Enjoy a patriotic presidential weekend
Chicago
Inaugurate some fun this winter.
Not in the inner circle for the upcoming Obama-rama? Enjoy a patriotic presidential weekend anyway at the InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave. The Presidential Perks package includes luxury accommodations for two; front row seats for you and your Chief of Staff to learn about history at the Freedom Museum; a full American breakfast buffet for two; and enjoy complimentary valet parking as well as free access to the fitness club and the hotel's historic indoor swimming pool. You'll have to pay to play this one - but rates start at a reasonable $209 per night, per couple. Available now through March 31. Swear in at (312) 944-4100 or pull the lever at www.icchicagohotel.com.
Convey the good way on MLK day
Kids will be thrilled to have another day off from school, but you can turn it into a teachable day at the Chicago History Museum on Monday, Jan. 19. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will be alive with dramatic readings and musical performances reflecting Dr. King's messages of peace and justice. Admission is free that day and reservations aren't needed. 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL.; (312) 642-4600; www.chicagohistory.org.
Tour a world class city - Chicago!
Sure, they can spot Sears Tower and Water Tower Place, but kids can get deeper into the culture and history of Chicago via a free Chicago for Kids Audio Tour. Presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism, the new Explore Chicago Downloadable Tour site offers adventures you can take by car or on foot. Choose from eight destinations with stops that may include Millennium Park, The "L", the Picasso Sculpture or North Avenue Beach. There are games and challenges, music created in the city plus interviews with famous Chicagoans such as former Chicago Cub Ryne Sandberg. Just cruise to www.downloadchicagotours.com.
Midwest
Shiver me timbers
If you can't stop it, top it (winter, that is) at the "Coolest Celebration on Earth" - the
123rd Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Beginning on Jan. 22 and carrying on right through Feb. 1, the festival offers ice carving demos, ice skating, hockey tournaments, a Winter Carnival Blues Festival; curling demos, parades, a sports fest, snow sculptures and more. Most events are held in downtown Saint Paul in and around Landmark Center, Rice Park and the State Fairgrounds. Telephone (651) 223-4700 or skate away to www.winter-carnival.com.
Break the ice in South Haven
The Lake Michigan resort community of South Haven heats up on Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1 during the 16th annual Ice Breaker festival. South Haven's downtown Winter Wonderland will be teeming with open skating, fish fries, Texas Hold 'Em games, pro and amateur chili cook-offs, an ice sculpting competition, Mardi Gras dinner and raffle, kids' crafts, wagon rides and more. Shop downtown and enjoy the Dutch Auction throughout the weekend offering lots of bargain hunting. Carve out your weekend at
(800) 764-2836 or www.SouthHaven.org.
Not fade away
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original Winter Dance Party that starred Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper and you can experience it at the original Winter Dance Party Ballroom in Kenosha, Wisconsin. John Mueller's Winter Dance Party® is a live, authentic concert re-creation of the artists' final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. It's held the same venue (then called the Eagles Club) at which the original artists performed. Get tickets for the Jan 21 event by calling (800) 838-3006 or rock on over to www.winterdanceparty.com.
Worth the Trip
Wouldn't you rather have your toes in the warm sand than in those insulated work boots? You can afford a sunny vacation by taking advantage of big savings at the new all-inclusive Temptation Resort Spa launching this winter in Los Cabos, Mexico. The new resort is set to open Feb. 21, and is inviting singles and couples to soak up the Mexican sun for up to 40 percent off its normal rates. The Opening Special offers discounted rates 30 percent off regular Spring 2009 rates and 40 percent off regular rates for the remainder of the year. For example, between Feb. 21 and April 12, the 30 percent off rate would run from $169 - $242 USD per person, per night (based on double occupancy) and $113 - $187 USD per person, per night for travel from April 13 through Dec. 25 (40 percent off regular rates). Rates include accommodations, all meals, gourmet dining, all drinks and cocktails, daily activities, nightly entertainment, hotel taxes and tips. Dig out the swimsuit and call (877) 485-8367 or stroll over to www.temptationresort.com.