TRAVEL LOG

New York’s get up and go on exhibit

It’s a whole new ride as the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn prepares to reopen Sept. 16 after two years of renovation.

Although many favorites are returning, such as the museum’s collection of vintage rolling stock and the “Steel, Stone & Backbone” exhibit on the building of the city’s first subway line, there are also new galleries.

“On the Streets: New York’s Trolleys and Buses” simulates a traffic intersection with lights, walk signs, parking meters, fire hydrants and more.

There’s a wheelchair-accessible bus, a refurbished 1950s bus cab and a private collection of more than 50 models of trolleys and work cars. Another section of the gallery, “Clearing the Air,” focuses on the environmental effect of various fuels.

“Moving the Millions” gives an overview of the subway system, using historical photos, diagrams, cartoons and other media.

Admission to the museum, at Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights, is $5 for adults (up from $3 before) and $3 (up from $1.50) for seniors and for children ages 3 to 17. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays; noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; and closed Mondays.

For more information, call (718) 694-1600 or visit the Web site: www.mta.info/mta/museum.

The museum continues to operate its 4-year-old Gallery Annex & Store at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The current exhibit, through Nov. 16, focuses on lithographs, woodcuts and other works by New York artists depicting the transit experience. Admission is free. It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

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Crystal Harmony to head for the Hawaiian Islands

Luxury Crystal Cruises will add intra-island Hawaiian cruises to its winter itinerary.

The Crystal Harmony will sail Jan. 24 and Feb. 3 and 13 from Honolulu, calling at Kauai, the Big Island, Maui and Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati.

Prices begin at $2,495 per person, based on double occupancy, nearly half off brochure rates. For information, contact a travel agent or call (800) 820-6663 for a brochure or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

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Hello? Is this the Lower East Side?

Cellular technology can do more than keep you in touch; it can teach you a lesson or two.

If you’re in New York and you’re interested in the Lower East Side, you can take a walking tour by cellphone to learn about the area. By dialing (800) 644-3545, you’ll be tuned in to “The Lower East Side: Birthplace of Dreams,” narrated by comedian Jerry Stiller, who grew up there.

There are 13 stops on the tour, which is available beginning Sept. 15. You can access the information by calling the number and tapping in the stop number.

For more information, see www.talkingstreet.com.

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FREE FOR THE ASKING

Wisconsin’s guide to its native tribes

“Native Wisconsin” focuses on the history and cultures of 11 tribes in the state, from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. It also describes lodging, casinos, museums and more. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, (800) 432-8747, www.travelwisconsin.com. (Click on “Travel Info,” then “Order Free Travel Guides.”)

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DEAL OF THE WEEK

Check out bears on tundra north of the border

Spend a day with the polar bears of Churchill, Canada, on a six-day jaunt to the north woods that costs $670 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $150), plus tax. The trips, departing Oct. 7 and Nov. 4, are available from the Great Canadian Travel Co. of Winnipeg.

The price includes overnight round-trip transportation by Greyhound from Winnipeg to Thompson, Canada, then overnight round-trip rail transportation to Churchill, two nights’ accommodations in Churchill, one meal and a daylong Tundra Buggy trip to where the bears gather each fall. Transportation from Los Angeles to Winnipeg is not included. (800) 661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

-- Compiled by

Times staff