More than 500 objects have been yanked from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and tagged for the exhibition “Baseball As America,” slated for the Field Museum of Natural History Feb. 7-July 20, 2003. Fans who can’t wait until next year to see the “Doubleday Ball” from baseball’s “first” game, the “Wonder Boy” bat from the movie “The Natural” or shoes belonging to “Shoeless” Joe Jackson can take in the exhibit right now in New York. “Baseball As America” is up to bat at the American Museum of Natural History through Aug. 18, and a special travel package–also good through Aug. 18–matches admission to the show with two nights’ lodging at one of 30 hotels, throwing in a one-day subway/bus pass and $10 credit at the museum’s food court, where a lineup of hot dogs from 10 different ballparks awaits hungry fans. Set up by the American Museum of Natural History in league with Yankee Holidays of Beverly, Mass., the package, called “America’s Game,” begins at $174 per person, running to as high as $424 for a few of New York’s tonier addresses. (800-225-2550; check out the Web site, www.yankee-holidays.com/specials.html)
SADDLE SOARS
Spring Creek Ranch near Jackson, Wyo., has rustled up a women’s wilderness trip for June 16-22. Called the Native American Spiritual Quest, the trek includes two nights at the ranch and four at a remote campsite reachable only on horseback, where Native American spiritual leader William Two Feather will help the group build a sweat lodge and conduct traditional ceremonies. The $2,165 fee covers accommodations, all meals and activities on the trail, horse hire and one dinner at the ranch. (800-443-6139; or at www.springcreekranch.com)
ROOM 007
Where’s Hercule Poirot when we need him? On our own, we weren’t able to sleuth out what the “special spy amenity” might be, but otherwise there’s no mystery about “The Spy Who Loves Me” package at the about-to-open Sofitel Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. It’s a chance to come in from the cold for a one-night stay–with dinner, continental breakfast and that secret gift–and tickets to the International Spy Museum, where the trappings of espionage will be on view, including the World War II Enigma machine and various diabolical devices from the former Soviet bloc. The hotel opens June 6, the museum July 19, with the spy package in effect July 22-Sept. 7 for $350 per couple. (202-737-8800; or at www.sofitel.com. International Spy Museum info at 202-393-7798)
A DAM SITE BETTER
Grand Coulee Dam is on the itinerary for this year’s Ride Around Washington, an annual bicycle excursion sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle. The Aug. 18-23 ride rolls through the state’s seldom-visited northeast–“the Forgotten Corner”–covering 56 to 83 miles a day, with nighttime camp-outs in small communities along the way. The $525 fee pays for most meals, luggage transfers, leadership and hot showers. An extra $90 covers transportation to and from Seattle. Camping equipment, bicycles and helmets are the responsibility of participants. (206-522-3222; or at www.cascade.org)
FREE FOR ALL
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the British Tourist Authority has issued the map “Britain’s Royal Heritage” showing attractions around the United Kingdom with royal connections. (877-899-8391; or at www.travelbritain.org/royal) . . . For the scoop on where to find the best sushi, tapas and dim sum in London, try the London Tourist Board’s Essential London Restaurant Guide. (800-GO 2 BRITAIN; or check out the Web site, www.londontouristboard.com) . . . For those who would rather stay home on the range, the Dude Ranchers’ Association has readied its 2002 directory, “The Dude Rancher.” It lists more than 100 ranches where city slickers can get saddle sore real quick. (307-587-2339; or visit the Web site, www.duderanch.org)
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Prices generally are per person double, based on availability.
