By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The fifth annual Birdhouse Project and Auction takes place May 27 at Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a project that started with the idea of recycling some of the old materials from the hall itself as part of a green-building project, said Anne Suggs, WPH founding board member. Building habitat for their nearest neighbors -- the birds -- inspired "a lot of creativity in the community, the birdhouses become little pieces of history from the hall," she said.

The event happens in the garden behind the hall, at 335 Main St., Wellfleet. Birdhouses will be on display at the hall starting May 15, and a preview and silent auction will happen prior to the live auction. Tickets are $15, which includes brunch. For info, visit www.wellfleetpreservationhall.org, or call 508-349-1800.

By Jan Shepherd, Globe Correspondent

It wouldn’t be Memorial Day holiday without a trip to Vermont for the fabulous statewide Open Studios weekend with scores of potters, glassblowers, fiber artists, furniture makers, wood artists, jewelry designers, painters and printmakers welcoming visitors to their work spaces. As part of the event’s 20th anniversary celebration earlier this month in Montpelier, the Vermont Crafts Council honored glassblower Harry Besett of Hardwick and furniture maker Robert Gasperetti of Mt. Tabor for participating every year. Recalling the first weekend, VCC executive director Martha Fitch told the audience, “We didn’t even have a map that year. We assumed people would know where to go.” Since then VCC publishes a detailed list and map with directions to all locations; this year there are 259 craftspeople and visual artists participating. The map is available at Vermont State Visitor Centers on major highways, online at www.vermontcrafts.com, and galleries. The map is organized regionally making it easy to select areas to explore Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photo of glassblower Harry Besett by Wendy Besett

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Eat well, or more appropriately, "mangia bene" at the 13th Annual Federal Hill Stroll in historical Federal Hill, Providence, June 5, when 30 galleries, shops and of course, restaurants open their doors to welcome the expected 1,000-plus patrons who usually come to walk around.

Stroll tickets are $30 plus tax, and included admission button, two free drinks, and a map of the venue. It starts at 4:30 p.m. and includes music. Participants also vote for their favorite venues and help crown the yearly "King of the Hill" and "Most Creative Venue." A winning voter in each category gets a dinner for two on Federal Hill. Tickets are limited and have to be bought in advance at www.federalhillstroll.com or by calling 401-456-0298.

Federal Hill is Providence's quintessentially Italian section, though over the years the culinary and cultural slant has been happily diversified to include restaurants of all flavor. The Hill, as it's known locally, has long been compared to Boston's North End, only smaller. But just as tasty.

Photo of Nancy's Fancies, which will be on the Stroll, by David Lyon for The Boston Globe

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

A variety of unusual and familiar events await wine and food lovers at the 16th annual Nantucket Wine Festival May 16-20. Former CBS newsman Bill Kurtis is scheduled to be on hand touting the virtues of Tallgrass Beef, why it's healthier than regular beef and more environmentally responsible and more humanely raised than other grass-fed beef. Verve Clicquot will be back this year offering champagne during the festival, and winemakers from that champagne house will conduct special seminars throughout.

The festival's signature event, "The Grand Tasting," will be held at the historic Nantucket Yacht Club, and back for that this year, after a one-year hiatus, will be fare from Duxbury's Island Creek Oysters.

In all, more than 200 wineries from the world over will attend the event, each represented by the winemaker or vineyard owner. Celeb chefs from Boston, Nantucket, Providence, Newport, New Jersey and New York. The festival's popular symposia, which organizers say is the equivalent of a graduate course in advanced wine philosophy, features hour-long tastings and discussions followed by lunch, paired with wines produced by participating vignerons.

The White Elephant hotel serves as the festival's home base and hosts many of the events, including the Harbor Gala and celebrity chef and winemaker auction dinners, along with most of the wine and food seminars.

For a complete description of events, prices, lodging and more, check out www.nantucketwinefestival.com, or call 508-228-1128.

