10 weeks, 10 fun things to do with kids this summer
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A boardwalk guides hikers around Lonesome Lake.
Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
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Take a hut hike
The Appalachian Mountain Club's network of eight high mountain huts, spread across some 50 miles in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is a New England gem. Staying overnight in the rustic huts offers a one-of-a-kind wilderness experience, amidst the stunning mountain landscape. Some huts are challenging to get to, but we'll try the family-friendly hike to the
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Aerials, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, costumes — it's Circus Smirkus! This traveling Big Top show, featuring 30 young circus artists ages 12-18, is the only one like it in the United States.
Hillary Packard for Circus Smirkus
See the circus
Aerials, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, costumes — it's Circus Smirkus! This traveling Big Top show, featuring 30 young circus artists ages 12-18, is the only one like it in the United States. The award-winning circus company, backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians, and crew — some 80 people in all with 23 support vehicles — performs under its own 750-seat European-style one-ring Big Top tent. The company will perform at sites throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, from June 28 to Aug. 17. This year's theme is
Game On
! We say, bring it on! Check out the schedule
Northern Outdoors, New England's oldest whitewater rafting outfitter, offers rafting trips on three northern Maine rivers.
Northern Outdoors
Brave the rapids
The Kennebec, the Penobscot, the Dead. As any East Coast water rat will tell you, these three dam-controlled rivers in northern Maine offer thrills aplenty. The Dead is big and intense, with the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the East — 15 miles. It's a snarling white serpent (for ages 14 and up). The West Branch of the Penobscot offers bursts of Class IV to Class V rapids, interspersed with tamer scenic swirls (ages 14 and up). Kennebec is the calmest of the three and the most family-friendly (ages 10 and up). It's a Class IV river with a mix of rapids and floats. We'll book the trip with
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Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves has waterfalls and cascades, lush forests, boulder fields, and caves.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Crawl through caves
Who doesn't like a little dirty fun? We're talking about crawling through the natural boulder caves at
Pretty views, hiking trails, and some of the best tidepooling in New England is at Odiorne State Park in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism
Spot sea creatures
Clams and crabs, sea urchins and starfish, shrimp and snails … and is that a baby lobster?!! Tide pooling makes going to the beach even more fun. We've got
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Killington in Vermont has upped its summer game, adding a variety of activities and attractions, including the 4,800-foot-long Beast Mountain Coaster.
Killington
Visit The Beast
A view from the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.
Christopher Muther/Globe staff
Trap a lobster
Getting out on a boat and chug-chugging along the coastline is always a fun experience, but throw in (literally) lobster traps, and it's even more exciting, and educational. We'll head up to Ogunquit, Maine, to hop aboard one of the
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You can visit dozens of historic buildings in the re-created 19th-century New England coastal village at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Travel into the Mystic
Charles W. Morgan
, the last surviving wooden whale ship in the world, visit dozens of historic buildings in the re-created 19th-century New England coastal village, where ship smiths, coopers, printers, and ship carvers demonstrate traditional trades, and watch shipwrights restore wooden boats in the working shipyard. If we have time (we'll make time!), we'll also visit the
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, an underwater plateau located between Cape Ann and Cape Cod, is considered one of the top whale watching destinations in the world. This summer, book a trip with Cape Ann Whale Watch. The Company has been around since 1979 and boasts a 98 percent success rate.
