On the road: Artwork dedicated to Air Force
Chicago
Air Force artwork
See original work created by 14 artists in the 2012 Midwest Air Force Artists Exhibition at the Pritzker Military Library. The artwork will be placed into the permanent art collection of the U.S. Air Force this fall as part of the U. S. Air Force Art Program.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through July 20. Pritzker Military Library, 104 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago. Admission is $5. (312) 374-9333 or pritzkermilitarylibrary.org.
Queen for a day
In May, moms deserve some extra-special pampering. Throughout the month, moms can get a massage, nail service or facial or can devote an entire afternoon at the Spa at Trump. You can also choose a Mother & Daughter Two-Gether package that includes side-by-side pedicures and two glasses of champagne.
Trump International Hotel & Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago. Package range from $190 to $534. (312) 588-8020.
Holy mole
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's improbable victory over French forces on May 5, 1862, and it has become a global festivity. Say “Si” to a grande Cinco de Mayo festival held in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood that promises wall-to-wall live music, authentic Mexican food, colorful arts and crafts and plenty of activities for families and children.
6 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 4; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, May 5-6, at 2600 S. Kostner Ave. Chicago. Call (773) 521-5387 or chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=200.
Midwest
Speedway revs up
Lake Express, the first high-speed auto/passenger ferry to operate on a route within the continental U.S., hosts a family-friendly event to kick off its 2012 service and raise funds for Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute. Enjoy special excursions on the Lake Express, behind-the-scenes ferry tours and opportunities to meet members of the ship's crew. Kids can get their faces painted for free then meet Grand Valley State University's mascot “Louie the Laker.”
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Lake Express Muskegon Terminal, 1918 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon, Mich. Excursion tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for ages 4-11. Call (866) 914-1010 or lake-express.com.
Hot chocolate
The 13th Annual Long Grove Chocolate Festival kicks off its outdoor special event season with everything chocolate. Enjoy chocolate in countless incarnations and check out demonstrations and workshops, wine parings, live music and activities for the kids.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday, May 4-6, at 307 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0888 or longgroveonline.com/chocolate.html.
A blooming miracle
For more than 80 years, eager-for-spring Midwesterners have made a mad dash to Holland, Mich., to enjoy the blooming tulips. This year visitors can enjoy more than 6 million tulips carpeting six miles. The Holland Tulip Time Festival celebrates Dutch heritage and culture and offers something for everyone including parades, concerts, theater, Dutch attractions and food, children's events and trolley tours.
Event times vary Saturday to Saturday May 5-12, in downtown Holland. (800) 822-2770 or tuliptime.com/events.
Worth the trip
There are vacations than there are experiences hosted by pre-eminent adventure athletes through Zozi Gurus. Gear up and hit the rapids with a world-class kayaker in a daylong experience in the Truckee Whitewater Park in Reno, Nev. Other options include working with a coach to become a natural runner and improve your running performance or join a wildlife expert and international explorer for an African-style safari in the heart of California's wine country. Groups are small and activities take place in California and Nevada.
Availability varies by season, and prices start at $295 a day, zozi.com/guru_experiences.