Midwest travel: From Chili Cook-off to Chicago International Puppet Theater Fest
Chicago
Chili out
Warm your insides with tastes of 20 different chili recipes at the ninth annual Chili Cook-off at FitzGerald's in Berwyn. Plus, you'll also get appetizers and desserts. In between all the noshing, watch NFL playoff games, listen to live music and enter raffles with prizes like a five-night stay at the Grand Miramar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; two Lexus Club tickets to a Chicago Bulls game with parking; and an Apple TV. There's even an area to keep kids enchanted. All proceeds go to the nonprofit Opportunity Knocks, which serves young people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. General entry is $25 online or $30 at the door; free for kids 12 and younger. Get tickets at opportunityknocksnow.org/the-9th-annual-ok-chili-cook-off/.
Pulling strings
The second Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival offers an incredible lineup of contemporary puppet acts and artists from around the world, the U.S. and Chicago. Presented at intimate and spacious venues throughout the city, the 11-day theater festival will showcase an eclectic array of puppet styles employed by master puppeteers, as well as mask techniques, mimes from Italy, handcrafted puppets and diorama-like set pieces in walk-throughs, immersive explorations of the puppetry process and shadow puppetry. Jan. 19-29 at various venues around Chicago such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Victory Gardens Theater, Lookingglass Theatre, The Auditorium Theatre, Chopin Theatre and more. Get schedules and tickets at (312) 977-9483 or chicagopuppetfest.org/.
The great escape
The Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is now offering The EscapeHouse Chicago package where couples can take part in an EscapeHouse experience (a live action-packed, 60-minute adventure designed by a Universal Studios whiz), overnight accommodations and cocktails in the AC Lounge. For the EscapeHouse experience, choose "Saving the White House" or "Escape the Safe House," then discover clues, solve puzzles and test your ability to get the job done. If you're not into taxing your brain, choose the Holiday Getaway and Shopping package, which includes a $25 credit to use at the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown for food or shopping packages; two complimentary cocktails in the AC Lounge; and a reusable shopping bag. The EscapeHouse package is available Monday through Thursday through Feb. 17. Rates start at $144 plus tax and gratuities. Use promotional code ARN. Guests must reserve a spot at EscapeHouse by calling (312) 981-6633. The shopping package is available daily through March 31 with rates starting at $169. Use promotional code D60. The Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is at 630 N. Rush St., Chicago. (312) 981-6600 or marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/chiac-ac-hotel-chicago-downtown.
Midwest
Here comes the fun
Cure kids' cabin fever when Wisconsin's Abbey Resort hosts Mad Science Weekend. Experience a laboratory of creative activities like concocting sweet treats, enjoying bonfire s'mores at a Slime Fire, inventing glow-in-the-dark T-shirts and relaxing with science-themed movies. Each day explore Dr. N. Sanity's Scavenger Hunt to decipher clues and discover pictures hidden throughout the resort for a science-inspired prize. The highlight of the weekend are the Mad Science of Milwaukee shows - "Spin, Pop, Boom" and "Heroes of Science" - that promise to amaze kids and their parents. Friday through Monday, Jan. 13-16, at The Abbey Resort, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, Wisconsin. Book a stay at theabbeyresort.com/special-pkg/seasonal-specials. aspx or call (800) 709-1323. Attend the Mad Science of Milwaukee shows on Friday or Saturday nights for $5 (general admission; tickets available at the door).
Hone technique at Shanty Creek
Michigan's Shanty Creek Resorts celebrates Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, a national initiative to introduce snowsports to more people, and Discover Michigan Skiing, an affordable introduction to skiing and snowboarding. Get a free season pass for kids 8 and younger with every ski lesson taken in January or get in on the Discover Michigan Skiing program for $20 for cross-country skiing, $35 for downhill skiing and $35 for snowboarding, open to everyone 7 years and older. In addition, January activities include a Sardine Special (Jan. 16) when you can pack as many friends and family into your car and ski or ride for $59 per carload. Shanty Creek Instructional Weekend (Jan. 20-22) helps you elevate your skiing to a higher level with expert ski instructors offering tips and practice time in a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Shanty Creek Resorts offers three villages in Bellaire, Michigan. To book winter packages, call (866) 695- 5010 or visit shantycreek.com/.
Everything cold is new again
If you can't stop it, top it (winter, that is) at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival in a town that takes carnival as seriously as New Orleans does Mardi Gras. The festival, an annual party since 1886, offers ice-carving demos, ice skating, hockey tournaments, snow slide, curling demos, parades, the Ice Palace, snow sculptures created by entrants in the 2017 Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition and more. Special events include Family Day, Kids' Day and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Beer Dabbler with craft beer from 120-plus breweries, live music and gourmet food from local food trucks. Jan. 26-Feb. 5 at Rice Park/Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. (651) 223-7400 or wintercarnival.com/.