On the road
Chicago
Coo-Coo for cocoa?
It's time to grab our vices by the horns - the vices, that is, that can actually be good for us like red wine, naps and chocolate - and embrace their hold upon us. We can indulge in all three at more than 80 worldwide Sofitel hotels around the globe (including Chicago's Sofitel Water Tower) with the exclusive I Love Chocolate package available until Jan. 31, 2009. It's a three-night stay for the price of two accompanied by a festive chocolate themed dinner prepared by each property's award winning chef. At Sofitel Water Tower, Executive Chef Martial Noguier and Executive Pastry Chef Suzanne Imaz helm the kitchen at Café des Architectes, so expect only fabulous dishes arriving tableside. In addition to cool accommodations and the cocoa-kissed dinner, the package includes breakfast served in the restaurant every morning; an "everything chocolate snack" of hot chocolate, pastries and other gourmet items; and a "chocolate surprise" in your room upon arrival. Sofitel Water Tower, located at 20 East Chestnut, is steps from Michigan Ave., museums and Gold Coast boutiques, too. (312) 324-4000.
Tasty little neighborhoods
Get to know your city better on a Chicago Neighborhood Tour and the most delicious one may be "Taste of the Neighborhoods" held on Jan. 31, 2009. Departing from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street entrance, the expedition is steered by an ethnic food guide who offers a unique perspective on the city's multicultural communities. You'll sample a variety of ethnic foods and desserts and learn about various cultures along the way. This is a very popular tour, so reserve your spot at (312) 742.1190 or hike over to www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com $50 for adults and $45 for seniors over 65, children 8-18 and full-time students. 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Start 2009 on a high note
Now that last night's party is over, start the New Year on a high tea note at the historic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. The recently renovated Chicago landmark holds high tea on the Mezzanine level on New Year's Day when you can show kids how to eat assorted finger sandwiches with their pinkies held out just right followed by assorted scones dabbed with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves. Add fruit, berries and miniature desserts to accompany an assortment of flavored teas and you have one very civilized afternoon. Reservations are recommended so call (312) 726-7500. 17 E. Monroe St.
Midwest
Yule never find another log like mine
If you didn't find the Christmas pickle ornament in the tree or there was only coal in your stocking, you have another chance to emerge victorious at the annual Morton Arboretum Yule Log Hunt, a different and fun post-holiday activity on Jan. 4, 2009. You'll get all "CSI" following clues that lead to eight locations, and ultimately, the mysterious log. A team of Siberian huskies guest star as they tow the log on a sled back to Arbor Court, then it's free kazoos for all and a toast to the New Year with a cup of cocoa or wassail. The winner gets to douse the log in wine and toss it on the roaring bonfire. Held from 1 - 3:30 p.m., it's a fun family activity and children are admitted free to the Arboretum (with a paid adult) that day. For further wackiness, join the Fabulous Fruitcake Fling that opens the Yule Log Hunt. For details, visit www.mortonarb.org or jingle (630) 968-0074. Morton Arboretum, I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, IL.
Leave the Rogaine at home
The Quad Cities area plays host to a large number of bald eagles making their annual southern migration from Canada to the unfrozen waters of the Mississippi River. Attend the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to our national symbol of freedom during Bald Eagle Days, Jan. 9-11, 2009, at the Quad Cities CA Expo Center. Thousands turn out for the annual event which includes: live eagle programs, live bird of prey demonstrations from the World Bird Sanctuary, wildlife art show and sale, as well as, inexplicably, working robot demonstrations and a 20-foot climbing wall. Spotting scopes will be set up and hu-manned by the Quad City Audubon Society at Sunset Marina in Rock Island for fantastic eagle watching opportunities. Swoop over to www.qccaexpocenter.com or ring
(800) 747-7800 for details.
We ski = glee!
Sitting around and reading "Shape" and "Fitness" magazines will burn around
72 calories in an hour. If you really want to start the New Year losing some heft, consider cross country skiing which can smoke nearly 800 calories in an hour, not to mention the added benefits of being outdoors with friends and family. Don't have gear? Arrowhead's Cross Country Ski Rental and warmup special includes free hot chocolate with purchase of ski rental package now through March 31, 2009. Renting skis, poles and boots for two hours is an easy $10 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. You can also rent equipment individually (skis for $7, boots for $5 or poles for $3) or just bring your own stuff and ski free. Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton (630) 653-5800 or www.arrowheadgolfclub.org.
Worth the Trip
The play's the thing - in Ashland
No need to trek to Stratford-upon-Avon to imbue with the Bard - the Tony award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is the largest theater in rotating repertory in the nation presenting more than 770 performances of 11 plays in three theaters, in addition to countless accompanying activities. Running from Feb. 15 - Nov. 2, 2009, the Festival offers classics such as Macbeth; Paradise Lost; All's Well that Ends Well. Henry VIII; Much Ado About Nothing as well as pieces such as the world-premiere production of Julie Marie Myatt's "Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter." Ashland and the whole Southern Oregon region have lots to explore including historic Jacksonville, Crater Lake National Park, local museums and Southern Oregon wine tours. Order tickets at (800) 219-8161 or wander around www.osfashland.org.