MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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festivals & events

Freedom Fighters from Around the World Meet in Berlin Nov. 10 to Address The Worldwide Rise of Autocracy, Dictatorship; Public Invited

October 31, 2025 MoralCompass

Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. The first-ever Berlin Freedom Conference is being held November 10, 2025 to address the rise of dictatorship and autocracy around the world. Have pluralism, freedom and democracy had their day? Tickets are available to attend. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Berlin – Freedom is in retreat worldwide. Have pluralism, freedom and democracy had their day? What role do economics, technology and the media play? How do we defend freedom? Berlin, a city that stands for freedom and the overcoming of dictatorship like no other, is hosting the Berlin Freedom Conference, 10 November 2025, Gasometer (EUREF Campus) to address these difficult issues.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are available from 19 euros.

The more than 60 international speakers include Masih Alinejad (Iranian women’s rights activist and president of the World Liberty Congress), Garry Kasparov (world chess champion, Chairperson of the Renew Democracy Foundation and outspoken critic of Putin), Leopoldo López (Venezuelan opposition leader and co-founder of the World Liberty Congress), Oleksandra Matviichuk and María Corina Machado (both Nobel Peace Prize laureates, with Machado joining virtually), the legitimate President of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia and Audrey Tang (Taiwan’s digital ambassador), winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize.

German politicians participating include Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and Education Minister Karin Prien. The patron is the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner. Evelyn Zupke (former civil rights activist and SED victims’ commissioner at the German Bundestag) will open the conference by drawing parallels between today’s struggle for freedom and democracy and Berlin’s historical legacy, the peaceful revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. For 1989 showed that democratic change is possible and walls can come down – even those of today.

Important voices for freedom and democracy

Other international guests at the Berlin Freedom Conference include Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther (Director of the German Economic Institute), Larry Diamond (Professor at Stanford University) and Annie Boyajian (President of Freedom House). Lithuanian politician Mantas Adomėnas represents the Community of Democracies as its Secretary General.

International human rights lawyers Brandon Silver and Irwin Cotler (former Minister of Justice of Canada) will speak about supporting political prisoners.

The role of business and global cooperation will be discussed by Mariana Oleskiv (European Affairs Advisor to the World Travel and Tourism Council), Franziska Giffey (Berlin Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises) and Ulrich Reuter (President of the German Savings Banks and Giro Association), among others.

Speaking in defence are Ben Hodges (former Commanding General of the US Army in Europe), Damon Wilson (President of the National Endowment for Democracy) and Major Philipp Wolf (German-French Corps).

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s cyber ambassador, first minister for digital affairs and winner of the alternative Nobel Prize, the Right Livelihood Award, and Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko of the Ukrainian Army will speak about the connection between freedom and technology, media and artificial intelligence. Other guests include Ahmad Ahmadian (President of Holistic Resilience) and Hannah Neumann (Member of the European Parliament).

The significance of art for freedom is discussed by Chinese exile artist Badiucao and American journalist and author Melissa Chan.

A stage for 5-minute ideas: courage meets practice

Another special feature of the Berlin Freedom Conference programme is the “Ignite Talks” format: on stage, personalities from various fields present their “Freedom Ideas” – new perspectives, initiatives and practical solutions – in five-minute, concise short presentations. The format underlines the conference’s claim to not only discuss freedom, but to actively shape it.

Berlin as a stage for freedom

The Berlin Freedom Conference is part of Berlin Freedom Week, which begins on 8 November and features more than 130 events at over 80 locations throughout the city, bringing freedom to life in both the past and the present. The initiative stems from the World Liberty Congress, whose two-day general assembly will take place on 8 and 9 November in Berlin’s House of Representatives. Around 200 dissidents and democracy activists from over 50 autocratically ruled countries will gather there. In doing so, the city is sending a strong signal to the world: those who are oppressed and persecuted elsewhere will find a parliament in Berlin.

Initiators, media partners and sponsors

The patron of the Berlin Freedom Conference is Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner. The Berlin Freedom Conference is a joint initiative of visitBerlin, the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation and the World Liberty Congress, the largest global democracy alliance with more than 200 dissidents from over 50 autocratically ruled countries around the world.

The Berlin Freedom Conference is sponsored by the LOTTO Foundation Berlin, with Airbnb and Berliner Sparkasse as sponsoring partners. The media partners are Die Zeit, Politico, radio3, Tagesspiegel, Wall GmbH and Welt. Details and the programme can be found at berlin-freedom-conference.com and berlin-freedom-week.com; Instagram: @berlinfreedomconference and @berlinfreedomweek.

