The sleek-looking Peek.com made its debut in Boston on Friday, and looks to be a valuable curated source of activities and attractions in the area, as well as other cities across the country. Peek highlights categories of tours in Boston, and even provides the opportunity to book and purchase right from the site. Ten percent of those revenues over the next three months will go toward the Boston One Fund to aid victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. T

he company was founded by Harvard Business School alum Ruzwana Bashir, and her co-founder, MIT alum, Oskar Bruening. The company is backed by Jack Dorsey (Founder of Twitter) and Eric Schmidt (Chairman of Google), and is currently in over 10 regions including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Orlando and more.

Check them out here.

Think you’re exciting Boston? Not as exciting as Oakland, apparently.

In determining the most exciting cities in America, real estate website Movoto ranked Boston second to San Francisco’s neighbor, using a number of criteria including park acreage per person, the lack of big box stores and fast food restaurants, and museums and bars per square mile. Sounds like Boston would be a big winner, no? Not the case.

“When we think of an exciting place to live, we think about places where there is always something to do—whether it’s eating at new restaurants or jogging through a park,” the report concluded. “This sounds a lot like Oakland, so we really weren’t that surprised.”

San Francisco came in third, followed by Seattle, Washington, D.C., and New York, which came out just ahead of Milwaukee. Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Portland, Ore. rounded out the top 10.

The 10 Most Exciting Cities

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Windham Hill Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property in West Townshend, Vermont is marking spring with its first Gardener’s Luncheon and Market May 18, bringing together local Vermont vendors to showcase the area’s seasonal offerings. The inn’s gardener Claduia Dekany will also be on hand to give garden tours and tips. Spring-inspired paintings, prints and notecards will be available in the hotel’s Sun Lounge and gift shop.

Activities include seasonal lunch, cooking demos with the inn’s chef, with an eye on how to prepare early-spring veggies, and herbs and perennials available for purchase from local gardeners at Griffin Gardens. For information, visit www.windhamhill.com

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe correspondent

Phiaton’s PS 210 BTNC earphones offer the latest Bluetooth 3.0 and noise-cancellation technology, remain comfortable even after hours of use, and let you answer phones calls with the push of a button while blocking out background noise. The earphones have a small receiver on the cord that has a button for answering calls, a button for changing songs and volume, a switch for turning the noise-canceling feature on and off, a clip so you can attach the device to your shirt or bag, and a nice short cord that won’t get in your way. You can even hard-wire the receiver to your device if its battery runs out. Charge the earphones via micro USB port. $159. 866-313-3203, www.phiaton.com

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe correspondent

Pelican’s new ProGear S140 Sport Elite Tablet Backpack comes with a watertight and dustproof hard case built into it for carrying a tablet or other devices that you want to keep from getting crushed or damaged. A padded lumbar storage compartment below the hard case pr ovides extra protection for camera and other fragile gear. This rugged pack also comes with a sizable main compartment that can swallow your laptop, jacket, snacks, and other travel items, two handy front pockets, a water bottle pocket on each side, and super cushy padding on its back. The pack weighs 6.12 pounds empty, and sells for $239.95. 855-604-8562, www.pelicanprogear.com

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

If you’re the charitable sort and like motorcycles, this may pique your interest: Laconia Harley-Davidson commemorates the 90^th anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week in New Hampshire by trying to raise $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region, donating a one-of-a-kind, customized 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle, to be raffled off. Tickets are $10 each, with 3,000 available at www.laconiaharley.com. Over the past four years, Laconia Harley-Davidson has raised $125,000 for N.H. nonprofits.

The bike will have customized artwork by pinstripe artist, and resident of Candia, N.H., Russ Mowry, a guy well known in the bike biz, earning a lifetime achievement award by Willie G. Davidson, son of former Harley-Davidson president William H. Davidson.

