Crepes are like softer tortillas, or thinner pancakes, or more edible manhole covers. Savor superlative treats with this Groupon.

Crepes on the menu include chicken and goat cheese ($12), braised short rib ($14), and seared scallops ($19), as well as banana Foster ($8) and tiramisu ($6.50).

The Creperie on Newbury's chefs fill their versatile canvas, the crepe, with upscale international flavors both savory and sweet. For dinner, forks tuck into crepes filled with seafood or inspired by normally crepe-free dishes. For instance, the chicken burrito crepe conceals black beans, pico de gallo, romaine, and cheddar, and peking duck crepes brim with cucumbers, jasmine rice, and ginger-hoisin sauce.

Most of the dessert crepes are lavished with chocolate or fruit; chefs also whip up their own chocolate mousse with rum and coffee in-house. Tables can peruse a list of wines almost exclusively from France or hop on the bar's smooth white countertop to request a signature cocktail by tap-dancing its name in Morse code.

Being an adult means taking on grave responsibilities, such as holding down a job, paying a mortgage, and digging holes in the backyard for your children's teeth. Loosen up with this Groupon.

Several store locations carry erotic accessories ranging from lotions to personal massagers. The natural ingredients of Tantric soy candles ($17.99) melt into aromatic massage oils that waft passion-fruit and orange-ginger scents, and gemstones glimmer at the base of the three-speed Crystal Chic vibrator ($22.99). The renowned We-Vibe II ($99.99) emits tremors through two nodes, and K-Y Yours + Mine Kissable Sensations lubricant ($24.99) adds chocolate and strawberry undertones to romantic rendezvous. This Groupon is also valid at Amazing Intimate Essentials' Newport Rhode Island sister boutique, Wild Orchid.

By answering any and all questions about their erotic wares, the staffers at Amazing Intimate Essentials have helped promote safe and sensual trysts for more than 40 years. Their selection of massage oils, lubricants, and adult toys-which occupies stores spread throughout the Northeast and Texas-contains goods from such established brands as We-Vibe, Kamasutra, and K-Y. They staff female-friendly merchandise, as well as products that help couples create more sparks in the bedroom than a master metalworker soldering a "do not disturb" sign to the door. The staff stresses openness and acceptance in regards to romantic endeavors, an attitude that also fuels their unwavering support of the LGBT community.

A blank culinary slate, uncut pasta dough has the potential to become spaghetti, linguini, or a life-size decoy of the chef while he takes an extended lunch break. Slurp up handmade noodles with this Groupon.

The dinner menu showcases calamari salad ($10.95), eggplant parmigiana ($16.95), sicilian rabbit in sweet red vinegar sauce ($17.95), and house-made pastas such as gnocchi ($11.95), lasagna ($14.95), and spinach or cheese ravioli ($12.95).

Vinny's Ristorante encapsulates the notion of a hidden gem-upon arrival at the address, customers often first think they're lost, as it appears they're mistakenly at a convenience store. The Italian eatery is tucked in the back of this store, so once customers spot red-checkered tablecloths, along with "the vaguely Sopranos-esque clientele sucking down pasta fazool," it's clear they've made it.

Boston magazine reviewers-who observed the Tony Soprano lookalikes when they deemed Vinny's worthy of the Best of Boston list for affordable Italian in 2006-highlight the restaurant's antipasto bar and "massive" portions of handmade pasta as the major draws. And although the word's been out for some time about this secluded Sicilian hotspot, Vinny's marinara and handmade mafalda noodles, impressive Zagat rating, and ceiling fans modeled after da Vinci's helicopter blueprints continue to captivate loyal regulars.

Astronomers use infrared technology in their telescopes -- and the same science that makes stars look bigger can make you look smaller. Get on the waistline-whittling wavelength with today's deal: Pay $39 for a 40-minute infrared slimming wrap from HLC Med (regularly $125). Relax as infrared heat activates your metabolism to help you burn calories and lose inches; the warmth will also stimulate your circulation, detoxify your system, and potentially diminish cellulite, so you'll emerge looking lithe and toned. Or, pay $99 for a one-hour infrared slimming wrap, a lymphatic massage, a scalp massage, and a facial mask for head-to-toe pampering (a $250 value). This advanced laser and skin care clinic boasts experienced professionals, top-of-the-line equipment, and locations in Peabody, Cambridge, Salisbury, Dedham, and Stratham -- so you'll emerge looking out-of-sight.

Biologists estimate that water makes up 65% of the human body, 71% of the planet's surface, and 0% of the R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire. Get bodies in shape to conquer the planet's most prevalent liquid with this Groupon.

Sessions are only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Since its inception as a nonprofit organization in 1985, Community Rowing Inc. has guided more than 15,000 students in invigorating rowing sessions held on the Charles River. Their experienced staff of Olympians and coaches helps students to become familiar with industry-standard boats and rowing machines through comprehensive introductory lessons and extended handshakes with the rowing arms. After gleaning the skills necessary to properly use equipment, students gain access to locker rooms, training areas, and any additional courses on the Charles River. The full-body, calorie-burning workouts are available throughout the week, allowing students to learn essential techniques such as sweeping, sculling, and dealing peacefully with the water road rage of aggressive gondoliers.

The first European explorers set sail to find new, exotic spices to please their hungry monarchs, but all they discovered were heaps of inedible gold. Broaden your mouth's horizons with this Groupon.

The menu opens with elegant appetizers such as honey brie with flatbread crisps ($9.95) and grilled-lamb lollipops ($12.95). Entrees include a margherita pizza with fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella ($12.95); pappardelle bolognese with ragu of beef, veal, pork, and red wine ($18.95); and mesquite grilled swordfish medallions in lemon-garlic sauce with cherry tomatoes ($23.95).

In the bistro's dining room, a small tree springs from a central planter, its gaunt branches peppering the space with twinkling string lights. As wall sconces cast buttery light on wine racks and ornate vases, fingers tiptoe across the restaurant's piano, filling the air with the seductive charm of a vintage jazz club.

