Travel Calendar: Art for president
Chicago
Art for president
Take in a new, free exhibition of prints, posters, photographs, and videos that emerged in 2008 as artistic emblems of support of Obama for President. "Officially Unofficial - Inspired Art for Obama" includes official campaign materials as well as independent work by artists and designers from Chicago and the nation including Ray Noland's "Go Tell Mama!" poster series and the now iconic Shepard Fairey's "Hope" poster. See it all at the Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph St. (across from the Chicago Cultural Center), April 1-May 15.
Spring comes to the Mag Mile
Spring has sprung up all around the city's famed shopping and dining street as Tulips on the Magnificent Mile takes place from April 1 through May 31. It won't cost a dime to view the tulip gardens that line the Michigan Ave. but you may want to take advantage of exclusive offers from businesses along the street. Take a long, healthy walk south and visit one of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain, which reopens to the public on April 1 after a $25 million renovation. The outstanding water display takes place every hour for 20 minutes as water is shot 150 feet into the air accompanied by a light and music display. For details on all, stroll over to or www.cityofchicago.org/tourism or call (877) 244-2246.
A spoonful of sugar helps the kidlets go downtown
Kimpton's Hotel Allegro and its restaurant, 312 Chicago, have launched The Practically Perfect Tea Party package to celebrate nanny extraordinaire "Mary Poppins" - on stage at the Cadillac Theater now until July 12. The package is an supercalifragilisticexpialidocious complement to the musical theater experience including:: overnight accommodations in the newly renovated Hotel Allegro, located right next door to the Cadillac Palace Theatre; and a private "Practically Perfect Tea Party" at 312 Chicago, with Poppins-themed goodies created by the restaurant's pastry chef, for up to four people. It's a great idea for a nearby getaway that's valise through July 31 for families up to four with an option to upgrade for a larger family. You must book the package five days prior to arrival using code "PTEA" either online (www.allegrochicago.com) or by ringing (800) KIMPTON. Rates start at $249 nightly and the package is based on availability and blackout dates apply.
Midwest
Dig this
If you have one of those kids in your house that speaks Apatosaurus and T-Rexian, surprise the little paleontologist with a trip to Dinosaurs Alive! opening April 4 at Brookfield Zoo. Sixteen dinosaurs, including life-size replicas of the lizardy Stegosaurus, three-horned Triceratops, winged Pteranodon and Mr. T-Rex himself, wait along a wooded path. See a four-foot-tall "baby" to adult-size species dating from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and four of the dinosaurs can be manipulated from remote-control consoles. Don't miss the interactive Dino Dig on the East Mall that features raised shallow sandboxes so little diggers can unearth mock-up fossils. A separate admission to Dinosaurs Alive! is $5 for adults and $3 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. From early spring through late fall, the zoo also offers an All-in-One Ticket, which includes general admission, as well as discount admission to the zoo's many attractions, including Dinosaurs Alive!. Dig up the details at www.CZS.org.
Lights! Cameras! Madison!
You can surely view tons of international and independent movies (nearly 200, as a matter of fact), but the Wisconsin Film Festival also offers opportunities to meet filmmakers, discussions and workshops about film and some great music performed in local Madison clubs. Highlights include New American Cinema, movies from the Baltics, Asian-American films and movies by Wisconsin natives. Tickets, just $7 per film for adults and less for kids and students, are available online at www.wifilmfest.org. The more tickets you buy, the less you pay per ticket, too. Get lodging info at the Web site or call (608) 265-2933. April 2-5.
Training Days
It's time to snag some affordable travel: the Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) has partnered with Amtrak offering travelers a 20 percent discount off a regular adult rail ticket in Illinois, now through June 30. Take part in some of the historic Lincoln Bicentennial events, exhibits, lectures and workshops or a consider three-day getaway in other corners of Illinois this spring. Details, including how to book a trip, the rules for the Enjoy Illinois discount code, any blackout dates and specific routes can be found at www.enjoyillinois.com. For schedules, fares and information, call (800) USA-RAIL or climb aboard www.Amtrak.com.
Worth the trip
True Grit
The people of St. George adore their grits so much that they eat more of the coarsely ground corn per capita than any other place in the world. Thus, it's the ideal place for the World Grits Festival, April 17-19. The sleepy South Carolina town grows to about 45,000 over the annual weekend fest and everyone gets gritty with grinding, shelling and eating the mounds of little nubs - how about Low Country shrimp and cheese grits, syrup 'n' bacon grits, hot tomato grits or grits pie? The weekend also includes cloggers, dancers, bands and a "Rolling in the Grits Contest." Mill around www.worldgritsfestival.com for details. Rolling in the Grits Contest at the World Grits Festival in St. George, SC.