C.McMahon~Foley for Cape Ann Whale Watch
Have a whale of a time
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, an underwater plateau located between Cape Ann and Cape Cod, is considered one of the top whale watching destinations in the world. And it's right off our coast! We'll book a trip with
Hurricane II
, with a sundeck and heated main cabin. The company, which has been around since 1979, boasts a 98 percent success rate, and if you don't see a whale, you can go again free until you do.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
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Time Business News
25 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Discovering the Wonders of Topkapi Palace: Istanbul's Royal Treasure
Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus, the Topkapi Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Once the grand residence of Ottoman sultans and their courts, it's now a fascinating museum that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of one of the world's most powerful empires. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to explore Istanbul's rich heritage, Topkapi Palace is a must-visit destination. In this blog, we'll delve into the palace's history, its architecture, and the remarkable treasures it holds. Topkapi Palace has a history that spans over 400 years, beginning in the 15th century. It served as the main residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans from the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who commissioned its construction in 1459, until the mid-19th century. The Foundation : The palace was built after Sultan Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople in 1453, marking the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance in the region. The sultan envisioned it as a complex of luxury, power, and beauty, designed to represent the empire's strength and grandeur. : The palace was built after Sultan Mehmed II's conquest of Constantinople in 1453, marking the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance in the region. The sultan envisioned it as a complex of luxury, power, and beauty, designed to represent the empire's strength and grandeur. Transformation Over Time : The palace expanded over the centuries, with successive sultans adding new structures and courtyards. It became not only the seat of political power but also a cultural and artistic hub, attracting poets, scholars, and artisans from across the empire. : The palace expanded over the centuries, with successive sultans adding new structures and courtyards. It became not only the seat of political power but also a cultural and artistic hub, attracting poets, scholars, and artisans from across the empire. The End of the Ottoman Era: After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace ceased to function as the sultan's residence. It was eventually turned into a museum in 1924, a few years after the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The Topkapi Palace is an extraordinary blend of Ottoman, Persian, and European architectural styles. The palace complex is massive, covering over 700,000 square meters and divided into four main courtyards, each with its own distinct functions and atmosphere. This is the public area of the palace and is accessible to anyone visiting. Here you'll find the Imperial Gate, which leads into the palace, as well as the Aya Irini Church, an ancient Byzantine structure. The first courtyard was a bustling hub of activity, housing the Imperial Arsenal, where the sultans' weapons were kept. The second courtyard was where the sultan's viziers and the imperial council would gather. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the Divan (Imperial Council) Hall and the Palace Kitchens. The kitchens are an attraction on their own, housing a collection of Ottoman-era porcelain, silverware, and fascinating artifacts. This part of the palace was more exclusive and included the Imperial Treasury, the Library of Sultan Ahmed I, and the Harem – the private quarters where the sultan's family lived. The Harem is particularly famous for its intricately designed rooms, ornate decorations, and intimate look into the private lives of the Ottoman rulers. The final and most secluded part of the palace, the fourth courtyard was designed as a tranquil space for the sultan and his family to relax. It's home to beautiful gardens, pavilions, and the Baghdad Pavilion, which is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. The Marmara Sea can be seen from here, providing a spectacular view. Topkapi Palace houses one of the most impressive collections of art, jewelry, and historical artifacts in the world. The Imperial Treasury section is a highlight for visitors, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the sultan's court. One of the most famous treasures is the Spoonmaker's Diamond, a 86-carat gemstone that is considered one of the largest diamonds in the world. It is said to have been discovered by a fisherman, who sold it for a spoon, hence the name. The palace also contains significant religious artifacts, including the Sacred Relics of Prophet Muhammad, such as his cloak and sword. These relics are highly revered by Muslims and are displayed in a special room that attracts both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts. The Topkapi Palace is home to an awe-inspiring collection of royal jewelry, including the Sultan's jewels, crowns, and ceremonial objects. The intricate craftsmanship and the sheer opulence of the jewelry are a testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The Holy Mantle, worn by the Prophet Muhammad, and other relics associated with Islamic history are housed in the palace and attract visitors interested in religious history. Aside from the aforementioned treasures and architectural wonders, here are a few other notable attractions within Topkapi Palace: The Harem : This private and secluded part of the palace gives a fascinating look into the personal lives of the sultans and their families. With beautiful courtyards, ornate rooms, and intricate tile work, the Harem offers an insight into the complexities of Ottoman court life. : This private and secluded part of the palace gives a fascinating look into the personal lives of the sultans and their families. With beautiful courtyards, ornate rooms, and intricate tile