Presidential Preference Rate saves $44
Chicago
Presidential (price) pardon
Prices across the board are an Obama-nation these days, so Kimpton's hip Hotel Allegro, the architecturally significant Hotel Burnham and AAA Four Diamond Hotel Monaco Chicago have released a travel discount as the President-elect prepares to take office in just a few days. Each property invites you to revel in Barack's sweet home Chicago with the Presidential Preference Rate. In honor of the 44th president, take $44 off the best available rate of any room type using code "P44." The offer is valid through Obama's first 90 days in office (until April 20). The Presidential Preference Rate is based on availability and blackout dates apply. For reservations, visit each hotel's Web site or call (800) KIMPTON.
Winter snow showers bring spring flowers
Can't wait for the first daffodils to poke through the chilled, brown earth? Spring makes an early and dramatic entrance at the Lincoln Park Conservatory's Spring Flower Show, Jan. 24 - May 10. The annual free show offers mounds of Azaleas, spring flowering annuals, spring flowering perennials and a rare opportunity to see the direct descendants of the great Azaleas that once bloomed at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Visit any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-7736
Pictures at an exhibition
You may not be familiar with the name Yousuf Karsh, but you will recognize the subjects of his illustrious work. The Art Institute of Chicago debuts an exhibition that focuses on the artist responsible for some of the 20th century's most famous photographic portraits of celebrities and public figures. Yousuf Karsh: Regarding Heroes features poignant photos of luminaries such as Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway, Georgia O'Keeffe, Albert Einstein, Christian Dior and Marian Anderson. Kings, queens, princes, presidents, prime ministers, scientists, actors, artists and writers preferred to be photographed by Karsh because of his skill, depth and regard for their dignity. To mark his 100th birthday, the retrospective displays 100 of Karsh's best portraits in the prints he favored. Jan. 22-April 26. 111 S. Michigan Ave. www.artinstituteofchicago.org. (312) 443-3664
Midwest
Dog Day Afternoon
Dogs aren't just for walking, nuzzling, feeding and Frisbee. Point the van toward west suburban Brookfield to witness members of the Green Valley Dog Drivers (GVDD) and their four-legged pals demonstrate dog sledding on Sunday, Jan. 25. Two teams of four to six canines put on demonstrations every half hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be games, sled dogs to meet, info on dog training and representatives from Adopt A Husky on hand, too. Play Zoo staff will have a variety of winter-themed activities for kidlets throughout the day and if weather permits, kids can try snow painting, make snow sculptures and outdoor ice bubbles. Brookfield Zoo; First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290); www.CZS.org.
Ice, ice baby
Come on, you always wanted to try ice fishing, right? Here's a cool way to sample the chilly sport: Call Michigan's Hess Lake Rentals at (616) 604-1900 and mention "West Michigan Travel Association (or WMTA) ice fishing promo," and you get to use an ice shanty, auger and the fishing poles needed to ice fish for free. Of course, you'll have to book a two-night minimum stay at any Hess Lake Rentals vacation home but that's all a part of the wintry fun. Prices start at $69 per night. Drop a line at www.HessLakeRentals.com.
Shut yer pie hole
If you're anywhere in the vicinity of southern Illinois on Jan. 24, you must make a bee line to Belleville's Pie Pantry - the best place in the state to celebrate National Pie Day. Expect pie baking, pie eating contests, pie making for kids and a pie buffet. The shop offers over 30 different types of pie (mmmm-banana cream, strawberry rhubarb, pecan, coconut cream, apple crumb, and even sugar free versions). 310 E. Main, Olde Town Mall, Belleville, IL (618) 277-4140; www.bellevillechamber.org.
Worth the Trip
Beer culture incubates and thrives
You can't walk but a block or two in Philadelphia without hitting a bar or store boasting its most eclectic beer list around - the gastropub scene is so booming that the city is presenting the Second Annual Philly Beer Week which celebrates the city's vibrant beer culture. Look forward to hundreds of events at beer-centric establishments all over the region: Belgian beer bars, tasting rooms, taverns, cafes, Irish pubs and local hangouts. .
Experience places such as Monk's Café, the tavern named "One of the Top Ten Places in the World to Have a Beer Before You Die" and The Grey Lodge Pub, called one of the "Best Bars in America" (Esquire Magazine) and "One of the Top Beer Bars in the World." March 6-15. Book the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, a two-night offer complete with free parking (up to a $75 value), a Macy's Savings Pass and a Philly's More Fun™ teddy bear. For details, slide the stool over to www.gophila.com/beer or call (800) 537-7676.