Mowry said he will use a 1,000-year-old technique of hand-spun gold leaf for the “Laconia Motorcycle Week 90 Years Strong” design on the front of the Street Glide. The iconic Boys & Girls Club logo will be hand-painted on one side saddle and the Laconia Harley-Davidson logo will adorn the other. Second- and third-place winners will receive a $500 and $100 gift card respectively, good at Laconia Harley-Davidson or White Mountain Harley-Davidson. Tickets will also be sold throughout Laconia Motorcycle Week from June 8-16.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven is scheduled for June 15-29, where more than 100,000 usually attend to take in events, more than 80 percent of which are free. The theme this year is “Dreaming New Worlds,” which organizers say reflects the imaginative, inspiring and innovative elements of the programs.<

Additional attractions include dozens of tours throughout the city, ranging from urban cycling adventures to culinary tours, as well as master classes and workshops. Headline acts include Aaron Neville June 15 in a free show on New Haven Green; Box City June 15-16, an interactive crafts activity for kids who build a miniature city from found boxes, a free event; and a free performance of the Grammy-winning Kronos Quartet with Wu Man June 22. For complete info and tickets, visit www.artidea.org or call 203-498-3758.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Nassau Paradise Island in the Bahamas is promoting an “Instant Savings” deal this spring and part of summer. Travelers who book by May 20 at participating hotels get $300 in savings when booking an air-inclusive six-night minimum stay, or $200 for a four- or five-night stay. Travel can take place through Nov. 3, but with blackout dates of June 20 through Aug. 18. The offer is valid for travel starting in the United States and Canada. Participating resorts include Atlantis Paradise Island, Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Marley Resort & Spa and 13 others. For the full list and to book, visit www.NassauParadiseIsland.com

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

CitySights NY has announced the return of its double-decker hop-on/hop-off tours across the Brooklyn Bridge with a revised Brooklyn Tour, and Gray Line New York announced its new double-decker hop-on/hop-ff tours to the Bronx Tour/Loop. David W. Chien, director of marketing for CitySights, said a lot of people visit Manhattan and never set food elsewhere.

“That would mean they’d miss great treasurers of New York,” Chien said. “Brooklyn and the Bronx are exciting and diverse boroughs of New York City, and we’re thrilled to return the hop-on/hop-off services to Brooklyn, and commence our tours to the Bronx.”

CitySights Brooklyn Tour has a web special of $44 for adults and $34 for children. For details, visit www.citysightsny.com/tourpage.php?item=BT For info on the Bronx Tour, visit www.newyorksightseeing.com/tourpage.php?item=BXL

By Jan Shepherd, Globe correspondent

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail members know how to keep the annual open studios weekend fresh each year. In addition to nine host studios in Northfield, Shelburne Falls, Greenfield, Hadley, Amherst, and Pelham, there are nine guest potters this weekend (April 27-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Providing an ideal opportunity to learn about various styles and techniques for turning mud, aka clay, into functional and sculptural objects, the 9th tour edition also shows off settings as different as night and day. Among the host studios are Francine Ozereko in Pelham, James Guggina in Florence, Stephen Earp in Shelburne Falls, Tom White in Northfield, and Donna McGee in Hadley. Among the guests are Sam Taylor, Adero Willard, Hayne Bayless, Mara Superior, Kristen Kieffer, Daniel Bellow, and Todd Wahlstrom. Visit www.asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com for a printable brochure and map. Note: Angela Fina is a guest at White’s but is not listed on the brochure-map.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Ocean Edge Resort & Beach Club in Brewster on Cape Cod, has relaunched its mansion side of the property, part of a $40-million ongoing renovation of the resort that is now complete. The Mansion at Ocean Edge now has 31 two- and three-bedroom Presidential Bay Collection villas (formerly the Bay Pines Villas) on or close to the beach, and 90 Mansion guest rooms that were done last spring.

The resort is offering an intro “Relaunching Luxury” rate for the Presidential Bay Collection. Book by April 30 and get 20 percent off regular rates. Guests booking five or more nights have a choice of a free added amenity, which include a round of golf at the resort’s Nicklaus Design course when accompanied by one paying round; two kids’ day passes to EdgeVenture; or use of two bikes for a day. 

Spring isn’t a bad time to save some money at Ocean Edge: Rates at the Mansion wing start at $139 a night in spring, with Presidential Bay Collection villas starting at $600, and jump in summer to $425 and $1,250 a night, respectively. 

For information and to book, visit www.oceanedge.com or call 800-343-6074.

