On the road: Celebrate Beach Week at Grand Traverse Resort
Chicago
Mart and art sleepovers
Art lovers and shoppers will like the new packages for summer stays at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago. Available Friday nights, The River North Art Experience includes overnight accommodations for two; tickets for two to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; and a guided River North Art Gallery Tour (Saturday) hosted by Chicago Gallery News. The Bloomingdale's Shopping Package includes overnight accommodations for two; a special welcome gift in the room from Bloomingdale's upon arrival; a 15-percent discount card to use during the shopping trip; $50 in gift card credit; free item delivery back to the hotel when $250 or more is spent; and two 50-minute massages of your choice at the spa.
Available now through Aug. 31 at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago, 127 W. Huron St., Chicago. The Art Experience package starts at $288; the Shopping package starts at $510. Both packages are based on double occupancy. (855) 649-2200 or godfrey hotelchicago.com.
Flowers and song
Check out the schedule of free outdoor concerts at the Chicago Botanic Garden Monday through Thursday evenings. Besides Carillon Concerts by the water in the Hot Summer Nights Music Series, there are also beautiful views and quiet walks through the gardens. Bring the kids Wednesdays for Dancin' Sprouts, or indulge in Music on the Esplanade and Cocktails on Tuesdays. Picnic dinners are allowed at some events, while others have food and beverages available for purchase.
7 p.m. Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 1 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Admission is free, but parking is $20. Check chicagobotanic.org for schedules or call (847) 835-5440.
The other Summerfest
Just steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Summerfest is an outdoor, casual family festival that features live music, food and drink vendors, art and jewelry fashioned by local artists and a family area with lots of activities for kids. Bring the little ones to frolic in the park and a blanket that they can rest on and enjoy food and music. Twenty hours of live music include favorite cover bands like 16 Candles, Too White Crew and Wedding Banned.
Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at 2000 N. Clark St., Chicago. Entry to the festival is a $5 suggested donation. Call (773) 665-4682 or go to starevents.com/events/chicago-summerfest.
Midwest
Beach, blankets, bingo
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in northern Michigan celebrates Beach Week for its guests at its private Beach Club. Highlights include kayak races, candy bingo, 5K run, pottery painting, and tons of activities for families and couples. Groove to live beach music, enjoy beach bonfires, kid's beach crafts and popular #8220;Beach Olympics,#8221; a series of five beach-themed challenges for your chance to earn Gold, Silver or Bronze medals.
June 27-July 6 at 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, Michigan. Beach Week activities are value-added for guests who stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa during those dates. Visit grandtraverseresort.com/beach week.