Midwest travel: Spring is springing at Hotel Burnham's Spring Flower Workshop
Chicago
Carving out life
Chicago Sculpture International unveils Women Sculptors of Chicago - Not for Men Only, an interactive lecture featuring images, live demonstrations and discussions presented by 11 female sculptors. All of the artists, who are members of Chicago Sculpture International, will share their process and passion for sculpture and discuss their public sculptures including large-scale works in stainless steel, bronze, welded steel, aluminum, carved wood, found and recycled objects, water works, 3-D mosaics, indoor installations and gallery-sized artworks. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 19, April 9 and May 21, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. Free. chicagosculpture.org/.
Spring has sprung, almost
We know we're emerging from our Midwestern purgatory by the heralding of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show and Macy's Spring Flower Show. In step with the upcoming floral season, Hotel Burnham is hosting a Spring Flower Workshop in partnership with Flowers for Dreams in March and April. Learn to arrange a beautiful mini spring bouquet to take home while enjoying a Build Your Own Mimosa Bar with Edible Flowers by Atwood's head bartender. 11 a.m. Sundays, March 20 and April 3, in the Reliance Room in the Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington St., Chicago. Tickets cost $30, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. Purchase your tickets for the March 20 class at tinyurl.com/z2zddyc or the April 3 class at tinyurl.com/juoeos2 or call (312) 782-1111.
A hunting we shall go
Thompson Chicago holds its third annual Golden Egg in the Gold Coast with Oak Street Council neighbors to gift lucky guests with dinners, luxury goods and one-of-a-kind experiences. All guests staying overnight on Friday and Saturday, March 25-26, will have the opportunity to win a special prize. Easter eggs will randomly be placed in certain guest rooms prior to arrival on Easter weekend. If a guest discovers a hidden egg in his or her room, the egg should be presented at the front desk to redeem the reward. Potential prizes include: a complimentary stay at Thompson Chicago; cocktails for two at Salone Nico; in-room breakfast for two; complimentary valet parking; a custom floral arrangement by Fragrant Design; a gift card for services at George, the Salon; shopping gift cards at nearby shops; and more. Friday and Saturday, March 25-26, at the Thompson Chicago, 21 E. Bellevue, Chicago. Make reservations at thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-chicago or call (312) 266-2100.
Midwest
When Irish guys are smiling
Wisconsin's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade doesn't step off in Milwaukee or Madison but in downtown New London coupled with a fine Irish festival. Leprechauns at the local Shamrock Club change the town's name to "New Dublin" for the week before the Grand Parade, which boasts bagpipe and marching bands, clowns, floats, clan units and a righteous Finnegan's Wake among the 125 or so entries. Monday, March 14, is Leprechaun Day and Tuesday, March 15, is Houligan Day leading up to the grand parade and Irish Fest on Saturday, March 19, held under a huge heated big top with Celtic bands, beverages, Irish food and market booths, entertainment and plenty of blarney. New London is 20 miles northwest of Appleton, Wisconsin. Monday through Saturday, March 14-19, in New London, Wisconsin. Entrance to the Irish Fest is $5. For details, see newdublin.com or call (920) 982-3891.
Historic savings
Save with Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide during the Leap Into Spring Sale. Through the end of March, choose from more than 100 historic hotels that offer discounts of up to 65 percent off during the special spring sale. Nearby hotels include Indiana's French Lick Springs Hotel and Omni Severin Hotel; Wisconsin's The American Club and The Pfister Hotel; St. Louis' Chase Park Plaza; and others. Farther flung properties include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; Condado Plaza Hilton (1963) in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in California. Book now through Thursday, March 31, for stays through June 1. For a full list of savings, visit HistoricHotels.org/springsale.
Swing with a star
The third annual PGA Champions Tour Legends of Golf Tournament unfolds at Big Cedar Lodge, an award-winning wilderness resort stretching across 800 acres in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Tickets to the one-of-a-kind tournament - featuring some of golf's legends (Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player are confirmed to play) - are now on sale. Participants and fans can rub elbows with celebrities including names from the worlds of fishing, racing and entertainment while enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks at the Top of the Rock and Buffalo Ridge golf courses. Wednesday through Sunday, April 20-24, at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. See the website for tourney packages; daily tickets cost $25. Purchase advance tickets at bassprolegends.com/ or call (888) 347-4426.
Worth the Trip
Every year, more than 85,000 revelers celebrate "A Night in Old San Antonio," which is actually a four-night festival in the heart of the Texas city. The 68th presentation of NIOSA is held on the grounds of the Villita National Historic District - the 18th-century Spanish neighborhood bounded by the San Antonio River and the Alamo. More than 250 food, drink and atmosphere booths, 12 live musical acts, children's games, decorations, costumed volunteers and more bring the city's heritage alive. All food items are created and prepared by NIOSA volunteers on-site, and sometimes it's the only place you can taste these ethnic treats. No food vendors or restaurants produce or sell food at NIOSA, so all of the tamales, rolls and bolillos, fruits and vegetables, guacamole and meat is as homemade as you're likely to get in Texas. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, April 19-22, in San Antonio, Texas. Gate tickets cost $15 for adults; free for kids 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Discount advance tickets cost $12 at niosa.org. Call (210) 216-5188.