Midwest travel: Chicago Craft Beer Week rolls into city, suburbs
Chicago
Behind brew eyes
Chicago Craft Beer Week features hundreds of tapping and sampling events around the city and suburbs including a spectacular kickoff at historic Garfield Park Conservatory. Beer Under Glass, hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, offers samples from more than 100 different breweries. Lots of local breweries and restaurants are fashioning beer and food pairings, craft beer takeovers, rare tappings, beer dinners and special deals. For example, Jerry's in Andersonville will hold a garden party starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, when you can enjoy botanical brews from Forbidden Root and Avery Brewing Company on the backyard patio. See the Chicago Craft Beer Week website for a long list of events. May 18-25 at various locations in Chicago and the suburbs. See what's on tap near you at chibeerweek.com/.
Take me to the river
The Chicago Riverwalk hosts a season-opening celebration for all ages next weekend with activities including a traveling music cruise concert, walking tours, music, free architecture cruises, parades with puppets, fishing at the Jetty led by the Chicago Park District, the “Dance of the Bridges,” a finale pyrotechnic waterfall display and more. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Free. For a seasonal schedule of Riverwalk events, go to chicagoriverwalk.us/.
Maxwell's silver hammer
For a century, the milelong Maxwell Street Market was one of Chicago's most alternative business districts where vendors sold everything from shoestrings to designer clothes. The tradition continues as the summer season kicks off Sunday featuring live music and kids' activities. Food vendors range from traditional Mexican to Filipino to American street food to keep you fueled as you hunt for treasures from vendors offering tools, fresh produce, furniture, collectibles and clothing. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays year-round at 800 S. Desplaines St., from Polk to Taylor streets, Chicago. Free. (312) 745-4676 or cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/maxwell_street_market.html.
Midwest
Sitting on the dock of the bay
The Inn at Bay Harbor celebrates Michigan's Wine Month in May with a new package that combines overnight accommodations, a bottle of Black Star Farms award-winning Arcturos Pinot Noir, house-made Charcuterie Board, breakfast for two, and complimentary transportation to explore Petoskey's historic Gaslight District. The property is located on the shore of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, ensuring spectacular sunsets. The Inn's amenities include fine dining and spa treatments. Book the package and experience the region's Bay View Wine Trail featuring 10 wineries all within a short drive from the Inn at Bay Harbor. Through May 31 at Bay Harbor, Michigan. The package starts at $197 per night. For reservations, call (866) 759-3427 or visit innatbayharbor.com/
Step Wright this way
This June marks Frank Lloyd Wright's 150th birthday, and to commemorate the occasion, Madison's Edgewater Hotel is offering a special two-night Frank Lloyd Wright 150th Anniversary package. Architecture fans will enjoy the package's tour of Madison highlighting Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural contributions including Monona Terrace, the University of Wisconsin campus, exteriors of two Wright-designed residences and the First Unitarian Society Meeting House. Following that, the group will take a chartered drive to Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Home in Spring Green, Wisconsin, for a two-hour docent-led walking tour of the house, gardens and courtyard. A box lunch is provided during the one-hour drive to Spring Green. The package also includes two cocktails and dinner for two at The Statehouse. Friday through Sunday, June 23-25, at The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, Wisconsin. Rates start at $959 for two nights with a two-night minimum, two guests per package. Package must be reserved by June 8. Space is limited. Reserve at (608) 535-8200.
Worth the trip
It's the 10th anniversary of Poland Culinary Vacations' delicious trips to the old country. The maximum group size is 12 as you take in authentic local experiences in Polish cities and the countryside, staying in charming boutique properties. The leisurely paced itineraries are full of culinary and cultural activities and sightseeing, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each trip includes an expert, English-speaking guide who takes you to neighborhood markets and Polish food festivals, historic sites and cooking with locals. Upcoming trips include coastal cooking and exploring on the Baltic Sea in June; the 15th Pierogi Festival in Krakow in August; spa and wine vacation in southern Poland in September and more. (888) 703-8130 or polandculinaryvacations.com/.