Travel – Page 20 – Travel Smart With Jodie

Five things to do in Chicago for Spring Break

Here are some ideas of where to go and what to do whether visiting Chicago from out of town or planning to take advantage of the city if living in its metropolitan area.

Take an architecture tour

Chicago is known for its architecture – whether it’s the fabulous Louis A. Sullivan Auditorium Theatre at Congress Parkway west of Michigan Avenue, the Rookery designed by Danial Burnham and John Root, with a grand atrium redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright on LaSalle Street or the Aqua Tower, an undulating multi use building designed by Jeanne Gang and her Gang Studios on North Columbus Drive that includes the Radisson Blu hotel.

The Architecture Foundation does excellent art deco and other walking tours and has a good boat tour on the Chicago River. There are also other good architecture boat tours such as those done by Wendella.

The Marina Twin Towers on the Chicago River are on architecture boat tours and the Chicago Film Tour. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

See movie and TV filming sites

Chicago is a popular movie and TV location site. A really great way to see the city is to take the Chicago Film Tour.

More than 80 movie and TV shows have been filmed in Chicago including The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Sting, Spiderman, The Fugitive and North by Northwest so the tour goes from Wrigleyville on the Northside to China Town south of the loop and lots of places in between.

It takes close to two hours but while on the bus you also get movie shots on a TV monitor and background information from very knowledgeable guides.

Combine Millennium Park with a lunch break

You’d never guess that any eyesore once used by the Illinois Central Railroad could be turned into the gorgeous 24 plus- acre park of gardens, walkways, remarkable sculptures, fountains, art work and public concert spaces that is Millennium Park.

The park stretches along Michigan Avenue from Randolph Street on the North to Monroe Parkway on the South. But what first catches the eye is the interesting stainless steel ribbon-like top of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry. Its lawn is covered by an artistic sound grid.

Stroll the park to see the Lurie Gardens, the sculptures by Chaikaia Booker in the Boeing galleries section of the park (up now through April 2018, the 50-foot high towers of the Crown Fountain desiged by Jaume Plensa (the towers have changing faces of Chicago residents and the tower spits water into a wading area and the park’s famed Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean.

A 66-foot long elliptical sculpture by Anish Kapoor, The Bean is where visitors go to take selfies. Chicago’s clouds and skyline are beautifully reflected on the Bean’s polished stainless steel surface.

The Bean is a popular selfie site in Millennium Park. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Leave the park by way of the Nichols Bridgeway, a long pedestrian bridge going from the park up to the Renzo Piano restaurant and the Bluhm Family Terrace in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing. The restaurant, named for the architect Renzo Piano who designed the Modern Wing and the Bridgeway, is a terrific lunch spot with a view of the city. But you need a reservation.

If you haven’t snagged one go out onto the Terrace to snap photos and go back down to the park where you might be able to get a table at the Park Grill below the Bean.

Enjoy Chicago’s music scene

If you like blues, jazz or folk, find out who is at The House of Blues, Andy’s, Green Mill or The Hideout. For classical programs check Orchestra Hall, the Civic Opera House and the Harris Theatre. Also look up the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park, host of the Blues Fest, for free concerts.

Indulge in a short but wonderful “staycation”

Lots of hotels downtown Chicago have a workout room however few have the space for a good-sized pool and a great spa. Stay and book a spa treatment at the upscale, Oriental influenced Peninsula Hotel overlooking Chicago’s Magnifenct (shopping) Mile on North Michigan Avenue and swim in its half-Olymic length pool. You can also order drinks and lunch there.

Or stay at The Langham, a five star hotel on the Chicago River with British roots. Aside from a fine lap pool and spa, the hotel is known for its traditional tea, good services and spacious rooms. Located in a former Mies van der Rohe skyscraper on Wabash Avenue, the hotel is also well situated for downtown and Magnificent Mile exploration. When reserving ask about the room’s views.

Chicago really is a terrific destination even for a few days. Enjoy!

