Memorial Day 2024: Weekend travel jams will be much worse this year

It’s no secret that Portland, Maine, is a national culinary destination. With its many independent restaurants working in collaboration with Maine-based farmers, fishermen, cheese mongers, specialty purveyors, and local wine distributors, the city has earned its stellar reputation as a foodie and beverage lovers’ haven. You can experience a taste of the town’s quality-focused wines and award-winning bites at the 7th celebration of Portland Wine Week (June 10-16). Tickets are on sale now for wine tastings, lunches, brunches, dinners, and other special events such as themed wine sails, oyster and wine tastings, and floral arranging sessions — with wine, of course! Events sell out quickly so snag your tickets while still available. Prices vary per event. www.portlandwineweek.me
Advertisement
The long-awaited debut of Longfellow Hotel, a new member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has finally arrived in Portland’s historic West End. Leonardo L. Merlos
SPOTLIGHT ON LUXURY & WELLNESS IN NEW PORTLAND HOTEL
Looking for a new place to stay in Portland? The long-awaited debut of Longfellow Hotel, a new member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has finally arrived. Located in Portland’s historic West End, the five-story, 48-key hotel includes a wellness spa, Astraea, the wellness-focused Twinflower Café (open for breakfast and lunch), and The Five of Clubs, an intimate, library-style lobby bar and lounge serving small-batch cocktails, rotating taps of local beer, and curated wines paired with charcuterie, chilled seafood, and shellfish. Guest rooms and suites juxtapose contemporary elements with traditional features like custom moldings, ceiling medallions, and wide-plank, hardwood floors. The Longfellow’s luxury house car, an all-electric 2023 BMW i7 Sedan, offers guests complimentary transportation into the Old Port district. Rates from $499. 207-800-3004, www.longfellowhotel.com
Get The Big To-Do Your guide to staying entertained, from live shows and outdoor fun to the newest in museums, movies, TV, books, dining, and more. Enter Email Sign Up
Jazz lovers are swooning over the upcoming artists scheduled to play at the 44th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Victor Diaz Lamich
THERE:
ALL JAZZED UP IN MONTRÉAL
Mon Dieu! Jazz lovers are swooning over the upcoming artists scheduled to play at the 44th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 27-July 5). Headliners André 3000, Robert Glasper, and Norah Jones are just a few of the more than 350 shows taking place on multiple stages in the Quartier des Spectacles, in the heart of downtown Montréal. The modern and diverse music programming spans from traditional, with big-name artists like Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Marcus Miller, to popular favorites such as Pink Martini and Jesse Cook, to hip-hop, with artists like Killer Mike and Erick the Architect. As always, the local scene is very much front and center, as are several artists from Africa, including Etran de l’Aïr, The Brother Moves On, and Vieux Farka Touré. Artists and schedules are available to view online, as is the ability to purchase tickets. Worth noting: two-thirds of the programming is free! You can also book a place to stay at a hotel or Vrbo via the website, with an interactive map showing walking distances from each accommodation to the venue site. https://montrealjazzfest.com/en
Advertisement
Grilling on the go just got easier (and more fashionable) with Kenmore’s 2-Burner Retro Portable Gas Grill manufactured by Permasteel. Permasteel
EVERYWHERE:
GRILLS GO RETRO ON SUMMER ADVENTURES
Grilling on the go just got easier (and more fashionable) with Kenmore’s 2-Burner Retro Portable Gas Grill manufactured by Permasteel. The grill’s compact dimensions make it perfect for beach parties, picnics in the park, tailgating gatherings, and camping trips. Made from cast aluminum, the two-burner gas grill provides 14,400 BTUs of cooking power across a 17-inch-by-14-inch surface, large enough for cooking nine burgers at the same time. A warming rack keeps things toasty until you’re ready to eat. Additional features include “push and turn” ignition, temperature gauge, side lid latches and carrying handles, and slide-out grease tray. Foldable legs are convenient for transport and storage. Compatible with both 5- and 20-pound propane gas tanks. Available in six bold colors that are sure to make you smile and wow your guests: blue, red, turquoise, pink, black, and white. $199. https://kenmoregrill.com/product/kenmore-2-burner-portable-tabletop-retro-gas-grill-turquoise
Advertisement
NECEE REGIS
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.