Midwest travel: 'TILT Your Heart Out' in Chicago's Hancock Center
Chicago
Walking on air
Love is the air, even way up on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. 360 CHICAGO marks the Valentine season in February with the "TILT Your Heart Out" special. The monthlong package includes admission to 360 CHICAGO, a glass of champagne, a ride on TILT (the country's highest moving attraction) and a commemorative photo. Expect special Valentine's Day decor on the entire 94th floor observation deck for super selfies with your significant other. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (last entry at 10:30 p.m.) daily, now through Feb. 29 at the John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The "TILT Your Heart Out" package costs $34. Packages and general admission tickets can be purchased in person or online at 360CHICAGO.com.
Heart of Glass
He has collaborated with David Bowie, choreographer Twyla Tharp and poet Allen Ginsberg, and now you can see musician Phillip Glass in an intimate setting when he returns to his alma mater, the University of Chicago. Sixty years after graduating, Glass comes to campus as a Presidential Fellow for a three-day residency that includes a film screening, two public conversations and a sold-out concert. See a screening of the film "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters" Feb. 17 and stick around for a follow-up Q&A discussion with Glass. Or join a public conversation with Glass on artistic collaborations on Feb. 18. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, and 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at Logan Center Performance Hall at the University of Chicago. Free, but RSVP recommended for both events at ticketsweb.uchicago.edu/default.aspx. philipglass.uchicago.edu or (773) 702-ARTS (2787).
Daydream believer
In the heaviness of winter, a visit to Theo Jansen's unique kinetic creations could be the antidote. His first major American exhibition tour, "Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen," blurs the lines of art, engineering, science and performance. The locomotive sculptures are accompanied by artist drawings, videos and daily demonstrations of the Strandbeests' movements. See it at the Chicago Cultural Center for free. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, now through May 1 at the Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, 4th Floor North, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. Free. chicagoculturalcenter.org.
Midwest
Drill, baby, drill
You won't miss the chocolates or flowers when you get the girls together and head north to experience a novel Valentine's celebration. Adventurous women can learn a new winter recreational activity on the ice followed by relaxation at Heidel House Resort and Evensong Spa. The Drill Divas Ice Fishing Package includes overnight accommodations, a local ice-fishing expert for guidance, a warm shanty and fishing equipment, cocktails, hand warmers and a prepared box lunch. Not to mention breakfast in the Sunroom, 50-minute Labyrinth Heated Stone Massage, and access to Evensong Spa's waterfall whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room and relaxation room. Now through Feb. 28 at Heidel House Resort, Green Lake, Wisconsin. Rates start at $208 per person, plus tax, gratuity and fishing licenses. Proof of age required. Availability depends on ice conditions. For information and to reserve, call (920) 294-3344.
Shiny happy people
Visit one of the Midwest's most vibrant cities during Madison Hotel Week. The promotion offers great rates at 22 area properties so you can explore the Wisconsin capital's fine-dining scene, funky shops, outdoor recreation, and indoor activities including museums and galleries. Expect a welcome gift upon arrival that includes a VIP card that gives you 10 percent off at local restaurants. National Geographic says Madison is one of the happiest places in the world. Feb. 12-21 in Madison, Wisconsin. For details, contact the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau at visitmadison.com/madison-hotel-week.
Be rockstars
Whether your love is sizzling or has cooled a bit, a visit to Cave of the Mounds "Love on the Rocks" Underground Valentine's Day activities should warm things up. Stroll the temperature comfortable, cozy candlelit cave on paved walkways and enjoy sweets, bites and live music along the underground trails; recall your first kiss in the Cathedral Room; make a wish at Dream River; and make a champagne toast in the North Cave. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. The Love on the Rocks Couples Package (for ages 21 and older) costs $63.30. For details or reservations, see caveoftheMounds.com or call (608) 437-3038.