The stylish way to wave bye-bye to your analyst is while flexing a pair of leather boxing gloves. Margaret Sidoroff, International Female Boxers Association world flyweight champ, shows you how to really work out your frustrations during Wild Women Expeditions’ boxing camp, Aug. 4-7, near Sudbury, Ontario. Along with heavy bag work, combination drills and shadow boxing — but no human-contact punches — beginning and intermediate boxers will share cabins, vegetarian-oriented meals, saunas and a 200-acre private forest, all for about $245 U.S. (888-WWE-1222)
AMERICAN RETRO
It was the largest amphibious assault ever waged: 150,000 troops, 1,500 tanks, 5,300 boats. And that was just the earthbound forces the Allies sent onto Normandy’s beaches more than 50 years ago on D-Day. The people who’ve built the new National D-Day Museum are hoping for a similarly impressive, though decidedly peaceful, influx of tourists to New Orleans for the 70,500-square-foot museum’s grand opening, scheduled June 6. Among the exhibits will be a reproduction of the Higgins boat, two World War II planes, a Sherman tank, a German staff car, a concrete sentry box, weapons and uniforms. Leading up to the museum’s opening are appearances by producer Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks, both of “Saving Private Ryan,” and what’s being billed as the biggest military parade the U.S. has experienced in 40 years. (800-672-6124) … Better boop-boop-be-doop up to Wisconsin Rapids, where the work of Betty Boop creator Grim Natwick is on display at the South Wood County Historical Museum. The town was the boyhood home of the late animator, whose skillful hand also fashioned Snow White, Mr. Magoo, Woody Woodpecker, Dumbo and other familiar faces such as the Exxon tiger. Sunday-Thursday afternoons through fall. (800-554-4484)
TORRID ZONE
It’s always hot in the Caribbean: In January, it’s 86; in June it’s 89. So what are three measly extra degrees in summer if they’ll chill the prices? For example, Funjet Vacations offers a three-night stay at Jamaica’s Devine Destiny with a price tag starting at $515 that covers round-trip air from Chicago, lodging and daily breakfast, good for Monday and Tuesday departures July 3-Aug. 29. (contact travel agents, or at www.funjet.com)
FREE STUFF
Get out, yes. But first, get outfitted. Maybe it’ll be by The Nantahala Outdoor Center on Corsica, Clements Canoes in Indiana, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions in Oregon or Go Remote Adventures in Australia. Or maybe it’ll be by one of the 2,500 other mild-to-wild businesses listed in the 2000 edition of “America Outdoors: Outfitters Directory & Vacation Guide.” (865-558-3597) … For those who have time, energy and money left after the Florida theme parks, there’s still more to do in “Unexpected Orlando.” Some suggestions, per the brochure: Visit the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center; go to the Playwrights Roundtable; take a hot-air balloon ride; bicycle along the Cady Way Trail. (800-367-1496)
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Prices generally are per person, double.