Berlin Freedom Conference
The Berlin Freedom Conference will take place for the first time on 10 November 2025 at the Gasometer Schöneberg. It will bring together leading voices from politics, business, civil society, culture, and the media to launch new democratic alliances and powerfully advance the global commitment to freedom and democracy. More information and tickets at berlin-freedom-conference.com.

Berlin Freedom Week

Berlin Freedom Week (8–15 November 2025) is a new event week that focuses on the idea of freedom. With a diverse programme of conferences, art, culture and public dialogue, it aims to inspire Berliners and international guests and promote exchange on the importance of democratic values in today’s world. berlin-freedom-week.com and visitBerlin.de/de/berlin-freedom-week

World Liberty Congress

The World Liberty Congress is the largest global democracy alliance, with more than 200 dissidents from more than 50 autocratically ruled countries around the world. It will take place on 8 and 9 November in the Berlin House of Representatives. Its goal is to support the fight for freedom in autocratic regimes, promote international solidarity and develop a common strategy for the advancement of democracy. worldlibertycongress.org

Axel Springer Freedom Foundation

The Axel Springer Freedom Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports human rights defenders from countries where freedom is restricted. Defending freedom and democracy and showing solidarity with those who live and suffer under authoritarian rule were always guiding principles for our company founder Axel Springer, and the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation is continuing his legacy with renewed determination. Supported by a strong advisory board of experienced human rights defenders, the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation organises events, installations and publications. It also collects donations to directly support the work of dissidents and their organisations. freedom.axelspringer.com

visitBerlin
“Inspiring the world for Berlin.” With this mission, Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH promotes Berlin’s destination management as well as the city’s tourism and congress marketing. Under the visitBerlin brand, the company is a partner, actor, source of creative ideas, and networker. Its remit is focused on sustainable product development and marketing city-compatible tourism services in all twelve Berlin boroughs with the aim of maintaining the life quality of local residents and harmoniously increasing experience value for visitors. As a tour operator, visitBerlin also issues the Berlin WelcomeCard, the city’s official tourist ticket. The company also operates the Berlin Tourist Info Centres and the Berlin Service Center advice line on +49-30-25 00 25. On visitBerlin.de, Berlin’s official tourism website, visitors can find all the information they need on every aspect of their trip to the city. Find out more about visitBerlin on about.visitBerlin.de

cruises, festivals & events

AdventureSmith Explorations Taking Bookings on 7 Small Ship Cruises Sailing Along the Solar Eclipse Path of Totality in 2026

March 9, 2025 MoralCompass

12 million people traveled into the path of totality during the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse in the United States. AdventureSmith Explorations is preparing for the next Total Solar Eclipse, August 12, 2026 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

TRUCKEE, Calif. – Watching celestial events – in particular, the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse – aboard a small ship offers numerous advantages that are unlikely to be experienced any other way, and AdventureSmith Explorations, a leader in small-ship cruising, is prepared for the next Total Solar Eclipse, August 12, 2026. The company is booking passage aboard seven solar eclipse cruises, to give travelers the distinct privilege of viewing this once-in-a-lifetime event reaching remote and pristine areas that larger vessels can’t, and enjoying flexible routing and expert positioning to maximize viewing opportunities.

“Small ship cruises provide an intimate, immersive experience complete with unobstructed horizons, fewer passengers, expert guides, and the perfect blend of sky-watching and wilderness exploration,” said Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations. “For those interested in witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026, there are a handful of opportunities to do so aboard small ships both in the High Arctic and the Mediterranean depending on travelers’ climate and expedition preferences.”

These seven small ship cruises will put travelers in the path of totality on August 12, 2026:

Total Solar Eclipse in the Mediterranean. See the eclipse from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, aboard a luxury French ship. Cruise round-trip from Nice with special guest “eclipse chasers,” or from Barcelona to Nice with world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys. These nine-day cruises on the 184-guest Le Dumont D’Urville or 264-guest Le Boreal include excursions in every port while sailing the western Mediterranean.

Arctic Odyssey Under a Solar Eclipse. Sail the Arctic and explore Svalbard, Eastern Greenland and Iceland in one epic voyage aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit alongside special guest and astrophysicist Dr. Paul Sutter. This adventure offers the lowest starting price on this list, making it an exceptional value.

Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland. This 14-day expedition affords the opportunity to experience dramatic coastlines and cruise through icy waters in search of iconic Arctic wildlife like polar bears, musk oxen, whales and arctic foxes. Two special departures aim to position travelers in the center of totality within East Greenland’s vast fjord system, Scoresby Sund.

