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Midwest travel: Taste the goods at Chicago Food Truck fest

Chicago

Keep on truckin'

Cupcakes, pizza, doughnuts, fried chicken, pierogies, tamales, heck, there's even lobster at the Chicago Food Truck Festival. Don't miss the sangria garden, giveaways, entertainment, outdoor games like corn hole, Jenga and volleyball, and taste portions from up to 50 gourmet food trucks (food prices vary). VIP tickets are still available for $10, which includes entry one hour early and two drink tickets. If you want to get in early without the drink tickets, it's only $5. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, at McCormick Place South Loop, 2200 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago. Get details (and a ticket) at chgofoodtruckfest.com/ or call (312) 380-9762

Sky high

Take in Navy Pier fireworks from the comfort of your room at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. You have guaranteed views of the bi-weekly show over Lake Michigan that's synchronized to music. At 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays now through Labor Day, be a part of the excitement without the crowds, plus enjoy snacks, cocktails, wine and other goodies you can pre-order to arrive in time for an in-room viewing party. Through Labor Day at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, 1 E. North Water St., Chicago. Rates are from $235 a night, based on availability; taxes not included. During Taste of Chicago, rates will start at $269. To book a room, visit sheratonchicago.com/ or call (866) 716-8134 and mention code LTP.

Hush!

“Comedy Obscura, Episode 1: Mimes” promises to showcase the best and weirdest comedic performers in Chicago. The first installment of the series hosted by Chicago comedians Nicky Martin and Charlie Vergos will explore the curious world of silent performance. Comedy Obscura has lined up mimes, lip syncers and a lot of silent silliness in between. 8 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the Flat Iron Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 336, Chicago. General admission is $10. Buy tickets at tinyurl.com/zsblnge.

Midwest

Beer throw down

Kenosha, Wisconsin, presents a new event: Border War Beer Fest, a celebration of the best craft brews created in Wisconsin and Illinois. Attend the friendly competition between the neighboring states to vote for who takes home the “Willy” - a traveling trophy awarded to the state with the best brews. Get unlimited 3-ounce craft beer samples from more than two-dozen Wisconsin and Illinois brewers; try home brews and state-themed food such as pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs and Wisconsin cheese curds and sausage. There will be live music and beer-centric games and activities at the 21-and-older event. Hotel packages are available, and festival grounds are less than a mile from Kenosha's Metra train station. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Celebration Place in HarborPark, 5501 Ring Road, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Tickets range from $45 general admission to $79 VIP admission; designated driver ticket prices are $15-$25. For details and a lineup of brewers, see borderwarbeerfest.com/.

Now through Sept. 3, Train 344 departs Milwaukee at 10:40 p.m. so you can easily plan a day trip to and from Milwaukee. Courtesy of Amtrak

Take the 'H' train

This summer, it's easier than ever to take a day trip to and from Milwaukee via Amtrak. The Saturday evening service allows passengers to enjoy day and evening activities in cities along the route and return home aboard the Hiawatha Service. An adult can bring two kids ages 2-12 for free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day, and students save with a 15 percent discount. Amtrak also added trainside checked bicycle service to all Hiawatha Service trains, along with the ability for passengers to travel with small pets under the seat. There are seven Amtrak Hiawatha Service roundtrips Mondays through Saturdays and six roundtrips on Sundays. Look for special offers at restaurants, stores and tourist destinations in Milwaukee updated on the Hiawatha Service Facebook page. Now through Sept. 3. Train 344 departs Milwaukee at 10:40 p.m. For schedules and details, visit amtrakhiawatha.com/ or call (800) 872-7245. See facebook.com/ridehiawatha for special offers.

Philadelphia presents the largest Fourth of July fest in the country, WaWa Welcome America. Courtesy of G. Widman for GPTMC

Worth the trip

Philadelphia is hosting the nation's largest 4th of July festival, WaWa Welcome America, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Grammy Award-winning singers, free family and cultural events and a fireworks display shot into the air high above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Consider staying at The Logan, a new luxury hotel, situated in the middle of the action with a rooftop lounge providing a birdseye view of the festivities. The Liberty & Libations Package includes accommodations for July 3 and 4 in the Hotel's Premium Executive Suites; four hours of open bar and light fare at the Assembly Rooftop Lounge; and dinner for two including two glasses of Champagne and a half-dozen oysters. The Couples Escape Spa package includes a customized 80-minute massage for two in the couple's suite and a mani-pedi for two; in-room breakfast for two; drinks and appetizers in The Commons; overnight valet parking for both nights; and Champagne and strawberries delivered to your room. Sunday and Monday, July 3-4, at The Logan in Philadelphia. Prices start at $2,016 for double occupancy (plus tax and gratuity), the package is valued at more than $2,600. When booking the Liberty & Libations Package, you're eligible for 20 percent off rooms for Friday and Saturday, July 1-2, by calling the hotel at (215) 963-1500. See theloganhotel.com/ for details.

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