Nantucket's not an inexpensive place to be, but getting there is a little cheaper by ferry. the Steamship Authority's high-speed ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket has a discounted fare this year: $50, round-trip, for same-day travel, Monday through Thursday ($25 for kids five to 12). Wayne Lamson, general manager of the Steamship Authority, said the special midweek fare is for those travelers with the flexibility to travel at less-busy times. The fare is $17 less than usual, and will be in place through the rest of the year. If you do go and bring your car, plan ahead: Lamson said this year, car reservations are about six percent higher than last year and he expects that to continue all summer.

for information, visit www.steamshipauthority.com or call 508-477-8600.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

 The Doubletree by Hilton "Little Things Project" hits Boston Friday, a pop-up experience at the Pru Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that brings travelers "little things" they said would make travel better. The hotel chain asked, through social media, what little things would make traveler's experiences brighter. Based on about 5,000 responses, Doubletree by Hilton reps are hitting the road for a year-round, 50-city tour to share some of the findings. Surprise stops to deserving community groups and charities are also planned along the route.

The Hub experience is marked by what hotel officials called a landmark "Tell Me Tree," a respite where anyone can enjoy a variety of little things experiences and giveaways the social-media survey said people would like, including local deals and offers. In Boston, that will provide more than 1,300 exclusive deals, hotel officials said, such as "Duck Bucks," discounts for Boston Duck Tours; 20 percent discounts at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton for food and beverages; chocolate chip cookies, for which DoubleTree is famous; free WiFi at the lounge the hotel is setting up at the Pru; and a "power bar" for recharging your electronic gear.

Little Things Project ambassadors will also be driving a "Swarm Car" throughout the city Friday asking travelers via Twitter what little things would make their day better and surprising some by fulfilling requests, like giving away umbrellas in the rain, free shirts or free cab rides to the airport. Consumers can tweet to @DoubleTree with requests using #LittleThings for the Swarm Car to turn their requests into reality.
 
At the DoubleTree by Hilton Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Doubletree, people can enter a sweepstakes to win instant prizes and a $25,000 vacation. Check it all out at www.twitter.com/doubletree and at YouTube at www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

There are some pretty big names heating up the Caribbean music scene this month and in late summer, heavy hitters in the world of music in general, jazz in particular.
Saint Lucia Jazz, now in its 21st year, runs through May 13, with main-stage performances on May 13 by powerhouses Diana Ross and Toni Braxton, with nearly 150 million records sold between them, and performances by more than 50 artists in all, playing in locations that include Pigeon Island National Landmark, Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie, Pointe Seraphine in the heart of Castries, and Fond D'Or in Dennery.

Other big names playing include Hugh Masekela, Ziggy Marley, Joshua Redman and Melanie Fiona, along with Saint Lucia's own Luther Francois, Ronald "Boo" Hinkson, Richard Payne, Derek Yarde Project and others.

The festival is presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, and is said to be one of the top five jazz festivals in the world. For information, including ticket prices, visit www.stluciajazz.org and for info on the island and places to stay, check out www.saintlucianow.com

Another event, the third annual Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, runs Aug. 31-Sept. 1, headlined by the legendary band, Santana. Other world-class performers scheduled to appear include Mana, Ruben Blades, Sergio George's All Star Salsa Friends and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band led by Paquito D'Rivera.

The festival runs at the World Trade Center Curacao in Piscadera Bay. In the week before the festival, concerts with local musicians are held on various locations throughout the island, including the popular party spot, Mambo Beach. Last year's festival drew names performers like Sting, Dionne Warwick, Earth, Wind & Fire and Juan Luis Guerra.

Day tickets start at $195. For more information, check out www.curacaonorthseajazz.com and for information on the island, including places to stay, visit www.curacao.com

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival marks its 14th year as one of the top LGBT film festivals in the country with a 10-day festival running April 27-May 6, with screening locations in Miami Beach and Coral Gables. The festival will run more than 65 films, with 15 countries represented. There will be short films, documentaries and full-length features that organizers said support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

As one of the first LGBT film festivals of the calendar year, the Miami event will premier several films. On opening night, the festival presents the inaugural Lavender Heart Award to country singer Chely Wright. One of the films at the festival, "Wish Me Away," is a documentary about Wright's coming out. Other films include "Kawa," another coming-out film, based on the novel, "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" by Witi Ihimaera; the North American premier of "The Adored," a thriller; and "Seventh Gay Adventist," a film that explores the intersection of faith, identity and sexuality.

For information, visit www.mglff.com or call 877-484-8499.

National Park Service will offer free admission to all its facilities and programs from Saturday April 21 to Sunday April 29 in celebration of National Parks Week. There are more than two dozen facilities in New England, with the bulk of them being in Massachusetts. If you happen to be traveling that week, the NPS maps out locations by state on its website.