Jewels of the Arctic. Enjoy a unique visit to the bird-rich island of Jan Mayen, plus explorations of Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland, aboard the cutting-edge 132-guest Greg Mortimer. Add on the ship’s popular kayaking program to fully experience nature at its wildest with just 19 other paddlers.

National Geographic Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland & Canada. Following the path of early Viking explorers, this journey mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that is brought to life by well-preserved ruins and local communities that thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Travel with a diverse team of experts from Reykjavik, Iceland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.

Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers & The Westfjords. Embark on a round-trip journey from Iceland to Greenland with the pioneers that led the first successful total solar eclipse cruise in Antarctica. Experience thrilling heli-flightseeing over remote Greenland from the ship’s state-of-the-art helicopters, and gain expert insights from science journalist and eclipse enthusiast David Baron and eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler.

Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet. Aboard a luxury French expedition ship, follow in the footsteps of the Vikings and Erik the Red as you explore four Arctic regions on one unforgettable voyage. Join special guests, astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré, and navigate to the remote fjords of North-West Iceland for total eclipse viewing.

In addition to these current seven Arctic cruises and Mediterranean small ship cruises, more are likely to be announced as the total solar eclipse nears. Stay tuned to AdventureSmith’s dedicated page for solar eclipse cruises for the latest offerings.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Pioneering sustainable travel practices, AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith has been recognized among Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Top Travel Specialists for 11 consecutive years. The company has also been awarded a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award, recognized as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, named among Outside’s Best Places to Work in 2024, and is Sunset Magazine’s “Best Transportation and Tours” 2024 Travel Award winner.

Learn more and book an expedition at adventuresmithexplorations.com or by calling 866-575-2875.

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attractions, Canada travel, festivals & events, heritage travel, Historic Places, Historic Preservation, Museums & Exhibits

Nova Scotia’s Acadian Heritage and Culture Takes Center Stage This Summer

June 7, 2024 MoralCompass

*“Leave the 21^st Century behind at Historic Acadien Village” a highlight of our visit to New Brunswick © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Halifax, Nova Scotia – This August 10-18, Nova Scotia will host the Congrés mondial acadien (CMA), a worldwide celebration that takes place every five years and brings together the Acadian diaspora from around the world. With events stretched across the southwestern tip of the province, travelers can explore the history, culture, language, genealogy, music, food, crafts, and more, that are the essence of Nova Scotia’s Acadian roots.

From the brightly painted houses of Yarmouth and picturesque views of seaside villages like Belliveau Cove and Pointe-de-l’Eglise, visitors will find vivid reminders of the French settlers who first claimed Nova Scotia as their home in the early 1600s. The CMA reunites and welcomes communities, families, and visitors to the province to honor Acadian history and to commemorate the thousands displaced in 1755 when the Acadian people were expelled from the province by the British for not taking a vow of loyalty to King George III.

Congrès mondial acadien 2024 Festivities

The nine-day CMA celebration will bring together the worldwide Acadian diaspora to enjoy musical events, culinary and cultural attractions, and family gatherings. Several major outdoor concerts featuring noted Acadian artists are scheduled for several days, including Canada’s National Acadian Day on August 15.

Family reunions have been an integral part of the CMA since its founding in 1994 and are organized by related associations with support from the CMA to provide Acadian families the chance to meet cousins from across the world and celebrate family contributions past and present. Acadian families from the Amiraults, Gallants, LeBlancs, Thibodeaus and many more are planning activities, meals, dances, and presentations. For the most up-to-date list of family reunions taking place this year, those interested can visit https://cma2024.ca/en/family-reunions/information-for-participants .

Various culinary experiences will also be available to guests of the CMA 2024 including demonstrations, kitchen parties (an Atlantic Canadian tradition of casual gathering with songs, local food, and newfound friends), and opportunities to try famous Nova Scotian cuisine like rappie pie (a savory dish of potatoes, onion and chicken, beef or clams) along with the province’s famed fresh seafood.

The CMA is also an opportunity to tackle topics that are important to the Acadian community, including an economic conference, a women’s summit, thematic presentations, and major discussions on the future of Acadie. Young francophones aged 18 to 35 will have the opportunity to take part in workshops to help them hone skills in leadership, learn how to become engaged citizens, develop awareness of challenges in the Francophonie, and gather to exchange ideas and foster long-lasting connections. For more information about the Congrès Mondial acadien festivities, visit https://cma2024.ca/en/.

