On the road: Zip and flip in southwest Ohio
Midwest
Zip and flip for Warren County
Warren County, Ohio, can be a wet and wild option this spring. It's home to southwest Ohio's largest indoor water park resort, Great Wolf Lodge; the Midwest's largest zip-line canopy tour, Ozone Zipline Adventures; Ohio's largest dinner theater, La Comedia Dinner Theatre; and the LM&M Railroad. New vacation packages are geared to families with a diverse range of indoor and outdoor options.
Package dates and rates vary. Call (800) 791-4386 or visit ohioslargestplayground.com.
Chicago
Exploring Africa
Travel to Africa via Navy Pier when Neighborhoods of the World honors the city's African communities. The free event is a cultural celebration of music, dance, colorful costumes, authentic cuisine and folk art. There will be performances by the Dahnyeekah African Dance Troupe, Joan Collaso, Avain Hightower and Full Circle, Senabella and others. Stroll the marketplace of 20 vendors selling traditional arts and crafts, too.
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago. Free admission. (312) 595-7437 or www.navypier.com.
Flower power
Enjoy lush tropical gardens at Macy's on State Street as it showcases Towers of Flowers with more than 2 million flowers and exotic topiaries arranged by horticulturalists. Take a free 20-minute guided tour with a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener to learn how the show was installed, plus get details on this year's flowers and plants.
Tours are at 11 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through Tuesday, April 10, at 111 N. State St., Chicago, in the first floor and Walnut Room. (312) 781-4483 or www.visitmacyschicago.com.
Worth the trip
American history buffs may want to set sail and learn about the Epic Civil War Journey, a 12-night voyage with Crown Cruise Vacations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the premiere of the PBS documentary “This Republic of Suffering.” You'll sail the waters of the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers with ports of call in New Orleans, La.; Vicksburg, Miss.; Helena, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn.; Ashport Landing, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; Savannah, Tenn.; Decatur, Ala.; and Chattanooga, Tenn. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore famed locations and battlegrounds that shaped the future of the United States. Joining guests on the American Queen steamboat will be Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns and producer Mark Samels, noted Civil War historians, musicians and tribute artists impersonating Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee.
Aug. 9-21. Fares range from $2,895 to $8,495, depending on the cabin category and number of guests. Reservations must be made directly with Crown Cruise Vacations at (855) 788-7880. Fares include a complimentary one-night luxury hotel stay both before and after sailing, shore adventures, dining options, beverages and more. Visit www.ptvatsea.com/cwrc2012.