Make a getaway out of Field Museum's 'Mammoths' show
Chicago
Super size it
If you're excited to see the world premiere of "Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age" at the Field Museum, why not make a getaway of it with an exclusive package at Sofitel Water Tower? Stampede to north Michigan Avenue after booking the Mammoths and Mastodons Package and you'll snare overnight accommodations, two VIP tickets to the exhibit, one mammoth-sized prime beef French dip sandwich created by executive chef Martial Noguier of Café des Architectes, and each room comes with its very own "Lyuba" toy (the best-preserved mammoth in the world) seemingly frozen in a block of ice. By the end of your stay, you'll have witnessed the "glacier" melt, revealing the take-home keepsake.
Available through Sept. 6. The package starts at $265 per room, per night. 20 E. Chestnut St. (312) 324 4000 or sofitel.com.
On the catwalk
Chicago has its own "Project Runway" via the Fame 2010 Fashion and Media Extravaganza. The fifth annual event is a presentation of high fashion, animation, groundbreaking filmmaking and visual effects by students from the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago. There are fashion and media shows throughout the day and evening.
Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 10. Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. For show times, visit fame-chicago.com. General admission for day and night shows is $35, and tickets are available in person at the theater, online at harristheaterchicago.com or by calling (213) 334-7777.
It's easy being green
Take advantage of a fun St. Patrick's Day package at the InterContinental Chicago. In between touring Michigan Avenue, museums or shops, you can rest your feet in one of the hotel's rooms and refuel for more rounds of "Danny Boy." The package includes overnight accommodations for two people and two orders of the special Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders and two Pot o' Gold cocktails at The Bar inside the hotel. Don't miss the hotel's historic, junior Olympic-size pool.
Package is valid Wednesday to Saturday, March 17-20, at the InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave. Rates start at $209. Book by calling (877) 834-3613 or visit icchicagohotel.com.
Midwest
A taste of great chefs
Have an entire weekend of Saturday nights when you take in one of the "Great Chefs at the Lake" series at the Abbey Resort & Spa in Fontana, Wis., 80 miles from Chicago. You'll savor the tastes of Chicago's cutting-edge chefs and hot spots in a relaxed, resort environment. From Friday to Sunday, March 19-21, chef Mark Mendez of Carnivale hosts; executive chef Randal Jacobs of Elate takes over March 26-28; and executive chef Len Trevino from Italiasia demonstrates his culinary skills April 9-11. Weekend packages include a two-night stay starting with a Friday evening wine reception with the guest chef, followed by a cooking demonstration and a signature four-course dinner prepared by the featured chef.
Great Chefs at the Lake weekend packages cost $219 per person, plus tax and resort fees, and based on a double occupancy. Reserve at (888) 629-9594 or visit theabbeyresort.com.
Suds and snow
Have a ski-brew (first ski, then sip) at Boyne Highland's first-ever Brew-Ski Festival this spring. Brewers and reps gather in a festival tent at the base of the slopes to serve as the après-ski headquarters where you can sample from more than 100 craft beers, have a grilled brat and listen to live entertainment. Sampling tickets cost $2 each and are good for 3-ounce pours. Check out the weekend package, which includes a Friday night hors d'oeuvres reception featuring a few of the event's favorite brews, two nights lodging, breakfast each morning, two-day lift tickets, festival T-shirt, commemorative mug and five sampling tickets.
Festival will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Mich. Weekend package starts at $233 per person. Booking and information at (800) 462-6963 or visit BOYNE.com.
The on-ramp to big air
Thrill the young daredevils in your life with a quick drive to DeKalb for the Big Air BMX Triples World Tour. You'll see the top men in freestyle BMX take on the challenge of the 180-foot-long BMX course. This is not a ride in the park. The course consists of a 25-foot-high drop-in ramp, two 25-foot-wide jumps and a course-ending quarter-pipe where the riders compete and perform flips, whips and spins.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Convocation Center of Northern Illinois University. Tickets cost $22-$37 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Worth the trip
Florida and Arizona aren't the only destinations that spring-breaking Midwesterners should consider. With multiple direct flights each day between Chicago and Palm Springs, Calif., the warm desert sun is just a few hours away. Miramonte Resorts & Spa is offering a special Escape the Cold offer that includes a $50 credit to Grove Artisan Kitchen, a $50 credit to the WELL spa and a third night free. Accommodations start at $189 per night. The Mediterranean-inspired resort is located in the desert community of Indian Wells, just minutes from Palm Springs and is surrounded by world-class golfing. Nearby you'll find Joshua Tree National Park, the Palm Springs aerial tram, hot-air ballooning, the Living Desert Zoo and the El Paseo shopping district.
Available through April 30. A minimum three-night stay is required. Additional restrictions may apply, and the offer is subject to availability. Call (800) 237-2926 or visit miramonteresort.com and use booking code Escape the Cold when referencing this offer.