Throughout the summer, there are important Acadian historic sites to visit in Nova Scotia:

Grand Pré National Historic Site

Open from May 17 to October 14, the Grand Pré National Historic Site is a powerful way to discover the history of l’Acadie (a historical Acadian village in Nova Scotia settled from 1682 to 1755), its people and its culture. The location is a monument that unites the Acadian people, and for many, it is the heart of their ancestral homeland. Guided tours lead visitors through the center of this Acadian settlement and where they can learn about the history of the mass deportation of the Acadians, “Le Grand Derangement,” that began in 1755. This tragic event continues to shape the vibrant culture of modern-day Acadians across the globe. Tours are available in July and August.

Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Visitors wishing to immerse themselves further in the vibrant Acadian culture of Nova Scotia can explore the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of its founder in Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Founded in 1653 by Sieur Philippe Mius-d’Entremont, the village is a breathtaking, 17-acre space overlooking Pubnico Harbour. Attractions include historical buildings and original nineteenth century wooden homes like Duon House and Maximin d’Entremont House, a lighthouse and local cemetery, nature trails with natural fauna and flora indigenous to the area, and opportunities to learn about the historic Acadian fishing and farming traditions.

Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

Open year-round and located on the campus of Université Sainte-Anne in Clare is Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, an Acadian cultural and interpretive center. Attractions include an artist-run gallery, a souvenir boutique, a 263-seat performance theatre, an outdoor performance area, and more. Travelers can experience the interpretive center and museum which delve into the Acadian peoples’ history through multimedia displays of music and language with free guided tours available. The venue is also a trailhead for a three-mile network of walking trails leading to the breathtaking Nova Scotian coast, and guided walking tours are available.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

Nova Scotia

Web: www.novascotia.com

Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia

Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia

Facebook: @NovaScotia

Prince Edward Island

Web: www.tourismpei.com

Instagram: @tourismpei

Twitter: @tourismpei

Facebook: @tourismpei

Newfoundland and Labrador

Web: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com

Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador

Twitter: @NLtweets

Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

New Brunswick

Web: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca

Instagram: @DestinationNB

Facebook: @ExploreNB

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Cultural Travel, festivals & events, international travel, Uncategorized

Croatia Summer Festivals, Events Highlight Culture, Heritage

May 29, 2024 MoralCompass

Dubrovnik Summer Festival | Credit: Dubrovnik City Tourism Board

As the summer season approaches, Croatia beckons travelers with a promise of unforgettable experiences amidst stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural events. This year, visitors to the picturesque nation will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a plethora of festivals that showcase the country’s unique heritage:

JUNE 27^th – 29^TH: RetrOpatija in Opatija: Step back in time and experience the retro charm of Opatija with this nostalgic and fun event. RetrOpatija is a musical journey through time, blending swing, rockabilly, rock, jazz, and electric disco music to create a sensational party celebrating the iconic decades and musical styles of the twentieth century. This retro festival brings together an array of talent, including pin-up models, dancers, jugglers, street musicians, makeup artists, and hair stylists, while also showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles like Vespas, Tomos, and Fiats. Join thousands of other visitors beneath a large disco ball at the ‘party of the century’ and dance the night away. (https://www.visitopatija.com/en/retropatija)

JUNE 30^th to JULY 1^st: Half-New Year Celebration Carnival in Korcula: Half New Year Celebration Carnival, a traditional fun event, carnival parade through the streets of Korčula, each year attracts a large number of guests who are having fun until the early morning hours on the streets of the town of Korčula. (https://visitkorcula.eu/)

JULY 10^TH to AUGUST 25^TH: Dubrovnik Summer Festival: Celebrating its 75th edition, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is set to enchant visitors to one of Croatia’s main destinations with a captivating blend of theater, music, and dance against the backdrop of the historic city of Dubrovnik. From classical concerts to contemporary performances, this renowned festival promises cultural delights for all. ( https://www.dubrovnik-festival.hr/)

AUGUST 2^nd to 4^th: Sinjska Alka in Sinj: The Sinjska Alka in Sinj is a rare and ancient chivalric game, commemorating the victory of 700 Sinj knights over the Ottoman army in 1715. This victory, attributed to the Madonna’s intervention, saved the town from the siege. The Alka embodies a blend of local, eastern, and Venetian influences, showcased through elaborate costumes and military-inspired competition rules. The event is a vibrant display of movement, sound, and color. The people of Sinj instituted the Alka – the knights’ tournament in honor of its heavenly patroness the Madonna of Sinj, as an eternal vow of devotion and respect. Over three centuries, the Alka has become ingrained in the identity of Sinj and the Cetina March, serving as a testament to the preservation of chivalric spirit and regional pride. Recognized for its cultural significance, the Alka has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible World Heritage since November 16, 2010, as a unique tradition. (https://www.alka.hr/en)

