Midwest travel: Skijor, snowshoe, sled, ski and more through Galena
Mush!
Yeah, we have to exercise more in 2017. For completely different and fun workouts, try skijoring (cross-country skiing while being pulled by a dog) and snowshoeing at the Nordic Center at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, which is about 2½ hours from Chicago. The Nordic Center, which includes a retail shop, opens to more than seven miles of cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, a sledding hill, and a one-acre outdoor skating pond. Get even more exercise with twilight snowshoe hikes, downhill skiing at nearby Chestnut Mountain and ice fishing. After a day in the cold, unwind at Stonedrift Spa. Note: Skijorers must bring their own dogs, which are allowed to stay in the pet-friendly homes and villas available for rent. The Nordic Center at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, Illinois. For rates, call (800) 892-2269 or see eagleridge.com/.
Chicago
One for the road
Start training for New Year's Eve by snagging a spot for a Drunk History of Chicago tour, an interactive event with historical re-enactments, trivia contests, improv comedy and drinks. Follow your guide through Chicago's Gold Coast and visit landmarks on your way to four of the neighborhood's friendliest historic pubs. It's a walking tour, so dress comfortably and for the weather. And, of course, the tour is strictly for the 21 and older crowd. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Departs from North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tour costs $50 and includes welcome shots and/or drink specials at each establishment. See besttours.com/drunk-history-of-chicago.html.
Dank you, 2016
On New Year's Eve, Dank Haus German American Cultural Center presents the Upbeat Orchestra performing music from Frank Sinatra to Carlos Santana under the disco ball. Indulge in a heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet and an open bar featuring premium German beer, wine and cocktails. At midnight, make a champagne toast to 2017. No dress code required, but organizers encourage festive attire like feather boas and fedoras. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., Chicago. Tickets cost $125. (773) 561-9181 or dankhaus.com/.
Small 'd,' big fun
Chicago's boutique dana hotel and spa invites you to do a lot more than sleep in the chic property as it offers new experiential packages. For an unusual holiday gift, romantic staycation or girls' weekend, consider packages such as i am unfiltered in which you're partnered with a professional photographer to capture memories at locations around Chicago for professional keepsakes. Thrill-seekers should consider the i am high-reaching package, which includes cocktails in a private car to and from a helipad, then a special twilight helicopter ride. The i am intrigued package offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the Chicago Theatre, Civic Opera House, Art Institute or Wrigley Field. Fashion lovers booking the i am fashionable package will have the expertise of a personal stylist shopper who will take guests on a customized shopping adventure in the city. The dana hotel and spa is at 660 N. State St., Chicago. Package rates start at $209-$479. (312) 202-6000 or danahotelandspa.com/.
Midwest
Marley approved
The executive chef at Lake Lawn Resort in nearby Delavan, Wisconsin, has scripted a special Christmas Eve Dickens dinner and a Grand Yuletide Christmas Buffet. The dinner includes classic dishes and sides as well as items for the tiniest of Tims. After the presents are unwrapped, get to the resort for the gourmet Christmas Day buffet. Book a room at the inn for a nap after your feast and arise for outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Christmas Eve Dickens dinner is available from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, Wisconsin. The cost is $40.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids 4-12 and free for kids 3 and younger, plus tax and gratuity. The Grand Yuletide Christmas Buffet runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25. It costs $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids 4-12 and free for kids 3 and younger, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call (800) 338-5253 or see lakelawnresort.com/.
Snow and glow
The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa in Fontana, Wisconsin, will be lit with seasonal magic during Glow Week. Toss glowing bouncing balls, sit around bonfires, splash during glow pool parties, make crafts such as neon tie-dye, decorate cupcakes with glow-in-the-dark marshmallow frosting, and take in a special Neon Night with games, activities and competitions lit up with black light. Outdoor adventures include ice skating and cross-country skiing. Overnight packages include the Winter Break at the Lake package; Heroes Package with a 20 percent discount for all military personnel; Girlfriends' Getaway package featuring spa discounts; and a Spa and Stay Free package. Look into the New Year's Eve Half Night of Fun designed for kids 4 to 12; the New Year's Eve Breakaway Bash for Families; the New Year's Eve Gala; and other ways to ring in 2017 on the shores of Lake Geneva. Dec. 26-31 at The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, Wisconsin. (800) 709-1323 or theabbeyresort.com/special-pkg/seasonal-specials.aspx.
Ridge of sighs
Stay at The Ridge and you'll soon be skating, dining and spa-ing with the Lake Geneva hotel's Winter Wonderland overnight package. The deal includes free skate rentals to use on the expansive outdoor rink plus s'mores and optional snowman building. Warm up indoors with 25 percent off spa services at The Ridge Spa & Salon and a $25 dining credit at the new Crafted Americana restaurant or bean + vine coffee and wine bar. Valid now through Feb. 28 at The Ridge Hotel, W4240 WI-50, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Rates start at $119. (800) 225-5558 or ridgelakegeneva.com/.