Photo of Adams Mansion in Quincy by Mary Schiess

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Quahog, R.I., does not exist in real life. It thrives on TV, however, as the fictitious hometown of the dysfunctionally funny family Griffin in the hit animated Fox series, "Family Guy," created by R.I. native Seth McFarlane in 1998.

The fake Quahog -- and real Rhode Island -- gets its tourism due May 5, when the ninth annual Tour Rhode Island rolls out on more than a dozen buses jammed with people eager to learn more about the nation's smallest state, a very popular annual event that sells out quickly, state tourism officials said.

There are 15 tours in all this year, including the return of, by popular demand, "The Family Guy Tour," which includes more than a dozen sites in Pawtucket, Providence, Johnston, and Cranston that are known, or are suspected to have inspired the Emmy-winning series. There will also be a "Family Guy'' celebration lunch at Walt's Roast Beef on Airport Road in Warwick, where a "Family Guy'' version of Trivial Pursuit will be played.

The Tour Rhode Island lineup, other than the Family Guy trek, will take people all over the literal Rhode Island map, with things like "Rhode Island Myths & Mysteries: Shades of Revolutionaries and Romantics," "Hidden Gems of the Blackstone Valley" and "Geocaching Adventure: A Treasure Hunt for Grownups."

New this year is "Independence Trail and Taste of Rhode Island," a three-mile walk that takes in more than four centuries of state history. The one-year-old Providence Independence Trail celebrates its first birthday with its founder, Robert Burke, who is the tour's host and guide, showing tour takers key spots in state history, including where the first shot was fired against English rule in Rhode Island and the spot where President Lincoln spoke.

There are also tours this year for the more physically active, including kayaking the Blackstone River, hiking land-trust trails and bicycling the East Bay Bike Path.

Ticket prices vary, from $24 to $55 for the day-long tour, and most include boxed lunch - but sorry, no quahogs.

For information, visit www.tourrhodeisland.org, or call 401-724-2200.

Globe Staff

Thirteen new retail stores hold their grand opening Thursday in the recently renovated Terminal C at Logan International Airport.

The retailers include the Boutique iStore, selling Apple and other electronics products; Be Relax spa; the Black Dog gift shop ; and Life is Good clothing store.

The Massachusetts Port Authority completed a $62 million renovation of Terminal C last summer to streamline security screening, improve the appearance, and make lighting, heating, and cooling systems more energy efficient. The renovation consolidated two smaller security check points in one larger area.

“The customer service benefits of the consolidated checkpoint are substantial,’’ said Ed Freni, director of aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, said in a press release. “When the checkpoint opened last year it made it easier for Terminal C passengers to connect to other flights within the terminal because it eliminated the need for additional screening and it created new space for concessions to be behind security, which is what most passengers prefer.”

The 140,000-square-foot renovation included 12,000 square feet of new retail and food space. Many Terminal C concessions were repositioned to post-security screening locations near gates.

“We are delighted to bring a brand-new concession program to Terminal C that offers travelers a variety of specialty retail options,” noted Dominic Lowe, executive vice president of concession management at Westfield Concession Management. “Our goal is to create desirable, innovative, world-class concession programs that feature first-to-market concepts.”

Westfield is celebrating the grand opening today with strolling musicians, giveaways, and kids’ events.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

New Haven hosts the eighth installment of its popular biannual New Haven Restaurant Week, April 15-20, in which participating restaurants offer prix fixe, three-course lunch and dinner menus comprised of appetizer, entree and dessert. Cost for lunch is $18 per person, and $32 for dinner, which does not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Due to the event's popularity, reservations are urged.In all, 34 restaurants are taking part in the event, including 116 Crown, Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar, Cafe Goodfellas, Central Steakhouse, Soul de Cuba Cafe, The Cask Republic and Zinc. For a complete list and more information, visit www.infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek, and follow it on Twitter, using hashtag: #NHRW

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Got rum? Robert A. Burr does – lots and lots of lots.

Burr, along with his wife and son, created and run the Rum Renaissance Festival, now in its fourth year and being held at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach, April 16-22.

When it first began, it drew about 150 people sampling 45 rums, Burr said. Last year’s festival had 3,200 people tasting more than 120 rums from far and near.

