On the road: Enjoy Snow Days at Navy Pier
Chicago
Snow day
Just when the kids are working your last nerve, 2011 Snow Days Chicago drifts into Navy Pier's Gateway Park. Check out the snow-sculpture competition, watch dog-sled races and enjoy the Snowboard Rail Jam competitions. Warm up indoors and take in live indoor entertainment on Navy Pier's Family Pavilion Stage. Since everything is free, you might want to spend the weekend at the Snow Days partner hotel, Affinia Chicago, offering special room rates that includes breakfast for two at chef Marcus Samuelsson's C-House Restaurant. There also will be Navy Pier Trolley transportation to and from the event.
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 28-29, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. Call (312) 595-7437 or visit navypier.com. Special room rates start at $109 per night between Jan. 27-31 at Affinia Chicago, 166 E. Superior. Call (866) 246-2203 or visit affinia.com/Specials.aspx and mention promotional code SNODAY.
Can buy me love
If you want to make a real impression this Valentine's Day, consider the romantic options at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Start planning now and book dinner at the award-winning Sixteen restaurant, couples' treatments at The Spa and special overnight packages such as the Be Mine and the Once in a Lifetime.
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago. Available for stays Saturday to Tuesday, Feb. 12-15. Call (312) 588-8000 or visit trumpchicagohotel.com.
Ramble on
The Chicago Travel and Adventure Show returns to Chicago for its seventh year and will feature travel star Rick Steves, a Fiery Foods Challenge, tastings and seminars via Wines of the World, Storytelling for All Ages and a photography workshop. There will also be scuba diving lessons, camel rides, rock-wall climbing and international music and dancing on the Global Beats Stage. Get in on seminars about adventure travel to the Arctic, Panama, Australia and New Zealand and visit with travel experts from Aruba to Zambia.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Adult admission is $9 online at adventureexpo.com/Chicago with Promo Code: CHPR or $15 at the door. Children 16 and younger admitted free.
Midwest
Wee ski
Embrace the cold side and point the car north to Lake Geneva for the new family ski program at the Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Even the youngest snow bunnies can get in on the schussing with a family ski day package. There will be special lessons for children and the whole family. Twenty Dollar Tuesdays includes a $20 lift ticket, $20 group lesson or $20 ski rental or a private ski lesson for $50 per family. Don't miss the resort's annual Winter Carnival with winter sports competitions and a torchlight parade with fireworks from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5.
7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wis. Kids' lessons held Saturdays and Sundays throughout January and February. Call (262) 248-8811 or visit grandgeneva.com.
Going to the dogs
See what winter energy is all about at the Morton Arboretum during the annual Husky Heroes weekend. More than 4,000 visitors typically attend the dog-sledding events, which include a documentary on huskies and a chance to become an adoptive or foster family for a husky. The main attraction is the Dogsled Spectacular, which is a racing demonstration.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29-30, at the Arboretum, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. All events are free with admission of $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children ages 2-17. Children younger than 2, members and parking are free. Call (630) 968-0074 or visit mortonarb.org.
Fishing on ice
Have you ever wanted to try ice fishing, but don't know a nice, grizzled ice fisherman to take you out on the lake? Bella Vista Suites offers an Ice Shanty Package that includes deluxe accommodations at its Lake Geneva property and a day of ice fishing in a deluxe shanty with equipment, bait, heaters, opening of holes, and transportation to and from the location. Expect upscale comforts and a complimentary six-pack of Wisconsin beer, wine or champagne. Shanties can accommodate up to four adults and each child must be accompanied by an adult. Guided services can be provided for an additional $35 per person for up to six hours. Simple Café in downtown Lake Geneva offers catered breakfast or lunch to guests of the Upscale Shanty Package.
Through Monday, Feb. 28, depending on ice conditions, at 335 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, Wis. Rates start at $114.50 per person weekdays and $134.50 per person weekends. Call (262) 248-2100 or visit bellavistasuites.com.
Worth the trip
Rube Goldbergs and other inventive types may want to head to Fort Myers, Fla., for the 73rd Edison Festival of Light. The Edison Day of Discovery includes the Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science and Engineering Fair, the Thomas A. Edison Inventors Fair and a Discovery Village. There will be exhibits on botany, computer science, mathematics, engineering, zoology, earth and space sciences, environmental sciences, medicine, health and physics. Other events include the Edison Festival of Light, a Grand Parade and Edison's Birthday Party.
Times of events vary from Saturday, Jan. 29, to Sunday, Feb. 20. Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park, Fort Myers, Fla. Call (239) 334-2999 or visit edisonfestival.org.