Snow Days in Grant Park a free, three-day festival
Chicago
Can't get snow satisfaction?
No need to drive into Michigan or Wisconsin for outdoor winter fun - Snow Days in Grant Park has it all. It's a free three-day festival featuring an international snow-sculpting tournament that dazzles with more than 27 carvings made entirely out of snow. Cast your vote for the People's Choice Award. Don't leave before catching the snowboarding rail jam and dogsled racing. The kids will enjoy the avalanche of arts and crafts, live entertainment and storytelling offered in the Activities Igloo.
4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31, in Grant Park, Balbo Drive and Michigan Avenue. Details at snowdayschicago.us.
Survivor: Chicago
Don't get fooled again by what looks like the waning of winter. If you're working or shopping downtown and inclement weather hits the area, the Hyatt Regency Chicago comes to the rescue. With 2,019 guestrooms, the Hyatt offers a special rate of $79 for commuters. The exclusive rate also includes a discounted $15 overnight parking rate and some "survival" toiletries like a razor, shaving cream, toothbrush and other emergency supplies. The hotel features six restaurants and lounges and other amenities. The rate is based on availability and is valid for Chicago-area residents only.
Offer available from now until April 10 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. Call (800) 233-1234 or visit chicagoregency.hyatt.com and mention or enter special offer code WARM when making a reservation.
Toast of the town
By the time February rolls around in Chicago, we're weary of gray skies, brown trees and white snow. Inject some color into the winter every day of February when Mag Mile luxury retailers, hoteliers, dining and night life destinations get in on the third annual TOAST on the Magnificent Mile. Throughout the month, special events, champagne tastings, hotel packages and tempting dining offers are punctuated by a family-friendly fireworks display over the Chicago River every Saturday during February. Snag your free holographic viewing glasses (to the first 750 guests) for the fireworks.
Fireworks start at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in February at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. Other event times vary. Visit themagnificentmile.com for updated hotel packages, fitness classes and dining deals.
Midwest
Déjà vu all over again
Although the famous malapropism was uttered by Yogi Berra, it could have been said over and over by Bill Murray in the film "Groundhog Day," which was filmed in Woodstock. Visit the historic town square for Groundhog Days, an annual event that includes a Beer & Wine Sampling Social, the Awakening of the Groundhog ceremony at the historic 1889 Woodstock Opera House, "Groundhog Day" movie trivia and the Shake Off the Winter Blues Dinner Dance at the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Bring the kids for a host of family activities including storytelling, a chili cook-off, walking tours of the filming sites and free showings of the movie. Browse dozens of specialty shops on Woodstock Square, sup in charming eateries or stay overnight. The annual prognostication takes place the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 2, when Woodstock Willie looks for his shadow.
Event times vary Thursday through Tuesday, Jan. 28-Feb. 2. Visit woodstockgroundhog.org.
OK for Okoboji
Vancouver? OK, but Lake Okoboji, a resort area in northwest Iowa, presents its own winter games at the fictional University of Okoboji. The 30th annual winter festival includes broomball tournaments, softball and flag football on ice, cross-country skiing, ice bowling, indoor golf, a Freeze Yer Fanny Bike Ride, ATV races, wienie toss, chili cook-off, fireworks and the Burning of the Greens. You can also sneak inside for the talent show, live music, poker, Mah Jong and bingo.
Friday to Sunday, Jan. 29-31, at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Call (800) 270-2574 or visit uofowintergames.com. For lodging, go to vacationokoboji.com.
Climb up to Kohler
It's a yodeling good time at Taste of the Alps - a Winterfest Celebration in the Wisconsin town of Kohler. Snow sculptures seem to be the trend this winter and the Kohler celebration doesn't disappoint with massive snow sculptures throughout the town designed by internationally renowned artists. Eight colossal snow masterpieces will represent Bavarian castles, winter sports and scenes from Austria. Check out the dogsled demonstration, yoga in the snow and goodies like hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies. There also will be Woodlake Market cooking competitions, ice carving, a snowman-building contest, ice skating and horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy a complimentary tour of the Waelderhaus, a home built in 1931 to pay tribute to the tradition of Bregenzerwald Provence of Austria, the village from which the Kohler founder came. Call about a special two-night stay at the American Club featuring Alpine cuisine inspired by Destination Kohler chefs.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Call (800) 344-2838 or visit DestinationKohler.com.
Worth the trip
Is there a better way to get to know a city's culture than through its food? There are a host of reasons to visit New Mexico anytime, but why not visit during its first-ever Restaurant Week in Santa Fe and Albuquerque? Expect menu and lodging packages at very attractive prices as more than 60 restaurants and hotels participate. Restaurants will feature specially priced three-course dinner menus. Take advantage of special rates at hotels so you can sample an array of restaurants and attend one of the many cooking and mixology classes, wine tastings and other activities offered in conjunction with New Mexico Restaurant Week.
Sunday to Saturday, Feb. 28-March 6, in Santa Fe and Sunday to Saturday, March 7-13, in Albuquerque. Visit newmexicorestaurantweek.com.