Midwest travel: It's kite season in Kenosha
Top pick
Kite site
Things are looking up for the 14th annual Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite Festival in Kennedy Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Chicago Fire Precision Kite Team will be performing, as well as EOS, a precision kite-flying team, and the colossal octopus kites of Alex Dagenais from Montreal, Canada. See professional kite fliers from Racine and a new stunt team O2, and Jean Lemire will attempt to fly three stunt kites all at the same time. Enjoy one of the largest bubble machines in the country, and kids can make free kites. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. Free admission and parking. giftofwings.com
Chicago
Summer steins & sausage
You thought you had to wait until autumn for a supersized stein of beer, a string of brats and oompah music? Not if you take a whirl around the Maypole and welcome the arrival of summer at the annual Lincoln Square Maifest of German glitter and good times. Have a stroll and a strudel, and take in performances by The Captain Blood Expedition ('60s rock), German bands like Phenix, Polkaholics and Alte Kamarade, and German dance groups. The crowning of the May Queen and traditional keg tapping are always a cause for raising a glass to the end of another long winter. Admission is free. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 29; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 31, on Lincoln Avenue between Western and Leland avenues, Chicago. (773) 728-3890 or mayfestchicago.com.
Art to heart
Even if you're not a fan or in the market for a piece of art, an outdoor fair is a perfectly wonderful way to spend an early summer afternoon. The Millennium Art Festival features the work of more than 110 juried artists, and vendors will cook and sell local food while you enjoy live music. See jewelry, photography, painting, ceramics, furniture and more, and be sure to contribute to the free-standing graffiti wall during the free festival in Streeterville, just steps from Millennium Park. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 29; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, Chicago. Free. (847) 926-4300, amdurproductions.com or millennium-art-festival.
Midwest
Benzie frenzy
The Benzie County Visitors Bureau in northwest Michigan's lower peninsula is offering a vacation getaway package this summer. "Benzie Treasure Trove" includes nearly $200 worth of free activities, plus food and gift items from various restaurants and businesses throughout the county for visitors who stay two or more consecutive nights at one of the participating Benzie County lodging locations. Benzie County boasts nearly 30 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline along The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for biking, hiking, running, golf, fishing, kite boarding and surfing. Memorial Day weekend through October 31. Sign up for the promotion at visitbenzie.com/passport-to-fun-70.
Ohio surprise
The Ultimate Summer Surprise Package at five Ohio State Park Lodges and Conference Centers returns this summer combining park activities and lodge comfort. The package includes a room and $50 in food and beverages each night of your stay. In addition, get a bonus "surprise" such as gift shop discounts, free bike rentals or a free future night stay. Winners may even discover that their stay will be free. Participating lodges are Salt Fork State Park Lodge; Mahican State Park Lodge; Punderson Manor State Park Lodge; Maumee Bay Lodge; and Deer Creek State Park Lodge. Now through Sept. 7 at all five lodges. To book the Ultimate Summer Surprise package online, use the promotional code OHSURPRISE at ohiostateparklodges.com or call (800) 282-7275. Blackout dates and other restrictions apply.
Worth the trip
Surprise your favorite Bond fan with a stay at Ian Fleming's GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, which is offering a new overnight package. Fleming discovered the island during a World War II mission, and following the war, Fleming returned to Jamaica and purchased a home, which he dubbed GoldenEye. All 14 James Bond novels were written there, and the five-bedroom villa has been preserved. Stay in his home or in one of GoldenEye's other cottage or villa accommodations. The "GoldenEye Revisited" package includes: four nights in a Lagoon Cottage, Beach Villa or the Fleming Villa with daily breakfast; a guided snorkeling tour of Fleming's favorite reef; a fishing excursion with local fisherman on a traditional wooden fishing canoe (GoldenEye will cook your catch); private tour of Noel Coward's home - Firefly - followed by cocktails and canapés; meet Fleming's former gardener who still works at GoldenEye; Bond movie night and bonfire on the beach; and a guided tour of Jamaican night life. Now through Oct. 31, with rates starting at $3,767 (based on double occupancy), including taxes and service charge. (800) OUT-POST or GoldenEye.com.