Destinations – Travel Smart With Jodie

Orchid season

Photo by Jeff Carrion / Chicago Botanic Garden

Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of Jeff Carrion / Chicago Botanic Garden

It may feel like winter in Chicago but Orchids with a capital O are brightening the greenhouse area of the Chicago Botanic Garden, now through March 22, 2026.

An over the top, popular annual show, the Botanic Garden is this year transporting visitors with a retro theme back to the 60s and 70s.

Mostly taking place in the greenhouses, the event still sports its familiar welcome to our showy blooms vibe so bring the camera or cell phone to take memorable photos.

For a special evening treat visit Orchids After Hours, Saturdays: February 28; March 7, 14, 21, Fridays: February 27; March 6, 13, 20 and Thursdays: March 12 & 19, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Chicago Botanic Garden borders Edens Hwy at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe (at Highland Park).

Find more information at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Jodie Jacobs

What and where of Chicago Air and Water Show

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (Photo credit Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago)

US Thunderbirds (Photo courtesy of City of Chicago)

Chicago’s famed Air and Water Show is this weekend but you don’t have to wait until Saturday to see its highlights. Just head to the North Avenue Beach on Friday. Bring plenty of sun tan lotion and drinking water because the flyovers will be happening all day.

The show actually can be seen from Fullerton Avenue on the north to Oak Street on the south but North Avenue is the center of the action.

However, if you want to go when thousands of others head to North Avenue, the show runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If similar to past years the U. S. Thunderbirds will fly overhead near the end both says. But watch for them earlier on Friday.

The Air and Water Show, first started in 1959, is free. This year it will again feature the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

It will also pay tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps. However, the U.S. Navy will not be participating.

The Warbird Thunder Airshows part of the event includes the SNJ-2 and SNJ-3, a World War II-era aircraft once used by the U.S. Navy and Marine. Watch for “Ol Growler” leading a routine of loops, rolls and Cuban Eights.

In addition to military performers are the following Civilian Performers and groups.

The show also features:

Bill Stein Airshows
Coleman Aerosports – Kevin Coleman
Folds of Honor Biplane – Ed Hamill
Mini Jet Airshows – Tom Larkin
Muscle Biplane Machaira – Bob Richards
Super Stearman “Big Red” – Susan Dacy

For more information visit City of Chicago :: Chicago Air and Water Show

Have fun

Jodie Jacobs

Two Chicago area events for your June calendar

Monarch Magic -Saturday, June 7, Sunday, June 8

The Chalet Nursery, a garden and family-friendly plant and holiday destination in Wilmette (north of the Old Orchard shopping mall) is doing a butterfly event June 7-8 that is fun for adults and kids.

You can buy a Monarch Gardening Starter Kit, sample honey, paint your own butterfly, shop inside or at the Pollinator Farm Truck, hear a guest lecture on the monarch’s migration, and kids can participate in a Sprouts Workshop. For event times visit Events + Classes – Chalet

Also, the first 25 families that Saturday and Sunday receive a free seed packet of native wildflowers to help grow their own butterfly habitat.

The Chalet is at 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. For more information visit Events + Classes – Chalet

Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim -June 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

The event is at the Fine Arts Building downtown Chicago at Studebaker Theatre 410 S Michigan Ave.

Calling it “To Steve With Love,” Callaway Celebrates Sondheim as a person who changed musical theater and how performing in a one of his shows personally changed her. Doing this as a world-wide tour, she talks about working with Sondheim in between singing some of his music.

“I’ve performed ‘To Steve With Love’ in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Kennedy Center in DC, London, Ireland, and Madrid—but somehow, never in Chicago,” said Callaway. “I’m thrilled to be bringing my Sondheim show to my hometown at long last.”

A Tony and Grammy nominee and Emmy winner, Callaway made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. She went on to star in Baby, Miss Saigon, The Look of Love, The Three Musketeers, and for five years appeared as “Grizabella” in Cats.

“To Steve With Love” premiered at 54 Below in New York City and was recorded live. The album earned a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

For more information visit Chicago, IL – To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim — Liz Callaway

Spring or Summer or Anytime Break

Elvis' mansion at Graceland (Jodie Jacobs photo) — Elvis’ mansion at Graceland (Jodie Jacobs photo)

If looking for a new place to visit this year consider looking in on Elvis’ Graceland, in Memphis, TN.

Once you get past the large entrance/ticket/shop building you can explore the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 13.8 acre estate. The house alone is definitely worth the trip but there are also the grounds and new exhibits so leave plenty of time.

If you go before the end of 2025 you can catch the “90 for 90 Exhibition.”

It is made up from ninety items from the more than 1.5 items in the Graceland Archives make up the new exhibition that opened in January to celebrate Elvis’ 90th birthday.

They range from the easily recognizable items to the personal ones not in the spotlight.

In addition there is “ELVIS: Dressed to Rock with 15 iconic jumpsuits not seen for two years, now on display in a 21-foot floor-to-ceiling exhibit. To complement the new additions, other jumpsuits were also rotated.

