Taking a Brain Stretch Break

A week of hands-on workshops, seminars, recreational clinics and field trips in Beaver Creek, Colo., is open to travelers over 50 beginning Sept. 29.

This is the fourth annual gathering for Explore, run by the NorthStar Institute, a Colorado-based educational organization. The faculty has 12 professionals, including a member of the Hubble Space Telescope team, a Native American potter, a creative writing professor and author, a nature photographer and the founder and director of a cooking school. Here are some of the classes:

* Global issues: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Political System; Politics of Water and the Environment; NATO and Its Future in Europe.

* History: Crime, Drugs and the Media; Domestic Strife and Internal Conflict; When Legal Borders Don’t Reflect Political Realities.

* Astronomy: Our Chronologically Challenged Universe.

* Music: The Evolution of Music; Art or Craft?; A Conductor’s Life.

Other workshops touch on writing, art, photography and cooking, and there are trips with instruction on fly-casting, health, exercise, hiking and bicycling. Other activities include yoga, golf and a Western barbecue and dance.

The week costs $1,875 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $375. The price includes:

* Six nights’ lodging at the Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek near Vail.

* Three dinner events.

* All breakfasts and lunches.

* Five days of workshops, special events and clinics, including materials and equipment.

* Use of health club and spa facilities.

* Background materials and a list of suggested readings mailed to participants one month in advance.

* Transportation by van to venues away from the hotel. (Transportation to Beaver Creek is not included.)

For more information, call (800) 298-4242, or write to Explore, 312 S. Franklin St., Denver, CO 80209.

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The Carmel Business Assn. has created a Carmel Escape for Seniors program for travelers visiting the resort city, located about 120 miles south of San Francisco. The program features special discounts in restaurants, area tours, wine-tasting sessions and shopping in more than 15 retail establishments and galleries. Discounts include a theater performance and entrance to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The senior discount program is valid in July or August. For a booklet that includes all participants, call (408) 624-2522, or write to them: Carmel Business Assn., P.O. Box 4444, Carmel, CA 92921.