Rainy days don't get New Hampshire down

This picture from the McAuliffe–Shepard Discovery Center seems appropriate for the Fourth of July weekend. Happy Independence Day!

It's been a rainy, misty, dreary month in New England, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do but rust. Consider the possibilities, indoors and out,  in New Hampshire alone:

* In Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art has reopened with  a 33,000-square-foot addition, a glass-enclosed restaurant, new music and art programs for the public and a new performance space to house world-class collections. Check the museum out at www.currier.org.

* The Waterville Valley resort area has a huge indoor athletic club and an indoor ice rink. Family activities and free "chalk talks" are offered every weekend at the town's Curious George Cottage  Waterville's town square is lined with shops and restaurants, with a  covered walkway in this pedestrian-only zone. Go to www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

* Mount Washington Cruises operates  three enclosed and climate-controlled tour boats

that offer day, evening and charter cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee. Visitors can even take a cruise on the  U.S. Mail delivery boat, the M/V Sophie C.  Visit www.cruisenh.com.

* Rainy or not, you can journey to the stars at the new McAuliffe–Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. Youngsters can take part in rocket-making workshops, help land a space

shuttle or watch the shows in the high-tech planetarium theater. Visit www.starhop.com.

* The Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway or the Hobo Railway in Lincoln can provide an indoor view of  mountainous scenery the old-fashioned way. Another rail option is to chug up Mount Washington on the Cog Railway, an authentic coal-fired steam train based in Bretton Woods. Chug on over to www.mountwashington.org.

* An indoor-outdoor experience can be found at the Polar Caves in Plymouth, which offers explorations through tunnels and rocks. Click here. 

* For more ideas, and deals too, click here.

Worth quoting

"They seem to enjoy life a little bit more. They aren't running around as much as in New York. They enjoy time with the family. They don't always have their BlackBerries on." -- Gwyneth Paltrow, telling the Associated Press how a visit to Spain at age 15 changed her outlook and her life.

One way to beat those checked-baggage fees

Eight hotels and inns on Amelia Island in northeast Florida have relaunched a Pack Your Bags for Amelia Island program, offering air travelers up to an $80 room credit for checked baggage fees.  The program is valid through Dec. 31 on stays of three or more nights.

For details, click here.

How's that again?

T-shirt spotted in Tokyo's Shibuya district: "It's so easy to it curiosity what wonderful relaxing?"

A luxe Boston hotel welcomes canines

Boston's upscale XV Beacon Hotel now welcomes dogs as well as guests.  Selected furnished rooms  on the designated canine floor provide a doggie bed and bowl of fresh water.   Furry guests also get turn-down service and fresh baked dog biscuits . The hotel concierge will arrange dog walking, pet sitting, grooming and spa and veterinarian services. The hotel will donate all of its $25 pet fee to   MSPCA-Angell,  a nonprofit organization whose services include veterinary care, animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education and law enforcement.

Call 617-670-1500 or visit www.xvbeacon.com.

Trivia answer: The spider is in Ottawa

The answer to Wednesday's "Where are you?" question shown below  is Ottawa, at the plaza of the National Gallery of Canada. Mamanis,  a 30-foot bronze  spider sculpture  by Louise Bourgeois, weighs 18,000 pounds and carries a sac of 20 pure white marble eggs under her belly.