“This event attracts aficionados and mixologists from all over the world,” said Burr, a seventh-generation Miamian and creator of the Gifted Rums Guide. “The rum explosion is now, the rum business grew through the recession, and there’s real growth in luxury rums, which are cheaper than luxury scotches for example.”

FULL ENTRY

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

By popular demand, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Rhode Island is again sponsoring the "Secret Ingredient Food Tour," with spring venues featuring weekly behind-the-scenes events for the public at a number of eateries in the historic Blackstone Valley. The weekly tours, held on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m., give participants a chance to sample a wide range of ethnic food and cultural cuisine of the valley, through live demos and meals. Cost for most is $19.50 per person, not counting tax and tip. The tour kicks off April 4 and runs through June 27, and will teach stuff like how to make chicken piccata, Japanese hibachi treats, Mexican fare, French puff pastry, Greek spanikopita, oven-grilled pizza, Irish egg roll and more. On July 13, the making of A & W Root Beer will be explained at a great old-fashioned root-beer stand up in Greenville, and on June 27, the tour wraps up with a sunset cruise on the Blackstone Valley Explorer, where participants can munch on clam cakes and chowder. Spots fill quickly and reservations are urged. To do so, and for more info, visit www.blackstoneculinaria.com or call 401-724-2200.

By Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

Diamonds are a queen's best friend. In June, Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the thrown. Instead of braving the street crowds, savor royal views and exclusive experiences on the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London's four-day Diamond Jubilee package, June 2-6, 2012.

Included in the package are a welcome dinner; a trip aboard the HMS Belfast to view the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant, a fleet of 1,200 vessels led by the royal family; visit to Penshurst Place, the former hunting lodge of Henry VIII, to enjoy the Elizabethan gardens, followed by lunch at the treasure-filled home of Randolph and Catherine Churchill; exclusive view of the royal procession from the balcony of 12 Carlton House; and farewell dinner.

Avoiding hoi polloi comes at a price: Rates for the Diamond Jubilee Tour package begin at $10,138 single, $17,594 double, inclusive of full English breakfast. Tax and service are additional.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

You might not know it, unless you're from around there, but Norfolk, Va., does festivals in a big way. This year, from May through October, the city is hosting more than 100 festivals celebrating everything from the love of the Irish to the love of chocolate, country, beer, wine, sailing and more. Most of the events are family friendly and free, and here's some to think about:

Kicking off the festival season is ShamRock 'n' Roll on March 17, celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Irish music, an Irish fair and, of course, green beer. Hot on the heels of that comes the Art of Chocolate, Virginia Chocolate Festival, from March 22-25, which includes local, regional and national chocolates and a chocolate bake off.

From April 15-June 6, the Virginia Arts Festival, one of the mid-Atlantic's premier cultural events, holds a variety of programs, including music, dance, theater and family entertainment. The International Azalea Festival: A salute to NATO -- runs April 27. The festival started in 1953 and honors the Norfolk-based North Atlantic Treaty Organization by selecting one nation each year to honor through the festival's themed activities.

Rounding out the month is the Virginia International Tattoo April 27-29, an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drum teams, gymnasts, Scottish dangers and more, the largest tattoo in the United States (a tattoo is a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands).

The city celebrates Cinco de Mayo on May 4, and later, wine and beer, with the 6th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival on May 12 and the 11th Annual Virginia Beer Festival on May 19.

Big Bands on the Bay starts May 27 and runs every Sunday until Labor Day, and OpSail 2012 Virginia floats into the Port of Virginia June 1-12, commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 as it showcases a fleet of tall navy and military war ships representing the world.

Another nautical event is the 36th Annual Harborfest June 8-10, the Hampton Roads area's largest summer event with nearly 700 international tall ships, sail boats, battleships and cruise ships.

Summer heats up July 20-12 with the 30th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival, the region's longest-running jazz event and the 12th annual AT&T Latino Music Festival Aug. 25 at the largest outdoor dance floor in Hampton Roads.