Complementing these lavish ambiance notes is a dynamic Italian menu infused with seasonal ingredients from local markets and farms. Pours from a long list of wines help to awaken diners' palates, as do elegant starters of lobster ravioli, escargot, and steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, grown in the main aquarium at Buckingham Palace. When it comes time for entrees, servers' arms stack high with fig-laced pizzas, steaks with dollops of herbed butter, and fish dishes that glisten with delicate wine sauces.

Playtime teaches children invaluable life lessons, such as how to share snacks or fuel automobiles with engine noises. Encourage the development of useful skills with this Groupon.

Kids aged 3 months to 6 years scale climbing structures, clamber about in a ball pit, and leap around a bounce house at an indoor playground. Adults and babies younger than 10 months old are admitted for free when accompanying a paying sibling.

When Malcolm and Mandy Sim welcomed two children into the world, the veterans of both the animation and theme-park industries visited numerous indoor play centers in Los Angeles, hoping to find the one that best suited their kids. Nothing quite clicked, however, which inspired the parents to call upon their entertainment backgrounds and develop their own indoor facility. Since relocating to the Boston area, the Sims have opened Jam Time, where youngsters ages 3 months to 6 years can surmount climbing structures, leap about in a bounce house, or shop in a pretend grocery market before whipping up faux souffles in the playhouse kitchen. Classroom sessions further engage tykes with art projects, science classes, and princess-etiquette lessons, where young ladies learn to detect whether evil witches have booby-trapped their science projects. Soft play toys engage visiting toddlers and infants, while adults surf free WiFi, sip gourmet coffee, or enjoy a treat from the organic snack bar.

While teenagers moon over vampire romance, you're in the mood for some more grown-up fun at twilight. Fall head over heels for today's deal from Moonlight Meadery: Pay just $15 for a tour and tasting for two people, plus two glasses to take home and $10 to spend on merchandise at this Londonderry spot (a $50 value). Meads are owner Michael Fairbrother's passion, and he blends unprocessed New Hampshire wildflower honey with spices and fruits to create timeless, palate-pleasing alcoholic alternatives to beer and wine. Try the Wicked with hints of ginger and Madagascar-Bourbon vanilla, or the mouth-watering Wild with blueberries from Alton Bay to put a little color in your cheeks. Fairbrother's work has been honored with critical acclaim, eclipsing the competition to earn Best of Show at the 4th annual New England Regional Homebrew Competition. Just a few sips and you'll know that it's not just puppy love -- it's the real deal.

A strong naval presence has been the backbone of many great powers, such as the Vikings, the British Empire, and that one kid who brought a pontoon boat to the park-district pool. Explore proud traditions with this Groupon.

USS Salem

In 1949, the USS Salem began its 10-year career patrolling the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. A flagship of the 6th Fleet during the Cold War era, it served as a "Lady of Diplomacy," using its massive canons to impress ambassadors, not to fire on enemies. The ship also made headlines in 1953 when it harbored refugees from Greece following a massive earthquake.

Today permanently docked in Quincy Fore River Shipyard, the Salem is one of the last preserved naval heavy cruisers in the world. Three quarters of the ship is used to honor the history of those who served, with features including a Navy SEALs exhibit, the USS Newport News Memorial Room, and a US Navy Cruiser Sailor Memorial. In addition to memories, the Salem also hosts birthday parties and overnight adventures filled with simulated battles and real-life survival instruction. If they listen closely, visitors might even hear some of the spooky sounds that earned the ship a feature on the SyFy channel's Ghost Hunters in 2009.

Historical Inn with Glass-Enclosed Porch Overlooking Lake

In the 19th century, some of the Northeast's industrial pioneers- including Silas March, an entrepreneur and New York state assemblyman-spent their idle days in a clapboard estate built along the shores of Mariaville. In 2003, husband-and-wife innkeepers Rick and Lorrie Runnels purchased this historical home and dubbed it the Mariaville Lake Bed and Breakfast. Since then, they've made extensive renovations while managing to preserve the building's casual, Federal-style elegance; it still has its original moldings, wood-burning fireplaces, and hardwood floors in some of the guest rooms.

The building is tucked into a woodsy area along the private, 200-acre Mariaville Lake, and it's a prime spot to get in some fishing and swimming. The B&B also owns two kayaks, one canoe, and one rowboat, which are all available for guests. Or feel free to take a stroll through the wealth of hiking trails that crisscross the property; one in particular leads to a beaver dam. In summer and fall, you can tell ghost stories and dry your laundry over a crackling bonfire in the evening.

The inn's five guest rooms are individually decorated, but all look out to Mariaville Lake. You have to use an old-fashioned skeleton key to get into the Vineyard and Lakeview rooms, as they are located in the original part of the house.

Come morning, the innkeepers serve a breakfast by candlelight in the formal dining room or on the glass-enclosed porch. The chefs prepare a different hot entree each morning, such as banana-stuffed french toast, veggie frittatas, or puffed apple pancakes. You can typically find house-made pastries, fresh juices, yogurt, fresh fruit, coffee, and tea.

Mariaville is part of the 18th century town of Duanesburg, located about 30 miles west of Albany. Thanks to its location along the 200-acre Mariaville Lake, the town became a resort community in the 1920s. Not a whole lot has changed since then; there's still only one traffic light in the city to date, and every high-school class is taught by the mayor.

The town of Schenectady offers a dose of culture fewer than 15 miles east. Aside from shopping and restaurants, you can find the historical Proctors Theater, which opened as a vaudeville venue in the early 20th century but sank into disrepair by the late 1970s. A group of concerned citizens rallied to restore the theater, which now hosts regular performances of ballets, musicals, comedians, and concerts.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

A sun salutation can help you to have a stress-free morning, especially after failing to explain daylight-saving time to the neighborhood rooster. Greet the dawn gracefully with this Groupon.

Expert instructors lead students through different styles and difficulty levels of yoga in heated studios. In addition to hot-yoga classes, they lead flow-centric Vinyasa sessions and beginner classes in which they introduce newcomers to the fundamental postures and perform hands-on adjustments. Get more information about individual classes and full schedules for each location on Norwell, Natick, and Canton. Although most classes are held in well circulated hot air to limber muscles and help bodies to flush toxins through sweat, some take place in low-heat or unheated studios.

