QUICK HITS.

Lonesome road: Fans of the nation's first cross-country road will gather in Reno, Nev., June 11-15 for lectures, seminars and tours. Although the session is for members of the Lincoln Highway Association, events are open to the public. Registration cost is $95, and tours of Donner Pass or Lake Tahoe cruises range from $40 to $45 each. Information: [phone].

N'Awlins sounds: Tickets are on sale for the July 4-7 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, the country's largest gathering of African-American musical artists. Ticket prices range from $20 to $55 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster, [phone].

Massachusetts ferry: From June 18-20, June 28-July 4 and Aug. 13-15, passengers who want to transport a vehicle by ferry can call the Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority up to an hour before sailing time, and, if space is available, reserve a spot for their vehicle. Reservations: [phone].

Vacation time: In spite of rising gasoline prices, Americans this summer will take a record 232 million person-trips of 100 miles or more away from home, a 2 percent increase over summer 1995, and 54 percent will have kids in tow, according to the American Automobile Association. The most popular summer auto destinations are Orlando, Grand Canyon National Park, Los Angeles/Anaheim, Williamsburg and San Diego, said the AAA. Cost of an average trip will be $1,076.

Win a trip: Air New Zealand, the Australia Tourist Commission and STA Travel, the world's largest student travel organization, offer free air fare to Australia to a student chosen at random in an upcoming sweepstakes.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Entry forms can be picked up in person at STA Travel offices at 120 Broadway, Suite 108, Santa Monica; at 920 Westwood Blvd. or 7202 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Entry forms are also available by writing: STA Travel, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2110, Los Angeles 90036. Or send an e-mail request for an entry form to: statravelearthlink.com. Deadline for entries is July 8.