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EXPLORE QUINCY’S
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY
Take a self-guided tour in the footsteps of former presidents John and John Quincy Adams, first ladies Abigail and Louisa Catherine Adams, and famed patriot John Hancock. The Trail of the Presidents takes visitors on a historically rich journey through the city of Quincy, from the church where all four Adams lie in rest, and the Stone Library, known as America’s first presidential library with more than 16,000 books and numerous national treasures, to the presidential mansion at Peacefield, a farmhouse dating to 1731 that served as the summer home and White House for presidents John and John Quincy Adams. Visit more than a dozen other related landmarks, parks, and walking trails throughout Quincy. A free trolley connects the Adams National Historical Park headquarters (across from the Quincy Center T stop) with the mansion, library, and birthplaces. www.discoverquincy.com
ENJOY MOVIES AND MUSIC
ON BOSTON HARBOR
Catch free live music and classic films during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City program. Dine al fresco and take in views of Boston Harbor while enjoying Pop Soul Tuesdays, Rat Pack Wednesdays, and Blues Barge Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Don’t miss the Premier Band on July 12, the Justin Beech Band on July 13, and Bruce Marshall on Aug. 11. The Movies by Moonlight series runs Fridays at dusk until Sept. 9, featuring such classic films as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’’ (July 22), “Back to the Future’’ (Aug. 5), “Some Like It Hot’’ (Aug. 26), and “Star Trek’’ (Sept. 2). All events are open to the public. 617-439-7000, www.bhh.com
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ROW YOUR OWN GONDOLA IN VEGAS
Learn how to be a gondolier as you navigate the serpentine canals at The Venetian Las Vegas. The hotel has just launched Gondola University, a daily program that teaches participants about the history of Venice and its water transportation system, and how to pilot a gondola. After you row their own vessel, you’ll graduate during an official Sash and Scarf Ceremony, and then receive a gondola certificate, hat, T-shirt, and photo. Gondola University runs 8 a.m.-10 a.m. daily; maximum nine people. $199 plus tax. You don’t have to stay at The Venetian to enroll, but if you are a guest you can then kick back in one of the hotel’s newly updated and super spacious accommodations — Guinness World Records calls The Venetian’s standard suite the Largest Standard Hotel Room in the World. Also check out the hotel’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub, one of the world’s largest day spas with a staggering 150 services, and home to an impressive 40-foot climbing wall. Room rates start at $149. 866-659-9643, www.venetian.com
SNORKEL FOR SCALLOPS
ON THE FLORIDA COAST
Learn how to catch scallops while snorkeling around the shallow grass flats of north-central Florida. Plantation on Crystal River, a resort located about 75 miles north of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico, now offers guided and non-guided scalloping packages that coincide with the launch of this year’s scalloping season. Guided scalloping tours include necessary snorkeling gear, a mesh scalloping bag for holding your catch, and instruction from a local boat captain, who will teach you how to scoop up the 2- to 3-inch scallops found inside a fan-shaped shell. The resort’s chef will prepare your harvest for lunch or dinner. The guided package, which starts at $615 for midweek stays, includes two nights for two guests in a garden- or water-view deluxe room, patio room, or golf villa, daily breakfast, and scallop recipes. Scalloping season runs through Sept. 24. 800-632-6262, www.plantationoncrystalriver.com
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TAKE YOUR MOVIE LIBRARY
ON AN ADVENTURE
Bring your entire movie collection on your travels using the DVDWatchBox, a portable device that lets you stream movies from your laptop to your TV, phone, or tablet. The DVDWatchBox converts movies on DVDs and Blu-ray disks to streaming video files, so you can create a movie library on your laptop and take it with you wherever you go. It also captures all disk menus, subtitles, languages, and other movie content, and even supports Dolby 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio for TV playback. Connect the box to any TV and a wireless network to watch movies. Free apps let you stream your favorite films to your Apple and Android devices, or download them for offline playback. $149.99 at Best Buy. www.vidon.me
GET A CHARGE HIKING
Last year, I hiked for 10 days in the Mount Rainier wilderness with a solar battery charger bouncing around the outside of my pack, getting scratched up on rocks, and snagging on branches. It never seemed to face the sun when I wanted a charge. I needed one of Gregory’s ingenious new backpacks: The Deva (women’s) and Baltoro (men’s) packs have a Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus solar charger built into the lid, meaning the charger is protected from taking a beating and always oriented toward the sky. Plug your devices in and charge as you walk, or refuel the included Flip 10 battery pack. The charger weighs just over 1 pound and can refuel your cellphone in about three to four hours. The durable pack comes with a rain cover, pockets galore, and a clever quick-release hydration pouch that converts to a daypack. $329 at REI. 877-477-4292, www.gregorypacks.com
KARI BODNARCHUK
