Midwest travel: MCA's new exhibit dares to dream of 'Eternal Youth'
Chicago
Sonic youth
Get a sense of youthful dreamy madness at the Museum of Contemporary Art's new exhibit, "Eternal Youth." Works drawn mostly from the MCA's collection explore coming-of-age as a crossroads in art history. Explore universal themes of experimentation, desire, sarcasm, humor and play with works such as Eddie Peake's "Destroyed by Desire" and photographs by Larry Clark from his now infamous "Kids" series. Plus, explore how various pieces by Dawoud Bey, Mona Hatoum, Thomas Hirschhorn and Francesca Woodman depict the rise of cultural forms such as grunge and hip-hop music, the language of advertising and more. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, March 11-July 23, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors; free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays. (312) 280-2660 or mcachicago.org/.
Pluck of the Irish
Cambria Magnificent Mile launched a St. Patty's Day "Luck of the Irish" package, perfect for those attending Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade at noon Saturday, March 11, or anyone wanting to enjoy a mini-getaway in Chicago. The Luck of the Irish Package includes: two leprechaun hats with a scratch-off lotto ticket; two drink coupons for an Irish Coffee, a green beer or a shot of Jameson; and a 2 p.m. late checkout the next day. The contemporary Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile offers 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge, a fitness center, two restaurants and is located near all the action in the Streeterville neighborhood. Valid for stays throughout March at Cambria Hotel & Suites Magnificent Mile, 166 E. Superior St., Chicago. Rates for the St. Patty's Day package start at $129 per night, plus tax. Package is based on availability; some restrictions apply. (312) 787-6000 or choicehotels.com/illinois/chicago/cambria-hotels/il521.
Midwest
I talk to the trees ...
If it's the Festival of the Sugar Maples, spring is right around the corner. Join the McHenry County Conservation District's fun and educational program to discover how syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. A one-hour tour features the cultural history of the maple grove, different collection techniques, a look at how maple syrup is made at the evaporator house and a taste of fresh Coral Woods maple syrup at the end. Dress for a half-mile hike on a rugged nature trail. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 4-5 and 11-12, in the Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. (815) 338-6223 or mccdistrict.org/rccms/.
Shucking good fun
Zip down to St. Louis for the 18th Schlafly Stout & Oyster Festival that brings in 70,000 oysters (grilled, fried, Rockefeller or raw) and 25 shuckers from both coasts, 15 freshly brewed stouts and live music for two days of slurps and sips. This year the free festival also offers an all-inclusive "Pearl Pass" for the true oyster enthusiast. The Pearl Pass allows access to an indoor, private all-inclusive area of the festival, four hours of unlimited oysters and beer and private restrooms. Guests can stay for the weekend with The Cheshire's Shuckers' Inn hotel package. It includes a mixed six-pack of stouts, two commemorative glasses and a voucher for two T-shirts and two half-dozen oysters to be redeemed at the festival. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 10, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St., St. Louis, Missouri. Free admission; the Pearl Pass costs $150. For details, see schlafly.com/events/calendar/2017/03/10/stout-oyster-festival-2017/. The hotel package starts at $159 and can be booked at reservations.travelclick.com/98391?ProdID=675613#/guestsandrooms.
Regal eagles
Bald is beautiful, especially on majestic eagles. See nature's celebrities throughout March during SOAR with the Eagles festival in Wabasha, Minnesota. The National Eagle Center hosts a full schedule of educational programs, exhibits and activities for all ages. This year's lineup includes opportunities to encounter a variety of native and exotic birds and animals like alligators, badgers and lizards up close. Interactive exhibits throughout the month connect visitors to current conservation issues and native wildlife in the Midwest. Plus, don't miss the artistic demonstrations and kids' crafts.
Saturday and Sunday, March 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, at The National Eagle Center, 50 Pembroke Ave., Wabasha, Minnesota (60 minutes west of Eau Claire, Wisconsin). (877) 332-4537 or nationaleaglecenter.org/.