Shortcuts December 26 2001

Mobile, Ala.
Almost 600 historical relics and replicas showcase Chinese inventions, crafts and technologies in China! 7,000 Years of Innovation at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. On display are a 2,000-year-old seismograph, a south-pointing compass from third century BC, the first odometer, examples of Chinese porcelain dating from the 14th to 17th centuries and more. Chinese artisans will demonstrate centuries-old techniques. Jan. 12-June 9. $7.50-$11. Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. 65 Government St. 877-625-4FUN or www.exploreum.net

Asheville, N.C.
Think you have ghosts in your house? Get on up to the Grove Park Inn for the Paranormal Weekend Jan. 11-13 and learn from experts how to document ghostly activities with photography, audio recordings and energy meters. Hosting the event is Joshua P. Warren, author of Haunted Asheville and How to Hunt Ghosts. Participate in a walking tour of the inn’s haunted spots, learn about the ghosts of the Civil War and hunt for ghosts during a midnight outing. The package includes two night stay, two ghost hunts, four seminars, one breakfast, one lunch, a walking tour and two Q&A meetings. Single $355; double $499. 290 Macon Ave. Call Maggie at 800-438-0050 or visit groveparkinn.com.

Frankfort, Ky.
While most of us settle in for the night after the sun sets, another world is just coming to life. Developed by the Cincinnati Museum Center, the interactive exhibit In the Dark allows visitors to learn about bobcats, skunks and spotted salamanders among other nocturnal animals. Listen to katydids and owls, match flashing lights to fireflies or experience elements of deep sea life by balancing like a jellyfish. The exhibit explores the many sensations of ecosystems at night, below the ground, inside caves and below the sea’s surface. Through Jan. 13. Museum hours are Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. Thurs.), Sun. 1-5 p.m. 100 W. Broadway. 877-444-7867.

-- Lea Holland??