Though Leonardo da Vinci designed functional flying machines in the Renaissance, it took until the 20th century for inventors to devise the aviator goggles needed to look stylish in them. Celebrate the history of flight with today's Groupon: for $179, you get a 45-minute vintage-fighter-plane ride for two from Boston Warbird Rides in Mansfield.

A pilot skillfully navigates a 1950 L-17 fighter plane over the New England landscape, giving passengers an unrivaled view of the lush hills and angst-stricken poets below. Before taking off, a preflight inspection ensures that the cockpit is secure and stowaway clouds are thrown out onto the runway. The pilot then explains each control's functionality while covering the basics of the flight-deck instruments. Once airborne, riders can gaze over the lush New England landscape while snapping photos and even snag the altitude stick for a lesson in amateur piloting as the aircraft glides by clouds under the watchful eye of the pilot. Though today's deal is for two, a third passenger may be added at an additional charge.