work, the Harem offers an insight into the complexities of Ottoman court life. The Imperial Treasury : Located in the third courtyard, this is where you can admire some of the most magnificent treasures of the Ottoman Empire, including jewels, gold, and precious artifacts. : Located in the third courtyard, this is where you can admire some of the most magnificent treasures of the Ottoman Empire, including jewels, gold, and precious artifacts. The Palace Kitchens : These kitchens once served the entire imperial household and now house a collection of beautifully displayed ceramics, utensils , and Ottoman culinary artifacts . : These kitchens once served the entire imperial household and now house a collection of beautifully displayed , and . The Imperial Library : A peaceful space filled with rare manuscripts, books, and documents, the Imperial Library is a testament to the Ottoman Empire's intellectual and cultural achievements. : A peaceful space filled with rare manuscripts, books, and documents, the Imperial Library is a testament to the Ottoman Empire's intellectual and cultural achievements. The Weaponry Collection: The Armory within the palace houses a remarkable collection of weapons, including swords, armor, and firearms, showcasing the military prowess of the Ottoman Empire. Location : Topkapi Palace is located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, just a short walk from other famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. : Topkapi Palace is located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, just a short walk from other famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Opening Hours : The palace is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's best to visit early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season. : The palace is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's best to visit early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season. Ticket Price : There are separate tickets for different parts of the palace, including the Harem. It's advisable to buy tickets in advance or go early to avoid long lines. : There are separate tickets for different parts of the palace, including the Harem. It's advisable to buy tickets in advance or go early to avoid long lines. Guided Tours: To make the most of your visit, consider taking a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the various sections of the palace. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Sydney Sweeney's Brother Breaks Silence on American Eagle Jeans Ad
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sydney Sweeney's brother has broken his silence on her controversial American Eagle jeans ad. Newsweek reached out to Sweeney's representative for comment on Friday via email and Trent Sweeney via Instagram outside regular working hours. Why It Matters Sweeney—who rose to fame on Euphoria and The White Lotus—has been making headlines recently following the release of her commercial titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans." "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color," she says in the ad. "My jeans are blue." The line sparked a heated online debate about eugenics and racism, with some critics labeling it "Nazi propaganda." Others, however, pushed back against the uproar, arguing that the use of "jeans" and "genes" was nothing more than wordplay and creative marketing. According to Merriam-Webster, "Eugenics" is "the practice or advocacy of controlled selective breeding of human populations (as by sterilization) to improve the populations' genetic composition." Over the weekend, Newsweek and other outlets confirmed that Sweeney is registered as a Republican in Florida, prompting conservatives like President Donald Trump and Fox News host Jesse Watters to associate the actress with right-wing politics. However, she has not spoken out about her political affiliation. Sydney Sweeney (R) and brother Trent Sweeney attend the European premiere of "Echo Valley" at BFI Southbank on June 10, 2025 in London, England. Sydney Sweeney (R) and brother Trent Sweeney attend the European premiere of "Echo Valley" at BFI Southbank on June 10, 2025 in London, Apple TV+ What To Know On Wednesday, Sweeney's brother, Trent Sweeney—who serves in the U.S. Air Force—took to his Instagram Stories to celebrate his promotion to staff sergeant. Alongside a photo of his certificate, he wrote, per People: "It's them good jeans." In June, the siblings attended the European premiere of the Apple TV+ film Echo Valley. While she wore a pale blue gown, he opted for an all black ensemble and sunglasses. "Thank you for letting me join you for the #EchoValley premiere," Trent Sweeney wrote on Instagram. "Had a lot of fun! Great movie as well if y'all wanna check it out! Also thank you @prada for setting up an amazing outfit! Definitely my favorite fit so far!" American Eagle addressed the widespread criticism in an Instagram post on Saturday. "'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story," the clothing brand wrote. "We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone." This isn't the first time Sweeney's brand partnership has gone viral. In May, the 27-year-old released a limited-edition soap with Dr. Squatch made from her own bathwater. At the time, however, she laughed off any critics. "I think it's more fun to see everyone else talk about it," she told E! News. "I pitched it." What People Are Saying Lizzo referred to Sweeney's American Eagle ad in her new song "I'm Goin' In Till October" on Instagram on Wednesday: "No kizzy, he ain't got no business being with me. Fat a** pretty face with the t******. B****, I got good jeans like I'm Sydney." President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday: "She's a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad!" Trump added to his remarks in a statement posted to Truth Social on Monday: "Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the 'HOTTEST' ad out there. It's for American Eagle, and the jeans are 'flying off the shelves.' Go get 'em Sydney! On the other side of the ledger, Jaguar did a stupid, and seriously WOKE advertisement, THAT IS A TOTAL DISASTER! The CEO just resigned in disgrace, and the company is in absolute turmoil. Who wants to buy a Jaguar after looking at that disgraceful ad. Shouldn't they have learned a lesson from Bud Lite, which went Woke and essentially destroyed, in a short campaign, the Company. The market cap destruction has been unprecedented, with BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SO FOOLISHLY LOST. Or just look at Woke singer Taylor Swift. Ever since I alerted the world as to what she was by saying on TRUTH that I can't stand her (HATE!). She was booed out of the Super Bowl and became, NO LONGER HOT. The tide has seriously turned—Being WOKE is for losers, being Republican is what you want to be. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Robin Landa, an advertising expert and professor at Michael Graves College at Kean University, previously told Newsweek: "The campaign's pun isn't just tone-deaf—it's historically loaded." Political commentator Megyn Kelly, host of The Megyn Kelly Show, said on her show: "We're sick and f****** tired of the nonsense, where you are not allowed to ever celebrate someone who is white and blonde and blue-eyed. That we have to walk into a room apologetic for those things, or have for the past five years. In a way, this ad is the final declaration that we're done doing that s***. It doesn't mean we're better, but you know what? We're no worse than any other race or any other hair color or eye color." What Happens Next At the time of publication, Sweeney has not yet responded to the American Eagle backlash. Her new crime thriller Americana will be released in theaters on August 15.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Best, Worst and Oops Style Moments This Week — Including Rihanna's Cotton Candy-Inspired Maternity Wear
The good, the bad and the WTF style moments celebrities served up this week Celebrities had their fair share of notable style moments this week. Justin Bieber showed off a hoodie poking fun at a recent viral moment, and fans instantly began clamoring for the item (future SKYLRK merch perhaps?). Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood ditched her blonde hair and Mariah Carey narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction on stage. Outside the celeb sphere, and to the detriment of tween girls everywhere, Claire's filed for bankruptcy (for the second time). Read on for the best, worst and "oops" style moments of the week. Best Clapback: Justin Bieber's 'Clocking' Hoodie Justin Bieber is in on the joke, you guys. In an X post shared on Aug. 3, the singer wears a gray hoodie with the words, "It's not clocking to you." The sweatshirt's quote refers to a viral video in which the "Daisies" singer confronts a paparazzo who is taking photos of him while he's leaving Soho House in Malibu, Calif., on June 13. In the clip, Justin accuses the photog of "provoking" him and says, "You're not getting it, it's not clocking to you. It's not clocking to you that I'm standing on business." The musician also shared the photo to Instagram, where fans overwhelmingly asked where they could get a shirt of their own. We're waiting, Justin. We want to be in on the joke, too. Most Surprising Hair Makeover: Carrie Underwood Ditching Blonde Known for her blonde locks, Carrie Underwood shocked fans by ditching her signature hair color and debuting a brunette makeover. On Aug. 5, the "Before He Cheats" singer shared new Instagram photos of her darker hair that she explained resembles her natural color — which she last rocked 30 years ago. Yes, 30! "Well, the last time I saw my natural hair color, I was probably about 12 years old," the Grammy winner wrote, "but I thought it might be time to give it a second chance." Most Divisive Maternity Look: Rihanna's Cotton Candy Dress (and Sneakers) Rihanna continued her maternity style streak with a floor-length pastel-colored dress with a structured neckline. The outfit caused a stir on the internet not only because of its strong resemblance to cotton candy but because of the Fenty Beauty founder's shoe choice: lime green sneakers. If there's one thing Rihanna's going to do, it's make people talk. Best Hype Woman: Jamie Lee Curtis Praising Allison Janney's Pantsless Look Jamie Lee Curtis knows how to hype women up. In a video of July's Las Culturistas Culture Awards reposted by Allison Janney on Instagram Aug. 5 (the date the awards show aired on TV), Curtis can be seen reacting to Janney's bombshell pantsless look by telling her to "go f--- yourself." Janney later thanked Curtis for her "favorite red carpet shout out" with an added, "I adore you." Worst News for Mall Lovers: Claire's Announces Bankruptcy It's official: Mall culture is dying. On Aug. 6, tween-centric accessories retailer Claire's announced in a press release that it has begun voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the state of Delaware. The company, which also operates ICING stores across the United States, has been facing mounting debt in addition to a slew of other issues. Claire's might not be forever, but the memories of getting your ears pierced five feet away from an Auntie Anne's will last a lifetime. Most NSFW Moment: Hilary Duff's Husband Revealing She Had Sex with Him in a Dirty Shirt Hilary Duff shared a behind-the-scenes moment with her husband, Matthew Koma,on her Instagram Stories on Aug. 4. In a video, Koma lounges on a chair while wearing a white cutoff tank top with a green "Newport" logo on it. "Pretty cool that you're still wearing your shirt that you performed in yesterday at sweaty Lollapalooza and you flew home in, and you're well into this day. Also having a pretty intense nip slip right now," Duff narrated as Koma scrolled on his phone. Koma chimed in, "You had sex with me in this shirt. What's that say about you?" to which Duff laughed. Too much information, perhaps? Nice Save: Mariah Carey Avoiding a Wardrobe Malfunction In an Aug. 6 interview on British radio show, Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, Mariah Carey recalled a small outfit mishap that occurred during rehearsals for her headlining show at Brighton Pride in England. "It was a lot of rehearsing and then we had a wardrobe malfunction, which was kind of not cool," she said. "It was right in the front area. I saved it, nobody saw it. Otherwise, it would've been talked about." While she didn't give further details about the blunder, the Grammy winner explained how she recovered and went on with her performance. "I turned around and walked through the dancers," she remembered. "I was so mad." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
