5 days ago
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- Boston Globe
A salute to Quincy's quadricentennial, and a Back Bay hotel turns 100
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The Eliot Hotel, a neoclassical boutique hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, celebrates its centennial this year with all newly renovated guestrooms.
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Back Bay hotel hits 100
A landmark Boston hotel celebrates its centennial with a renovation of all 95 guestrooms and suites — now complete and ready for visitors. The Eliot Hotel, a neoclassical boutique hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, was built by local philanthropist Charles Eliot to serve as a residential hotel for retired academics from Harvard University. The property changed hands in 1939 and has been run as an independent hotel by the Ullian family ever since. Local interior designer Alix Keating of AK Design oversaw the renovation, which adds a contemporary touch while maintaining the cozy yet sophisticated residential feel. Geometric lamps are juxtaposed with Georgian-inspired wood furnishings, and custom artwork — including Boston-inspired intaglios — complement the original crown molding. Enjoy cocktails and small bites at the onsite Uni Restaurant, an izakaya or Japanese-style bar where you can try the new 'C' cocktail (with Roku gin, Lillet Blanc, blood orange, makrut lime leaf, and cilantro topped with sparkling wine) or a tasty mocktail. Book the Centennial Escape package and get two nights' accommodations at regular price (starting at $475 per night, double occupancy) and the third night for $19.25, two 'C' cocktails served in-room, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and a 2 p.m. checkout; available through Dec. 31 (rate code '1925').
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'Mandela: The Official Exhibition' opened at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry this week and runs through Sept. 7.
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Seattle museum opens Mandela exhibit
Learn about the accomplished life of Nelson Mandela — from his years as an anti-apartheid activist to his eventual rise to power as the first democratically elected (and first Black) president of South Africa — at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry. 'Mandela: The Official Exhibition' was produced in partnership with the Royal House of Mandela and runs through Sept. 7. This poignant exhibit chronicles racial injustice in South Africa during the 20th century and Mandela's efforts throughout his life to end apartheid, championing education as a vital tool for making change and putting forth the notion of 'unbutu' (a concept of common humanity or a mutual caring for all). The exhibition includes rarely seen footage, images, and personal artifacts (such as the white leopard skin once draped over Mandela's casket). It starts with the rise of Seattle's anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s and Mandela's visit to Seattle in 1999 to meet with supporters, then takes you on a journey through Mandela's life, chronicling his activism, prison years, marriages, and time as president and peacemaker. The exhibition includes elaborate beaded clothing from the AbuThembu ancestral group, some of Mandela's handwritten letters and diary entries from prison, the suit he wore for his inauguration, his favorite sheepskin slippers, and one of his trademark batik shirts. A bench in the middle of the exhibit has the words 'Europeans only' on it. The museum hosts Seattle's Solidarity Against South African Apartheid June 10, a talk dealing with global issues of justice. Museum admission is free under 15 to $25 for 15 and older; discounts for students, military, and 65 and over.
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An image from an Outdoor Research Sun Collection catalog shoot at Soap Lake, Wash.
Mike Borchard
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Sun coverage for travel and adventure
Stay covered and cool this summer with a sun shirt made by Outdoor Research. The ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie has built-in technology that helps keep you at a comfortable temperature, whether you're walking your dog at a local park, going for a beach run, or climbing a mountain (the proprietary ActiveIce feature essentially uses the moisture from your sweat to help cool you down). The shirt comes with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, a full-coverage hood that protects your head and neck from the sun, and thumb holes for keeping your sleeves in place and your arms and wrists covered. It also makes a great travel piece: This comfy layer is quick-drying and made with a stretchy and breathable polyester-spandex blend — perfect for throwing on during long-haul flights or sightseeing adventures. The ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie comes in men's sizes S to XXXL, women's sizes XS to XL, and women's plus sizes 1x-4X. Outdoor Research's ActiveIce collection also includes a hoodless long-sleeve option for men and women, a short-sleeve sun shirt (men only), sun gloves, sun sleeves (in three different styles), a neck gaiter, and a sport hijab. $55-$90 for short-sleeve shirt to hoody; $20-$39 for accessories.
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KARI BODNARCHUK