On Sept. 16, the 7th Annual Mid-Autumn Chinese Moon Festival will be held. On Oct. 6, the city hosts the 24th annual AT&T Virginia Children's Festival, and from Oct. 20-21, the 25th Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

If you get the idea that Norfolk is festival city, you'd be right, and it's only about a 10-hour drive from Boston, if you're so inclined to motor down. For a complete list of festivals, visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com or call 800-368-3097.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Connecticut's second-largest city has a pretty big culinary and theater scene, and this month is offering "Make a Night of It in New Haven," with deals combining both.

At the Long Wharf Theatre, from March 7-13, $70 per person gets you tickets to "Bell, Book & Candle," and a three-course prix fixe at Thali, L'Orcio or Sage American Grill & Oyster Bar. For show tickets and dinner reservations, call the box office at 203-787-4282. For show info, visit http://www.longwharf.org/

Buy a ticket to "South Pacific" at the Shubert Theater from March 8-12 (ticket prices from $15-$78), and for another $32 per person, you get a prix-fixe dinner at Pacifico, Zinc or Oaxaca Kitchen. Diners must show their "South Pacific" ticket stubs for the deal, which is only valid for the same night of the show you attend, and dinner reservations must be made prior to the show. The Shubert box office can be reached at 203-562-5666 or http://www.shubert.com/.

A prix-fixe dinner at Union League Cafe or Ibiza, is available for $32 per person with ticket purchase ($20) to Yale Repertory Theatre's "The Winter Tale," March 19-21. As in the Shubert offer, diners must show their Yale Rep ticket stubs and the deal is only valid for the same night you attend the show. Also part of the deal: A coupon to park for $5 at the York and Chapel Street garage. Call Yale Rep at 203-432-1234 or visit http://www.yalerep.org

All dinner deals are for appetizer, entree and dessert. Beverages, taxes and tip are not included. For more info on New Haven by night, visit www.infonewhaven.com/makeanightofitNH

By Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

Park City, Utah, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2002 Utah Olympic Games this season in grand style. If you’re headed there for the skiing and snowboarding, here are 10 other Park City activities to add to your itinerary.

1. Gold medal adventures: Experience five-times the force of gravity while careening down the full length of the Olympic bobsled run, with a trained driver, fly solo down a section of the skeleton run, or take a clinic in ski jumping, mogul skiing, or terrain park tricks at the Utah Olympic Park. While there, don’t miss the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum.

2. Wheee! No need to take off the ski boots to ride the Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain Resort, and since the access is at the base, even those who don’t ski or snowboard can enjoy the dipsy doodles and looping curves of this mountain roller coaster. You control the speed…or not.

3. Zipideedoodah: You must have no fear of heights if you plan to fly over the canyon between Lookout Peak and Red Pine Lodge, a span of more than 2,100 feet, suspended from a zipline on a Zip Tour Adventure at Canyons resort. Too scary? Choose the demo and Red Pine Zip Tour, and skip the big whizzzzzzz.

4. Lunch run: When the belly rumbles, most skiers and snowboarders at Park City Mountain Resort slide into one of the area’s on-mountain or base restaurants. Instead, head down Creole or Quit’n’time and Town, all intermediate trails, to the base of the Town Lift, on Park City’s Main Street. You’ll have your choice of restaurants.

5. Sip sliding along: Tour, taste, and eat at High West Distillery & Saloon, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and the world’s only gastro-distillery (or so it says). Located downtown, at the base of the Quittin’ Time trail within steps of the Town Lift, there’s no reason not to come in for a tour, including the 250-gallon copper pot still, and a shot; better yet, stick around for dinner, with its whisky-accents. Go ahead, bring the kids, they have their own menu and will enjoy the western flavor.

Photos from top: Hilary Nangle/For the Boston Globe; Rebekah Stevens/Canyons Resort

FULL ENTRY

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

A team of sled dogs and mushers from Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel of Jefferson, N.H., will attempt a history-making ascent on Mount Washington, which at 6,288 feet is the highest peak in the Northeast, March 7, 8 or 9, depending on weather conditions. The run will not just be to make history -- it will be the first-ever sled-dog attempt in winter -- but to raise awareness and funds to support the more than 100 dogs the kennel has rescued and cared for over the past eight years, said kennel owners Karen Tolin and Neil Beaulieu.

The partners created the non-profit New Hampshire Sled Dog Rescue, History and Education Center earlier this year to support their cause: Taking in rescue dogs to run sled tours year round near the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods (they use wheeled sleds when the snow goes away) and give the pooches a place to live while trying to find them new owners. Many of the dogs love tromping through the woods pulling a sled, Tolin said, but none are forced to do it. Those preferring a more sedentary lifestyle are found homes via a very selective adoption process, she said.