Children 10 to 16 years old can gather eggs from a chicken coop, collect fresh ingredients from veggie and herb gardens, and then whip up mouth-watering dishes during The Essex Resort & Spa’s Camp Cook program. The resort hosts nine summer camp sessions beginning June 17. Book the Five Night Holiday Package for $199 per night, based on double occupancy, and then pay $400 per child for the five-day Camp Cook program. While your kids immerse themselves in culinary adventures, you can go hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, or biking, visit the resort’s spa, or explore nearby Burlington and Stowe. 800-727-4295, www.vtculinaryresort.com

Alligators, black bears and panthers, oh my! They're the Holy Grail of Everglades wildlife watchers. But Captain Al Cruz and the staff of Miami-Dade's Venom Response team have their sights trained on critters of the invasive kind. Think Burmese Pythons, African Rock Pythons, Nile Monitor lizards and most recently, the Tegu Lizard, which preys on small small ground mammals and their eggs.

This scene unfolded while I was munching a gator taco at Gator Grill on the road into the Arnold Coe entrance of Everglades National Park. Despite their hyped-up reputation, Tegus mostly eat and sun themselves, and don't attack unless cornered.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort on Florida’s west coast on the island of St. Pete Beach, celebrates Earth Day and its National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Dolphin SMART recertification, by offering two free dolphin watch trips with each suite reserved for at least two nights.  

Starting April 22 and running through May 23, the program allows guests to explore local waters and a secluded island during an enhanced, two-hour cruise led by a Dolphin SMART captain. The resort’s certification indicates responsible stewardship of wild dolphins in coastal waterways. Dolphin SMART operators adhere to specific program criteria, do yearly training workshops and are evaluated annually by Dolphin SMART volunteers.

The resort, which is about a half hour from Tampa, is also celebrating Earth Day by hosting a Guy Harvey Outpost WildNite nature program April 24 at 6:30 p.m., a free event where attendees will hear from Ann Paul, Tampa Bay regional coordinator for Florida Coastal Sanctuaries, about the sea and shorebirds of St. Pete Beach.

For information and reservations, visit www.guyharveyoutposttampabay.com, or call 877-428-4000. For Dolphin SMART info, check out  www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/dolphinsmart

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

There are a few long weekends coming up, for Americans and our neighbors to the north, and the Alexandra Resort on Providenciales in the Caribbean islands of Turks & Caicos are offering deals. The Memorial Day weekend special cuts 20 percent off any one- or two-bedroom suite, based on a minimum four-night stay, and includes breakfast for two from the Mango Reef B&B menu and 20-percent off Spa Sanay services. Book by May 17 for travel between May 24-31.

Canada gets in on the deal, too, in honor of Canada Day July 1, and you don’t have to be Canadian to get it. The “Super Summer Savings” package gets you seven nights while paying for five, plus other perks like two free passes to the Pelican Kids’ Club or $50 resort credit, 20-percent spa discount, 20-percent off Caicos Dream Tours excursions, a $100 dinner credit at Mango Reef on July 1, plus a free bottle of wine on arrival. Book by June 23 for travel June 29-July 7.

On the July 4 weekend, travelers can save 20 percent off a minimum four-night stay in any room category, plus get a free bottle of wine upon arrival. Book by June 27 for stays between July 3-8.

Duffers make out, too: Alexandra guests can play 18 holes at the championship Provo Golf Club, plus use of a cart, for $125, when combined with any of the getaway packages, a savings of $55 off normal green fees. Guests can buy as many of the discounted packages as they want, with any three-night minimum stay.

For more information and additional package details visit www.alexandraresort.com or call 888-695-7591.
 

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent

Want to discover Nantucket’s best family beaches and bike routes, track down good kid-friendly restaurants or rainy-day activities, or find out how to rent baby equipment or hire a local babysitter? A new website, Nantucket-Bucket.com, offers up-to-date info on family-oriented events, activities, and resources island-wide. Look up activities and programs by topic or date. The site, started by Nantucket resident Logan Gomes, also has a blog with do-it-yourself craft projects and entries by guest bloggers from the Nantucket community. Register on the website and receive a weekly e-mail with information on activities, discounts, and special promotions. www.nantucket-bucket.com

By Patricia Borns, Glove Correspondent

As April 20-28 marks National Parks Week, there's still a short window to visit Everglades National Park before it's swallowed in mosquitos and uber high humidity. As you roll along SW 192nd Ave. toward the park's most visited Arnold Coe entrance, keep an eye peeled for Gator Grill, where a Brooklyn, NY transplant is cooking up the best gator bites around.

