By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

A family getaway package is being offered at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, a quick flight away from Boston, which includes an adult room accommodation and a second connecting room for the kids free of charge. Children 12 and under can eat free from the children's menu and those up to 18 pay 50 percent off the adult prices of the a la carte menu. The package is for families with children 18 years old and younger, and includes free access to the hotel's Explorer camp and a family welcome amenity. The package is available through March 31, with rates starting at $269 per night, excluding taxes, tips and resort levy. For information and reservations, visit www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda, or call 800-441-1414.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

AAA Travel has announced new discounts and deals for consumers booking their Walt Disney vacations through their local AAA branches in January. Benefits to AAA members include exclusive the Disney Story Tell Experience; Diamond Savings Card, which gets holders up to 20 percent savings on dining, shopping and events; Diamond parking, which gets you closer proximity to the park; and preferred fireworks viewing locations. Booking in January gets members things like a Disney Gift Card offer; a $50 onboard credit for Disney Cruise Line trips when booking for a May 2-Sept. 26 departure; and $100 off the land-package price of an Adventure by Disney vacation. Check it out at your local AAA travel office, visit www.southernnewengland.aaa.com/sne/travel/disney.php or call 800-222-7448.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

Contortionists, jugglers, acrobats and more can be found in Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace's first Street Theater Festival Oct. 20-21. Scheduled to appear are Alakazam, aka "The Human Knot," who puts on what is billed as a self-contained freak show as he twists his body into pretzel shapes. Wacky Chad is scheduled to be there as well, a guy who does comedy with tricks and pogo-stick stunts, who has bounced on programs like 'America's Got Talent" and "Live with Regis & Kelly." Also on hand will be magician/juggler/comic/mind reader/fire eater Lucky Bob, and Jason Escape who lives up to his name by wriggling out of constraints, a Houdiniesque display of magic that features him wrapped in 75 feet of rope and hung by his ankles by audience members.

The two-day festival runs 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is free to all. Check out the full listing of events at www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/info/streetperformers

The addition of "Gaston's Tavern" to the newly-revamped Fantasyland in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom raised some eyebrows recently due to the theme park's long-standing ban on alcoholic beverages. What's in a name though, right?

As it turns out though, alcohol will not be served at the forthcoming restaurant. It will, however, be served at "Be Our Guest," which opens Nov. 19, sparking a debate as to why the ban has been lifted at the most family-friendly of Disney's four theme parks.

"As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine," beverage director Stuart McGuire told the Disney Parks Blog. "The wines focus primarily on France's famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

"We'll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664," said McGuire. "And, staying in the general region, we'll also offer Belgian beers."

Beer and wine has been served for years at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, where some visitors have even made it a day's challenge to sample beverages from around the World Pavillion, but the Magic Kingdom has always been treated as something of a sacred jewel in that regard by Disney. The quiet admission yesterday did not go unnoticed by many.

Previews of the new Fantasyland, which has already debuted a few attractions, begin in November, prior to its grand opening on Dec. 6.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

From one man -- Leon Leonwood Bean -- came an eventual $1.4-billion empire. And now a party to celebrate it all.

In honor of its centennial, L.L. Bean is hosting a 100th Anniversary Hometown Celebration on Main Street in Freeport, Maine, from July 4-7, a four-day event that includes free daily concerts in L.L. Bean's Discovery Park, the 35th Annual L.L. Bean 10K Road Race, family friendly outdoor activities and more. The event ends with a fireworks display.

Fun stuff along the way: Freeport Fourth of July parade, featuring the L.L. Bean Bootmobile; free Outdoor Discovery School demos, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding; appearances by Red Sox legendary shortstop Rico Petrocelli, Wally the Green Monster and the Sox World Series trophies; a Muddy Bean Boots ice cream sampling, a flavor created by Gifford's for the anniversary; outdoor games with Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Seth Westcott; music from Chris Isaak and Jo Dee Messina; farmer's market; free concerts by regional artists; and all-day street festivals with local crafts, food and live entertainment.

Bean started his company in 1912, a one-man operation catering to those lovers of the great outdoors, starting with the waterproof "Bean Boot," which remains an iconic symbol of the company. L.L. Bean still makes the boot -- and a lot of other things, outdoorsy and fashionable.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.llbean.com

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

The Fairmont Copley Plaza, fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration project as part of its centennial celebration, is offering some family packages for those looking to spend summer close to home. One is the Museum of Science Family Package, with rates starting at $239, and include accommodations for four and four tickets to the museum (two adults, two children).