Hot air breezes through the studio, filling the open, feng shui-inspired layout and raising beads of sweat on the group of students flowing through a tapestry of ancient poses. These yogis breathe deeply before sinking deeper into their stretches and unearthing a pervading sense of inner and outer calm. This is a common scene at Hot YogaYogaYoga's studios, where expert instructors lead classes and perform hands-on adjustments if necessary. The selection of classes ranges from gentle Hatha yoga to intense power yoga.

Engineered to ventilate hot air, the studios perfectly regulate the humidity and air quality at Hot YogaYogaYoga's studios. The staff also ensures that the space is uncluttered, hygienic, and devoid of concentration-breaking mariachi bands to ensure students get the most out of their yogic experiences.

There are few freedoms as liberating as being able to fly, which is why humans spent millennia inventing the airplane and why penguins are so very, very bitter. Exceed evolutionary shortcomings with this Groupon.

Both of the above options give you the chance to soar to heights of up to 8,000 feet on the wings of a motor-powered paraglider. With a nationally certified copilot, you'll float over the sandy seascapes of the Massachusetts coastline, changing altitudes and flight paths to explore the water's edge or the clouds' fuzzy underbellies. Before flights, all passengers undergo a safety briefing.

Paramotor Tours sends adventurers skyward on the wings of motor-powered paragliders. Nationally certified pilots adhere strictly to FAA safety regulations as they strap in for tandem flights, lifting thrill seekers to heights of up to 8,000 feet. To help ensure smooth takeoffs and landings, each glider boasts several safety features, including reserve parachutes, GPS navigation, and a pause button. Adventurers who wish to pilot their own glider can sign up for a solo-flying course, available on select days.

Like fine marble statues, human bodies must be maintained in order to keep their north sides from growing mossy and their forearms from falling off. Stay chiseled with this Groupon.

$45 for a 60-minute massage (a $98 value)
$135 for a massage membership package (a $393 total value)

Se Renaissance Boutique is a massage lounge exclusively for women. Each Groupon customer will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a free 60-minute massage.

Though the ladies at Se Renaissance Boutique donate their time and a portion of membership proceeds to causes both in Mexico and in their communities, they acknowledge that helping others is the second facet of a healthy life⎯the first is taking care of yourself. Within their new space in Cambridge, therapists help women do just that by providing five massage modalities and an old Chevy that's been converted into a robot butler. Clients can take advantage of after-hours availability and make appointments online.

Modern skincare treatments can sound awfully high-tech -- but the newer the process, the more youthful you end up looking. With today's deal from Electrolysis & Skin Care Clinic, score one Ultra-Hydrating Ultrasonic Facial and Eye Calm Treatment for $60 (regularly $150); two for $110 (regularly $300); or three for $150 (regularly $450). Relax as a licensed aesthetician gently cleanses the skin with an ultrasonic paddle; after a quick rinse, she'll apply a peptide complex, and then use the paddle again to help the product sink deeply into your visage. This process kills bacteria and encourages cell turnover, making it the perfect solution to a range of problems, like acne, large pores, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin; plus, no downtime is required, and it's safe for sensitive skin. The eye calm treatment uses a luxurious blend of natural herbs and antioxidants to help firm up the area, so you'll emerge feeling even younger than this Brookline establishment -- which was founded in 1993. Want more? Check out the Electrolysis & Skin Care Clinic on Facebook.

Go big or go home, right? Ask the neighbors to pick up your mail and go big with this week's Escape to the 13-acre, resort-style Hilton Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa. Enjoy a one-night stay for two in a standard king or double queen room, Sundays through Thursdays ($129). High-roll with a $25 lunch or dinner credit to Nectar, the Hilton's on-site restaurant, and two wine tasting vouchers per guest valid at Kendall Jackson and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards. Spread your wings at every turn on the Hilton's massive property. It starts with your oversize room, complete with an HD flat-screen TV, in-room movies, and video games. From there, you'll have a view of the junior Olympic-size heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, or the seven-mile jogging track. Yes, seven miles. Once your metabolism has kicked in, head to Nectar, and take in gorgeous, unrestricted views of the Santa Rosa Valley as you dine on a panoply of local and international fare, like seared sea scallops, chicken-apple sausage pappardelle, or pan-seared Kobe beef meatloaf. Of course, you'll want to get out and enjoy the wide-open space of the other Valley, too. Luckily, Sonoma is a quick jaunt from your palatial pad at the Hilton, so within minutes you can use your wine-tasting vouchers to sample world-class labels at various local wineries. You can also opt to indulge in a massage, enjoy a round of golf among the redwoods, or just relax as you take in the expansive Valley views. Go big and leave home behind with this week's Escape. You'll be glad you did.

Horses require human guidance to keep from brushing against barbed wire, eating poisonous rocks, and galloping triumphantly into the ocean. Take the reins with this Groupon.

Students select horses and learn Western riding techniques and roping or barrel riding from state-licensed instructors.

The licensed instructors at Cowboy Jim's Western Adventures rustle up nostalgia for the Old West through riding on the old ponderosa as well as Western- and English-style riding lessons. Upon arrival, ranch visitors mingle with the stable's extensive roster of horses, including such breeds as arabians, indian paints, and true western quarter horses, before deciding which to ride based on chemistry cultivated over a mutual appreciation for oats. Lessons commence with a comprehensive instructor demonstration and an evaluation of the student's riding style and ability. Apprenticing cowboys can round out their Western education through roping, playing the guitar, or barrel riding, which was how cowboys got home from the saloon after friends took away the keys to their horses.