Sal "like the movie star" DeVito brought his love of food to South Florida 35 years ago where he evolved what he calls "CIA cusine -- Cuban, Italian and American."

Then, in 2010, a local farmer Sal Mucumeci offered him a spot near the Everglades agricultural buffer to start a business. The location offered a steady stream of Glades traffic and a standout neighbor: the wildly popular exotic fruit smoothie stand Robert Is Here, a short hike down the road.DeVito jumped at the chance, and voila, or should we say, ecco: a menu of farm-raised gator and locally sourced frog legs done every which way except fried was born, with South Florida's best Italian meatball sub thrown in for good measure.

Recently I tried the popular gator tacos served with crispy shredded slaw and DeVito's delicious cream sauce ($9.95), outstanding. You might equally like the grilled gator kabob ($9.95) or the area's only local frog legs served in wine and garlic butter sauce instead of a fried basket ($9.95). For the less adventurous, DeVito has gourmet burgers in the $6.00 range including a vegan version, a local fish sandwich and sweet potato fries.
Even breakfast.

As I chowed down at one of the outdoor picnic tables, a glimpse of Glades wildlife in the form of an invasive cannibalistic tegu lizard slithered from behind an out building and tried to cross the road!

By Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

Great Fosters, a four-star country-house hotel in Egham, near Heathrow, has opened two new dining venues. The hotel, set on 50 acres of gardens dates from the mid-16th century and reputedly served as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII. Never one to rest on its well established laurels, in early April, Great Fosters opened The Estate Grill and The Tudor Room. Both are under the overall direction of Executive Chef Simon Bolsover.

The Tudor Room, under the direction of Michelin-starred Chef Shane Hughes, offers our- and eight-course tasting menus. Hughes is is an avid forager, and his finds from Great Fosters’ gardens will provide true farm-to-fork dining.

The less formal Estate Grill serves a simpler menu, but it, too, draws from the bounty of the hotel's fields and gardens. Livestock, including Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Longhorn cattle, and Badger Face sheep, are raised on the property and the hotel has an apiary and greenhouses.

The hotel also serves daily tea in the Cocktail Bar, Main Hall, and Anne Boleyn room, as well as on the terrace overlooking the gardens in summer.

Plan on allowing enough time to tour the gardens when visiting the estate.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

According to a survey by Marriott Caribbean & Mexico Resorts, the celebrity respondents would most like to vacation with was Halle Berry, followed by Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Denzel Washington. The fun question was part of a more serious survey that was seeking out the source of stress in people and why they vacation, a polling of 1,400 travelers that found 72 percent saying they plan a vacation specifically to de-stress and forget the daily grind, with most of them citing workplace tension as being ahead of financial concerns as their greatest source of daily pressure. A third of respondents also admitted they didn’t use all their available vacation time, the survey said.

Marriott Caribbean & Mexico Resorts is offering an antidote to all that during April, which believe it or not is “National Stress Awareness Month,” and has been since 1992, sponsored by the nonprofit Health Resource Network. The resort chain, with properties in Cancun, Aruba, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, St. Kitts, Curacao and Puerto Vallarta,  is cashing in on traveling stress with a special “De-Stress for Less Event,” offering guests 20-30 percent off leisure rates on travel through Aug. 31, with bookings made before April 30, minimum two-night stay required. Travelers can learn more by visiting www.paradisebymarriott.com, using promotional code X32 when booking.

Sorry to say, Berry and the others are not included in the deal. But it’s nice to think about.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Ciclismo Classico in Arlington, an outfitter of cycling vacations around the globe, said its "Bike Across France" tour was named a National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" and will be featured in the May issue. The "50 Tours of a Lifetime" are the magazine's selection of the most authentic, innovative, immersive, best-guided, and sustainable tours in the world, said Norie Quintos, NatGeo Traveler's executive editor.

New for 2013, Bike Across France explores three regions of France: Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrenees and Languedoc-Roussillion, where participants check out castles, stone villages, wine, ancient art, prehistoric sites, and provincial cuisine on a 10-day cycling escapade. Founded in 1988, Ciclismo Classico has earned awards from Outside and National Geographic Traveler and mentions in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Bicycling, CNN.com and Forbes.

For more information or to book a tour, visit www.ciclismoclassico.com call 800-866-7314.