Make a 180 to a legendary Chicago hotel
Can you believe Adam West, who played Batman on TV in the 60s, turns 80 this year? (Pow! Bang! Whoosh!) So do the original Maverick and little Miss Sunshine, James Garner and Shirley Temple -- and the Inn of Chicago. Of course, in 1928, it was known as the Hotel St. Clair when it opened at 162 E. Ohio, one block from the renowned Chez Paree supper club that hosted Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. To celebrate, the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile kicks off its 80th anniversary year with an overnight package, Great at 80, valid now until March 31, 2009. The package includes one night's accommodations for two in an Executive Room; two passes to the Chicago History Museum; two 1920s-inspired cocktails at the InnBar; and a copy of Chicago: Then and Now, a historic pictorial. Rates begin at $179 plus tax, and are based on availability and double occupancy. For reservations, recall the number (312) 787-3100 or do a Charleston over to www.innofchicago.com.
All that glitters is rolled into a one-day sale
Buy all your holiday gifts at the mall, ho-hum, and expect lots of returns. Why not maintain your position as the cleverest relative and attend Glitter for the unique gifts of the season from Chicago designers and boutiques? The entire second floor of the Chicago Cultural Center will be filled with special holiday items and original fashions from 30 Chicago designers including Haji Couture Accessories; Dollybird Design; Heidi Hess; Pretty Afika; Diego Rocha; and more. Free admission and gift wrapping, too. Wednesday, Nov. 19, noon - 6 p.m. at 78 E. Washington St. Call (312) 744-8074 or shop around www.cityofchicago.org for details.
Turkey trot to the lake.
You say it's your turn to host Thanksgiving and that 13th floor ledge is looking a little too appealing? Suggest the family celebrate the day on the 21st century version of the Mayflower: the Spirit of Chicago Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise. As the boat floats along past the city's spectacular skyline, you'll sup upon a special menu of traditional Thanksgiving favorites and take in live entertainment as well as a DJ for post-dinner dancing. Navy Pier, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008. Board at 6 p.m. and cruise 7 - 10 p.m. For price, details and reservations, call (866) 211-3804 or tool around www.spiritofchicago.com.
Midwest
Basket cases weave their way to Kenosha
What a combination - the Longaberger Co., America's premier maker of handcrafted baskets, and Jelly Belly, producer of the original gourmet jelly bean. Take a drive or the train to Kenosha and spend the day at the Jelly Belly Center, weaving a keepsake heirloom basket by hand guided by Longaberger experts and then hop on a free tour via the Jelly Belly Express indoor train to learn how the luscious little morsels are made. For adults and kids ages 6 and up. A fee of $59.95 includes instruction, materials and a finished basket and reservations are required at (740) 322-5588. Nov. 13-16; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jelly Belly Center, 10100 Jelly Belly Lane (Hwy. 165 & Green Bay Rd.).
Nothing but goodwill in Bishop Hill
In 1846, a group of Swedish immigrants seeking religious freedom left the Motherland and settled in a little utopia called Bishop Hill. Many of the original structures still exist and scores of descendants call the National Landmark Village home. Get a taste of Sweden Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30, or Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6-7, during Julmarknad, a Christmas Market with Swedish folk characters roaming the village, special music, Swedish food specialties, lots of handmade wares, folk art, antiques and more. Ring (309) 927-3343 or go to www.bishophill.com for more information.
A town rich in history.
Visit a historic downtown that features authentic hitching rings embedded in the sidewalks, many restored Victorian homes, several Sears Catalog homes and many original buildings housing antique and unique shops. Richmond, on Route 12 in McHenry County and 11 miles south of Lake Geneva, presents Christmas of Yesteryear lit with thousands of twinkling lights, streams of garland, carolers, Santa and horse wagon tours. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30. Jingle (815) 678-4040 or stroll over to www.richmond-il.com.
Worth the Trip
Tripping to the North Pole
The Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express runs more than 40 evenings through Jan. 10, 2009 and most evenings, two trains depart the Williams Depot at staggered times. The nighttime experience closely follows The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg and features a special reading of the book while passengers enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. After arriving at the "North Pole," Santa Claus and his reindeer welcome passengers and then Santa boards the train for the return trip making his way through the authentic Pullman passenger cars, greeting each child and giving them a special gift of a jingle bell to signify their belief in Santa Claus. Presentations on weekends and evenings close to Christmas typically sell out so call (800) THE-TRAIN to save your spot on the Polar Express or chug over to www.thetrain.com to learn about overnight packages at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.