The hotel's Call of the Wild Package, with rates kicking off at $339, partners with the Franklin Park Zoo, and includes two tickets to the zoo, accommodations in a newly renovated guest room and one Zookeeper Level Zoodoption, which awards a certificate of "adoption" of an animal in the zoo. And speaking of animals, but not in the literal sense, the Just Ducky Package revolves around Boston's famous Duck Tour, a package that starts at $319 and includes overnight stay at the hotel and four Duck Tour tickets. The Children's Museum package, starting at $219, includes accommodations and passes to the Boston Children's Museum for two adults and one child.

For information and specific pricing on all Fairmont Copley deals, visit www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza or call 800-441-1414.

By Stephen Jermanok, Globe Correspondent

A couple of weeks ago in Puerto Vallarta, I took a fast zodiac boat ride with the family across glorious Banderas Bay. Led by the outfitter Vallarta Adventures, we landed on the docks of the seaside village of Quimixto. We walked on cobblestone streets past the sleeping chihuahas and soon made our way to a pack of horses that were waiting to take us up the mountainous hillside. We got out of the saddle, only to find a hidden waterfall where we swam in the cool waters. After horseback riding, we snorkeled with a slew of angelfish and then had a delicious lunch on a quiet beach farther south in Pizotita. Our guide, Poncho, made a helluva margarita for the adults, while the kids were served coconut juice. Life was bliss and we laughed when Poncho said “Where are all the bandits in their big sombreros and guns blazing?” It was so peaceful here that my daughter wandered over to a hammock and took a nap.

The next day, a busload of passengers from a Celebrity cruise ship were on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta, on their way to a nature hike, when they were robbed at gunpoint by a bandit. I was stunned. I had just spent the past two days in Puerto Vallarta, walked the Malecon, the broad boardwalk down by the ocean, had an excellent meal of authentic Mexican fare at Old Town’s Margarita Grill, and felt perfectly safe my entire stay in the region. But then the robbery happened. This being Mexico, which already faces a huge media blitz about crime and their drug cartels, it can only add salt to the wound. Yet, let’s be realistic. There’s crime in every city in America, so why wouldn’t a city of over 400,000 people like Puerto Vallarta face some adversity. I feel horrible for the people on that bus who were robbed of their cameras, money, and cell phones. Hopefully, the robbery was an anomaly and the city can go back to doing what it does best, making guacamole tableside with homemade salsa. For that dish alone, I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

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 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.

National Park Service says that all 397 national parks will offer free admission from Saturday, Jan. 14- Monday, Jan. 16 to mark Martin Luther King Day. In New England there are more than two dozen parks, with the bulk of them being in Massachusetts (15). On its website, the NPS maps out locations by state.

For those interested in King himself, BudgetTravel offers these suggestions:

Those wishing to learn more about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., can pay a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia, where both the home he was born in and his tomb with the Eternal Flame are on display. Follow in his footsteps along the National Historic Trail from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, now a designated historic byway. If you happen to be on the east coast, visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and sit on the steps from which Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, or visit the newly opened Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in the National Mall. Events commemorating Dr. King's life will also take place at Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Tennessee, while the MLK Film Festival will be held at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington D.C. from January 14-16.

By Patricia Harris and David Lyon, Globe Correspondents

Shh-h-h-h-h! Don't tell the kids, but after the guests repair to their rooms following Thanksgiving dinner at the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield, N.H., all the resort's elves get to work. They transform the immense hilltop inn from an autumn getaway into a Christmas season destination by decking the halls and hanging wreaths everywhere.

There's a big Christmas tree in the main lobby and some years Santa's helpers manage to erect a smaller one near the fireplace in the cozy Dodge Lounge. Wooden “soldiers” like figures from The Nutcracker stand sentinel at the ends of the corridors. In fact, the 6-foot-tall soldiers are all over the hotel at the holidays, rather like the army of Christmas. Mind you, the effect of all the decorations is like a Victorian Christmas--gleeful without being gaudy. Most guests know in advance about the overnight transformation, but it still comes as a treat to the kids. So mum's the word. Instead of standing in a mall parking lot, Black Friday at the Mountain View Grand is like a preview of Christmas morning. Mountain View Grand, Mountain View Rd., Whitefield, N.H.; (866) 484-3843; www.mountainviewgrand.com.