Five family activities in Chicago for spring break

See weird specimens in a new, behind the scenes exhibit at the Field Museum Photo by Jodie Jacobs — See weird specimens in a new, behind the scenes exhibit at the Field Museum. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

The kids are saying yea, no school for a week. But what’s a parent to do when there is more to plan for than a weekend outing?

From a tomb and T Rex to penguins and planets, the Museum Campus has lots to keep families fascinated for an entire day.

Penguin antics also make visitors chuckle at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Lego is a hit at the Museum of Science and Industry and at the Legoland Discovery Center in west suburban Schaumburg.

The Centennial Wheel and musical play equipment are awesome at Navy Pier. Check them out and enjoy.

Explore Chicago’s Museum Campus

Youngsters don’t all like the same things but on Chicago’s Museum Campus at the south east end of the downtown, you can probably satisfy two different interests if you plan carefully.

Children fascinated by mummies, dinosaurs and native American tribal life will love the Field Museum while adults will likely want to detour over to its gem exhibit.

Anyone who likes penguins or pretty much anything live that moves through water will want to stop at the Shedd Aquarium across from The Field.

Budding astronomers and space explorer wannabes will want to go to the Adler Planetarium that’s further down the museum campus’ arm.

Families might be able to take in some of two places but really shouldn’t try to do all three museums on the same day.

Tip: While on the museum campus walk past the aquarium towards the planetarium .then turn around and look at the city. This is where journalists take photos of the skyline and TV broadcasters go for a super camera op of Chicago’s skyline. Your photo will look like you are out in a boat on Lake Michigan because you are on a peninsula.

Put on your minor’s hat or thinking cap at the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry south of downtown should satisfy all interests from its coal mine experience, Lego exhibit and futuristic thinking room to Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, the Great Train Story’s model railroads and the Mirror Maze.

Tip: On April 8 and 9 and April 15, you can also see special Robotics week events.

You play at Navy Pier

Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Navy Pier, a 3,300 foot long entertainment pier jutting into Lake Michigan from Illinois Street east of the Mag Mile is home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, a Ferris-type ride called the Centennial Wheel that is almost 200 feet high and ethnic festivals in its Crystal Garden.

Tip: There is also an IMAX Theater so check out its film schedule. Plus do ‘Impulse: An Interactive Art Exhibit,’ in the Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier, now through May 21. It’s a light and sound experience where visitors can try out seesaws and other play equipment that produce different tones and colors when activated.

Watch animals play at the zoo

Stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo to see two new, polar opposite, animal habitats: South African penguins in their cozy cove (It’s not icy) and Arctic polar bears in a coldly comfortable place.

Tip: The zoo and its Lincoln Park environment are fun places to spend a day so plan on eating at Park Place Café which has Mexican, Italian dishes and burgers or if warm enough, the roof top Café at Wild Things above the Wild Things gift store. .

Discover what can be done with Legos

From things to ride, play with and see in 4D to Star Wars episodes to experience, there is an entire Lego world at the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Entry and experiences are ticketed so plan ahead because tickets are timed to prevent overcrowding, particularly during winter and spring vacation breaks.

Tip: Online tickets save money so check it out at Tickets.

Sunday Lollapalooza tickets sale

Special tickets to Lollapalooza are already sold out. However, general admission tickets to Grant Park for Sunday, Aug 6, 2017 went on sale this morning (Wednesday, March 22) at 10 a.m. Concert goers can catch performances on 8 stages from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Among Sunday’s features are Arcade Fire, Justice and Zeds Dead. For the full concert lineup see Lineup. For Sunday tickets go to Lollapalooza tickets.

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in 2017 City of Chicago Photo — Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in 2017
City of Chicago Photo

Parks and Recreation, not the sitcom

From Cubs Spring Training to spring festivals, Chicago area parks and gardens are celebrating the season with fun shows and events

Celebrate the World Series Cubs at Garfield Park conservatory's Spring Training show. Chicago Park District photo — Celebrate the World Series Cubs at Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Training show. Chicago Park District photo

Cubs Spring Training

Mesa isn’t the only place to find Cubs logos and icons. The Chicago Park District’ has turned its historic Garfield Park Conservatory’s Show House into a celebration of baseball and the World Series Champions for its annual Spring Flower Show.

