On the road: See double at MCA's new 'Body Doubles' exhibit
Chicago
Double down
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago recently opened “Body Doubles,” an exhibition that explores the relationship between the body and identity and the various ways artists have used the body to confront boundaries. See relationships between the individual and society, male and female, public and private, and others in the exhibit, which is shown at a time in the world when popular culture and mainstream media increasingly focus attention on gender and sexuality. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, now through April 19 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission is $10-$25. mcachicago.org or (312) 280-2660.
Cheer for the orange and Blu
Fall sports fans are invited to indulge in two of their favorites — food and football — Chicago style with Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel's new football package. Book the Chicago Football Package and enjoy a daily $50 food and beverage credit to use for dinner the night before the game or breakfast on game day. In addition, snag 15 percent off hotel valet parking prices. Valid through Jan. 1 at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, 221 N. Columbus Drive. Package starts at $234. radissonblu.com or (312) 565-5258.
Midwest
Pig out
Line up for the inaugural Madison Bacon Festival to face your sizzling obsession in a celebratory environment with like-minded enthusiasts. Get ready for Wisconsin's largest bacon showcase, bacon lectures, bacon-inspired dishes, bacon competitions, bacon queen contest, live entertainment and general bacon fellowship. Other entertainment includes live music and huge televisions to watch Wisconsin Badgers vs. Rutgers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. $45 general admission ticket includes unlimited bacon samples, $10 in “bacon bucks” to purchase a wide array of bacon-inspired dishes from participating restaurants, one beverage, live music and bacon lectures. Get tickets at madisonbaconfestival.com.
Spirits are calling
The craft brewing craze that's sweeping across the U.S. takes center stage at the annual Lake Geneva Beer & Spirits Festival held at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Wisconsin. Sample lagers, ales and stouts served by 25 Midwestern craft breweries and three regional distilleries. In addition to 150 different beers, spirits, ciders and malt beverages, try specialty foods that pair well with the drinks while live musical performances set the scene. Bourbon tasting is new this year (sample up to six different types of bourbon for $5). 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Admission is $45 and includes a commemorative glass with unlimited beer tasting. Designated driver tickets cost $10 and include unlimited gourmet soda and bottled water. lakegenevabeerandspirits.com or (262) 245-1000.
Sign here
Missouri History Museum's exhibition “The Louisiana Purchase: Making St. Louis, Remaking America,” has just debuted as part of the yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of St. Louis. The Treaty of Cession (aka The Louisiana Purchase Treaty) is one of the most influential documents in American history, and it's the first time that all of the related documents from the National Archives are being exhibited together. You can also view seldom-exhibited artifacts such as Lewis & Clark's Elkskin Journal, a message from President Thomas Jefferson, and a locket containing a lock of Napoleon's hair, among others. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, now through April 15 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. Free. mohistory.org or (314) 746-4599.
Worth the Trip
Treat the kids and take advantage of special “Fall Family Fun Rates” offered by the seven Downtown Disney Resort hotels in Florida, including Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort. You may want to visit during one of the special events such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The seven official Walt Disney World hotels also provide complimentary shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, two water parks and the Downtown Disney area. Nov. 1 through Dec. 23. Rates begin at $74 per room at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort to $109 per suite, per night at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton. Rates are based on availability, some blackout dates may apply and rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations or for groups. For details or to make a reservation, visit bit.ly/DDHF2014.