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WARM UP WITH CHILI

IN VERMONT

Ward off those mid-winter blues at the 8th Annual Vermont Chili Festival in Middlebury (March 12, 1-4 p.m.). Join thousands of chili-loving revelers who sample and vote for the best chili recipes prepared by top restaurants and caterers in the state. In addition to the People’s Choice award, a panel of judges will pick the best of the best in six categories — veggie, beef, chicken, game, pork, and kitchen sink — before announcing the Overall Winner award. The historic downtown, closed to traffic, is the center of festival activities including all-ages entertainment, street performers, and more. Two toasty-warm indoor after-parties at 51 Main and Two Brothers Tavern will feature drink specials and live music by, respectively, Band­Anna and The Horse Traders. Adults $5 advance, $7 door; children under 8 free.

experiencemiddlebury.com/play/community-events/ vermont-chili-festival

TEN DAYS OF FILMS

Movie lovers won’t want to miss the 19th annual Green Mountain Film Festival, the longest running arts event in Montpelier (March 18-27). Voted one of the Top 10 Winter Events in Vermont, the festival showcases narrative, documentary, and short films, and also hosts discussions, Q&A sessions, and special guests. This year’s lineup includes 55 feature-length films and 48 short films from 30 countries including Chile, Australia, and Kyrgyzstan. Highlights include screenings of “Frackman,’’ “Only Yesterday,’’ and “The Champion,’’ and a new category of animated shorts. 802-917-1225, www.gmffestival.org/

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VAN GOGH AND COLORING BOOKS IN CHICAGO

Celebrate your creative side at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago with “Explore Your Inner Van Gogh,’’ a new package designed to coincide with an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. The show, “Van Gogh’s Bedrooms,’’ features approximately 36 works by the artist, and brings together all three versions of “The Bedroom’’ for the first time in North America (through May 10, www.artic.edu). In addition to overnight luxury accommodations, the Ritz-Carlton package offers two VIP tickets to the AIC Van Gogh exhibit; $50 credit at the hotel restaurant and/or spa; overnight valet parking; and — to take the experience home with you — the gift of an adult/child coloring book. (As a nod to Van Gogh, coloring inside the lines is not required.) Rates from $339, through May 8. 312-266-1000, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Chicago/Default.htm

‘DOWNTON’-THEMED

BARGE CRUISE

As the final season of “Downton Abbey’’ wraps up, fans may be feeling a bit down. Now you can extend your all-things- “Downton’’ love fest with a new weeklong barge cruise offered by Frontiers International Travel. Each themed departure includes a guided excursion to Highclere Castle — the estate featured in the show — as well as a visit to Cliveden, a magnificent mansion once owned by the Astor family, and Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. The eight-passenger hotel barge combines old world charm such as teak, mahogany, and oak fixtures with modern amenities including under-floor heating, spacious Jacuzzi, and gourmet food and wine.“Downton Abbey’’ cruise departures are scheduled March 27-April 2; April 3-9; May 1-7; and May 29-June 4. Prices from $4,490 per person, double occupancy. 800-245-1950, www.frontierstravel .com

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ORGANIC SKIN CARE

TRAVEL PACKS

Outdoor enthusiasts — and travelers in general — know how important it is to protect skin from sunburns, blisters, scrapes, bug bites, poison ivy, chapped lips, and other injuries. Just in time for skiing and the upcoming hiking seasons, Sierra Sage offers Green Goo, a collection of products made from pure organic herbs and essential oils designed to hydrate, heal, moisturize, and relieve the itch and sting of insect bites. The Outdoor Travel Pack includes two lip balms, 1-ounce Bugs Be Gone spray, and 1-ounce tins of first aid and pain relief lotions. The Everyday Travel Pack includes two lip balms, 1-ounce tins each of first aid, skin repair, and dry skin salves. All meet TSA standards and can easily fit into carry-on bags. Travel packs also available for Mama & Baby, and Southern Butter Intimates. $24.95-$29.95 www.sierrasage herbs.com/index.html

UNRESTRICTED INTERNATIONAL INTERNET ACCESS

Those frustrated by international restrictions on sites like Facebook, Netlix US, Hulu, Twitter, and more may want to investigate AlwaysHome, a portable router and virtual network service that gives travelers anywhere in the world unblocked access to their home country’s Internet content. Developed by information technology startup Homing Systems, AlwaysHome allows users to bypass IP restrictions and Internet blocks, and enjoy no-jitters HD-quality streaming content that is a faster and user-friendly alternative to virtual private networks. Comparable in size and appearance to a USB flash drive, the device’s WAN-optimized software connects to any target network at speeds faster than Internet TCP/IP protocol. Ideal for international travelers, expats, and small-business owners who work remotely, AlwaysHome sets up within seconds with no software configuration. Solo package includes one dongle and subscription service. Duo package includes two dongles that work in pairs with point to point connection. One-year unlimited data service subscription is $180; Three-year subscription is $315; renewal subscription packages $110 per year. www.homingsystems .com/products

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