Midwest travel: Art abounds at Radisson Blu Aqua

Chicago

My art will go on

One of the big trends in hotel amenities over the last few years has been on-site art and art galleries that often exhibit local and well-known artists. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago kicks it up more than a notch with its first hotel art tour mobile app: The Art of Blu. Guests can experience the hotel's excellent art gallery space with a curated, self-guided tour - something previously offered only by museums. The Art of Blu tour highlights the splendid architecture of the Aqua Tower; the hotel's interior designer sharing his inspirations for the lobby design; and Vivian Maier's distinctive photography showcased in the hotel lobby. Guests get headsets at the front desk and then can keep the headphones afterward. Pretty cool.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, 221 North Columbus Drive, Chicago; (312) 565-5258 or radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago

Faith and begorra

If the shenanigans at Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade aren't enough for you, pencil in a wee visit to the Irish American Center - more than 10,000 are expected to stop at the Center during March for live music, dance, food and various activities all under one very green roof. There's the St. Patrick's Festival following the downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade - a large family-oriented event with traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food, children's activities and an Irish Arts and Craft fair, with vendors selling Irish gifts. The St. Patrick's Day Celebration on Tuesday, March 17, offers music, dance and face painting for children.

1 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 if bought by the end of the day on March 12. Children 12 and younger get in free. Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. Tickets are $10 and children 12 and younger are free. Irish American Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago; (773) 282-7035 or irish-american.org

Build me up Buttercup

We know we're emerging from our Midwestern purgatory by the heralding of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Stroll by two dozen elaborately designed gardens; attend hands-on demonstrations and workshops and learn how to realistically grow a garden. Take advantage of daily free educational seminars in a wide range of topics and skill levels from novice to expert. Your vase, pot and cup runneth over with activities, including floral tablescapes, culinary demos, garden- and green-related services and products, a national cake decorating competition and a children's activity garden.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, March 14-22, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Admission is $10-$19 for adults; children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Purchase tickets online before March 14 and receive $2 off the box office price. ChicagoFlower.com

Midwest

Let's go krazy

Get crazy at Boyne Highlands' annual Krazy Daze, a rocking good time with Friday live entertainment in the Zoo Bar and Slopeside Lounge, then a full day's worth of fun for adults and kids on Saturday. Compete in a range of on-hill competitions, including the kid's Jump Competition and Nastar Race, plus The Ski over the Pond, a crowd favorite for its wacky results.

Friday to Saturday, March 20-21, at Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Michigan. Weekend package - including lodging, lift tickets, equipment rental, breakfast and tubing - starts at $252 per person. (800) 462-6963 or boynehighlands.com

Tap dance to Marengo

If it's the Festival of the Sugar Maples, spring is right around the corner. Join the McHenry County Conservation District's fun and educational program to discover how syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. A one-hour tour features the cultural history of the maple grove, different collection techniques, and a look at how maple syrup is made at the evaporator house that finishes with a taste of fresh Coral Woods maple syrup. Dress for a half-mile hike on a rugged nature trail.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to Sunday, March 7-8. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo, Illinois. Free. (815) 338-6223 or mccdistrict.org

Diva Days

Diva Days, a Women's Weekend in St. Joseph, Michigan, offers plenty of reasons to get away with the girls for pampering, shopping and entertainment. Attend the Must-Have Mixer and Fashion Preview at The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, which includes cash bar, DJ, swag bag and giveaways. Also attend the Fiddler's Congress Concert, taste regional wines and beers, shop special sales, and enjoy dining discounts, workshops, demonstrations and cooking classes.

Friday to Sunday, March 13-15. St. Joseph, Michigan. Event prices vary. stjoetoday.com/all-events

When Irish guys are smiling

Where would Wisconsin's largest Saint Patrick's Day Parade step off? Milwaukee, Madison? It takes place in downtown New London along with a fine Irish festival. Leprechauns at the local Shamrock Club change the town's name to "New Dublin" for the week before the Grand Parade which boasts bagpipe and marching bands, madcap clowns, numerous floats, clan units, Finnegan's Wake and others that make up over 100 entries. The Irish Fest is held under a huge heated big top and features Celtic bands, beverages, Irish food and market booths, entertainment and plenty of blarney. New London is 20 miles northwest of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Monday to Saturday, March 16-21, at New London, Wisconsin. (920) 982-3891 or newdublin.com