Houston

First Impressions

The impressionist artists of the 19th century sought to capture the essence of light and its transformative qualities. Many painters and photographers who preferred to work en plein air traveled to the forest of Fontainebleau near Paris to capture nature. A colony of kindred spirits established itself in the village of Barbizon, giving rise to the era’s art school of that name. Beginning July 13, viewers can see some of the splendid works from this period as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) presents an exhibit titled In the Forest of Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to Monet. Feeling truly inspired? You can fly nonstop to Paris from Continental’s hubs in Houston, New York/Newark, and Cleveland.

Another exhibit at the MFAH featuring exquisite objets d’art by top architects explores the link between buildings and the silver, brass, copper, and mixed-metal items contained within. Designed by Architects flaunts fruit stands, coffeepots, and enameled and quartz-adorned jewelry from around the world, through August 3.

Continental is an official sponsor of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. 713.639.7300; mfah.org

New York/Newark

Tappa Tappa Tappa

Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes (right) and Liam Neeson taking on Samuel Beckett? Tony Award winner Alan Cumming tackling the classical Greeks? These are just two of the highlights of the eclectic Lincoln Center Festival 08. The National Theatre of Scotland kicks things off when Cumming stars in its production of Euripides’ Bacchae. In total, the festival presents 57 performances and events July 2–28, including Die Soldaten, the landmark opera from 20th-century composer Bernd Alois Zimmerman. Fiennes, Neeson, and Barry McGovern star separately in three one-man plays by Beckett, and performance artist Laurie Anderson returns to Lincoln Center with her latest piece. Continental is an official sponsor of Lincoln Center. 212.875.5456; lincolncenter.org

That uniquely American art form, tap dancing, is alive and well. July 5–11, hundreds of hoofers from around the world gather for Tap City 2008, the New York City Tap Festival to teach, study, and dance, dance, dance! The world’s top tap festival features a slew of public performances throughout the city, including Tap Forward, one of many performances taking place at Symphony Space July 8–11. 646.230.9564; atdf.org/tapcity

Cleveland

All’s Faire in Love and Opera

Operetta is arias with laughs, dance, and spoken dialogue. The Ohio Light Opera, the only professional company in the United States devoted to this delightful musical form, celebrates its 30th season with afternoon and evening performances throughout the summer. Opening this month are Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved classic The Yeoman of the Guard; Marinka, a Viennese romantic musical; and L’étoile, a story of love and comic confusion. 330.263.2345; ohiolightopera.org

About an hour east of Cleveland lies a 13th-century English village called Avaloch. Also known as the Great Lakes Medieval Faire, this 183-acre hamlet exists for six weeks on weekends starting July 5. It’s populated by jesters, knights, and musicians who provide entertainment suitable for kings, queens, princes, and princesses of all ages. 888.633.4382; medievalfaire.com

Getting There: All the destinations covered in “Go Explore” can be reached by flying Continental Airlines. To book your vacation, contact Continental Airlines Vacations at covacations.com.