Popsicles, Momsicles and kidsicles at Milennium Park's Frozen Fun Fest
We don shorts as soon as the first buds sprout on the trees so we're not going to let a little cold keep us holed up all winter. Head to Millennium Park for a weekend of free fun during Frozen Fun Fest, Feb. 7th and 8th. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the park's Chase Promenade, find your way through a life-size ice maze (the first of its kind in the Midwest); enjoy frozen versions of cornhole, ring toss and penny pitch; have the kids create with blocks in a variety of geometric ice shapes;: request an artist to carve your portrait in ice on-site; enjoy theatrical and musical strolling performances; take a guided walk in Lurie Garden to explore the life cycles of plants; and snag samples of hot tea and cocoa. Tote the ice skates to glide about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, too. For the cool details, skate over to www.cityofchicago.org/toursim or call (877) CHICAGO.
Abe, B and C's of Lincoln's Bicentennial
Kentucky and Indiana lay claim to Lincoln's heritage, but Illinois is where he learned, honed his political and debate skills and served in the legislature. Chicago serves as an important site for the Bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birth (he was born Feb. 12, 1809) and beginning in February, you can experience special events, exhibitions and concerts to commemorate the man's life and contributions. See rare Lincoln artifacts at Lincoln Treasures, a special exhibition at the Chicago History Museum (www.chicagohistory.org); take in a Chicago Symphony Orchestra (www.cso.org) tribute featuring the legendary James Earl Jones narrating Aaron Copland's stirring work Lincoln Portrait; and even the youngest kids can get in on the celebration of all things "Abe" when historical characters make appearances at Navy Pier. (www.navypier.com). For more ideas, see the sights at www.explorechicago.org.
Mexican revolution of art
Among the few people who could browse the vast Bank of America art collection you might find Warren Buffett and Bill Gates - guys who spend more time in banks than you or I. Up until now, that is, when Chicago's National Museum of Mexican Art exhibits Miradas: Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection. The exceptional exhibition encompasses one of the most extensive corporate collections in the nation and offers paintings, prints and photographs created over the past 80 years from both sides of the US-Mexico border. Assembled for the first time and expected to travel to other cities, see works by many of the best known modern Mexican artists - Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Gabriel Orozco, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Gunther Gerzso - as well as US artists who worked in Mexico such as Edward Weston, Paul Strand and Harry Callahan. Through August 30, 2009 at 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago. Admission is free. Call (312) 738-1503 or visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Midwest
Klondike Cold Rush
Wisconsin's number one winter festival precludes the need to travel to the Yukon to celebrate Klondike Days. The 19th Annual Trig's Klondike Days, fun for families, couples and friends, features a rush of events including an authentic period Voyageur encampment, North Woods Championship Dog Weight Pull, lumberjack competition, the First National Bank chain-saw carving competition, a Native American cultural exposition and a gigantic winter craft show. For details on the Feb. 21 -22 eventgo to www.klondikedays.org. Check out the family package at Wild Eagle Lodge: it includes two nights lodging, one day pass to Klondike Days, one game of bowling per person (shoe rental included), and a variety sampler cheesecake for $379 for two adults and up to three children. There are also packages for couples, friends and custom packages. Ring (877) 945-3965 hike over to www.wildeaglelodge.com.
The cure for winter blues
Petoskey, Michigan may offer the cure for winter blues by fighting the cold with red hot action during its Winter "Blues" Festival, Feb. 7 - 14, 2009. During the weeklong event, ice sculptures are erected in Pennsylvania Park, folks enjoy horse and buggy rides and a hidden medallion hunt and you can enjoy blue-plate specials in area restaurants, blue drinks in the pubs and blue light specials in stores. You may even catch some blues tunes around town. Get on the good foot at www.PetsokeyArea.com or call (231) 487-1188 for details.
Single or Smitten on Valentine's Day?
The new aloft hotel in Rosemont lures lovers with an incredibly affordable Valentine's package that includes an aloft room for two; a bottle of bubbly and chocolate candies; early check-in and late checkout; and you can park your carriage (or car) for free. There's a shuttle to take you to and from local restaurants and you'll snag either a movie for two at Muvico Rosemont 18 or two cocktails at the hotel's xyz bar. Dance to the DJ until 2 a.m. and sip samples of vodka. All this for $109 (add Friday or Sunday for only $79 a night). aloft Chicago O'Hare is located at 9700 Balmoral Ave. Rosemont IL. Call (847) 671-4444 or book the package at www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/valentines.
Worth the trip
Outgoing? Creative? Adventurous?
If those words describe you, consider applying for "The Best Job In The World." You'll spend six months on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, live in a luxury oceanfront villa on Hamilton Island, explore the Islands by snorkeling, sailing and island-hopping while pocketing more than $100,000 for being an Island Caretaker. Tourism Queensland asks you to submit a video application online at www.islandreefjob.com by Feb. 22, 2009. Eleven candidates from around the world will be selected and flown to Australia in May 2009, where they will compete for the newly-created six-month position. The winning candidate will be employed from July-December 2009. No experience is necessary.