Even before the Ben Stiller fantasy comedies about after-hours life in museums, a number of institutions hosted nights for children to tuck in next to a T-rex. And the programs, which run from just after the museum closes until just before it opens the next day, tend to be remarkably similar. Typically, children must be accompanied with an adult. Many programs only allow groups to sign up for overnights, but some just schedule dates and invite individual child-parent pairs to roll out a bag. There is a fee for the night, which covers specially-planned activities and at least one meal -- usually a continental breakfast but some places also serve dinner. Here is a list of some places locally and around the nation that offer sleepover programs:

NEW ENGLAND

Museum of Science in Boston.

The Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester

The Children's Museum in West Hartford, Conn.

The Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Dover

Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor

Battleship Cove in Fall River

New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Conn.

AROUND THE US

American Museum of Natural History in New York City

Field Museum in Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington

The Spy Museum in Washington

National Aquarium in Baltimore

Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh

Natural History Museum in Los Angeles

San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

SeaWorld in San Diego

Seaworld in Orlando, Fla.

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Fla,

By Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

More than 30 Italian museums, including the Capitoline and Vatican Museums, as well as private collections, loaned artifacts and masterpieces to "ROME. From the Origins to Italy's Capital," organized by and on view at the Museum of Civilization, in Quebec City, through Jan. 29, 2012. The exhibition traces Roman civilization from 850 B.C. through the mid-19th century. On view are nearly 300 priceless treasures, including statures, mosaics, frescoes, paintings, busts, sarcophagus, and tapestries.

Never before has any museum attempted to cover the Rome's rich history in a single exhibition. "ROME" takes visitors through 2,600 years spanning five periods of Roman history: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern. A number of the works on view haven't been previously displayed publicly anywhere in the world. These include a mid-second century statue of Venus; a circa 1198-1216 mosaic of Pope Innocent III; "Hope" one of three theological virtues from the predella of the Baglioni altarpiece, created in 1507 by Raphael; the Tapestry of the Nativity and central dossal of the baldachin, crafted in the Barberini workshops between 1635-37; and a circular tabletop with the head of Medusa, signed and dated by Francesco Sibilio, in 1825. The exhibition also includes a multimedia installation, "Fontina di Roma," a fountain of film clips in water.

Guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes, provide an excellent introduction to the exhibition and are available in English.

By Megan Lisagor, Globe Correspondent

I’ve largely considered Naples a necessary evil, a stop along the way to more desirable destinations. The city felt especially grimy on my most recent visit; the scene outside the central train station resembled a doomsday movie set, with people weaving shopping carts among stalled traffic and mountains of trash. I kept expecting Tom Cruise to zip by our taxi on a motorcycle.

Stuck overnight because of flight scheduling, we dutifully headed to the Archaeological Museum whose treasures of antiquity sadly get overshadowed by their derelict surroundings. From there, we wandered Old Town’s narrow streets past stalls selling religious tchotchkes and crumbling buildings so beautiful their neglect seems criminal.

Admittedly, Naples has a certain energy, a kind of living decay that both puts me on high alert and gives me a traveler’s high. The countless churches certainly leave a lasting impression, as do those famous Neopolitan pies. But it wasn’t prayer or pizza that saved the day. It was La Stanza del Gusto (Via Constantinopoli 100; 081401578), a cheese bar and restaurant not listed in our guidebook. Looking to change our son’s diaper, we stumbled upon this gem and had the meal of the trip.

Seated at a communal table in the colorful, ground-floor space, we devoured small plates of fried artichokes and homemade pasta — it was the kind of culinary epiphany tourists in Italy expect but don't always find. We didn’t make it upstairs but plan to return for the tasting menu next time. The Campanian cuisine is reason enough to book that cheaper ticket with a layover.

By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent

Love shellfish? From Sept, 15-18, 2011, in a giant white tent on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, thousands of foodies from across the continent will congregate for the 16th annual Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, a four-day extravaganza packed with culinary demos, celebrity chefs, chowder championships, and oyster shucking competitions.

Tens of thousands of people from around the region and the world are drawn to this vibrant celebration of PEI shellfish.

Sample all the PEI shellfish you can eat at the PEI International Shellfish Festival's biggest ever food pavilion, including local mussels, oysters, lobster, clams, quahogs, and even chowder while enjoying live musical entertainment.