Midtown Manhattan is home to some of the world's most talked-about landmarks, from the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings to Rockefeller Center and the bright lights of Times Square. Allow us to draw up the blueprints for this week's well-engineered Escape to The Gotham Hotel on 46th Street, a sleek boutique property offering personal touches in a prime locale: sandwiched between all the action of Madison and Fifth Avenues, formerly the space of the beloved Gotham Book Mart. You and a guest will be positively floored by a two-night stay, Fridays through Sundays, in a chic Gotham 2 Room Type-complete with a king bed and private terrace-on floors two through nine ($600). And don't be surprised by the lack of a check-in desk: Upon your arrival, a staff member will greet you with a VIP welcome amenity before escorting you to your accommodations. Airy, light-filled guest rooms are appointed with streamlined European furnishings, tailored minibars, and lavish linens. Your Escape also includes an upgrade to a Gotham 3 Room Type when available. On floors ten through 23, these units feature king beds and private terraces with views of the skyline. Z!NK magazine describes a stay here as "a new type of hotel experience in the center of Midtown Manhattan. With terraces off of every room, guests feel as if they are floating above the city." When hunger comes knocking at the door, rest assured you'll stay well fed with assorted fresh pastries and a daily breakfast for two. In the evening, cozy up to your companion during dinner at on-site restaurant Tenpenny. You'll use your $50 dining credit to savor Italian-American cuisine that Z!NK says "hearkens back to the American cuisine of old" when "New York City was an up-and-comer in the restaurant world." The next morning, structure your day however you like: You'll be within walking distance of some of the city's best sights, including Central Park, the Theatre District, and 30 Rock. Or, browse the likes of Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks along the retail mecca that is Fifth Avenue. For an exciting Escape to the city that never sleeps, the writing's on the wall: Pack your bags and hit the town-at prices that aren't through the roof.

From catapulting flaming soldiers over castle walls to sitting on active geysers, humans have long been fixated on flying through the air. Absorb the wonderment of flight with this Groupon.

During introductory flight lessons, FAA-certified airmen show students how to operate the controls of a Robinson R44 Raven helicopter. Before stepping foot in the single-engine chopper, the student and instructor first review some required materials on the ground. Once aboard, the duo practices such aerial maneuvers as takeoffs, climbs, and turns. For the technically inclined, East Coast Aero Club recommends some helicopter-operation reading material, found on the company's introductory flight webpage.

Since 1985, the FAA-certified team of pilots and instructors at East Coast Aero Club has shepherded citizens from Hanscom Field airport to the skies above Boston for sightseeing, introductory flights, and pilot-certification programs. The crew oversees a 35-aircraft-strong fleet composed of planes by Piper, Cessna, Cirrus, and Diamond, as well as helicopters by Robinson. The company's entry-level educational program, Learn to Fly, matches pupils up with one of more than 25 certified flight instructors, who teach students how to read each craft's instruments and back issues of SkyMall.

But passengers don't just learn about flight; they also learn about the area around them. Scenic flights afford aerial views of the city, soaring from Hanscom Field over such sights as the Lexington battlefields, the Charles River, and the USS Constitution. Passengers can bring along cameras to capture the spectacular views and document any crop circles they spot in the outfield at Fenway Park.

Like house parties, massages give people an excuse to forget about everyday stresses and fall asleep on someone else's table. Let loose with this Groupon.

Ebb and Flow

As the moon waxes and wanes and the sun rises and sets, so does the sea ebb and flow with the tides. Drawing inspiration from this natural occurrence, the specialists at Ebb and Flow help clients find their individual ebb and flow, customizing treatments to each client's lifestyle and pace. The specialists draw from multiple massage modalities, including Reiki, hot-stone, Swedish, and deep-tissue massage. They offer spa treatments such as body waxing for a range of areas, skincare treatments such as facials and microdermabrasion, and sugar-scrub body treatments that all use locally grown, organic, and preservative-free products. Like a farmer can bundle his cows into a super cow, Ebb and Flow can bundle all of its services into wellness packages, allowing clients to indulge in weekly treatments and onsite yoga and Pilates classes for a set fee. They also prepare brides-to-be for the big day with different levels of wedding packages that include facials, makeup consultation, and skincare procedures.

When school is out the only directions kids want to follow are ready, aim, and fire. Take today's deal and let your little ones battle it out when you pay $25 for a gaming package for two kids ages 7 years old and up from Boomers Lazertag (a $50 value). You'll get two all-day passes to the laser tag arena as well as 20 arcade tokens to share. Or, double the fun when you pay $45 for four all-day arena passes and 40 arcade tokens to share (a $100 value). With air conditioning, thumping music, and plenty of black lights, this Woburn spot provides the perfect battleground atmosphere for kids to practice their sharp shooting skills. After a few team matches and every-player-for-themselves free-for-alls, kids can give those trigger fingers a rest and let their thumbs do the work in the arcade -- with dozens of classic and new games to choose from, you just can't miss.

Seventeenth-century shipping routes drastically improved once navigators began referring to actual maps of waterways instead of the veins on their calves. Steer clear of veiny skin with this Groupon.

In 20-minute sessions, laser technicians employ a long-pulsed YAG laser to reach deep beneath the skin, breaking up visible veins so that they gradually fade from view. The number of treatments required is determined by the total number of veins to be treated, as well as the size of the veins. Treatments may produce a light stinging sensation, and a local anesthetic can be used if desired.

Dr. Joseph Russo keeps good company. In addition to serving as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Harvard graduate leads Laser Gentle Medical Spa's band of medical professionals, aestheticians, and nonsentient lasers. Together, the team works to help their patients reach personal aesthetic goals with skincare therapies, such as laser skin tightening, chemical peels, Botox injections, and i-Lipo, that help to eradicate blemishes, veins, wrinkles, and unwanted bulk.

Creating a 2-D rendition on canvas requires either the ability to masterfully wield a paintbrush or the strength to flatten a fruit bowl. Discover your artful brawn with this Groupon.

In relaxed, two-hour classes that nurture artists' individual goals, Alexandra Rozenman teaches brushstroke basics, color theory, and composition. Each student arrives with their own subject, whether working from a photo, a still life, or the back of their own head (advanced students only). Students may bring their own materials or purchase them from the school for a $5 materials fee per class.

Alexandra Rozenman's career has taken her from the Soviet underground to a prominent place among some of America's most revered cultural institutions. Born in Moscow, she found her footing alongside now-famous dissident artists before political pressures brought her to the United States as a refugee in the late 1980s. From that point on, her surrealistic, multilayered paintings have only gained momentum, taking her from an MFA at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts to international exhibitions to a fellowship with the MacDowell Colony, an illustrious group of bohemians whose members have included James Baldwin and Michael Chabon.

