On the road: Touring Chicago neighborhoods
="briefhead">Chicago
The Daley show
Visit Bridgeport, the neighborhood that spawned a political dynasty, on a new half-day bus tour by Chicago Neighborhood Tours. Journey to the near South Side to the Back of the Yards where the Union Stock Yard Gate and other relics stand as testaments to the city's legendary working-class past. Then it's on to Bridgeport where an experimental cultural center characterizes the vibrant arts scene taking root in this historically blue-collar community and home to the Daley family. Complete your visit with a photo-op outside U.S. Cellular Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox.
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Tours begin at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Adults $30; seniors (65 and older), students (with valid ID) and children (ages 8-18) $25. Call (312) 742-1190 or visit chicagoneighborhoodtours.com.
Spring it on
Others will be envious when you tell them you spent spring break in a world-class city and the Wyndham Blake Chicago. Enjoy special savings with the Park and Play Spring Break Package that includes complimentary valet parking with in/out privileges and complimentary continental breakfast in the Custom House Tavern. The South Loop location in the Printer's Row neighborhood is just a few blocks from Grant Park and cultural, shopping, dining and entertainment venues.
Package is valid through Sunday, April 24, at 500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. Rates start at $159 per room per night plus tax, depending on accommodation selected. Visit hotelblake.com or call (312) 986-1234.
Cold blooded, check it and see
Snakes, lizards, tortoises, turtles, alligators and other coldblooded creatures are the stars of the 18th annual ReptileFest presented by the Chicago Herpetological Society. There will be lectures, games, vendors, kids' activities, and opportunities to touch hundreds of reptiles and amphibians. Meet the Iguana Squad to learn about proper care for all species of iguanas, climb into a tortoise pen, have your photo taken with a large reptile, talk with a veterinarian, and browse pet products, T-shirts and jewelry.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, at the UIC Physical Education Building, 901 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Adults $10, kids ages 3-11 $7. Call (312) 413-5164 or visit chicagoherp.org/fest/index.php.
="briefhead">Midwest
Dairy home companion
There's no need to wait until summer for a Midwestern food fest. The fourth annual Dairy State Cheese Beer Festival offers some of the most notable beer and cheese in Wisconsin. Live music by Beef Tea and The Chevelles will keep things lively. Proceeds benefit the Boys Girls Club of Kenosha.
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Brat Stop, 12304 75th St., Kenosha, Wis. (at the intersection of Highway 50 and I-94). Tickets cost $35 per person in advance, $40 at the door and all purchases include a beer glass. Call (262) 654-6200 or visit kenoshabeerfest.com for details on the fest and local hotels that are offering room/ticket packages.
Take it for granted
Celebrate the birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, our 18th president, in Galena, Ill. General and Mrs. Grant impersonators will welcome guests to the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site during the Grant Birthday Weekend and Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration. Other activities include a lamplight tour; new Galena History Museum exhibits, including a hologram of Ulysses and Julia Grant; the Blue and the Gray battle re-enactments on the banks of the Galena River; a homemade pie auction; and a Sunday morning church service hearkening back to the days of 1860 followed by a pot luck luncheon.
Events times vary Friday to Sunday, April 15-17. For information about lodging, dining, attractions, events and more, visit galena.org. A schedule of events is available at galenahistorymuseum.org or call (815) 777-9129.
Let's play chicken
Expect a fowl time at the annual Prairie Chicken Festival in and around Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., with pre-dawn viewing of prairie-chicken courtship in four wildlife areas, Dutch-oven outdoor breakfasts, guided birding tours, nature walks and a prairie-chicken calling contest. The main event is watching the male Greater Prairie-chickens defending their territory with displays, postures and even combat. Additional activities include bird banding demonstrations, live music and dance performances, giant kite displays, food vendors, lectures and demonstrations by photographers, wildlife experts and humorists.
4:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 15; 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16; and 4:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 17. Tickets cost $25 and include the viewing, breakfast and entrance to all the other venues of the festival. Call (715) 343-6215 or visit prairiechickenfestival.org.
="briefhead">Worth the trip
Escape to the Bahamas via the new Family Time in Paradise Package at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. The package includes connecting rooms or suites, daily $50 resort credit, complimentary nonmotorized water sports, and kids 12 and younger enjoy free food and beverages. There also will be a full roster of new family activities plus dive-in movies, fireside storytelling, stargazing and a talent competition. The Sheraton Adventure Club offers a variety of daily and evening activities and hands-on educational programs.
The package is valid through Dec. 31 and rates start at $219. When booking the Family Time in Paradise Package, mention rate code LYF50PKG. Call (866) 716-8106 or visit sheratonnassau.com.