AUGUST 23^TH TO SEPTEMBER 1^ST: Špancirfest (Strollers’ Festival) in Varazdin: Špancirfest in Varaždin is a dynamic festival that energizes the city with creativity and cultural exchange. Over its 20-year tenure, it has showcased over 15,000 performers from around the globe and welcomed 2 million visitors. Beyond its entertainment value, Špancirfest has become an integral part of Varaždin’s identity, with locals measuring time between festivals. The streets and squares of the historic city center come alive with the presence of street artists and buskers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that permeates throughout. Through smiles and good vibrations, attendees become active participants in the festival, contributing to its sense of community and camaraderie. Špancirfest is not just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Varaždin. (https://www.spancirfest.com/en/)

Click here for more information about the top events this summer across Croatia.

Stretching along the Adriatic Sea, just a stone’s throw from Central Europe, Croatia is a country defined by a rich cultural legacy. Today, history perfectly combines with a youthful spirit and vibrant energy that prove irresistible to those seeking diversity. Breath-taking natural beauty, endless coastlines, diverse gastronomy, adventure, sports and wellness, can be enjoyed all year round. Whether exploring the old city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, island-hopping around the Split archipelago, truffle hunting in Istria, strolling around the Plitvice Lakes, delving into Zagreb’s streets and hidden passages, birdwatching in Kopački rit, or taking time out with the family on Zlatni Rat beach, there truly is something for everyone in Croatia. For more information, visit https://croatia.hr/en-gb

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Educational Travel, festivals & events, heritage travel, Historic Places

Juneteenth Celebrations in Williamsburg, VA

May 16, 2024 MoralCompass

Wednesday, June 19 is Juneteenth, the national holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. This year, Visit Williamsburg is again partnering with the Juneteenth Community Consortium to promote the significance the destination played in this Black experience in American history.

From June 15-22, 2024, visitors can experience, celebrate, and reflect on this holiday’s importance at events throughout Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown such as Prelude to Juneteenth: The Emancipation Proclamation on the Virginia Peninsula at Jamestown Settlement, YJCW NAACP Juneteenth Community Festival at Freedom Park,and numerous special events like the sunrise service and communal quilt project at Colonial Williamsburg.

Among the events marking Juneteenth: talks and demonstrations at the Public Armoury by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal worker and owner of Andrew’s Welding & Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans’ Seventh Ward. In addition to his contemporary furniture and decorative art creations, Reeves is the most celebrated architectural blacksmith in the Gulf South. He is especially renowned for his meticulous, historically accurate wrought iron restorations of antique fences, gates, balcony railings, and window grilles in the French Quarter and beyond. Reeves is reviving the traditions of New Orleans’ 18th- and 19th-century African American ironworkers by transmitting his vast institutional knowledge and trade skills to a new generation of apprentices through the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild.

Art Exhibit, “I made this…”: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans, on view in the Miodrag and Elizabeth Ridgely Blagojevich Gallery, celebrates the lives of eighteenth through twentieth-century Black American artisans and artists through the material culture they created. The title comes from a quote by 19th-century enslaved potter David Drake who inscribed these words on one of his pots despite laws prohibiting literacy for enslaved people. Drake is just one of the many artists represented in this exhibition. Objects from both Decorative Arts and Folk Art collections will be displayed in the same gallery contrasting the aesthetics and designs of men and women from different times, places, and backgrounds. These pieces represent the inspirations, resilience, and legacies of these talented makers.

Free Juneteenth Single-Day Ticket: In observance of Juneteenth, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and the Art Museums on June 19 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Find more events and detailed information at https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/juneteenth/.

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ecotourism, festivals & events, National Parks, Nature Travel, Outdoors Travel

Explore the Cosmos at Death Valley Dark Sky Festival, March 1-3

February 6, 2024 MoralCompass

Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how Death Valley National Park has been used as an analog for the exploration of distant worlds during the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival March 1-3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Xanterra Travel Collection)

There’s no better place to explore the wonders of space than from one of the darkest locations in the United States. Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how Death Valley National Park has been used as an analog for the exploration of distant worlds during the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival March 1-3, 2024.

Death Valley National Park is one of only eight (8) designated “gold tier” International Dark Sky Parks in the country where stargazers can see the Milky Way with the naked eye (something that’s not possible from most people’s homes due to light pollution). The National Park Service, alongside the Oasis at Death Valley, has taken measures to greatly minimize light pollution in the area so no special telescopes are needed (though they are recommended for an otherworldly experience).

