Midwest travel: Explore Wicker Park, Pilsen on new Chicago Detours tours
Chicago
Walk the walk
In addition to its downtown offerings, Chicago Detours adds tours in the city's vibrant neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Pilsen. Professional tour guides take you on the Old Polonia and Wicker Park Food Tour exploring the social and gastronomical evolution of the old "Polish Downtown" over the last decades. The new Changes and Spaces in Pilsen Food Tour traverses the heart of Mexican Chicago while exploring ideas of gentrification, community, public art and ethnic food. This three-hour tour is planned to run only twice in May. 11 a.m. Wednesday, 2 p.m. Friday and the second Sunday of each month through Oct. 15 (Wicker Park); 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20 and 27 (Pilsen). Wicker Park tickets cost $49; Pilsen tickets are $52. (312) 350-1131 or chicagodetours.com/.
Shop 'n' sip for Mom
Shop for Mother's Day at a craft goods fair at Dovetail Brewery, where you can enjoy Dovetail's refreshing Continental-style beers while choosing a special gift for mom. Browse Tracey Dobson handmade jewelry; Rossana Reformado's photos of iconic Chicago landmarks and buildings imposed onto magnets, signs and coasters; cutting boards by Dan Metiviver; Abby Brown handmade artisanal soaps; and more. Snack on Dinkel's Pretzels and Paulina Market Landjäger sausages for sale in the taproom. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine, Chicago. See dovetailbrewery.com.
New digs in Lincoln Park
New Chicago hotels seem to open every few months, however, Hotel Versey is notable because it offers accommodations in the popular Lincoln Park-Lakeview neighborhood, which offers numerous restaurants bars and shops. Housed within the 1920s Diversey Arms building, the newly designed Hotel Versey opens in a few weeks, but you can book your stay now to overnight close to Wrigley Field, DePaul University, Lincoln Park Zoo, museums, the lakefront and North Side theaters. In celebration of the hotel's May 2017 opening, for a limited time reservations booked through the website are eligible for the Grand Opening Special 20 percent discounted rate. Hotel Versey is at 644 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago. Make reservations at (773) 325-7010 or hotelversey.com/.
Midwest
Hipsters and tipplers unite
Attention PBR fans! Pabst Milwaukee Brewery will kick off the summer music season with a grand opening street festival featuring performances from a variety of bands including Arrested Development, IshDARR, New Age Narcissism, Hugh Masterson, Masked Intruder, Abby Jeanne and D'Amato. Other activities include an art gallery, live painting, games, food and Pabst Milwaukee Brewery beer. Local designers offer one-time-only commemorative Pabst Milwaukee Brewery T-shirts, too. Free admission. 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13, on Juneau Avenue between 10th and 11th streets, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Get details at pabstmkebrewery.com/event/brewery-opening-day/.
The source of Norse
Two Wisconsin towns, Stoughton and Westby, welcome the season with a Scandinavian Syttende Mai festival. Just south of Madison, the Stoughton celebration of Norwegian constitution day may be the largest party of its type in the country featuring Viking contests, canoe races, an art fair, a parade, Norwegian dancing and fjord horses. The Norwegian town of Westby, southeast of La Crosse, rings in spring with a troll hunt (not of the internet persuasion), rommegrot-eating (cream pudding) contest, old-fashioned music, the Norwegian folk art of rosemaling and a colorful parade. Expand your palate with an all-you-can-eat breakfast, Norwegian meatballs, lefse, varme pølse (Norwegian-style hot dogs), grilled porkloin sandwiches, brats and krumkake. Friday through Sunday, May 19-21. For the Stoughton fest, see stoughtonwi.com/syttendemai/, and for the Westby celebration, see westbysyttendemai.com/.
Spread out!
Looking for a nearby getaway with spacious digs that you can book fast? The Abbey Resort has unveiled a new online booking system for its fully furnished, two-bedroom deluxe Vacation Villas perfect for families or those seeking bigger accommodations for their stay at the resort and spa located on the shores of Geneva Lake. Each of the 13 Vacation Villas at The Abbey Resort includes a private patio or balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and all linens, towels and toiletries. Guest of the Vacation Villas enjoy all perks of the resort including access to Avani Spa, the gift and coffee shops and the newly renovated restaurants, while also enjoying access to the outdoor Vacation Villa pool and additional amenities in select villas such as private grills, fireplaces, and washer and dryer units. Sleeping arrangements range from twin and bunk to king and queen beds. For details or to book a stay, call (800) 709-1323 or visit theabbeyresort.com/suites/vacation-villas.aspx.