There is also Graceland Live, a new schedule of concerts and shows. Tickets are available now for performances by Wyatt Flores (April 9), Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (April 26), Chris Isaak (May 1), and 311 (May 13), plus the comedy of Nate Jackson (April 19), with additional shows to be announced.

Where to stay

Among the options is the Guest House at Graceland King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

For trip and additional information, visit The Home of Elvis Presley | Graceland. For Memphis info visit Memphis Hotels, Events & Attractions | Memphis Travel

Graceland is at Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, (901) 332-3322

about nine miles south of central part of Memphis.

Ravinia Festival announces schedule

The weather says it’s Spring so it must be time for Ravinia Music Festival in Highland Park, IL to come up with its concert schedule for the summer.

With more than 100 concerts now listed for 2025 there should be something here to catch your eye (or ear) or for a picnic on the grass date.

Returning stars are John Legend, Heart, James Taylor, Al Green, Diana Krall and The Roots. Other musical celebs on the docket are “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo, Grammy Award-winner Lenny Kravitz and Earth, Wind & Fire plus Emmy Award-winning actress/singer Janelle Monáe, Country Music Award-winner Maren Morris, acclaimed pianist Lang Lang and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra back for its 89th residency.

First time headliners include Cynthia Erivo, Lenny Kravitz, Janelle Monáe, Maren Morris, Beck and more. Kygo, Juanes, Nas, Sutton Foster, Ray LaMontagne, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and The Mohan Sisters.

“Ravinia has something for everyone — classical music, rock, pop, R&B, soul, Latin, jazz, country, hip-hop, DJs, movies, musical theater and more,” said Ravinia president and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon. “We are grateful to continue opening our beautiful part for communities throughout Chicagoland to enjoy an evening under the stars with their family and friends, listening to music from their favorite artists and discovering new ones,” added Haydon.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Thursday, April 24. For more information, visit ravinia/events and ravinia.org.

Spring is here

Woodstock Willie predicts an early spring (J Jacobs photo.)

Was Woodchuck Willie right?

Well, depending on which measurement you use, the first day of Spring is today, March 1. But if you go by other measurements. it is mid-March.

Tom Skilling, WGN’s longtime meteorologist who recently retired, would remind listeners that March 1 is the first day of Spring. And Woodstock Willie predicted an early Spring this year during his annual coming out event on the town’s historic square, Feb. 2.

But astronomers would mark March 20 of 2025 beginning at 4:01 CDT (9:01 UTC) as the season’s first day.

EarthSky explains Astronomical Spring by noting that it happens in relationship to the Earth’s rotation and that the vernal equinox happens when the sun moves further north over the Equator. That also marks the Southern Hemisphere’s first day of Autumn.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that on the March equinox, the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere receive about equal amounts of sunlight. That is because neither hemisphere is tilted more toward or away from the Sun.

Meteorological spring starts on March 1 and runs through May 31 every year no matter the timing of the vernal equinox.

With temps about to reach the mid to upper 50’s today, Chicago area residents are likely to believe or hope that Woodstock Willie was right.

For more information visit EarthSky and Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Escape to Palm Springs for Modernism Week

Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms home in Palm Springs. (Jake Holt photo) — Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms home in Palm Springs. (Jake Holt photo)

You may love or not, mid 1900s modernism architecture and furniture but if you just don’t want to be in the frozen Midwest this weekend/week, be impulsive and fly down to Palm Springs for Modernism Week.

I grew up in a typical “modernism” style split level with more than typical “modernism” style furniture because the family was in the advertising business with connections to the type of custom designed furniture that is now making a comeback in the 2020’s. (See the Antique Roadshow)

What you’ll experience in the Palm Springs area at this event, February 13-23, 2025, are mid last century neighborhoods where the style is prized and where LA based celebrities built homes as escapes from filming close enough to their California action that they can become weekend jaunts.

See Frank Sinatra’s and other celebrity homes on one of the bus tours and
take advantage of a double-decker neighborhood and architectural bus tour or do a home tour and check out special events and activities.

Visit CAMP at Modernism Week, ‘Community and Meeting Place’ headquarters open daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Hyatt Palm Springs – 285 N Palm Canyon.

Modernism Week is a fun escape!

For more details visit Modernism Week 2025 | Modernism and Complete Guide to Modernism Week 2025

Two Midwest events worth seeing

7_North Dakota_Some Things in Life

North Dakota “People’s Choice 1st Place 2024 Award”(Photo courtesy of Lake Geneva and the Snow Sculpting Invitational)

It’s easy to overlook events in late January and early February before we start planning short trips in spring when the weather is better. But here are two happenings really worth seeing and enjoying no matter the weather.

Lake Geneva, WI Winterfest

Enough snow to turn into very large sculptures won’t be a problem this year but even when it is the Lake Geneva Winterfest brings in huge blocks for teams to use as competition-worthy, story-telling objects.