Accommodations and restaurants are extremely limited in the park. Not only does The Oasis at Death Valley offer two properties with modern luxury and family-friendly accommodations, but it’s also ideally positioned with clear nights the norm, a lack of settled land, and the exterior lights of the resort dim by design. Ideal for stargazing, yes, but also for travelers in search of astronomical sights – constellations, planets, deep-sky objects, celestial events like lunar eclipses and meteor showers, and even actual galaxies like the increasingly hard-to-spot Milky Way.

The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is a collaboration between Death Valley National Park, non-profit Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA‘s Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and California Institute of Technology. All Death Valley Dark Sky Festival programs are free and open to the public. Some of the programs are specifically targeted for families with children. For a full list of programs and lodging options visit the park’s website at nps.gov/deva.

Located 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 295 miles northeast of Los Angeles, The Oasis at Death Valley is distant enough from the major cities in the Southwest to provide unobstructed views of the night’s sky, yet close enough for city dwellers to escape for the weekend. Guests can reserve a private stargazing party to create the ultimate night sky experience. In addition, Furnace Creek Stables on property offers a moonlight tour which is a unique way to stargaze.

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festivals & events, Tips for Travel, Travel Tips, Uncategorized

Priceline: The Costs of Traveling To Watch April’s Total Solar Eclipse

January 23, 2024 MoralCompass

On April 8, 2024, North America will witness a spectacular celestial event — a total solar eclipse. Priceline is recommending booking travel arrangements well in advance in key locations in the path of totality to ensure the best experience. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

On April 8, 2024, North America will witness a spectacular celestial event — a total solar eclipse. This rare phenomenon occurs when the Moon completely obscures the Sun, casting a shadow over Earth and briefly turning day into twilight.

To help you experience this awe-inspiring event, Priceline, an online travel agency, is providing information about traveling to key locations within the path of totality. Priceline gathered average hotel, flight, and rental car costs for the Eclipse weekend in various U.S. cities.

Priceline is recommending booking travel arrangements well in advance to ensure the best experience.

The Costs of Traveling To Watch The Total Solar Eclipse, According to Priceline:

Total Solar Eclipse Weekend (Saturday, April 6 – Tuesday, April 9)/ Booking Period: 11/19-1/19/2023

	Airfare (Average Cost R/T)	Hotel (Average Cost Per Night)	Rental Car (Average Daily Rate)
San Antonio, TX:	$797	$255	$128
Austin, TX:	$644	$294	$126
Dallas, TX:	$408	$216	$116
Indianapolis, IN:	$506	$248	$76
Cleveland, OH:	$456	$204	$97
Buffalo, NY:	$845	$329	$105
Shreveport, LA:	$450	$122	$43

Insights from The Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Data, According to Priceline:

Variability in Accommodation Costs: There’s a significant variation in hotel prices across different cities, with some like Buffalo ($329/night) and Austin ($294/night) on the higher end and others like Shreveport, LA ($122/night) more affordable. This indicates a diverse range of accommodation options for eclipse travelers.
- Premium Pricing in Prime Viewing Locations: Cities like Buffalo, NY, and San Antonio, TX, which presumably offer prime viewing spots for the eclipse, have notably higher travel costs. This suggests a premium pricing trend in locations considered ideal for eclipse viewing.
- Economic Opportunity for Varied Destinations: Cities like Dallas, TX, and Indianapolis, IN, with relatively lower costs, might emerge as popular alternatives for eclipse watchers, indicating an opportunity for these cities to attract tourists priced out of more expensive locations.
- Surge in Road Travel to Eclipse Locations: The demand for rental cars, especially in cities with higher daily rates, suggests that many eclipse enthusiasts might be planning road trips,

Insights Comparing Travel Period 2024 To The Same Period in 2023, According to Priceline:

Eclipse-Driven Demand Surge: The total solar eclipse is creating a significant spike in travel demand, evidenced by over 2000% more searches for flights to Indianapolis and 8000% more for Buffalo hotels compared to the same period in 2023.
- Differential Pricing Trends: Cities like Austin are experiencing dramatic price fluctuations concerning the eclipse, with airfares more than doubling during the event but then decreasing by 30% afterward, indicating dynamic pricing strategies in response to event-driven demand.
- Varied Travel Costs Across Cities: The eclipse impacts travel costs differently across cities, with some like San Antonio and Buffalo seeing high airfares and hotel rates, while others like Shreveport offer more budget-friendly options.
- Rental Car Demand Peak: There’s a noticeable trend of increased rental car demand in eclipse viewing areas, with a 1500% increase in searches for rental cars in Cleveland, highlighting the preference for road travel to view the eclipse.

