On the road: Get fit by day at Bloomingdale's Biggest Loser Resort
Chicago
Beautiful loser
The Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale introduces the Town Program, which allows locals to spend all day at the resort experiencing the program but return home each evening. The program combines fitness, nutrition, education, relaxation and camaraderie. The Town Program follows the same seven-day regimen that stay-over guests experience and for those who live within a 25-mile radius of the suburban Chicago resort, it offers a unique way to jump-start a healthier lifestyle, including the result-oriented fitness program, lectures and education sessions, three meals a day and a snack, access to certified trainers, nutritionists and wellness coaches, all at a reduced weekly rate.
Check in on Sunday, check out the following Sunday at the Biggest Loser Resort, 250 W. Schick Road, Bloomingdale. The cost is $2,495 for the week and includes 10 percent off a resort spa treatment. (877) 825-8878 or biggestloserresort.com.
Snow can do
Snowstorm Winter Music and Arts Festival is the cold weather answer to the Chicago music festival. Set indoors at Navy Pier, headliners like Moby, Trippy Turtle, The Hood Internet and ASTR warm things up. Expect a fully stocked bar, interactive art experiences and electronic music's most talented DJs on two stages. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear white.
6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Tickets cost $25-$100. (312) 595-7437 or snowstormfest.com.
Building blocks to a great weekend
Architecture fans will want to know about the collaboration between Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). The new, customizable package, called Building Chicago Block By Block, combines a stay at Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile with any of CAF's 65 walking tours. You also can create an original Lego design in the CAF Arcelor Mittal Design Studio, which gives adults a place to reconnect with Lego bricks. Every Sunday, Lego Build workshops are led by guest designers with various themes that drive discussion and inspiration for building structures. Building Chicago Block By Block includes a two-night stay, daily breakfast for two at Level Two, two tickets for a CAF walking tour, and admission for two to the CAF Design Studio's Sunday Lego Build.
Friday through Monday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, 633 N. St. Clair St. Rates start at $219/night. Package must be booked at least six days in advance. (312) 787-1234 or chicagomagnificentmile.hyatt.com.
Midwest
Brew skies
It's that season in between winter and spring that's generally gray and brown with not much to do unless you hop aboard the Great Michigan Beer Tour guided by Hophead Beer Tours. The first stop is Goose Island Brewery in Chicago. Then the motor coach takes you to craft breweries in Michigan with a brunch, and a three-course, beer-paired dinner among the inclusions. You'll tour brewing facilities, enjoy beer tasting in VIP rooms, beer flights and more. Snooze at the Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids and Comfort Inn in Kalamazoo.
Friday through Sunday, March 6-8. Cost is $455 per person including tax plus Eventbrite service fees. Book at eventbrite.com or see other tours at hopheadbeertours.com.
Klondike Cold Rush
Wisconsin's No. 1 winter festival precludes the need to travel to the Yukon to celebrate Klondike Days. The 25th annual Trig's Klondike Days (for families, couples and friends) features a rush of events including a historic rendezvous encampment; fast-paced lumberjack competitions; dogs and horses pulling weighted sleds; Native American dance performances; a huge juried craft show and sale featuring Northwoods crafts and carvings; snowshoe races; chainsaw-carving and ice-carving; Amish quilt show and sale; live entertainment; plus food, snacks and drinks. Bring the little voyagers for rides and activities.
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $40 per family, $6 for kids ages 6-16, and free for 6 and younger. (715) 617-0272 or klondikedays.org.
Put a sock in it
Everyone is semi-delirious due to the long winter, so the 2015 Sock Monkey Madness Festival seems to fit right in. Explore why the popular Sock Monkey is important to Rockford's history at Midway Village Museum during the all-ages event. It's a celebration of Rockford's Red Heel Sock: make your own Sock Monkey or accessories to take home; see the Museum yarn-bombed; and shop for unique items.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, at the Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for ages 3-17. Free parking. (815) 397-9112 or midwayvillage.com.