Midwest travel: Chalk the Block in Michigan
Chicago
Stretch with James
Aching for a break? Book the “R+R Retreat” package at The James Chicago and connect with your physical, mental and spiritual self at Yoga Loft Chicago. Located in River North within walking distance of the hotel, the complimentary yoga class includes strength training and cardiovascular conditioning (you even get a Yoga Loft Chicago yoga mat). Then, unwind with a signature Spa by ASHA massage and bottle of wine, courtesy of David Burke's Primehouse. Available through Dec. 31, 2015, at the James Chicago, 55 E. Ontario St., Chicago. Rates begin at $299/night. (312) 337-1000.
Fairy fine festival
If a yearly visit to the nearest Renaissance fair doesn't rattle your chain, head to Vasa Park in South Elgin for the 11th annual World of Faeries Festival. Come dressed in a fairy fine manner, dab some patchouli behind your ears, browse fairy art and crafts, take in lots and lots of live folk music and take your place at a fairy tea party. The family-oriented event takes place rain or shine. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for ages 12 and under. (815) 788-1630 or theworldoffaeries.com.
Pet perks
Ranked one of the Top 25 Hotels in the United States by TripAdvisor in 2015, The Talbott Hotel is perfect for those who want to bring along the pooch. All dogs checking in to The Talbott Hotel receive a “doggy bag” welcome amenity complete with an inflatable water bowl, doggy bag dispenser and treats in a reusable tote. More pet perks include cozy dog beds, water bowls, and a 15 percent discount voucher to luxury pet boutique Tails in the City located across the street. A portion of the dog fee is donated to various local pet charities. Talbott Hotel, 20 East Delaware Place, Chicago. Overnight rates vary. $50 dog fee. (312) 944-4970 or talbotthotel.com.
Midwest
Chalk it up to summer fun
All day sidewalk sales, horse-drawn trolley rides, walking tours, farmers market, outdoor movies and concerts are all a part of St. Joseph, Michigan's 19th annual Chalk the Block. The free event welcomes 30 regional artists who create chalk masterpieces downtown amid lots of sidewalk entertainment near Lake Michigan beaches. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Friday, July 30-31; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, on Broad Street, between Lake Boulevard and State Street, St. Joseph, Michigan. (269) 985-1111 or stjoetoday.com.
How brat-ty
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is wiener heaven during Brat Days. Expect wall-to-wall free musical performances, a carnival, and parade to thrill the kids and many kinds of beer to wash down brat-b-q and tons of other specialty items like brat-on-a-stick, brat egg rolls and food starring that other Wisconsin favorite: cheese. Watch or enter the Brat Eating Contest — last year's winner consumed 18 brats. Bring some cash for handmade crafts and bargain shopping, too. 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 30; 4 to 11:30 p.m., Friday, July 31; 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Kiwanis Park, 726 North 17th St., Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Admission is free but food tickets are 10 for $5. brat-days.com.
If I could turn back time
History Clubhouse, the Missouri History Museum's first long-term exhibition designed just for kids, recently opened thrilling parents and children. The free permanent exhibit features life-size fabrications of historic St. Louis, allowing kids to plunge into history via play and imagination. Explore four favorite St. Louis areas: walk among skyscrapers in downtown St. Louis, steer a giant steamboat on the Mississippi River, discover Cahokia Mounds and Forest Park. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and until 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 29, at the Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. Free admission. (314) 746-4599 or mohistory.org/historyclubhouse.