Dance under the stars. Watch fireworks over the Charles River. Enjoy a champagne picnic while watching the sport of kings. It's all happening at Taj Boston this summer.

TAJ BOSTON JULY 4TH SPARKLER PACKAGE

Feel especially patriotic while staying in the same building in which Irving Berlin wrote part of his musical "Mr. President." Taj Boston is only steps from the Charles River Esplanade, site of the July 4 Boston Pops concert and the best spot for fireworks viewing. The package includes:

- Deluxe accommodations for two.

- Luncheon choice of a set menu at The Cafe or a picnic basket across the street in the Public Garden.

- Welcome amenity.

- Taj Boston kites, to fly in the Public Garden.

- Available July 1-7.

- Rates begin at $379 per night, based on availability and exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcohol

TAJ BOSTON MYOPIA POLO PACKAGE

Taj Boston celebrates the 120th season of summer polo matches at the Myopia Polo Club in Hamilton, Mass. Each Sunday through Oct. 5, the sport of kings is played on the oldest polo grounds in the United States, opened in 1888 on the North Shore of Boston. Make it a weekend with this package that includes:

- Deluxe room for two.

- Sedan and chauffeur for five hours.

- Admission for two to Sunday Myopia Polo match in Hamilton.

- Tailgate picnic basket prepared by Taj Boston chefs, complete with champagne.

- Myopia Polo season program.

- Dinner for two in The Cafe excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity.

- Package begins at $695; upgrade to a Garden View Suite for $1,295.

- Available through Oct. 5 and based on availability.

TAJ BOSTON SUPPER CLUB ON THE ROOF

The rooftop of this 1927 landmark building was the center of Boston's social scene during the Big Band era of the 1930s and '40s, hosting the likes of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and Eddie Duchin. This year, the roof is reopened to the public for dining and dancing over the city and under the stars.

- Spend the evening dancing to the five-piece Tom LaMark Orchestra.

- Enjoy the summer favorites of the Chefs at Culinary Presentations.

- Friday nights, 7-11 p.m.

- July 11 and 25; Aug. 15 and 29; Sept. 12 and 26; Oct. 3.

- $55 per person, plus $45 for the summer buffet.

- Turn the evening of dancing into an extended romantic stay with the Supper Club Rooms Package, including Thursday and Friday night accommodations, admission and dinner for two. Rates begin at $499, based on availability and exclusive of tax and gratuity.

FYI: For inquiries or reservations, please call 877-482-5267 or visit www.tajhotels.com/boston.

SOUTHWESTERN SOPRANOS

From now until the end of August, Santa Fe transforms into an opera lover's destination, causing many opera-goers to flock to the beautiful Southwestern city. To celebrate the 2008 season, Eldorado Hotel & Spa is offering a 15 percent discount on guest room reservations when travelers present tickets upon arrival to any of The Santa Fe Opera's performances.

In addition, to ensure opera enthusiasts make show time the award-winning The Old House Restaurant is offering a special pre-theatre prix fixe menu. Priced at $38 per person, the early offering is available based on the evening's opera schedule from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Old House, New Mexico's original four-diamond restaurant, serves up contemporary global cuisine with a regional flare. Reservations are required.

Extending their expertise, a hotel's dedicated opera concierge will provide summer schedules, answer opera-related inquiries as well as assist in garnering tickets. Making it easy for visitors to arrive to the amphitheater, round-trip shuttle service is available throughout the evening from the hotel lobby for an additional fee. The Santa Fe Opera's 2008 summer schedule includes Verdi's "Falstaff," Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," Benjamin Britten's "Billy Budd," Handel's "Radamisto" and the American premiere of Kaija Saariaho's "Adriana Mater."

Hotel rates start at $269 per night. For reservations or information, visit www.eldoradohotel.com or call 800-955-4455.

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.

© Copley News Service