traveling can be a challenge. Now you can take your personal trainer on your next vacation or business tip with SOUL Electronics’ Run Free Pro Bio. The wireless earphones serves as a tiny coach in your ear by providing real-time voice coaching to guide you through your fitness routine. Additionally, the ear buds measure speed, distance, cadence, step length, step width, vertical oscillation, head tilt angle, shock, maximum leg force, balance, and consistency to improve the quality of your workout. Interchangeable ear locks fit any ear. Nono-coating technology provides protection from sweat and water with an IPX5 water-resistance rating. LED light and reflective cable alert vehicles and cyclists to your presence during nighttime runs. Offers up to 11 hours of playtime with two hour charge; $119.99, www.soulelectronics.com/products/run-free-pro-bio-sports-ai-voice-coach-earphones.
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