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Evening with Julian Fellowes at The Breakers, July 26; Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Sept 16-18

June 2, 2022 MoralCompass

The Preservation Society of Newport County is hosting a special evening with Julian Fellowes, the acclaimed writer, director, producer, novelist and actor who created “The Gilded Age” and “Downtown Abbey, at The Breakers (photo by Nick Briggs)

NEWPORT, R.I. – The Preservation Society of Newport County is proud to host a special evening with Julian Fellowes on July 26 at The Breakers. Oscar and Emmy winner Fellowes is the brilliant writer, director, producer, novelist and actor who created “The Gilded Age” and “Downton Abbey.”

This event will feature dinner and conversation with Lord Fellowes in the opulent setting of the Great Hall of The Breakers. The evening will begin with cocktails, followed by a sit-down dinner. Lord Fellowes will converse with an interviewer for roughly 30 minutes and will take questions before dessert is served. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.NewportMansions.org.

Lord Fellowes has also been named the 2022 recipient of the Antiquarian Award – the highest honor presented by the Preservation Society of Newport County – in recognition of the collective impact of his work. This award will be presented during the Preservation Society’s Annual Meeting on June 9 in the Rosecliff ballroom. Lord Fellowes will not be in attendance but has recorded remarks to be aired during the ceremony.

He will be presented in-person with the Antiquarian Award at The Breakers during the event on July 26.

“Lord Fellowes has made a lasting impact, not only on the Preservation Society, but on the city of Newport and the state of Rhode Island with ‘The Gilded Age,’ his new series on HBO,” Preservation Society CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe said. “We are honored to have this wonderful historical drama filmed in a number of our house museums, contributing to the authenticity of a series that beautifully showcases Newport and its Gilded Age legacy while also delivering an immense economic boost to the region. And we look forward to hosting Lord Fellowes for this special evening on July 26!”

The Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of huge fortunes made and lost, and of fierce rivalry between old money and new. Nowhere is that rivalry more apparent than on East 61st Street, where Marian Brook and her thoroughly old money aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, live opposite the stupendously rich George and Bertha Russell. The Russells are both fiercely ambitious, he financially, she socially, and they are determined to reach the highest echelons of New York. Meanwhile in Brooklyn, Marian’s friend and confidant Peggy Scott forges her own path in the world of the Black elite. In this glittering world on the brink of the modern age, will the established rules of society prevail, or will the game change entirely? Filming for Season 2 of “The Gilded Age” is currently underway at various locations in Newport, including several Preservation Society mansions.

“I am tremendously honored, even overwhelmed, to be given the Antiquarian Award,” Julian Fellowes said. “I knew about Newport. I’ve read about Newport. But I hadn’t been there, hadn’t experienced it, until we started to make the program. I find it an extraordinary place. I’ve already called it a village of palaces, but that is what it is, grand, even awe-inspiring, but at the same time, beguiling.”

Julian Fellowes has had an extensive and distinguished career in film, television, publishing and the dramatic arts. He received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2002 for “Gosford Park,” his first produced film, and he is the creator, sole writer and executive producer of the worldwide hit series “Downton Abbey,” which received 69 Emmy Award nominations, winning 15, over its six seasons. He also received a Golden Globe Award and special BAFTA Award for “Downton Abbey.” The “Downton Abbey” movie written and produced by Fellowes was released in 2019. Most recently, the feature film “Downton Abbey: A New Era” written and produced by Fellowes was released in Spring 2022.

His other work includes “Separate Lies” for which he received the National Board of Review Directorial Debut Award, “From Time to Time” which he wrote and directed which won Best Picture at the Chicago Children’s Film Festival and Best Picture at the Fiuggi Family Festival in Rome, “The Young Victoria,” “Vanity Fair,” his Emmy Award-winning “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” and the BAFTA nominated “The Prince and The Pauper;” and three novels – “Belgravia,” “Snobs,” and “Past Imperfect” – that were Sunday Times Best Sellers. He is responsible for the ‘book’ of the Broadway musicals, Mary Poppins and School of Rock – The Musical for which he received a Tony nomination. In January 2011, he was given a peerage and entered the House of Lords as the Lord Fellowes of West Stafford.

2022 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

In other news, The Preservation Society of Newport County announced J.P. Morgan Wealth Management as the presenting sponsor for the 2022 Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, to be held September 16-18.

Returning for its 17th year, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is one of most anticipated events of the summer. This world-class festival showcases unique wines, spirits and culinary events over three days in the spectacular setting of Rosecliff.

