On the road: Visiting Wright homes
Chicago
Wright way
You know you've wanted to take a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural tour and now you can see nearly two decades of the master's Chicago work in one Saturday morning. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust presents a three-hour, information-packed coach tour of famous Wright sights. Frank Lloyd Wright's Chicago tour departs from the JW Marriott downtown and heads to Oak Park to view the exteriors of celebrated Prairie-style residences and Unity Temple, and an interior tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. The bus will proceed to Chicago's Kenwood and Hyde Park neighborhoods to see more Wright homes as well as the iconic Robie House.
9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec. 1, leaving from 151 W. Adams St., Chicago. Tickets are $50 for Preservation Trust members and $55 for nonmembers. JW Marriott offers a special package with discounted room rates, bus tour, complimentary cocktails for two and discounts at Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust museum shops. Call (866) 270-6430 and ask for the Frank Lloyd Wright Package or visit GoWright.org.
Vote and gloat
Get geared up for election excitement with the Presidential Package and an Election Night party from the Renaissance Blackstone, Chicago Hotel. The package includes overnight accommodations, private check-in, presidential dinner and a personalized turndown amenity of favorite presidential treats.
Through Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 636 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Presidential Package starts at $500 per night based on double occupancy. Call (312) 447-0955 or visit blackstonerenaissance.com.
Midwest
Hop, skip and shop away
Combine a weekend getaway to lively Madison, Wis., with early holiday shopping. The Madison Holiday Market hosts an array of merchants and boutiques full of unique gift ideas. Shoppers can expect to see everything from designer jewelry to handmade fudge to holiday decorations, porcelain pottery, handcrafted furniture and homemade toffee. Show up on Friday for Diamond Night when there will be holiday music, traditional drinks and a diamond giveaway.
1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Alliant Energy Center, Exhibition Hall in Madison. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids 7-12. Visit madisonholidaymarket.blogspot.com.
Down in the valley
The Fall Mississippi River Valley Art Drive is a free, self-guided drive featuring nearly 400 artists representing 24 towns across Illinois and Iowa. View the work and meet the artists at more than 40 sites while driving along the river valley. Meet painters, jewelers, authors, potters, fiber art creators, original porcelain doll makers and recycled art creators as well as an art foundry, art centers and garden art spots.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 3-4. Get a printable map of the drive locations and a description of the artists' work at mrvad.com. Call (800) 747-7800 or visit visitquadcities.com.