Camping three ways, plus water fun galore
Toss the kids and your bathing suits in the car and head to Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres. Located an hour south of Boston in Carver, the camp-resort celebrates its first fully operational season after two years of major renovations, including a 21,000 square-foot water park with a multilevel water playground, two 165-foot waterslides, splash pad, 750-gallon hydrostorm bucket (that periodically dumps water on anyone standing beneath), and activity pool. The former RV-only campground now lets you vacation in one of three ways: stay in your own RV in one of the resort’s spacious campsites; reserve a tent site for a rustic camping experience; or choose one of 153 luxury cabins with private bathroom, bedroom, screened-in porch, full kitchen, linen rentals (if you choose to not pack your own) and AC/heat.
Additionally, the newly expanded campground features a new pizza kitchen, camp store, playground, sports courts for basketball, and volleyball, gem-mining sluice, and renovated attractions like the mini-golf course and arcade. Nature lovers will appreciate kayak rentals at Ben’s Pond and the property’s walking trails. Enjoy burgers, wings, tacos, and more at the Campfire Canteen food truck. More than 20 flavors of ice cream and toppings will keep you cool and energized at Twistee Treat. Plan ahead: Halloween, celebrated every weekend from Sept. 20 through Oct. 27, features costume contests, trick or treating, adult and young children’s haunted houses, a pumpkin patch, and more. August nightly rates: Glamping pods $241; Cottages and bungalows from $334; RV and tent sites from $128. cranberryacresjellystonepark .com
Boutique oasis blooms in Philly’s Fishtown
Philadelphia’s eclectic Fishtown neighborhood welcomes the hotel Anna & Bel into its creative music, art, and culinary community scene. Opening its doors Aug. 7, the 50-key property was once a grand 18th-century mansion that subsequently housed a spectrum of institutions, from a women’s asylum to a neighborhood retirement home. Today, the historic structure has been lovingly restored and reimagined as an homage to the women that once lived within its walls, spotlighting fine arts and crafts by local and international female artists. Upon entry, guests are greeted by the original grand staircase with ornate detailing, and faded black-and-white checkered floor tiles that play into the hotel’s vintage aesthetic. Accommodations vary in size from studios to two-bedroom living spaces, all outfitted with luxe Bellino linens, Frette terry towels, organic cotton robes, and Le Labo bath amenities. Modern bathrooms sport custom tiles and marble vanities with stone sourced from Turkey. Each room features either a sleek kitchenette hidden within a locally-crafted wooden pantry or a well-stocked minibar with Nespresso machine and electric kettle.
The guest-exclusive courtyard is anchored by a heated outdoor plunge pool lined by flowering crape myrtle trees and umbrella-shaded loungers. Poolside cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired snacks evoke a coastal retreat while the just-opened Bastia offers a dinner menu featuring cuisines of Corsica, Sardinia, and other islands of the western Mediterranean. Additional amenities include a private room where guests can book wellness treatments from a list of local practitioners; lower-level fitness center featuring an infrared sauna; and second-floor yoga and meditation deck. Rates from $300. 866-959-5428, www.annaandbel.com
Portable security system
Protect your valuables and ensure peace of mind wherever you go with ArmorSiren, a compact and portable alarm security system. Whether you want to secure your personal property in a hotel room, the beach, the hotel pool — or even at home — ArmorSiren provides robust protection against theft and unauthorized access by instantly triggering a loud siren when movement of the device is detected. A strong magnet on the back of the case allows for mounting to metal surfaces, such as a hotel door or safe. A lanyard can attach the device to door handles, backpacks, and other items. When the device experiences acceleration, tilting, shaking, or any other motion, the algorithm interprets the data and triggers the sound. The alarm is smartphone/app-controlled, allowing users to adjust multiple settings and preferences to deliver the highest level of accuracy and minimize false alarms. The smartphone app is packed with features that allow you to manage instant text notifications, security PIN codes, sensitivity adjustments, and more; $199. armorsiren.com
NECEE REGIS
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.
