Millennium Park ice rink opens Nov. 12
Ice skating offers one the fleeting feeling of freedom and practicing your figure eights at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, one of the most extraordinary public spaces in the world, well, that hovers near sheer bliss. You can skate away on the ice of a new day beginning on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (weather permitting) as the rink kicks off Chicago's winter season. More than 100,000 skaters annually enjoy the free attraction - just tote your own skates or rent a pair for $9. Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. except for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27, and on Christmas Day, December 25 when the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about winter events in Millennium Park, sashay over to www.millenniumpark.org, or call (312) 742-1168.
What's the big idea?
You have a few more weeks to take advantage of some of the impressive lectures, discussions, performances and concerts presented by the Chicago Humanities Festival. This year's theme is Thinking Big dedicated to the grand gesture, the skillful scheme, the "aha" moment that transforms life as we know it. Meet renowned writers, scientists, poets, policymakers and thinkers or take in a sweeping six-hour word-for-word staged version of The Great Gatsby, slated for the weekend of November 14. Many tickets are free (especially for students and educators) and others range from $5 to $15. See the schedule at www.chfestival.org or phone (312) 494-9509 for ticketing.
Sax and the city
Why does Lindsay Lohan gravitate to the Hotel Sax' Crimson Lounge when she's in town? Well, yes, her gal pal is helming the DJ booth, but the place rocks nonetheless. Get the skinny on one of the city's more seductive properties via a Winter Romance, Winter City, Mag Mile Shopping or Best Family Holiday Package. Located in the otherworldly Marina City complex, Hotel Sax offers sleek looks, high-tech room amenities and indoor access to six notable restaurants, a 25,000 square foot Crunch fitness facility, the upscale 10 Pin bowling lounge and the House of Blues music venue.
All packages kick in during November and are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. Learn more at (877) 569-3742 or see the sights at www.hotelsaxchicago.com.
Fall for it
Who won't need a vacation after this lengthy election season? The Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau has decided to extend its popular "Fab Fall" vacation packages another nine days to include two busy pre-Christmas shopping weekends. Now available until December 21, the packages start as low as $32.50 per person/per night midweek and $42.50 per person/per night on weekends (plus tax and based on double occupancy) and they also include discounts at area shops, restaurants, spas and casinos. You might want to book during the December 11th "Ladies' Night" and the December 12th Holiday Open House and Midnight Madness sale. Both events offer tasty refreshments and entertainment in Traverse City's charming, walkable downtown. You have to book Fab Fall Packages through the CVB's special number: (800) 872-8377. Browse www.visitTraverseCity.com.
Freight train boogie
Don't allow a few sour conductors on your daily commuter ride taint your childhood love of trains. Trainfest, America's largest operating model railroad show, is one colossal engine that drives visitors, hobbyists, exhibitors and manufacturers from around the country to convene in communal affection for model trains. At 200,000 square feet of display area, there's room for your caboose while you steer through dozens of layouts, new products and high-tech model railroading and plenty of activities to keep the kids entranced (how about a railroad built entirely from Lego blocks). November 8th and 9th, 2008 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. Ring their bells at (262) 820-3566 or choo-choo to www.trainfest.com.
Crushing on the Abbey
There are sumptuous food and wine festivals from Maine to California this season, but why spend your hard earned clams on airfare? Renowned chefs and vintners from across the globe are trekking to the Abbey Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva to participate in the After the Crush Wine and Dine Series. The series takes place three weekends in November and each includes a two night stay, cocktail reception, cooking demonstration, wine seminar and tasting, and a Chef and Sommelier hosted four-course dinner by some of Chicago's most celebrated gourmet experts. Next weekend, November 7-9, features Oregon wines and Pacific Northwest cuisine and French Champagne and cuisine star November 14-16. November 21-23, sip Spanish wines while sampling excellent fare from Spain. The Abbey Resort & Spa After the Crush Wine & Dine Series is $229 per person and includes a two-night stay. (Tax, gratuities and resort fees not included and based on double occupancy). Ring (800) 709-1323 or visit www.theabbeyresort.com.
Do you believe in magic?
Winter can be just as breathtaking as the warm months in the Great Smoky Mountains thanks to Gatlinburg's Winter Magic, a three-month celebration that steers through Veteran's Day, the Christmas holidays, New Year's fun and Valentine's romance. Three million lights illuminate the Tennessee town and special events ensue regularly, from chili cook-offs to a New Year's Eve giant ball drop and fireworks show from the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg. Must-sees include Christamd Gardens, Winterfest Tour of Lights and the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. March by www.gatlinburg.com or jingle (800) 343-1475. November 5, 2008 - February 28, 2009.