How about a free night at a posh downtown hotel

Schlepping down to the city and back can be exhausting over the Independence Day weekend, so why not take up an offer from two of the city's most posh hotels? Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel), both located on the Magnificent Mile, are offering the third night free over the Fourth of July (and all summer long). You can take in all Chicago has to offer, from the Taste of Chicago and beaches to fireworks at Navy Pier. Enjoy newly renovated guest rooms, views of the city and the new Restaurant & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton.

Now through Sept. 6. Rates for the Third Night Free package begin at $330 per night at Four Seasons Hotel after the third night credit is applied. At the Ritz-Carlton, rates begin at $296 per night after the third night credit is applied. Rates are based upon availability. To reserve at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place, call (312) 280-8800 or visit fourseasons.com/chicagofs/; at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., call (312) 266-1000 or visit fourseasons.com/chicagorc/.

Going mobile

Don't miss "Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy," a traveling exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art this summer. Sixty of Calder's iconic works are mounted along with 20 sculptures by seven contemporary artists who have been influenced by the modernist master.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday through Oct. 17. Free Tuesdays in July and August at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Suggested general admission is $12 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Call (312) 280-2660 or visit mcachicago.org.

Roll the Chicago credits

You have your 50-inch plasma with Blu-ray and surround sound, but there's nothing like watching a movie with a group, especially a film made in Chicago. Head to the Conrad Hotel on any Sunday this summer, snag a comfy chair or even a daybed in front of the outdoor 110-inch screen, order drinks and bites from the bar menu and get ready to watch "The Dark Knight," "Risky Business" and other Chicago-centric cinema. It's free when you purchase food or drink.

Dusk, Sundays through September. Conrad Hotel, 521 N. Rush St. Call (312) 377-0979 or visit conradhotels.com.

Midwest

It's spit-acular

Looking for something a little different for the family? Try the 37th annual International Cherry Pit Spit? The contest is held at the Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire, Mich., on the Official Cherry Pit Spitting Court. Eau Claire, 100 miles from Chicago, is a small southwestern Michigan community, and is recognized as the Cherry Pit Spitting Capital of the World. Nonspitters can pick cherries on the farm, nosh at concession stands and have a picnic. Kids can enjoy the farm animal corral and playground. Free admission and parking.

Qualifying round from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 3; 1 p.m. championships at Tree-Mendus Fruit, 9351 Eureka Road in Eau Claire. Call (877) or visit treemendus-fruit.com.

Nothing mini about Taste of Minnesota

Taste of Minnesota, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is the summer's most rockin' party up north celebrating the best of summer. Now in its 28th year, the four-day celebration offers more than 100 hours of musical acts on five stages, chef demonstrations paired with performing musicians, restaurants and an expanded family-friendly entertainment area. See fireworks and performers John Waite, Counting Crows, Lou Gramm, Sammy Hagar, Gin Blossoms, The Offspring and 311 among many others.

11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday to Monday, July 2 through 5, on Harriet Island along the banks of the Mississippi River. Tickets are $20 in advance and at the door before 4 p.m.; $30 at gate after 4 p.m. Tickets include festival admission and access to view all stages. Visit tasteofmn.com.

Get into Princeton

Princeton, Ill., is host to Festival 56, Illinois' largest summer theater festival. The six-week run of professional theater includes free productions of Shakespeare, classic and world-premier musicals and the masterworks of playwrights such as John Steinbeck, Henrik Ibsen and Tennessee Williams. This season see "Love's Labours Lost," "Forever Plaid" or "Dames at Sea," among others. When you're not at the theater, the town offers museums, covered bridges, browsing antique shops, outdoor recreation and nearby Starved Rock State Park.

Showtimes and venues vary through Aug. 8. View the schedule at festival56.com and purchase tickets by calling (866) 806-5656.

Worth the trip

Combine Canadian wilderness with great cooking with the Wilderness Gourmet trip sponsored by Red River Outfitters.

You can enjoy the charms of Manitoba's Manigotagan River under the care of culinary expert chef Greg Campbell who has created a special menu for the trip. It promises to be the best that campfire cuisine has to offer. Foodies can learn from the chef as he offers cooking tips and techniques to get the best out of each dish.

You'll sample some of Manitoba's best paddling en route to dinner. The trip includes gentle flat water and Class II rapids nestled in Manitoba's newest provincial park. The trip accommodates novice to intermediate paddlers.

Aug. 23-27 at the Wilderness Gourmet on the Manigotagan. Cost: $725. Call (866) 425-9430 or visit RedRiverOutfitters.ca.