Get a Handel on classical concerts at Preston Bradley Hall
Chicago
Get a Handel on classical concerts
You can no longer use the excuse of high ticket prices to explain your lack of classical music experience. This fall, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs presents a wide range of free classical music programs held in Preston Bradley Hall, under the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. On Sunday, Nov. 1, see Zodiac Trio performing an eclectic program for violin, piano and clarinet. The Baroque Band, Chicago's period instrument orchestra, will perform Sunday, Nov. 8. On Nov. 15, the Chicago Chamber Orchestra presents Haydn's Symphony No. 58 in observance of the 250th anniversary of the composer's death.
3 p.m. Sundays in November at Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Other concerts take place throughout November, so check the Web site at ChicagoCulturalCenter.org or call (312) 744-6630 for details. Admission is free.
House of boos
Don a costume and check into the hip new Hotel Felix Chicago on Friday, Oct. 30, or Saturday, Oct. 31, and be treated to a $20-per-night Halloween credit. Don't want to dress up lake Sarah Palin or Barack Obama? Present a carved pumpkin for display at the hotel. Arrive in costume and bring a carved pumpkin and you'll earn a $40 rebate per room at check out. Guests and adults dressed in costume can gather in the Hotel Felix lobby at 6 p.m. Saturday for a costume contest. If the winner is an in-house guest, the prize is a free Saturday night stay and a winner from the general public could win a gift certificate for a complimentary future night's stay.
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, at Hotel Felix, 111 W. Huron St., Chicago. (877) 848-4040 or visit hotelfelixchicago.com.
A is for architect
You're living in or near a city that boasts some of the finest architecture in the world, so why should the out-of-towners know more about it than you? "B Like Burnham" is a family-friendly exhibition celebrating the life and work of one of Chicago's greatest architects, Daniel H. Burnham. The exhibition is part of the Chicago Architecture Foundations's celebration of the 1909 Plan of Chicago featuring a kid-sized model of downtown Chicago. Located in the Santa Fe building where Burnham's plan was developed, the exhibition presents images of Burnham and his family as well as highlights of his career as an architect and city planner.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 5 at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, John Buck Company Lecture Hall Gallery, 224 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago. Free admission. (312) 922-3432 or visit architecture.org.
Midwest
Corny, but amazing
Meander through two of the largest mazes around covering about 33 acres at Richardson Corn Maze. When you breathe a sigh of relief after making it out, it's time to take a ride down the 50-foot slide or step off from the 30-foot deck of the observation tower and zip 700 feet over the pumpkin patch to a remote maze. Roast s'mores over the campfire or come out on Halloween night and take a wagon ride to the 5-acre remote maze, which is haunted.
3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 28-29; 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove. Admission is $11.50 for adults, $10 for students 13 to 18, $8.50 for seniors and children 5 to 12, and free for kids younger than 4. Extra fee for zip line. (815) 675-9729 or richardsonfarm.com.
Train of pain
You've done the haunted houses to death, so how about a terror-filled train for your Halloween trembles? Tiptoe through a haunted train wreck site and then ride a squeaky antique streetcar through the dark. Want more? See what's lingering on the abandoned Train of Chills and just see if it's the way to really fly on the eerie Screamliner. Terror on the Railroad at the Illinois Railway Museum is recommended for brave souls older than 13.
7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, at 7000 Olson Road, Union. Admission is $12. (800) BIG-RAIL or visit irm.org.
A smashing good time
The Halloween decorations are flapping in the wind and the pumpkins are looking a tad decrepit, so it's time for you to have some naughty fun at the Pumpkin Smash.
Pumpkins are used as bowling balls, shot puts and other projectiles while others are launched and dropped from more than 30 feet. Bring your old pumpkins, carved squashes or buy some pumpkins on-site and smash on. Wear your costume and win prizes in a costume contest or buy food and pumpkins; proceeds go to charity. Monty the Magician will be on hand to wow the kids.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at 5320 S. Moorland Road, New Berlin, Wis., just outside of Milwaukee. Call (262) 970-8800.
Worth the trip
The Kentucky State Parks are celebrating their 85th anniversary this year by offering lodge rooms for $55 a night, weekdays through February. The discount is good with a coupon Sunday through Thursday at all 17 resort parks. If you've never been, Kentucky State Parks offer wonderful scenery, adventure, hospitality and accommodations. There are lodges, and many resorts also offer cottages and campgrounds. All resorts have full-service restaurants. The offer is not good on holidays and cannot be combined with other offers.
Coupons can be printed from the Kentucky State Park Web site at parks.ky.gov or the Department of Travel site at mykentuckybackyard.com.