Having risked everything to follow her own politically conscious muse, Rozenman knows how important self-expression is to every artist. Accordingly, her classes at Art School # 99 arm students with the technical skills and supportive environment they need to bring their vision to life and the authority they need to keep it from running away and playing pranks on the mayor. Programs often reach beyond the canvas to embrace the artist as a whole person: classes might incorporate readings, movies, or collage techniques, and workshops cultivate salon-style inspiration with French-impressionist-appropriate wine or russian tea.

By Mikal McLendon, Travel Correspondent

"Oh, that's pretty," says a well-dressed guest who has recently arrived at Hotel Providence, nudging her companion and nodding at a large jade sculpture of galloping horses. "That's our centerpiece," the concierge chimes in. "From China. It's really rare." The horses are the most vibrant piece adorning the marble-floored lobby of this hotel, whose collection encompasses French steel engravings, centuries-old murals, and gilded Swedish mirrors.

And the building itself has as deep of a history as the artwork inside it: the building had turns as a college dormitory, a department store, and a grain silo before the turn of the 20th century, when it was repurposed to become a classic New England hotel.

There's a definite appreciation for art here; each guest room is decorated with local artwork ranging from paintings of city scenes to ceramic sculptures of fish. Each also comes with a continental armoire and wooden headboards. The junior and premier suites are fairly spacious-there are separate living rooms furnished with queen sofas if you need to sleep extra guests or add reinforcements to your pillow fort. Premier suites have added luxuries such as a whirlpool tub, a granite wet bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the adjacent park and historical Grace Church.

Hotel Providence's Aspire Restaurant prepares New England-style cuisine such as clam chowder and jumbo lump crab cakes. Ingredients are sourced from local farms and the hotel's own rooftop garden. During warmer nights, you can dine in the restaurant's candlelit courtyard and enjoy selections from an international wine list.

"The art scene is incredible here," raves Tricia Carter, Hotel Providence's marketing manager. "Every day there's something new." The active community support of the arts has helped to earn Providence its reputation as the "Creative Capital."

In an effort to rejuvenate the historical entertainment district here, the city partnered with its three universities and gave artists tax breaks to live downtown. You can now catch Broadway musicals and Tennessee Williams dramas at beautifully restored historical theaters from the 1920s such as the Providence Performing Arts Center and Trinity Repertory Theatre.

A short walk from Hotel Providence, you'll also find a vast network of downtown galleries; many of these feature the work of artists and graduates from the nearby Rhode Island School of Design.

The city's thriving food culture rivals the art scene in creativity and vigor; there's an enclave of Italian eateries on Federal Hill, and delis dot the downtown area. Many local chefs source their ingredients from farms bordering the city, which set up shop downtown on Fridays at the farmers' market. About 10 minutes south of downtown, the Culinary Arts Museum celebrates Providence's love of food with more than 250,000 artifacts, ranging from antique cooking gadgets to elaborate wedding cakes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Getting a spa treatment is a great way to reward yourself, much like presenting yourself with a check for $1,000 worth of self-hugs (one). Thank you with this Groupon.

Though Cari Skin Care Centre sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.

For two decades, the staff at Cari Skin Care Centre has pulled their aesthetic and therapeutic treatments straight from the annals of European spa tradition; they cleanse and exfoliate the pores of men and women with the popular European facial, remove unwanted hair using a European waxing technique, and pair exfoliating coffee body scrubs with baguettes. Products from G.M. Collin infuse skin with hydration, and the staff tailors treatments to treat imperfections including redness and the telltale signs of aging.

Spa technicians use lasers to remove hair from the body, just as NASA scientists use lasers to remove Soviet flags from the surface of the moon. Win the hairless arms race with this Groupon.

Click here for a list of valid treatment areas.

Within Moksha Spa & Wellness Center's 5,000 square feet of tranquil, Asian-themed space, staffers inspire well-being with holistic therapies. Reiki healing aims to clear blocked energy pathways, and shirodhara-an ancient ayurvedic technique in which herbal oil flows over the forehead while a staff member massages the face, scalp, neck, and shoulders-calms the body and mind. Couples enjoy candlelight and a rose-petal bath in the massage room, where therapists wrap bodies in organic exfoliants or detoxifying clay.

The spa radiates with color, from brilliant oranges and yellows in the reception area to vibrant red sofas with metallic accents. Cheerful lime-green walls surround the pedicure room, where guests ascend to a cushioned and tiled throne for foot pampering and scepter filing.

Quit trolling for treasure on the North Shore -- everyone knows the good stuff is buried in the ocean blue. With today's deal from Undersea Divers, learn how to scour the deep when you pay $225 for a PADI open water scuba diving certification course for ages 10 and older (regularly $450). After docking at this Beverly scuba and snorkeling center, you'll begin your four-day training regime, which includes a PADI open water kit and classroom and pool instruction. Then, you'll participate in four, small-group training dives in open water led by one of three certified instructors. "X" marks the spot no longer -- with this half-off deal, wet wonders are but a dive away. Want more? Check out Undersea Divers on Facebook.

People often hollow out trees to make lightweight canoes or build transitional homes for cuckoos recently released from their clocks. Sing a sturdy trunk's praises with this Groupon.

Choose from three locations:

Boys and girls spend one week honing basic skills in kayaking, sailing, or a combination of the two, and participate in lively land and water games to determine who was raised in a swimming pool. The camps' staff members lead them in pirate-themed island-defense games, Hawaiian-style luaus, and canoe races. All camp directors and senior staff members attend American Camp Association classes, and the entire staff is certified in CPR and first aid. Many instructors are also certified by the American Canoe Association or US Sailing. Click here for a list of camp dates.

Boating in Boston finds itself at the docks of six area lakes and ponds, helping visitors to undertake watery adventures with a fleet of more than 200 canoes, kayaks, sailboats, pedal boats, and paddleboards. Whether navigating the gentle eddies of Stoneham's Spot Pond or searching for the feral water-polo team rumored to inhabit Wakefield's Lake Quannapowitt, visitors can hit the water untrained or gain new proficiency with solo or group lessons. The crew of instructors also instills a love of boating in the littlest buccaneers with youth summer camps that teach basic skills and safety.

A Taste of Merry Old England in a Cozy, Tudor-Style Inn

Since its founding in 1793, the town of Stowe has reinvented itself numerous times, from its early days as a potash-farming enclave to its brief stint as a Canadian smuggling outpost during the War of 1812. Stowe's streets and buildings are rife with American history, but today the town thrives as a mountain retreat with an artistic soul and an outdoorsy spirit. Just north of Main Street, Ye Olde England Inne, a sprawling Tudor-style manor, welcomes guests with a taste of merry old England. Straight-backed armchairs sit beside a roaring fire in the lobby, with English prints and paintings on the walls and a crimson carpet reminiscent of the old redcoat uniforms.

Housed within the inn, Mr. Pickwick's Gastropub and Steakhouse packs its pub cellars with several thousand bottles of wine, rare cognacs, and small-batch bourbons, as well as the requisite ales and lagers. An arched stone entryway leads to the pub's chummy, Old-World interior, where old-fashioned beer steins dangle from the rafters. More than just a watering hole, the restaurant also serves an inventive menu of seafood, fowl, and steak.

The inn's Bluff House suites cushion overnighters in English-manor elegance with four-poster, rice-carved queen beds. Each suite features a fireplace, a lounge with wing chairs and cherry-wood furnishings, and a spacious bathroom outfitted with a jacuzzi tub. A private deck or patio connects to most suites, affording views of the village, Mount Mansfield, and the Green Mountains. Most standard rooms feature Victorian-style wallpaper and bright bedspreads atop brass beds.

Ye Olde England Inne is set against the scenic backdrop of Vermont's Green Mountains. The inn is centrally located in Stowe, so you'll have easy access to the historical village and its arts scene, which includes the West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park, a spacious enclave showcasing pieces by budding and mid-career local artists who work in a range of media.

Stowe's prime location in a broad, fertile valley between the Green Mountains and Mount Mansfield-Vermont's highest peak-makes it an ideal launching pad for outdoor activities. A recreation path through Stowe loosely follows the meandering West Branch River with 5.5 miles of paved trails for biking, rollerblading, and jogging. The winding path's arched wooden bridges crisscross the river 10 times from start to finish. At nearby Underhill State Park, set at the base of the 4,300-foot-tall Mount Mansfield, you can practice butterfly mating calls on one of four hikes to the summit.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

There are only two instances in which it's legal to drive at 200 miles per hour: racing around a certified track and outrunning a 199-mile-per-hour construction horse. Satisfy your need for speed with this Groupon from Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. Choose between the following options:

Experiences are currently scheduled for the following weekend dates:

Drivers may opt to add damage protection that caps financial liability at $1,000 before driving for an extra fee ($60).

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience engages adrenaline glands with real-life rubber-burning packages, sending speed demons around New Hampshire Motor Speedway's paved oval track. With the shotgun ride-along, need-for-speeders can hop aboard speedy stock cars and share four laps' worth of in-the-action views with a veteran driver. The Shootout racing experience allows participants to don a custom Oakley racing suit and tear around the 1-mile track's 14-degree banked turns, just as a professional racer or ambitious after-hours janitor would. After 45 minutes of classroom instruction familiarizes soon-to-be drivers with the course's corners, students get to take the wheel for 12 invigorating laps, leaving their hair mussed, their eyes bulged, and their torsos coated in corporate sponsorships.

Here today and gone tomorrow is fine for blemishes, exes, and bad hair days -- but when it comes to beauty, you want yours to endure. Find everlasting loveliness with today's deal from Forever Beautiful in Dedham. Pay $149 for permanent makeup for both eyebrows (regularly $300); drop $169 for lower eyeliner (regularly $350); spend $199 for upper eyeliner (regularly $400); pay $259 for lip liner (regularly $525); spend $319 for lip pigmentation (regularly $650); or, drop $349 for both the upper and lower eyeliner (a $750 value). Permanent cosmetic practitioner Cameran Kundert -- who boasts ten years of experience -- will first draw on your preferred colors and shapes, then insert permanent pigment into your skin (with a topical numbing solution) for makeup that lasts. You'll look perpetually flawless, without the hassle of applying makeup today, tomorrow... or ever again.

Adding water can enliven an otherwise ordinary activity, from arguments settled by water-balloon fights to office meetings that end by seeing how the sprinkler system works. Luxuriate in liquid leisure with this Groupon.

Each trip includes a guide, inner tubes, equipment, and transportation. Guests should bring swimwear, footwear, sunscreen, and a towel.

Nestled in the verdant mountains of the Lake George/Saratoga region, Adirondack Tubing Adventures launches inner tubes, rafts, and kayaks on guided adventures down the Hudson River. Watercrafts pile up around its rustic cabin, where colorfully painted school buses await to cart parties to their body of water of choice. Once there, a seasoned guide will steer vessels across calm waters, amidst lofty trees, and past inquisitive wildlife or Boy Scouts earning their bear-linguistics badges. The company keeps a full stock of water shoes, water toys, and floating coolers available for rent.

Kitchens remain the center of activity in any restaurant, unlike in most modern households, where ovens and refrigerators have been thrown away to make space for a full-size wrestling ring. Learn why kitchens were once so popular with this Groupon.

First courses such as truffle pan-seared scallops with crème fraiche and aged balsamic vinegar ($15) are served alongside pan-roasted Chilean salmon ($29), grilled tenderloin of beef in a red-wine reduction ($38), and grilled pizzas ($15-$19). See the full dinner menu.

Executive chef Ilias Kakouris, a former apprentice of celebrity chef Nicholas Peter Valhouli, pushes up the sleeves of his white uniform as he leads his crew of chefs who roast baby eggplant, grill pizzas in the brick oven, and pan-sear scallops. Kakouris not only oversees the kitchen, but also co-owns Brutole Restaurant with Nick Kakouris, with whom he works to curate a menu of Mediterranean and American flavors. Near the warm glow of the brick oven, cooks pile pizza dough with caramelized onions, figs, and julienned pear while others top grilled beef tenderloin with a red-wine reduction.

The dark-wood-trimmed interior creates a romantic setting in which votive candles flicker atop white tablecloths and the silverware hums Tom Jones's greatest hits. A full bar draws in swarms of entranced patrons with its backlit glass shelves, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and signature martinis.

Romantic Vermont inn getaway for 56% off

You're sick of jumping through hoops to lose weight -- but you can't stop clowning around with carbs. Tame your appetite with today's deal from Westgate Wellness in Framingham (across from Temple Place): Pay $189 for a four-week weight-loss program (a $392 value). This comprehensive system was designed by an industry pro -- you and an instructor will create a 30-day meal plan based on your weight-loss and fitness goals, and a nutritionist will work with you to advise your food choices. This itinerary will also be complemented by a 30-day cleansing program, which requires the liquid cleansing Isagenix formula and Isagenix protein shakes to build strength and foster healthy living. At 52% off the regular price, this deal can help you save cash and potentially shed pounds... without acro-batting an eye at funnel cakes.

Having groceries bagged beforehand frees up time for other kitchen tasks, such as cleaning out the refrigerator or milking the tiny cows that live under the sink. Save precious time with this Groupon.

After checking the menu on the website (updated weekly come July), customers can choose from a selection of crisp produce, fresh free-range eggs, and bread from the farm's harvest. Vegetables are grown using organic practices with compost made on the farm and do not include fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Each 15-pound package will then be available for pickup at one of the following cities and times:

Silverbrook Farm

Horses trot merrily at Silverbrook Farm, towing carts and bushels of fresh, crisp vegetables behind them. Here, agriculturalists eschew tractors and machinery whenever possible, forcing the steeds to whinny their best impressions of diesel engines instead. While refraining from fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on their crops, the farmers also use all-natural processes when tending to their livestock, resulting in a bounty of free-range eggs and beef from cows fed with grass rather than the typical Funyuns.

Along with fresh food, philanthropy also thrives at the farm. After baking up pillowy loaves onsite, The Pereira Bread Co. sets aside a portion of its proceeds to donate to Citizen Schools of Massachusetts, and Silverbrook hosts regular events such as the Great Pumpkin Festival in October, appearances from Santa in December, and family movie nights under the stars' outdated, black-and-white constellations.

Paintball hurts less than you think it will, like getting your first haircut or admitting that you don't love Denise. Be brave with this Groupon.

$25 for an all-day paintball session for two (up to a $70 value)

$145 for a private paintball game for up to 10 players (up to a $400 value)

AG Paintball

Sneaking up the ridge, the players prepare to storm the multilevel Castle Anthrax, a wooden fortress where defenders lurk in its 20,000-square-foot interior and ready their counterattack. The castle is one of seven outdoor playing fields at AG Paintball, which has been featured on WMUR's "New Hampshire Chronicle." Amid forest terrain, participants duck into huts, snipe opponents from behind paint-splattered barrels, and trick the guard sphinxes into unveiling one of the multiple entrances to the Octagon. Updated annually with new fields, the facility hosts both novice and experienced players and matches those of equal experience and skill for games in varying styles of play. After their bouts, guests can restock supplies in the pro shop, commission repairs from the onsite gunsmith, or grill some burgers in the covered patio area, where those 21 and older can also enjoy BYOB privileges once all gear is returned.

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Another boring bouquet doesn't bode all that well for you. Save the florist some baby's breath this year and plant your own seeds of romance during an overnight weekday stay in Chittenden, Vermont's Mountain Top Inn & Resort. Enjoy a dreamy one-night stay for two, Sundays through Thursdays from now until July 30 or on Friday or Saturday May 25 or 26, in a Classic Lodge Room ($149) with a queen-size bed, a Luxury Room ($199) with a king-size bed, oriental rugs, and private sitting area, or a Luxury Suite ($249) with a king-size bed, wrought-iron fireplace, kitchenette, and whirlpool tub. Want to linger a little longer in your lover's paradise? Opt for a three-night stay for two, Sundays through Thursdays from now until July 30 or Friday through Saturday on May 25 and 26, in a Classic Lodge Room ($449), a Luxury Room ($599), or a Luxury Suite ($749)-the additional three-course dinner for two and the hour-long trail ride on horseback for two is no trifle. Book as many Escapes as you like-vouchers can be combined for unlimited nights of stay. You'll find a modern lodge feel in the earthy decor and rich, dark woods in all of the rooms. As a member of the Vermont Fresh Network and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner in 2010, the inn's Chef Casey will cultivate a daily gourmet breakfast and afternoon refreshments, compliments of your Escape. Take some time to smell the roses and step outside into the 350-acre wilderness amid the Green Mountain National Forest to see nature in full bloom. Walk to the private beach-access to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are included. Later, take a guided trail ride on horseback, provided for all Escapees. "Situated on [350] lovely ridge-top acres, this [lake]-side property sports one of New England's best views," says Frommer's review of Mountain Top Inn & Resort. "[It provides] a relaxing, summery feel, from the expansive front porch of Adirondack chairs to croquet games and horse rides." The seeds for a serene Escape have been planted-just be sure you pick this one before it wilts at week's end.

The great romantic painters had the same goal: craft an image so beautiful it would come to life and marry them. Be a work of art with this Groupon.

$350 for a junior-boudoir package (a $700 value)

$550 for a full-boudoir package (a $1,100 value)

Before the shoot launches, clients sit down with Erik, the photographer, to discuss ideas, poses, and comfort zones. Those opting for the full-boudoir package relax with champagne and music as professional makeup artist Michelle takes over for a 45- to 90-minute wardrobe, hair, and makeup styling. Glammed up and flush with confidence with champagne in hand, women ease into the shoot with a few headshots that break the ice before striking more daring, flirty poses. After one- or two-hour sessions, the photographer retreats to his lab to subtly retouch the images. Clients can select 5 or 10 of their favorite shots for a CD and an 8"x10" portrait printed on acid-free paper.

Now a professional photographer who trained at the New England School of Photography, Erik first cottoned on to photography while living in Europe. Awestruck by the beauty and excitement that comes with trekking around unfamiliar places, he wanted to pull the sights through the lens of his camera and keep them from weathering in his memory. His newfound passion for photography snuck into his luggage on his trip back to the U.S., where it grew into a full-blown career of photographing boudoir shoots and weddings.

Patton Boudoir's 900-square-foot studio, decorated like an old-fashioned dressing room, sets an elegant backdrop for tasteful photo sessions. Commercial lighting casts a flattering glow over skin, and bottles of champagne set a festive mood. During boudoir sessions, Erik uses a mix of humor and specific direction to create images that draw out each client's personality, celebrate their beauty, and show off the elegant curve of their antennae. Depending on the package, the shoot takes the form of a full-fledged event with professional makeup artist Michelle working at Erik's side, styling hair, applying makeup, and orchestrating the wardrobe. After the shoot, Erik lightly retouches and individually tones prints to mimic darkroom techniques.

Commuting via boat has a number of advantages: there are no traffic jams, there are no hitchhikers with hooks for teeth, and if you hit a deer it's definitely the deer's fault. Experience the ease of aquatic transportation with this Groupon for environmentally friendly cruises from Boston Green Cruises. Choose between the following options:

Boston Green Cruises ferries sightseers through the city's historic inner harbor and Charles River on peaceful, environmentally responsible tours. Coast through the gentle waves of Boston Harbor and admire the waterfront scenery aboard the ultraquiet Beachcat, an EPA-lauded cruiser powered by a potent combination of highly efficient motors and early Steely Dan albums. The boat comfortably seats 40 guests, ensuring each passenger has ample room to maneuver about the deck while taking in sights such as the Boston skyline, the USS Constitution, and the old railroad bridge over the Charles River. The nearly silent-running vessel glides along with only occasional narration, allowing guests to peacefully enjoy the fluid din of coastal industry, chirping birds, and piscine productions of Carmen.

A soft hotel bed is incredibly comfortable to sleep in, eclipsed only by a hammock made of Muppet hands. Enjoy a home away from foam with this Groupon.

Duos relax with accommodations in any Corner House room or the Cathedral, Pondview, Woods Edge, or Stargazer rooms in the Long House. Rooms include one queen- or full-sized bed, continental breakfast, and access to a private deck or large common deck. The one-hour gardening class with a resident master gardener focuses on a single topic such as soil preparation, fruit-and-vegetable growing, mulching, or pruning magical beanstalks.

When designing A Stone Wall in the 1970s, architect Robert Foote Shannon marched to the beat of his own drum. Instead of focusing on antiques and Victorian decor like a typical bed-and-breakfast, he went with the more contemporary aesthetic of solar reflectors and curving, kiva-style walls. True to the principles of modern architecture, the inn blends with its surroundings in southern Vermont's Green Mountains. One of the buildings climbs a hill, set atop rough masonry cavity walls that form an artificial cliff inspired by the dwellings of Mesa Verde, and wood from local mills and recycled pines make up most of the exteriors.

Ten rooms house guests on 12 sprawling acres of lush gardens, streams, and, ponds. The Corner House and the Long House divide the rooms between them-each flaunting its own defining characteristics. The Corner House's confines feature solar heating supplemented by wooden stoves as well as access to a large, mountain-view deck and meditation room for concentrating on inner peace and divining the winners of upcoming horseraces. Rooms in the Long House, on the other hand, have private patios and access to a spacious hot tub. Both buildings host shared kitchens and dining rooms for meal preparation, and all stays include a daily continental breakfast.

Activities near A Stone Wall Inn include hiking in surrounding state parks and the Green Mountain National Forest, canoeing, kayaking, and dreaming up the best treehouse ever. Roughly 30 minutes east of the inn, the town of Manchester entertains with outlet malls, art galleries, antique shops, and music and theater options.

Planning a concert is a delicate art that requires deep understanding of the audience, a fact demonstrated by Tiny Tim's disastrous tour with Black Sabbath. Catch a coherent evening of entertainment with this GrouponLive deal to see the Gotham Rocks Tour, featuring Charetta and Ghosts of Eden, at Milly's Tavern in Manchester. For $8, you get one general-admission ticket for the show on Sunday, June 3, at 6:15 p.m. (up to a $15 value, including all fees).

The bloggers and promoters of Gotham Rocks care as much about building community as they do about throwing hard-rocking shows. Scouting talent from the five boroughs and beyond, the agency has assembled a duet of like-minded acts designed to bring a burgeoning scene together for the Gotham Rocks tour. The two-fisted tonsils of Angelina DelCarmen endow Charetta's rock angst with brassy vocal lines that could easily lead any pop-radio hit or all the town's children into the nearest Hot Topic. From selling out New York's esteemed Irving Plaza to opening for bands such as Saliva, Charetta's rising star burns bright as the band approaches its five-year anniversary. Feisty, fun, and heavy, Ghosts of Eden keeps the '90s alive with grungy nods to the Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam.

Milly's buttresses the guitar riffs and head-banging melodies with 18 beers on tap, handmade on the premises. Each glass spotlights malted barley, hops from the Pacific Northwest and Europe, and pure Lake Massabesic water, pairing expertly with bar fare and the popcorn flavor of rock 'n' roll.

From catapulting flaming soldiers over castle walls to sitting on active geysers, humans have long been fixated on flying through the air. Absorb the wonderment of flight with this Groupon.

Taking off near Acadia National Park, 20-minute biplane rides begin by heading eastward to survey the coastline. Experienced pilots steer the classic aircraft over Bar Island for aerial views of Otter Cliffs and the Egg Rock lighthouse. The final approach before landing showcases sweeping vistas near Somes Sound. Alternatively, glider-plane rides spend 15-20 minutes of flight time smoothly exploring Bar Harbor's skies at a height of 2,500 feet. Both flights take passengers over the lush landscape of Acadia National Park.

Acadia Air Tours employs a squadron of practiced pilots who take to the clouds on wings borrowed from a bygone era. In the open-air cockpit of a classic World War II-era plane, adventurers can taste the winds whipping through the air 2,000 feet above Bar Harbor. Tour flights take off at least one-half mile from Acadia National Park, flying close enough to take in its natural scenery and study its 50-story anthill high-rises while still respecting the park's boundaries. Customers can take scenic flights in nostalgic planes such as the Boeing PT-17 Kaydet, which was first manufactured in 1936, or engage in make-believe dogfights during a fighter-plane experience..