Midwest travel: Picnic in the Sky for the Chicago Air & Water Show
Chicago
Sky pilots
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower invites you to experience the Chicago Air and Water Show from atop Skydeck Chicago during the third annual Picnic in the Sky. There will be no neck craning because you'll enjoy views of up to 50 miles and four states from the 99th floor of Skydeck, watching the air show at eye-level. Even better, you can dine on a gourmet picnic during the visual adventure. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago. The cost is $100-150 per person, and reservations are required. Purchase tickets at tickets.theskydeck.com/e-commerce/ItemList.aspx?node_id=53344; get details at theskydeck.com/plan-a-visit/upcoming-events/.
House of the rising sun
As you probably know by now, the Chicago area will be the closest it has been to a total solar eclipse in 92 years. The Godfrey Hotel Chicago invites you to a special viewing party at I|O Godfrey, the city's largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge. Executive chef Nathaniel Cayer crafts The Eclipse, a special frozen cocktail that goes from light to dark. Call ahead to find out about a variety of food and beverage packages that are fun for groups. Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 100 people in the door get complimentary eclipse-viewing eyewear that protects from retina damage when looking at the eclipse. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, 127 W. Huron St., Floor 4, Chicago. No cover charge; food and beverage package prices vary. Groups can RSVP to Eclipse@godfreyhotelchicago.com to reserve a table.
Get it Wright
Oak Park's Unity Temple, Frank Lloyd Wright's first public building, now offers year-round guided interior tours showcasing the extensive restoration of the groundbreaking architectural landmark. Wright designed the building in 1905 for his own Unitarian congregation and completed construction in 1908. It's the only remaining public building from Wright's Prairie years in the early 1900s. You might want to couple your tour with a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, a short walk from Unity Temple. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. Tours last 45-60 minutes. Admission is $18 for adults; $15 for students, seniors 65 and older and military; and free for kids 3 and younger. Self-guided audio tours are also available for $10 for adults, $8 for students, seniors 65 and older and military. See cal.flwright.org/tours/unity.
Midwest
Smurf approved
Experience southwest Michigan's fruit harvest at the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven. Blueberry pancake breakfasts, a parade, a fish boil dinner, more than 175 vendors at the art and craft show, a blueberry bake-off competition, a 5K/10K, a kids' zone and free concerts are all part of the fun. Shop for fresh blueberries, pies, plants and goods at Blueberry Central and enjoy local wine and Michigan-made craft beer while you listen to the live music. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 10-13, in Grand Haven, Michigan. See blueberryfestival.com/.
What's that smell?
Inhale deeply at the Midwest Garlic Festival, a celebration of garlic, food, family and music. Browse local vendors selling naturally grown garlic, try garlicky food items and local garlic-themed dishes, plus beer and wine. You'll be warding off vampires and supporting local farms, restaurants, chefs and establishments that help promote a healthy, organic lifestyle. The headline performer is Nashville recording artist Chris Cavanaugh. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Terrapin Park, 350 W. Main St., Elizabeth Illinois. Admission is $2. (815) 777-9625 or see facebook.com/midwestgarlicfest.
Wake up call
The United States Hydrofoil Association, Rock Aqua Jays and Water Skiers with Disabilities Association bring the U.S. Wake Sports Festival and the 2017 USHA Nationals to Janesville, Wisconsin. The USA-Water Ski-sanctioned event presents various sport disciplines for an exciting and visually impressive affair with world-class competition. The Rock Aqua Jays Stadium offers bleacher seating for nearly 3,000 with extra space for more than 1,500 outside the grandstands. See adaptive water skiing clinics, the U.S. National Championship for hydrofoils and a freestyle jump tournament. Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 15-19, at Traxler Park, 600 N. Main St., Janesville, Wisconsin. Free. (608) 201-4734 or janesvillecvb.com/.