Midwest travel: 'What is a Planet?' soars into Chicago's Adler
Chicago
Space oddity
Pluto is the Rodney Dangerfield of the universe - it "don't get no respect" - bedeviled by its lack of true planet status. It was a planet, then it wasn't, so what exactly is it? As a matter of fact, even Earth hasn't always been considered a planet. Get a better idea at the Adler Planetarium's newest temporary exhibit, "What is a Planet?," which explores how perspectives in science can change how we define worlds. You'll see how astronomers and the media reacted to Pluto's demotion in 2006; hear what Adler astronomers think of the current definition of a planet; examine pertinent artifacts from the Adler collections; and vote via an interactive real-time poll about Pluto's place. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday now through Jan. 8, 2017, at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. adlerplanetarium.org/events/what-is-a-planet or (312) 922-7827.
Be sure to wear some flowers
Macy's State Street showcases America the Beautiful during the annual Macy's Flower Show. Expect culinary demonstrations and events with local and national top chefs; attend classes, seminars and workshops in which you'll learn about beauty remedies using plant-based ingredients; make a wildflower crown; learn techniques for creating easy florals at home; find out how to create your own all naturally scented soy candle; make glass art; get personal style advice on the latest spring trends; create your own floral iPhone case; and take part in other fun and educational events. Classes require registration, so check the website for a full schedule. Sunday, March 20, through April 3 at Macy's State Street, 111 N. State St., 9th floor, Chicago. Check for daily special events at macys.com/flowershow.
Mmmm … mmmm … good
There are foodies and then there are those who find local and sustainable aspects of food just as essential as taste and presentation. The 12th annual Good Food Festival & Conference is for food lovers from around the country who want to browse among 150 exhibitors at the Good Food Marketplace, shop, meet with CSA farmers, learn about local foods and enjoy - yep - good food. Attend panel discussions, cooking demos and workshops, sign up for the popular Urban Farm Bus Tour and let your kids explore the interactive kids' corner. Presented by FamilyFarmed, the event is the longest-running sustainable and local food trade show in the nation. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. To purchase tickets and see a schedule, visit goodfoodfestivals.com/.
Midwest
American vistas
The Milwaukee Art Museum's new special exhibition, "Nature and the American Vision," features American landscapes that are important artworks of early American history. About 50 masterpieces - many monumental in scale - include works from 23 luminaries, including Thomas Cole, Asher Brown Durand and Frederick Edwin Church. See the earliest views of destinations such as Niagara Falls, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite Valley and discover stories of the politics and personalities that shaped the country. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday (closed Mondays) now until May 8 at the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Admission is $17 for adults; $15 for students, seniors and active military; and free for kids 12 and younger. For details, explore mam.org.
Mall together now
The Crowne Plaza Aire near the Mall of America offers an affordable spring getaway. The Buckets of Fun Package includes one night in a Crowne Plaza Aire family room with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi. Swim in the hotel's Junior Olympic indoor pool and get a bucket of waterfriendly toys to bring home. The package includes free shuttle service to the Mall of America, where you can visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, Nickelodeon Universe and Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium (admission extra). You'll also get a Mall coupon book. Now through May 31 at Crowne Plaza Aire, Bloomington, Minnesota. The package starts at $99 per room, per night (based on maximum occupancy of four per room). To reserve a stay, visit crowneplazaaire.com or call (952) 854-9000.
Take me to the Mission
Mission Creek Festival is a weeklong celebration that takes over various venues and spaces of downtown Iowa City, Iowa, creating a nexus of music, literature, food and art. National, international and regional musicians, writers and artists perform and exhibit their work in traditional and nontraditional venues each within five minutes of each other. In between events, dine, grab a beer or stroll by the Grant Wood artist-in-residence house. Celebrating its 12th year, the fest will feature artists such as Marc Maron, Kevin Smith, Deer Tick, Kurt Vile and The Violators and Faust. Purchase a festival pass or tickets to individual events. Some events are free. Various times and venues Tuesday through Sunday, April 5-10, in downtown Iowa City, Iowa. For details and tickets, visit missionfreak.com.