Shakespeare in the Park—Central Park, NYC


THIS YEAR MARKS THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY of William Shakespeare’s death. Pay homage this summer in the Big Apple. New York City’s Public Theater performs Shakespeare’s plays at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Tickets are free, but you’ll have to pick them up in advance. Troilus and Cressida and a musical adaptation of Twelfth Night are slotted for August and September. See Public Theater’s website for more details. www.publictheater.org/en/Free-Shakespeare-in-the-Park

Race to the British Transportation Museum


IF YOU’RE TRAVELING THROUGH OHIO this summer, explore the history of Britain’s classic marques at the British Transportation Museum in Dayton. With more than 50 different types of automobiles and motorcycles, this nonprofit museum collects and restores British cars dating back to the 1930s.
www.britishtransportationmuseum.org

Diana: Legacy of a Princess


Visit the famous Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach, California, and now a luxury floating hotel and events center. Take a tour of the historic ocean liner, or stay overnight in your own stateroom. The highlight of the summer is an elegant exhibition, “Diana: Legacy of a Princess,” showcasing a priceless collection of her evening gowns, personal accessories, heirlooms and Royal memorabilia. The stunning collection includes some 2,000 items from the Windsor family, assembled over the past 30 years.
www.queenmary.com/tours-exhibits

Hideous History by Sandra Lawrence


EACH OF our regular contributing writers pursues other literary endeavors, unsurprisingly. Long time BHT London columnist Sandra Lawrence reveals another side of her writing personality with the publication this summer of two new books in the Hideous History series from Little Bee Books.
The superb, fast-paced books in the series are subtitled “All the grim, gruesome and gory parts of history’s dark side.” Sandra’s two new volumes, Death & Destruction and Trials & Trickery, amply fulfill that promise. These wonderfully illustrated 64-page hardcover histories may well not be a reading material of choice for many BHT readers, but most 12-year-old boys would absolutely love them.
Romp with Sandra through tales of Vlad Dracula, the French Revolution, Vikings, Rasputin, the Spanish Inquisition and the betrayal of Jesse James. Learn fascinating details of torture and execution methods; meet ill-fated Roman Emperors, witch hunters and celebrity executioners. Proud we are of the accomplishment indeed. These two books would make great gifts for many adolescent readers. They will never think of history as boring again.
Death & Destruction and Trials & Trickery are published at $11.99, and available from Amazon—and only the best book shops, of course.

Will & Jane: Shakespeare, Austen, and the Cult of Celebrity


TWO SUPERSTARS of English lit share a fun-filled exhibit that explains how they became household first names. See literary celebrity explode while enjoying wacky memorabilia, such as Pride & Prejudice S&P shakers, the Shakespeare bobble-head, a lock of Jane’s hair, a Will action figure and even that shirt—the one Colin Firth wore all wet and clinging as Mr. Darcy. Will & Jane opens August 6 at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washingtson, DC. For more, go to folger.edu

American Polo—Nationwide


POLO BECAME POPULAR in the West after British soldiers in India took a liking to the sport in the 1860s. Today, polo is played in 16 countries—including the United States. There are more than 250 polo clubs across the U.S. Taking in a polo match is an exceptional way to spend a summer afternoon. Participate in the Divot Stomp—at halftime, spectators socialize on the field while replacing divots caused by galloping horses. Don’t forget your best attire, the dress code is akin to the Kentucky Derby. Visit the United States Polo Association’s website for clubs and near you. www.uspolo.org

British Goods on the New England Coast


HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL connections to Britain run particularly deep in New England. If you’re traveling the region’s rocky coast this summer, here are some spots where you can experience the old country. Keep an eye out on your travels—this list is far from exhaustive!
British Themes Pubs:
Cornwall’s Pub, Boston, MA. www.cornwalls.com
Coat of Arms Pub, Portsmouth, NH. www.coatofarmspub.com
British Beer Company, locations throughout MA and NH. www.britishbeer.com
Imported British Food, Drink and Collectables:
Penny Ha’Penny, Wilton, CT. www.pennyhapenny.com
Best of British, Newburyport, MA. 978-465-6976 (ask for Bob or Bernadette Williams)
The British Goods Company, Hampton, NH. www.britishgoodscompany.com
British Clothing, Apparel and Home Goods:
Royal Male, Newport, RI (serves both men and women). www.royalmale.com
Bridgham & Cook, LTD., Freeport, ME. www.britishgoods.com