This year’s festival will build on the boutique vibe from the last two years, and will curate 24 wine and spirits seminars with an array of vintners, wineries, wine and culinary experts hosted in the Rosecliff salon and dining room, and on the terrace. Wine experts and luminaries will treat festival attendees to one-hour tasting journeys representing regions from all over the world.

An exciting addition to the festival experience this year is the Micro-Tasting Tent. All seminar attendees will have exclusive access to this tent to taste and learn from unique world-class wine, spirits, and culinary vendors.

Special events will include a Vintner Dinner in the ballroom at Rosecliff on Friday night, September 16, and the “Newport After Dark” party will also return at a venue to be announced.

New this year, James Beard Award Winning Celebrity Chef Michael Solomonov will host the Sunday Brunch. Solomonov is an Israeli chef and restaurateur, known for his Philadelphia restaurant Zahav. He won the James Beard Foundation awards for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2011, Cookbook of the Year in 2016, and Outstanding Chef in 2017.

The Festival Restaurant Program, presented by BankNewport, promises creative culinary and wine lunches and dinners hosted by Newport’s award-winning restaurants.

Proceeds from the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts. Its 11 historic properties — seven of them National Historic Landmarks — span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

For more information, visit NewportMansions.org.

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32,000 Cyclists Take Over NYC Streets for 41st TD Five Boro Bike Tour

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Active Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, festivals & events, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

TD Five Boro Bike Tour is Back in NYC, Aug 22

May 19, 2021 MoralCompass

*Cyclists will again take over New York City’s roads and bridges, for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, taking place August 22, 2021 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is back! Bike New York and its city government partners announce that the popular ride will once again welcome bike lovers from across New York and around the country on its new date of Sunday, August 22, 2021.

“Preparations are underway for the 43rd edition of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Ken Podziba, President and CEO of Bike New York. “We’re thrilled and so grateful that we can once again host our celebrated car-free ride this year—and what better time to announce it than during Bike Month.”

The event, which typically has drawn up to 32,000 riders annually and opens 40 miles of NYC’s busiest roadways for cyclists, returns to a city energized by cycling thanks to the 2020 bike boom and an increased demand for Open Streets across the five boroughs.

“New York City is proud to celebrate the cycling boom—and the return of iconic events that highlight great neighborhoods in all five boroughs—by welcoming the TD Five Boro Bike Tour this summer,” said New York City Senior Advisor for Recovery Lorraine Grillo. “We look forward to welcoming locals and tourists alike to enjoy a safe, exciting event this year.”

“Given the pivotal role that bikes have played in protecting the health, wellness, and safety of New Yorkers through the pandemic—especially for essential workers commuting to their jobs—it feels right that bikes will also play a part in powering New York City’s economic revitalization,” Podziba remarked. “The Tour has been a landmark event for NYC for decades, and it’s a true highlight for international tourism. We hope our ride will continue to support the city we call home as we all strive to come back strong from these hardships.”

“Now more than ever, New Yorkers need a safe and welcoming space to reconnect, to celebrate,” he added. “Bike New York is hard at work making the 2021 Tour into the joyful and safe day of community fun that cycling enthusiasts have treasured for nearly half a century.”

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is a fundraising event for Bike New York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide free bike education opportunities to New Yorkers. Proceeds from the ride fund public classes that reach over 25,000 children and adults each year, with special focus given to improving cycling access and resources to residents of neighborhoods historically overlooked in infrastructure improvements. In addition to free classes held at Community Bike Education Centers located in all five boroughs, Bike New York has introduced bike safety education programs into area middle schools, co-developed a job training and placement program for bike mechanics with Brooklyn’s One Community, and helped pilot a free bike rental system in Shirley Chisholm State Park.

Though the organization’s 2020 education and events calendar was suspended in response to the pandemic, Bike New York introduced virtual programming to inform new bike boom cyclists and keep seasoned members of the city’s cycling community engaged and connected. The 2021 TD Five Boro Bike Tour will support the return of Bike New York’s in-person classes while sustaining their online offerings, which reached more than 30,000 viewers worldwide in 2020.

Details about the August 22 event, including registration information, total number of participants, and changes to the event format, will be released in the coming weeks. “With the safety and well-being of participants being our highest priority, we will continue working with our government partners to monitor the changing Covid-19 climate and will adapt the Tour to satisfy all requirements that may be in place at any given time until ride day,” Podziba confirmed.

Riders are advised to subscribe to Bike New York’s newsletter and social media for the latest updates about the 2021 TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

For info: https://www.bike.nyc/events/td-five-boro-bike-tour/

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