The kennel was created in 2004, and while technically a for-profit business, it never makes any, Tolin said. The kennel business creates no salary for the owners, neither of whom have ever drawn a salary and both of whom work in education to support themselves and their labor of puppy love. Whatever money is generated from the tours goes right back to the dogs.

"Dog sledding is an unsustainable model as a sole source of supporting the dogs," Tolin said. "They eat five tons of food every two months."

They came up with the sled jaunt to the top of Mount Washington to build awareness of the nonprofit and raise money for the dogs. In addition to one team making a full-out assault on the summit via the Auto Road, seats on two others "guest sleds," which will run only to just above tree line, will be auctioned off on eBay. That site is http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120860877148

Sponsorships are also being sought, Tolin said. Go to http://www.dogslednh.com/ or call 603-545-4533 for more information.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The ritual of spring break for some college students means partying -- and little else. The tourism folks at Panama City Beach in Florida are offering something a bit different this year -- a scavenger hunt, with a top prize of $10,000 for the students' organization or charity of choice. The contest runs from March 4-24, the usual range of spring breaks from college, and is for students who take their break in Panama City Beach . Scavenger hunt events include solving riddles and physical dares. The hunt consists of 20-25 challenges organized on a weekly basis for college groups of up to six students to compete against each other.

At the end of the three-week contest, the highest-scoring team gets the top prize, with two runner ups getting $2,500 each. Challenges occur between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day, presumably giving students ample sleep-in time to recover from the night before. All events and clues will be held in Panama City Beach and only students enrolled in approved colleges and universities are eligible.

For more information, or to book a stay, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. Students can also follow Panama City Beach spring break on Twitter @PCBSpringbrk to get updated news and details on deals and offers.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The weather outside has hardly been frightful this year, but all that gray and dreary, even if on the warm side, is a little draining. You can get an energizing late-winter shot of color at the 19th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show, Feb. 23-26, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The flower show's theme this year is "Simple Pleasures," with each garden representing special milestones in life.

Added features this year include the Cafe Bookstore, where guests can have a cup of coffee and browse books on gardening and cooking. There is also an expanded garden display area and improved garden marketplace. Horticultural guru Roger Swain, former "Victory Garden" host, will run gardening courses and give lectures.

There will also be a food and wine festival featuring a cooking demo by Sara Moulton of PBS's "Sara's Weeknight Meals," in addition to demos by Frank Terranova, chef instructor at Johnson & Wales University, restaurant and beverage booths, tastings and more. Visitors can get special hotel rates for the weekend at a variety of hotels, including: Marriott Providence Downtown, rates from $109; Providence Biltmore Hotel, rates from $79; The Westin Providence, rates from $115; and Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown, rates from $109.

Tickets to the flower show are $16 in advance for adults or $18 at the door. Admission is free for children five and under, and tickets are $7 for children ages 6-12. For more information, visit http://www.flowershow.com/.

This morning my pal Katie Johnston wrote that Delta Shuttle, which flies between Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., had finally completed installing WIFi on all of its jets. Besides the East Coast routes, the carrier also has the New York-Chicago route covered.

The airline began rolling out the service in December of 2008. And now the airline says that it has the largest wired fleet in the world -- about 800 of its planes will be WiFi-enabled by this summer.

Other airlines, such as American, United, and Virgin America, offer similar services on some flights.

By Christopher Klein, Globe Correspondent

Looking for a getaway with the kids close to home during the February school vacation? The Hotel Commonwealth will be hosting its third annual Bedtime Stories storytelling and pajama party for families from 7-8:30 PM on the evenings of Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.

Kids are encouraged to wear their PJs while listening to professional performers and storytellers from ReadBoston. After hearing some of their favorite tales, kids can head to the make-your-own hot chocolate bar that features various types of hot cocoa and toppings. The suggested donation for the event is $10 per family. The hotel will match each donation, with all proceeds going to ReadBoston.

If you want to make a night of it, the Hotel Commonwealth is offering a “Hotel for Kids” overnight package on either Feb. 24, 2012, or Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at a special rate of $219. Included in the package is a special morning kids’ pancake-making class with Executive Chef Jeremy Sewall of Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks and Island Creek Oyster Bar.

