Midwest travel: Chicago Botanic Garden celebrates spirits of the season
Chicago
Seasonally spirited
Drink in the season with tastings of local spirits, wine and winter brews at the Chicago Botanic Garden's seasonal tasting. Check in at Burnstein Hall, get your wristband, a tasting glass and a tasting sheet, and then sample liquid wares from the likes of CH Distillery, FEW Spirits, North Shore Distillery, Forbidden Root, Small Town Brewery, Cider Brothers, Platinum Cellars and more. Light fare and drinks will be available for purchase, too. While you're there, enjoy the annual Wonderland Express exhibition with model trains whizzing by more than 80 Chicago landmarks. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Tickets cost $25-$30 in advance and $28-$33 on the day of the event. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org/.
Shop 'til you ...
If the thought of a mall is tiresome, get to West Town WinterFest where you can scroll among more than 30 independent West Town businesses on Division, Chicago and Grand or opt to be chauffeured in style via Jolly Trolley Tours. The guided tour (with drinks aboard) lasts three hours, features all of the same participating shopping haunts, and provides a "checked shopping bag" service so shoppers don't have to worry about hauling packages. Find unique items, special promotions, trunk sales, treats, holiday wares, a pop-up holiday market with handmade goods and hands-on family fun crafts along the way. This year also offers WinterFest Bucks and a "Naughty List" After Party on Division Street. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Winterfest headquarters, 1612 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Trolley tours costs $10; receive a $20 WinterFest Gift Certificate with a ticket. (312) 850-9390 or see westtownchicago.com/events/.
Skate Peninsula style
Want a spectacular holiday stay? The Peninsula Chicago promises elegant festive decor, a visit from Santa and Peter Bear and The Peninsula Sky Rink, which is open for its fifth season. Perched above Michigan Avenue, the rink is bathed in holiday music and snowflake lighting. Warm up with hot beverages and snacks, too. All admission proceeds will be donated to Chicago children's charities. Stay for two consecutive nights at the hotel and receive a complimentary third night's stay this winter. Reserve a stay online at peninsula.com and snag a complimentary upgrade to the next room category as well as flexible check-in and check-out times. Stay two nights and get a third night free runs now through March 31 at The Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior St., Chicago. Rates start at $343 per night, prorated, plus tax with a three-night minimum requirement. Online booking upgrade offer valid through March 3. To make reservations or for details and additional packages, call (312) 573 6620 or see peninsula.com/chicago.
Midwest
Kringle mingle
Milwaukee Food Tours offers an interesting way to celebrate the holidays with friends or family while sampling delicious holiday cookies from a collection of favorite bakeries in Racine: the Racine Kriss Kringle Bakery Bus Tour. The three-hour bus tour departs from Racine and features stops at bakeries, plus stories of ethnic holiday traditions and Racine architecture and history. You'll get to sample signature cookies, candies and pastries at each stop, which are included in the price. Bring a shopping bag to purchase goodies to tote home. 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, in Racine, Wisconsin. Tickets cost $35-$60. Make reservations at milwaukeefoodtours.com/.
Behind the White Beard
A new exhibit at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa, tells The Untold Story of Santa: Behind the White Beard. Learn about the different renditions of Santa across the world via three themes: History of Santa, Santa in Germany and Santa Around the World. The exhibit is free to visit and includes photo ops, elf workshops, find the pickle prizes and other activities. The German American Heritage Center has transformed its building into Iowa's largest Advent calendar, lighting up a different window like an Advent calendar until Dec. 24. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, now through Jan. 8 at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. Second St., Davenport, Iowa. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors 60 and older; $3 for kids 6-17. (563) 322-8844 or gahc.org/.
Light up your life
From Main Street to the hills overlooking Ulysses Grant's home, Galena will be glowing during Night of the Luminaria. One magical night features more than 5,000 candlelit luminarias on streets, steps and sidewalks. You can get a beautiful perspective whether you drive, walk, hop aboard a trolley or on a carriage. Local businesses offer extended hours to take advantage of holiday shopping on the "Hellava Half Mile," then warm up with a candlelit dinner at one of the town's comfy restaurants. Get there early to witness an actual Wedding in a Window and Living Windows that feature holiday-inspired animation. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in Galena, Illinois. No admission, but fees for trolley tours and some activities. (815) 776-9200 or visitgalena.org/.