BOSTON CELEBRATES WRITERS
AND READERS
Bibliophiles won’t want to miss the 10th annual Boston Book Festival’s full day of free, all-ages activities taking place in and around Copley Square on Oct. 13. The roster of participating authors represents a range of genres including history, fiction, public affairs, and children’s literature. Two ticketed events include a Friday evening lecture with food activist Michael Pollan; and Saturday afternoon session with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin and former senator and secretary of state John Kerry ($10). New this year: BBF is expanding its free events to neighborhood festivals in East Boston and Roxbury that will celebrate local authors alongside well-known writers from around the country. Additional festival highlights include teen writing programs, theatrical performances, hands-on kids’ activities, music, special visits by favorite children’s book characters, and more. bostonbookfest.org
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FALL FESTIVITIES IN OGUNQUIT
The 15th annual OgunquitFest makes its spooky arrival this year at the height of New England’s foliage season (Oct. 19-21). Events include a costume parade — including festooned canines as part of Dogtoberfest — pumpkin decorating, a whoopee pie eating contest, an antique and classic car show, an autumn bazaar with 75-plus vendors, the High Heel Dash, and more chamber.ogunquit.org/events/details/ogunquitfest-15th-annual-3883. Going for the weekend? The Meadowmere Resort is offering an OgunquitFest Fall Festival package that includes breakfast, WiFi, parking, and resort amenity access. Booking code: VALUE. Rates from $189. 800-633-8718, www.meadowmere.com/specials/ogunquitfest-fall-festival
TREK TRAVEL DEBUTS
FAR-FLUNG CYCLING TOURS
Globetrotting cyclists will want to check out the 20 new destinations offered in Trek Travel’s 2019 roster. This active vacation tour operator, specializing in bicycling vacations, is expanding its global reach to faraway places like Colombia, Norway, and Japan. The new offerings aim to combine access to undiscovered routes with intimate cultural experiences. Additional new trips include sojourns in Normandy, France; Sicily, Italy; the Canadian Rockies; Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands; Girona, Spain; Norway Fjordlands; Vermont; a coast-to-coast ride across the Southern United States; and more. Depending on locale, rider levels range from recreational to active to avid, with durations from 4 to 42 days. Rates from $1,199, including Trek bikes. 866-464-8735, trektravel.com/trip-collection/new
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WOMEN-ONLY EXPEDITION
TO EXUMAS
Take a sail on the wild side with one of two hosted trips in December with Wild Women Expeditions. The six-night Bahamas Sail the Exuma Islands departures each accommodate up to six guests. (Dec. 1-7, Nassau to Staniel Cay; and Dec. 8-14, Staniel Cay to Nassau.) Includes use of a 45-foot, fully equipped catamaran, mooring fees, fuel, water, and charter insurance; the services of a female captain and first mate/cook, who offer local knowledge of the islands; breakfasts, lunches, and welcome snacks on board as well as up to three on-island dinners; and use of double kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Additional activities include snorkeling, swimming, hiking, and yoga on the beach. Per person double rate $3,995; upgrade to a single private berth at $495. 888-993-1222, wildwomenexpeditions.com/trips/sail-the-exuma-islands
TRAVEL SIZE HUMIDIFIER
Dry in-flight air and heated hotel rooms can negatively affect the most seasoned travelers. The lightweight and portable Aquamist II Cool Mist Personal Travel Humidifier by Fancii helps alleviate symptoms of dry skin and nasal passages by adding moisture back in the air. Simply attach any standard-size water bottle to the small device and it transforms into a moisture-producing tank. The cordless feature, powered by three AA batteries, fits easily in your carry-on or luggage, allowing you to take the device anywhere you go. It can also be plugged into a USB source, such as a laptop, power bank, or wall adapter with the included cable. Adjustable timer allows for two-, four-, six-, and eight-hour automatic shut-off, and added protection when water runs out. $25.99. fancii.com/collections/accessories/products/fancii-cool-mist-personal-travel-humidifier
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JAUNTY FLAG BOWTIES
Proclaim your allegiance to your favorite destination with bowtie.com flag ties. These brightly colored bowties are custom made in Kennebunk, Maine, by designer and owner Lisa Eaton. Available flags include America, The Netherlands, Canada, UK (Union Jack), France, Ireland, Italy, and the state flags of Maine and Texas. They can be ordered “freestyle” or “pre-tied,” but are not available as clip-on. Can’t decide between two destinations? For an additional $25, you can choose a different flag on the flip side of your first choice, essentially creating two ties in one. Also, using maps, Eaton offers “CoordinateCoordinates,” custom ties (and suspenders) that are designed as one-of-a-kind pieces that spotlight specific locations, such as your family’s historic homestead or your destination wedding. $59-$129. www.bowtie.com/shop.
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