The stars shine bright in Central Maine, so it’s no surprise that the Hotel Ursa was inspired by the Ursa Major and Minor constellations and the North Star that connects them. Located at the center of the campus of the University of Maine in Orono, the 95-key hotel was developed through a historic rehabilitation of two original buildings on campus, Coburn Hall and Holmes Hall. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style of the late 1870s, the transformed rooms and suites offer modern comforts along with vintage charm. A new third building, Polaris Hall, sports contemporary guestrooms. The MajorMinor is a cafe and bar (with locally roasted coffee, baked goods, Maine craft beer, snacks, and wine-by-the-glass) that serves both hotel guests and members of the university community. Guests can access the state-of-the-art New Balance Recreation Center, with a fully stocked gym and leisure pool with lap lanes, and explore the DeMeritt Forest Trail, 15-plus miles of trails for walkers, joggers, cyclists, equestrians, skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts. Perfect for Parents’ Weekend visitors, however, you don’t need to be on campus-related business to stay there. Anyone exploring the area’s recreational offerings — skiing, hiking, canoeing — is welcome. April rates from $119; May from $169. 207-962-1313, hotelursa.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
Drift Nashville breathes new life into a former 1965-era inn, retaining the building’s architectural integrity while adding curated comforts in line with the brand’s signature Baja flair.
THERE:
Advertisement
DRIFT DEBUTS IN NASHVILLE
If you’re planning a trip to Music City you may want to check out Drift Nashville, a newly opened hotel in the heart of East Bank, a developing district located just east of the Cumberland River, a mere 10-minute drive from Nashville International Airport. A beacon of minimalist modernity, Drift Nashville breathes new life into a former 1965-era inn, retaining the building’s architectural integrity while adding curated comforts in line with the brand’s signature Baja flair. The spacious 87 rooms and suites feature custom walnut beds and local artwork, with warm colors such as rust and forest green, complemented by earthen materials and textures of the Southwest and Mexico including leather, terrazzo, wood, and terracotta. The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites include kitchenettes, multiple bathrooms, desks, and dining and lounge areas. Drift bath products and bathrobes are handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Advertisement
The seventh-floor Penthouse, an expansive 1,800-square-foot space, is considered the crown jewel of the hotel. Featuring sweeping views of the city and Nissan Stadium, the Penthouse includes a living room, large outdoor balcony, outdoor dining and lounge area, three king beds, and three bathrooms, including a primary bathroom with a free-standing tub and a powder room that features a golden toilet, paying homage to Elvis’s frequent stays in the building throughout the ‘60s. Hotel amenities include a resort-style outdoor pool with double teak loungers and luxe cabanas, an onsite gym with free weights, squat racks, and cardio machines, and three food and beverage concepts that serve sharable small bites, grab-and-go menu items, and cocktails. April/May rates from $183. 884-234-2973, www.drifthotels.co/nashville
Two new carry-ons by Rollink, Flex Vega and Flex Aura, are lightweight, durable, and when not in use, fold flat to around 2 inches thick for easy storage.
EVERYWHERE:
SLIM COLLAPSIBLE LUGGAGE
A reliable carry-on suitcase is a must-have item for those who like to pack tight and travel light. For this traveler, the three most important criteria for choosing a bag are its weight when empty (don’t want to carry unnecessary pounds), durability, and ease of maneuvering when traipsing long airport corridors between gates. Happy to report that two new carry-ons by Rollink, Flex Vega and Flex Aura, meet these specifications and add another: collapsibility. When not in use, this flexible luggage folds flat to around 2 inches thick, meaning it can easily be stored in your home, vacation rental, or hotel room. The hard shells are made of durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate that come in a variety of stylish colors. Choose from three sizes: the standard domestic flight carry-on, the international flight carry-on and — if you prefer a larger size — the medium checked bag. Additional features include coated wheels for smooth and silent gliding, a height-adjustable telescopic handle, and a three-year warranty. Flex Vega from $185; Flex Aura from $269. www.rollink.com
Advertisement
NECEE REGIS
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.
A star-inspired Maine hotel, a look at Drift Nashville
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer