What pairs with lobster? Artisan ale
Boston - Forget baked beans. Feast on New England crustaceans and craft beer at the Boston Lobster Party, instead. The inaugural festival features lobster-themed dishes from some notable Boston restaurants, including South End Buttery, Rocca, Gaslight Brasserie and Union Bar and Grille. Wash down the chefs' culinary creations with artisanal ale from 15 local breweries, such as Magic Hat Brewing Company, and Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project (their unusually named brews are likely not on tap at your local pub). A thousand attendees are expected, so don't be surprised to see lineups at the food stations. The event takes place today at Trolley Barn (540 Harrison Ave., South End). Tickets are available online. bostonlobsterparty.eventbrite.com
Sleep urban chic in Harlem
Harlem - Aloft is bringing its signature urban-chic-for-less style of accommodation to New York with the opening of a 124-room hotel in Harlem. This marks the first time in more than 40 years that a new hotel has taken residence in this often overlooked enclave of uptown Manhattan. Rooms at Aloft Harlem boast the brand's signature high-ceilinged, open-concept design and some sensible extras such as high-speed Wi-Fi, Bliss bath amenities and ergonomic desk chairs. Guests can try out Aloft's newfangled self-check-in system, grab a snack at the 24/7 lobby pantry and listen to live music at re:mix lounge. Aloft Harlem opens on Oct. 21 with special rates starting at $242 a night. www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
Nightlights in Philly
Philadelphia - Philly's main waterway is literally aglow. From dusk to dawn, 90 luminescent orbs, designed by architect and artist Meejin Yoon, are illuminating a stretch of the Schuylkill River. Called Light Drift, the temporary installation is part of the city's Mural Arts Month festivities. Passersby are encouraged to interact with the futuristic buoys. A series of orbs on the riverbank are equipped with sensors that detect the presence of a human and relay a radio signal to the corresponding waterborne orbs. As movement is sensed, the floating exhibit changes colour and brightness. Light Drift is on show until dusk tomorrow at the Schuylkill Bank between Market and Chestnut streets. muralarts.org
Special to The Globe and Mail