Looking for a place to stay? The Great George Hotel, dating back to the 1800's, is a boutique hotel blocks from the wharf and the historic center of town. The hotel offers the intimacy of a B & B, with fresh cookies served every afternoon, and a deluxe continental breakfast served every morning in the elegant parlor/lobby. http://www.thegreatgeorge.com/

The PEI Shellfish Festival is a joint effort of the PEI Aquaculture Alliance & the PEI Shellfish Association. For more information: 1-866-955-2003

Photos of festival by Necee Regis for The Boston Globe

This Friday wraps up this summer's Free Fun Fridays, sponsored by the nonprofit Highland Street Foundation. This Friday the foundation will treat visitors to free admission to Old Sturbridge Village, Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Ecotarium in Worcester, and the New Repratory Theatre's 6 pm performance of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'' at the Charles Mosesian Theater in the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown. Highland Street began Free Fun Fridays a couple of years ago to celebrate the foundation’s 20th anniversary. The organization has donated more than $125 million to nonprofits to support projects benefiting children and families, primarily in Massachusetts and California, in education, housing, health care, environment, and the arts.

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent

New York-based Cactus Language Training offers cultural immersion trips to 60 countries that help travelers learn more than 30 languages. This year’s new programs include learning Spanish and Latin dance at a school on the banks of the Amazon River in Colombia, studying German in a Bavarian town overlooking the Swiss Alps, and mastering Russian in culturally diverse Kiev. Cactus incorporates cultural experiences, like wine tasting, cooking, dancing, diving, surfing, and photography, into each program. Prices start at $123 per week for instruction; various types of accommodations are available. Summer specials include free private lessons in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, when you book a two-week group course. 888-577-8451, www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel offers a special Tour de Boston package through Aug. 31 for guests who would like to explore the city on a bike. The package includes a ‘‘biker-to-go pack’’ with a bottle of water and a homemade granola bar, a map of local bike routes, accommodations, and access to the hotel’s health club and lap pool. After a day of biking guests can retreat to the hotel’s Capiz Lounge. Rates start at $199 per night, based on double occupancy, not including tax, parking, or gratuity; some blackout dates apply. Ask for the Tour de Boston package if reserving by phone, or enter promotional code ARN if booking online. 617-338-4111, www.renaissanceboston.com
KARI BODNARCHUK

By Jan Shepherd Globe Correspondent

As part of a public rededication of its Civil War monuments, the town of Brookfield, Mass., hosts "Honor & Remembrance" with the Mass 15th Volunteers Re-enactors on July 29 and 30. Outfitted with Civil Era uniforms and equipment, the soldiers set up their encampment on the Common Friday afternoon followed by a 6 p.m. concert with the Heritage String Band performing period ballads and patriotic songs. As a finale, area fiddlers and other musicians can join an open jam. The next morning it's rise and shine with 6 a.m. Reveille and preparations for the 10 a.m. "Solemn Procession of Honor & Remembrance" to the Grand Army of the Republic Soldier's Monument in the Brookfield Cemetery on Route 9. After the rededication with elements of the 1890 ceremony, the procession returns to the Common for a salute at the monument honoring 260 Brookfield residents who fought in the war. The encampment open house continues with period games, musket firing, and stories for kids. The town library features an exhibit of war artifacts, among them a book of 83 soldiers' first-hand accounts of their war experiences. The weekend is sponsored by the Brookfield Historical Commission -- email historicbrkfld@aol.com)

Photo of members of the Mass 15th Volunteers Re-enactors

It's no surprise to any kid from Massachusetts that Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail are must-sees. It just took Budget Travel a bit longer to figure it out.

Budget Travel has made up a list of the 15 Places Kids Should See by the Age of 15, and the home of the Sox and Freedom Trail figure prominently. To wit, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, along with representatives from the Sox organization and the Freedom Trail Foundation, will mark the occasion with a pregame ceremony this evening about 6:45 at Fenway.

Just to give you some idea of the competition, the other attractions on Budget Travel's list include: the Grand Canyon, Redwood National Park, Monticello, Niagara Falls, The National Mall in DC, Colonial Williamsburg, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Independence Hall in Philly, Alcatraz Island, Ellis Island, Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, and the San Diego Zoo.

David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

 

If you’re in the area of northeast Pennsylvania this summer, you may want to check out the Kutztown Folk Festival July 2-10, now in its 62^nd year. The celebration, one of the  nation's oldest folk life festivals, draws about 150,000 visitors annually. It features folk art and crafts by 200 craftsman (including Eastern Pennsylvania’s finest traditional hex-sign painters, said to be among the last in the nation), the largest sale of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch quilts in the country (nearly 2,000 of them, hand-made Pennsylvania German motif, all made in the United States), folklore and folk life programs (stomp along with the popular Pennsylvania Dutch hoedown), five stages of continuous entertainment, kids’ activities and, organizers said, the best Pennsylvania Dutch food found anywhere, which includes all-you-can-eat dinners.

 Tickets are $14 for adults, kids 12 and under free.

