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By Fred Wright, Jr. |
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Nests & Eggs
The new “Nests & Eggs” exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers an opportunity to see how birds nurture and protect their young, from egg to hatchling. The show features specimens, still photographs and videos, original illustrations and hands-on experiences. Eggs and models on display range from those the size of a basketball (from the extinct elephant bird) to those the size of coffee beans (the hummingbird). The exhibit runs through March 2008. For more information, go to www.hmnh.harvard.edu. |
Those Wacky Finns
Summer is a great time to visit northern Europe, and the Finns have plenty of unusual special events scheduled. For example, if you are heading to Finland this summer, you could check out the World Championship in Swamp Football, held July 12-15 in Hyrynsalmi. Or you could attend the annual Air Guitar Contest, September 5-7, in Oulu, where would-be Jimi Hendrixes congregate annually in competition and demonstrations. Finally, there’s the annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships, held August 25 in Savonlinna, where Nokia is located. For more information, contact the Finnish Tourist Board at www.visitfinland.com. |
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Catch Your Own (But Watch Your Fingers)
Visitors to the Hastings House Country House Hotel in British Columbia, Canada, have many options for outdoor activities, including kayaking, whale watching and sailing. The most unusual, however, is to snare your own seafood dinner. There’s even a special package rate that will allow you to catch your own Dungeness crab, learn how to clean, prepare and cook the crustacean and, naturally, indulge in a choice of dishes with your crab as the main ingredient. The catching part actually involves just pulling in a trap and then removing your booty from the trap safely. The hotel is located on Salt Spring Island. The two-night package is available through September from US$ 608 per person. For more information, go to www.hastingshouse.com.
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Another Manly Vacation
Continuing the new trend in weekends for men only, through December 16 the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is offering a chance for guys to drink, golf, smoke cigars and generally act like guys. Upon check in, they will be guaranteed beer, hand-rolled cigars, a tasting of a variety of 100-percent pure-blue agave tequila and a room with an ocean view. Daily golf is also included, as well as a 50-minute Men’s Sport Massage, followed by a pedicure. Prices start at US$ 684 per night for the four-day, three-night package. For more information, go to www.casamagnapuertovallarta.com.
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I Spy, You Spy, We All Spy
The Cold War may be over, but not the fascination people have about peeking at someone else’s secrets. So emerges the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., with its latest adventure: Operation Spy, a new one-hour experience that takes the visitor on an interactive caper with exhibits, movies, computer games, theatrical shows and hands-on activities like cracking a safe. Guests don’t just read about spies; they become spies, assuming the role of a U.S. intelligence agent. For more information about hours and location (it’s not a secret), go to www.spymuseum.org.
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Soldier Faces
If a look at United States history is part of your summer plans, then check out “The American Soldier” photo exhibition, opening July 3 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Enlarged photos of America at war will be on display documenting a 150-year span, from the Civil War through current conflicts. Designed as a tribute to the American soldier, both male and female, the exhibit will remain on view through September 30. For more information, go to www.hotsprings.org.
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