Travel News

FREE FOR ALL

ON SEPT. 27, museums across the country will suspend admission fees in honor of Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day. Last year, 651 museums participated, including 84 Smithsonian affiliates. To get in on the action, just present an admission card (good for two people), available in this month’s issue of Smithsonian magazine and at www.smithsonian.com/museumday (there’s also an interactive map on the site to find participating museums).

New York City GET M.A.D.

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) will open the doors to its new home in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle on Sept. 27. Designed by architect Brad Cloepfil, the brand-new building lights up the area with its clear glass and glazed terra-cotta façade. Inside, gaze in awe at the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Jewelry Gallery, the first contemporary jewelry exhibit of its kind in the US, as well as the stunning permanent collection and inaugural exhibits.

LONGEST PARTY IN HISTORY

PENSACOLA, FL
The 450-day celebration of Pensacola’s 450th anniversary is officially underway, and will continue through Aug. 15, 2009—so there’s plenty of time to join in on the fun. Parades, art exhibits, historical reenactments, heritage walks, educational programs, a wine festival and more pay tribute to North America’s first European settlement. This month, check out the Seafood Festival from Sept. 26-28.

FULFILL YOUR CRAVINGS

Talk about a match made in heaven. W Hotels has paired up with celebrity chef and Food Network star Dave Lieberman to create Cravings by Dave Lieberman, a special menu that reflects the hotel brand’s upcoming destinations. The meatball hero with red-pepper tomato sauce and provolone is inspired by the W Boston, and the BBQ brisket eggrolls are inspired by the W Austin (both opening in 2009). Each season, Lieberman will add new items to the menu.