By Patricia Harris, Globe Correspondent

As you've no doubt heard, the National Center for Education Statistics has concluded that students score lower on proficiency tests in U.S. history than any other subject. That's all the more reason to take them on trips where they might get excited about what happened long ago. Meanwhile, if you'd like to sneak a little history into your kids' summer vacation, the new book Boston and the State of Massachusetts: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know by Kate Boehm Jerome (Arcadia Publishing, $9.99) might be a good place to start. The slim volume is geared toward ages 7 to 11 and mixes an upbeat style and colorful illustrations with lots of fun facts. Most adults probably don't know how many chests of tea the patriots dumped into Boston Harbor in 1773 (342). But most of us might recall the height of Fenway Park's Green Monster, right? (It's 37 feet). The fun series also covers a number of other cities, including Austin, San Antonio, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

By Paul E. Kandarian, Globe Correspondent

I’ve always considered myself a pretty well-mannered guy at dinner. I don’t put my elbows on the table or eat with my mouth open. OK, that’s about it but hey, I’m a guy. Beyond that, I’m perplexed. I mean really, what are all those utensils for?

 Suzanne Willis knows. She is public relations director at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Fla., whom I met last year at the Ritz at dinner with others and wondered aloud about the utensil issue. The Ritz being the Ritz meant more utensils than I knew what to do with.

 “Easy rule,” she said. “Start from the outside and work your way in.”

 Willis, it turns out, is also creator of “Mimi’s Manners,” taught at the Ritz and other places, etiquette classes for kids to instill in them basic manners in a fine-dining setting. It’s named in honor of Willis’s grandmother, the late Florence Sayers Larimer Black, affectionately known as Mimi to her grandchildren.  She was a stickler for good manners and taught her grandchildren well.

 

“She’d say ‘E’s off’,” Willis recalled. “It meant ‘elbows off the table, please’.”

 Black was on the board of directors for the Thomas Alva Edison Foundation for more than 30 years, and once met the Thomas and Mina Edison when she was young, Willis said. She served on many other charitable boards as well and in her spare time, would entertain friends at afternoon tea, a place where good manners are a must.

 Willis's classes for kids 6 to 12 are typically two hours long and include not only proper use of all that stuff on the table, but introductions, handshakes and proper dinner conversation, taught during a three-course meal. Kids also learn about respect, consideration, and how to write (or draw) a thank-you note, which is somewhat of a dying tradition in the email-and-text era. The students get a workbook and certificate of completion. Courses run $45 per child.

 Looking at all those dishes and glasses also made me wonder: Which bread dish and glass are mine?

 “That’s easy, too,” Willis smiled, telling me to make a circle with thumb and forefinger of each hand, the left resembling a ‘b’ and the right a ‘d’.  “The b is for ‘bread dish’, the d for ‘drink’.”

 As part of her course, Willis gives kids a manners reminder card. I think I need one.

(Photo of Suzanne Willis from "Mimi's Manners" website)

By Patricia Harris, Globe Correspondent

I've always thought of knitting as a genteel activity, but organizers of the Northeast Kingdom Farm to Yarn Tour advise participants to ''wear boots (preferably plastic ones that can be washed) and clothes that can get dirty.'' The tour, which takes place next weekend, May 21-22, is a chance to meet and greet the creatures who make your knitting, weaving, and felting possible. The dozen participating farms raise raise sheep, cashmere goats, alpacas, and angora rabbits. Activities vary from farm to farm, but they almost always include a tour of the animal facilities and may include craft demonstrations. (One farm even has a llama obstacle course.) Of course, yarn will be for sale.

Eight farms will be open on Saturday, and four on Sunday. In addition, the Mountain Fiber Folk Coop in Montgomery will be open both days and will be giving spinning demonstrations. On Sunday, the coop will also demonstrate natural dyeing with indigo.

Details are buried on the Northeast Kingdom's website, but you can find the list of participating farms with dates, hours, a downloadable map, and directions on the Farm to Yarn page. Click here.

Photo by Patricia Harris for the Boston Globe

By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent

Children ages 10 to 14 will learn about ranch life from professional wranglers at Junior Wrangler Day Camp at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colo. Programs include riding lessons, horse care, cowboy games, cattle work, and adventure trail riding in the mornings and mountain biking, hiking, swimming, orienteering, a ropes course, and a laser biathlon in the afternoons. Outdoor recreation for parents and special lodging packages are available. Camps run June 20-22, July 11-13, and Aug. 8-10. Morning session $405 per child, full day $630.

800-933-4339, www.devilsthumbranch.com