The Hotel for Kids package includes:
• Deluxe family accommodations (up to two adults and two children; additional children can be accommodated for $49/child) in a Commonwealth Suite (more than 500-square feet of space, including a separate area with pull-out sofa bed that can be closed off with drapes)
• Welcome backpack for kids stuffed with slippers from LL Bean, a custom bedtime story featuring the hotel’s signature Terry bear and a flashlight
• Board game and family-friendly DVD selection (delivered to each room with complimentary popcorn)
• Homemade cookies and milk upon arrival
• Complimentary valet parking
• Access to the hotel’s Family Concierge to help with planning family-friendly activities around Boston
• Families can extend through the weekend at a special rate of $169/each additional night.
After February 25, 2012, the Hotel for Kids package starts at $289 per night and is available through March 31, 2012. For more information, visit www.hotelcommonwealth.com or call 617-532-5019.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Jamaica is hosting its first ever Caribbean Yoga Conference Feb. 2-5 in Montego Bay, bringing together people from around the world who are inspired by the practice of yoga. Instructors will include Seane Corn, Simon Park, Toni Bergins and Sadie Nardini, and the music of MC Yogi and his band.

Workshops will be offered for all abilities.

Behind it all is Kim Moon, who first started by developing a yoga consulting business, Bella Luna Yoga, offering resorts help with creating yoga programs, kicking off with places like Club Med.

The latest one with Jamaica includes a community outreach component: In partnership with Shakti Mind Body Fitness in Kingston, Jamaica, the conference will give a Shakti Love Scholarship, inviting Jamaican youth counselors, social workers and teachers to the conference at no cost.

The conference cost is $345 per person, and it will be at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, which is offering a noninclusive group room rate of $239.93 a night to conference participants (the resort's usual all-inclusive rate is $291 for a single room, $343 for double occupancy). Conference cost includes all events, selected classes, morning meditations, noon yoga sessions, evening events and keynote and closing addresses. For information, visit http://caribbeanyogaconference.com/

By Patricia Harris & David Lyon, Globe Correspondents

You know the old saying, “If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” The Bedford Village Inn's executive chef Benjamin Knack (formerly of Beacon Hill Bistro and a finalist on “Hell's Kitchen”) is doing just that for the evenings of Jan. 24-28, as he runs the “Chillin' and Grillin'” area on the inn's patio, just a few feet from what promises to be the world's largest ice bar. The festivities are part of New Hampshire Wine Week.

Last year the inn set up an ice bar that weighed in at 10,000 pounds. This year the Stoli Ice Bar will pump up the volume to 50,000 pounds. In fact, the inn's courtyard will be filled with three ice bars, a martini luge, free-standing ice carvings, and lights and music.

Guest DJs provide tunes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and the Josh Logan Band plays live Thursday through Saturday nights. Festivities at the inn, just off Route 101 outside Manchester, are scheduled for 5:30-10 each night. Part of the $3 admission will benefit local charities.

For more information, see the inn's web site at www.bedfordvillageinn.com.

Photo courtesy of Bedford Village Inn

The Transportation Security Administration admitted in letters to two New York lawmakers that agents violated procedures when they demanded two elderly women show them medical devices hidden under their clothing at JFK Airport checkpoints.

In November 85-year-old Lenore Zimmerman and 88-year-old Ruth Sherman reported that they had been effectively strip searched while traveling separately through the airport.

TSA agents asked Sherman to lower the top of her trousers so they could inspect her colostomy bag and Zimmer was told to remove a back brace, which was sent through an x-ray machine.

Federal officials told Schumer and Gianaris that agents at the New York airport will get refresher courses on handling passengers with medical conditions.

After the initial complaints by the two women surfaced, the TSA said on its blog that the agency "does not, and has never, conducted strip searches and no strip searches occurred in any of these incidents.'' Bob Burns, the agency's blogger, went on to say that the agency was sorry that the elderly "passengers feel they had a bad screening experience,'' but stopped short of admitting any errors. Burns then detailed the agency's policy:

TSA officers do not ask passengers to remove clothing to expose a sensitive area or to remove a medical device or brace. We have special procedures that allow us to safely screen passengers with disabilities.

Turns out they did.