On the road -- again
Although Truman Capote dismissed Jack Kerouac's legendary "On the Road" by saying, "That's not writing at all; That's typing," legions of young people have been affected by the Beat tome that was written in three weeks, typed on a roll of tracing paper. Columbia College's Center for Book & Paper Arts displays the scroll complete with Kerouac's penciled edits and the real names of those depicted in the 1957 novel including Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. There's an adjunct exhibition highlighting the ongoing exploration of writers/artists in the area of experimental literature, too. Oct. 3 - Nov. 30. The Gallery at Columbia Book & Paper Center, 1104 S. Wabash, Chicago. Free admission. Ring (312) 344-6630 or explore www.colum.edu/book_and_paper/Gallery/index.php.
These Keds are made fer walkin'
Sure, you've hit Macy's on State St., the Museum Campus and Water Tower Place, but when was the last time you delved into one of the city's trendy 'hoods? The Chicago Neighborhood Package at the Affinia Chicago includes accommodations for one night, $50 dining credit at the new C-House restaurant, a copy of Time Out Chicago magazine, two-day CTA Pass (bus and rail service), and a podcast walking tour of your choice of neighborhoods. Choose the West Loop where Oprah's minions hang at Harpo Studios; Wicker Park/Bucktown, rife with one-of-a-kind boutiques, history, hip dining and nightlife; or Southport, where you can loll in a park, check out hip local hangouts, have a bite and browse shops. They even throw in an Affinia Pedometer to track your steps. Rates for the package start at $259 and the promotion runs through the end of 2008. Wander to www.affinia.com or call (312) 787-6000.
Once upon a midnight dreary...
Ever see your cat's eyes glow in the dark or hear a dog howling in the distance in the dead of night? Get a jump on Halloween creepiness at In the Dark, an interactive exhibit opening at the Notebaert Nature Museum Oct. 3. The walk-through dioramas explore the darkness in caves (bats and blind fish); slugs, worms and moles that permeate the darkness within soil; why fireflies flash and how snakes locate prey in the inky night; and how humans have adapted and responded to darkness. Shine a light on www.naturemuseum.org or phone (773) 755-5100. Oct. 3-Jan. 11, 2009.
Midwest
East Coast, West Coast, Blue Coast
Ever wish to chuck it all, move to the country and buy a used potter's wheel? Experience the creative process for a weekend at the Blue Coast Artists annual Fall Tour of Studios, Oct. 4-5. The tour includes six working artists' studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck and each site offers demonstrations, original artwork, refreshments, and hands-on art making projects. Bring the family to enjoy fall's color cabaret, a haunted garden, watch glass beads take shape at the end of a torch and see clay transformed into a beautiful utensil. Bring your camera and enter the Fall Tour Photo contest, too. The annual West Michigan autumn event is free of charge. Browse www.bluecoastartists.com or call (269) 236-9260.
Woo-Hoo in Wausau
It's an annual problem: how to get the younger set enthused about an autumn color excursion. Take them to Granite Peak Ski area to ride the Fall Color Comet Sky Ride, a six-seat enclosed chair lift that zips you up the mountain. Then stroll around for the best views of Rib Mountain State Park and resume the ride. Downtown Wausau's River District and Historic Washington Square Shopping District is just a few minutes away for more weekend activities. The autumn ride runs Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 4-5. Phone (715) 845-2846 or visit www.skigranitepeak.com.
Moo-sic to some ears Do you know someone who sees a rump roast as a thing of beauty? Minocqua's Beef-A-Rama is that guy's Eden on Earth, as beef is celebrated in all of its cuts. There's the Parade of Beef, Rump Roast Run, Beef Eating Contest, Moo Calling Contest, storefront beef roast cook-offs and a famous beef sandwich sale. After you're sated with sirloin, explore an arts & crafts show, shopping specials, live entertainment, street dance and children's activities. Sept. 26-27. (800) 44-NORTH or http://minocqua.org/events/44thannualbeef-a-rama. php.
Worth the Trip
Christmas in November - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
If Halloween begins in September, why not Christmas in November? After all, snowflakes fly early in the Canadian Rockies and "Christmas in November" at the world-renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the picture postcard of holiday dreams. The theme this year is "Home for the Holidays" when celebrity chefs and decorators demonstrate creative, exciting ways to indulge your family - from gift wrapping to mixology. For details on the 20-year-old tradition, divided into four sessions in November, investigate www.christmasinnovember.com.