J.P. WALKING AND EATING TOUR
Sometimes the best way to know a city or neighborhood is by experiencing its local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other food offerings. But how to decide where to go and what to eat? Off the Beaten Path Food Tours — known locally for its tours of Union and Davis Squares in Somerville, and Harvard Square Food and Chocolate tours — is debuting a new walking tour this spring. The Jamaica Plain tour focuses on this Boston community’s best and tastiest spots along popular Centre Street, home to a variety of independent eateries often owned by local residents. The tour runs approximately two hours and stops at four to six places. There is an optional extension to tour nearby Turtle Swamp Brewery, a micro-craft brewery with a dedicated fan following. $60 per person includes all food tastings; $10 additional fee for additional brewery tour. www.offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com
NEW HERITAGE TRAIL IN VERMONT
This spring, the launch of the Vermont in the Civil War Heritage Trail aims to highlight the Green Mountain State’s little known but crucial contributions made to preserving the United States. The majority of the trail’s museums, historic sites, exhibits and more are found on the western edge of the state, along the Route 7 corridor. Fifteen sites (with more to come) include historic connections to Abolitionist John Brown, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Stephen Douglas, General George Stannard (who made the decision to flank Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg), as well as documented stops on the Underground Railroad, and the site of the Northernmost land battle of the Civil War. View sites online, or download the free map and brochure. The trail also aims to connect history-oriented visitors with other art, culture, and recreation attractions in nearby towns. www.vtcivilwarheritage.net
FAMILY TRAVEL AND LEARNING TRIPS
The family that travels together, has fun together and — sometimes — even learns together. This summer, families seeking culturally rich travel can explore six planned trips from Smithsonian Family Journeys by Perillo’s Learning Journeys. The multi-generational tours (to Iceland, Europe, Japan and Costa Rica) include hotels with local character, most meals, airport transfers and on-tour transportation, excursions, activities, talks by local experts, a top travel director throughout, gratuities, and emergency medical insurance. Itineraries are tailored to adults with children eight years and older. As example, the Discover Ireland itinerary (June 29 – July 7) includes Gaelic language lessons; two-night stay in an Irish Castle; lesson in Gaelic football; visit to a local sheep farm; cruise along the Cliffs of Moher; and much more. Prices from $4,800 per adult and $2,850 per child. 855-215-8691, www.learningjourneys.com/family-journeys/smithsonian
TUSCAN LUXURY ON SALE THIS SPRING
Who doesn’t love Italy? In the rolling Tuscan hills, just 15 minutes outside of Florence’s city center, the luxurious Il Salviatino recently opened for season with a cost-saving deal for spring. The restored, 15th century, 44-room villa — with original frescoes, lush organic gardens, and terrace with views the famed Duomo — is touting its Spring Offer that includes 20 percent off the best available rates (from $449), valid for stays of three nights or more. Valid for travel through June 21. Signature add-on experiences include private wine tastings; hot-air balloon rides; horseback riding; Vespa tours and more. salviatino.com
WEARABLE PHONE CHARGERS
Keep your smartphones charged while traveling with the new Bracelet Phone Charging Cables offered by Everything Tech Gear. Fashion and tech combine when this micro USB charger is worn as a stylish silicone bracelet. Compatible with Android and iOS brands. Available in six colors. Perfect gifts for the tech-savvy young travelers in your life. $4.99. everythingtechgear.com
FLOATING COOLER DEBUTS WITH A SPLASH
Keep your favorite beverages and food chilled to perfection while kayaking, canoeing, or rafting with the new CreekKooler. Designed like a small kayak hull, the floating cooler navigates behind your vessel, offering easy access when you pause for a picnic or a refreshing drink. Features include dual-wall construction and top quality insulation for superior ice retention; four drink holders on deck; threaded water-tight lid; and mini flag holder. Thirty quart capacity holds 30 12-ounce cans and 20 pounds of ice. Available in five colors $179.95. kanoolerproducts.com
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