SEE: Santa Fe, New Mexico
“Excavating Egypt” displays artifacts from “Indiana Jones” role model, archaelogist William Flinders Petrie
The New Mexico Museum of Art will offer “Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, University College” through Jan. 6, an exhibition from the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in England. The artifacts were amassed by Sir William Flinders Petrie, after whom Indiana Jones was modeled and the man known as the “father of modern archaeology.” New Mexico Museum of Art, 107 W. Palace Ave., 505-476-5072 or
VISIT: New York, New York
The New Yorker Festival offers a cultural smorgasbord of interviews and performances the first weekend in October
The magazine for the nation’s intelligentsia holds its eighth annual The New Yorker Festival Oct. 5-6. The arts and literary event includes seminars, interviews, screenings, musical performances, debates and excursions around the city. Information on the 2007 festival will be revealed online Sept. 10 and in the Sept. 17 issue. Tickets go on sale at noon Sept. 15 through or by calling 877-391-0545. Prices will vary; a year ago individual events ranged from free to $100. The New Yorker Festival, or through Ticketmaster outlets in New York
SHOP: Newton, Iowa
Maytag Dairy Farms is an ideal interstate spot to make a stop and taste some cheese or pick up some spreads
Shooting across Interstate 80 in the middle of Iowa, one needs to stop and stretch, and what better place than Maytag Dairy Farms? This pastoral farm store produces some of the best cheeses in America, including world-renowned Maytag Blue. The friendly staff will let you taste anything, and a short visit will educate you and your palate. Be sure to get crumbles, broken pieces perfect for salads, and the cheddar spread. Finish up your visit to rural Iowa with a stop for breakfast or lunch at the Midtown Cafe, (120 First St. N) a quintessential small-town luncheonette, for a perfect, albeit basic, meal. Maytag Dairy Farms, 2282 E. Eighth St. N, 800-247-2458,
VISIT: Marblehead, Massachusetts
Abbot Hall and Marblehead Neck are among yachting town’s many charms
Marblehead claims, controversially, to be the birthplace of the U.S. Navy, but less easily challenged is the city’s title of “Yachting Capital of the World.” Regattas take place throughout the summer, many attracting captains and crews from around the planet. For a great view, drive to Marblehead Neck, a tiny island off the coast that gives nearly 360-degree Atlantic views. While there, visit the wildlife sanctuary that is a destination spot for birders. Back in town, visit Abbot Hall, where you’ll find the Sept. 16, 1684, deed of sale for the town (3,700 acres for 16 pounds) and the famous “Spirit of ’76” painting, along with other art and artifacts. Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., 781-631-0528