A charming town that historically is known as a summer Chicago society getaway, Lake Geneva, WI has been holding the Snow Sculpting Invitational festival for 30 years. To mark its anniversary, 15 former championship teams from around the United States have been invited back for this year’s competition.

Held this year over the weekend of Jan. 29 through Feb, 2, 2025, visitors can watch the sculptors at work, see the final products and vote on Feb. 1, for a favorite. Judges will also be voting in various categories that day.

The event is free and held in Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the shore of Geneva Lake (yes, Lake Geneva, WI is on Geneva Lake). The sculptors get their snow block on Wednesday and have to finish on Saturday, February 1.

Sculptures will be displayed until they melt but most visitors drive over on Saturday and leave on Sunday. Meanwhile, do the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, shop the boutiques and see art galleries and dog racing.

Lake Geneva has numerous restaurants and places to stay.

The Orchid Show of Wonders at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden

This event is indoors. Every February orchids take over the Greenhouses and main hall inside the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. With a nod to Orchids’ exotic growing locals, this year the show is called “India Blooms” and runs from February 8 to March 23, 2025.

Plus and donor level members are free. Otherwise tickets are as follows: Adult $12 member / $22 nonmember, children ages 3 – 12 $8 member / $15 nonmember and children 2 and under, free. Parking fee is not included in price for nonmembers. Member Preview is Feb. 7 from 5-8 p.m. featuring light bites, live music and cash bar.

Special ticketed Events: Orchids After Hours Feb. 14 ,21, 28 and March 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 5 -8 p.m. cocktails and delicious bites.

In addition there is the Weekend Orchid Market Place on Feb. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and Mar.1-2 to buy orchids, and supplies from vendors, the Illinois Orchid Society Show and Sale on March 8 – 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to view orchid arrangements and shop and an Indian community Marketplace March 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to shop for Indian products.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL just east of Edens Exp.

More information at Chicago Botanic Org/orchids

Put the Chicago Travel and Auto Shows on the calendar

2024-Gallery-Image

With two major shows coming to the Chicago area in early February the frigid month of January is really the get ready to go month.

First, is the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Hall F), 5555 North River Rd. in Rosemont, IL on Feb. 1 and 2, 2025. More than 250 exhibitors and dozens of speakers will be talking about places and type of trips from around the globe.

Times: Saturday, February 1 is 10 a.m. -5 p. m. and
Sunday, February 2 is 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $15 parking. Tickets in advance: Adults 17 and over $16 one day, $23 two days.

What: More than 250 exhibitors to discuss places and type of trips around the globe. Check out the Speakers days and times to get the tips you want for where and how.

By The Way – the show is simply fun with goodies to pick up at booths, food and entertainment.

2024 Chicago Auto Show

Then, there is the Chicago Auto Show, the biggest and best of its kind, Feb 8-Feb 17,2025 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr, Chicago.

Cost: $17 for adults, $12 for seniors aged 62 and older, $12 for children 4-12, free admission for children 3 and younger when accompanied by a paying family adult.

Attractions: Indoor and outdoor test tracks, the concepts cars and kids play area are just a sample of what to expect. It’s busy but fun.

Holiday lights and festivals

Light up the night at Lightscape

(Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape)

It may seem almost overwhelming when considering all the festivals in the Chicago area this Thanksgiving holiday weekend so here are just a few to consider.

Magnificent Mile Light Festival

The main feature is The Parade led by Disney’s ® Mickie and Minnie Mouse that starts at 5:30 p.m. but you might want to go earlier for events along North Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile. The Parade starts at the north end at Oak Street and ends south at the Chicago River.

However, the festivities go from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the south end of the Mag Mile in Pioneer Court next to the former Chicago Tribune building. They include photos with Santa, cheesecake decorating with Eli’s Cheesecake, free coffee samples and MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats and DJ’s on stage.

Look for a good parade viewing spot early to see the floats, celebrities and bands and watch Mickey and Minnie turn on the million lights as they proceed up the Avenue. Overhead will be Muppet balloons, including a 60-foot-tall Santa Kermit The Frog .

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape

Stroll on a set path around fields, plots and waterways accompanied by music and refigured by colored lights. As good as it was last year and the year before, the 2024 Lightscape is almost beyond imagination.

Stop along the way for a snack or go into the Education Building half way around to rest and eat because more amazing patches of illumination still lie ahead.

Lightscape is Nov 15 through Jan 5, 2025. The Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022. For tickets and more information visit Lightscape or call (847) 835-6801.

City of Chicago Tree Lighting

Go over to Millennium Park east of Michigan Avenue just south of Washington Street for Chicago’s annual Christmas Tree lighting November 22. The tree will be up through January 8, 2025 but on this Friday, there will be entertainment at 5 p.m. and a ceremony begins at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks. Enter through the south Promenade on Monroe Street or Randolph Street.

Take public transportation because Street closures begin at 10:00 a.m. on November 22 for Washington from Wabash to Michigan, Madison from Wabash to Michigan,Michigan Avenue from Randolph to Monroe and Garland Court from Randolph to Monroe. They end at midnight.

Jodie Jacobs