Here, there, and everywhere

News, apps, deals, and gear from New England and beyond.

Peddocks reopens

After $13 million in improvements made over the past two years, Boston Harbor Islands’ Peddocks Island reopened to the public on June 22. Peddocks is one of the largest and most diverse of the 34 protected islands in the harbor. New programming this summer features art exploration, a Native American festival, and Berklee roots and jazz night. Visit Peddocks and 11 other islands by ferry service from Long Wharf. 617-223-8666, www.bostonharborislands.org/paddocks

Granite State Concerts

The sweet sound of music comes to New Hampshire July 6-Aug. 11 as the Monadnock Music Festival ushers in its 47th season with a new artistic director, Gil Rose. Rose opens the season at the Peterborough Town House, leading the Monadnock Sinfonietta in a program commissioned by Martha Graham for her dance company. A diverse array of concerts includes the free Village Concert series of chamber music performed in the historic meetinghouses of the Monadnock region.  603-924-7610, www.monadnockmusic.org

Free in Philly for the 4th

The good citizens of Philadelphia hope you will celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. Wawa Welcome America! is a 10-day extravaganza of free family-friendly events. From June 25 through July 4 enjoy the “Largest Free Concert in America,’’ the Independence Day Parade with over 5,000 participants, and more. 215-683-2200, www.welcomeamerica.com

Stay in Dresden

Along the pastoral Elbe River, the city of Dresden has been renewed and reconstructed to its pre-World War II beauty. With the April opening of Swissôtel Dresden Am Schloss, it’s now possible to stay in style in the heart of the historic district. The property includes a snazzy interior with 235 rooms and suites, contemporary dining, and roof garden. Not to be missed is the in-house spa in the original 15th-century vaulted cellar. Rates from $124, www.swissotel.com/Dresden

Mountain Bike Whistler

Ready to tackle some trails in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia? The Mountain Bike Trails Database is a new feature showcasing the extensive cross-country and on-mountain trail network in and around Whistler. The interactive map provides an overview of more than 280 miles of intertwined single-track trails, describing their locations and degree of difficulty. Tourism Whistler, 800-944-7853, www.whistler.com

Baggage fee counter

If you find airline baggage fees confusing, Farelogix recently launched iflybags, an iPhone app that calculates fees and allowances across hundreds of carriers. The app takes into account airline-specific rules to present the best combination of checked bags for individual or multiple travelers. Users can also input up to nine flight segments in one calculation, enter more than one loyalty program for multiple-leg, multiple-airline flights, and give their bags custom names. Normally $1.99, the app is free through July 8.
iflybags.com

The Ritz-Carlton Goes Mobile

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel has launched a mobile app. Now you can make reservations, check your itinerary, and manage your Ritz-Carlton Rewards account from anywhere. The app can provide location specific advice, information, and exclusive offers. Scan a QR code check-in for property tours of 20 hotels. New destination and landmark tips will be offered by Ritz-Carlton Concierge specialists every week.  
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Mobile/Default.htm