This year the theme is Spring Training. Visitors will see Wrigley Field’s marquee, bleachers, ivy-covered wall and a huge World Series trophy. The “Spring Training” show even includes an icon scavenger hunt.

Opened February 18, the show continues through May 14, 2017. Garfield Park Conservatory is at 300 N. Central. For more information visit Garfield Park Conservatory or call (312) 746-5100.

Orchid Show

You can still wander among thousands of gorgeous orchids at Chicago Botanic Garden. The annual Orchid Show continues through March 26, 2017. The Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., east of Edens Expressway, Glencoe. Admission is free. Non-member parking is $25 per car. For more information visit CBG and call (847) 835-5440

Chicago Flower and Garden Show

You can find inspiration for your garden whether it’s a handkerchief-sized patch, a walkway or a personal hide-away at Chicago’s annual Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, March 18-26, 2017. The theme is Chicago Neighborhoods. There are 20 gardens to walk around including some with water features and others with sculptures. In addition the show has seminars, a market section, workshops and family activities.

The show is upstairs in festival Hall A and B. Tickets are $5 children, $15 weekdays and $17 weekends. Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Ave. For more information visit Flower Show.

Maple Syrup Festival at NPV

Watch the magic that turns sap tapped from a maple tree into maple syrup at the North Park village Nature center March 25, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Park Village Nature Center. A free event, the festival also includes crafts, storytelling and music. North Park Village Nature center is at 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. For more information visit NPV or call (312) 744-5472.

Five ways to ease the change to daylight savings time

You know that with seasonal change you are supposed to “spring” ahead sometime really early Sunday morning, March 12, right?

Well yes, it does depend on where you live because not all places in the United States go from standard to daylight time. Your friends and relatives in Hawaii and in many Arizona locations probably remind you they just don’t do daylight time.

Are you really going to reset your clock ahead an hour sometime around 2 a.m. Sunday morning? Photo by Jodie Jacobs

However, the US official time when clocks skip an hour is 2 a.m. whatever local time you’re at.

According to a US Navy site, Congress designated that beginning in 2007 daylight time started on the second Sunday of March and ended the first Sunday of November when clocks would “fall back” to standard time.

Mark your calendar Nov. 5 for your extra hour of sleep if you think the date applies. You can click policy act for more information.

Here are five suggestions to help get through the tough change.

1. Change different clocks at different times. Change the clock by your bed before you go to sleep. So if it’s 10 p.m. move it to 11 and tell yourself you are becoming a night owl. Change the kitchen clock in the morning and think how nice it is have slept in so that what was 8 a.m. is now 9 am.

2. Don’t set the alarm for Sunday morning. See what time you can sleep to if given the chance (Unless you are in the church choir but maybe others will also be late).

3. Now, go around the house to check all the other clocks you don’t always look at such as the one on the oven, microwave and coffee pot. Even in this era of automatic computer time adjustments those don’t usually change by themselves. If you would rather not have to do this again in the fall, get a new appliance that does change automatically.

4. If you have one of those bird clocks that sounds lovely when it tweets on the hour but which you hate when you have to take out the batteries and go back to a specific time, put batteries back in and reset, then ask a friend to come over. Tell the person you want to share the joy of learning the different bird sounds and show your friend how to turn the tiny wheel in back until the right time appears.

5. Call a friend to see if that person is up. Say it’s a friendly wake-up call but actually misery likes company.

How to feel a bit Irish this weekend and next

“Faith and Begorrah,” it seems everyone is already in an Irish mood.

Restaurants, grocery stores and neighborhoods are taking the phrase “Go Green” seriously now through St. Patrick’s Day March 17.

Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day by turning the Chicago River green. City of Chicago photo — Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by turning the Chicago River green. City of Chicago photo

Here are just a few of the places in and around Chicago where you might hear céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) and Irish music, see Irish dancers and feel you ought to be wearing something green.

The Suburbs

Walk into any Hackney’s, a 76-year-old family run restaurant and pub this week to see how leprechauns expressed the family’s Irish roots and pride. The menu has lots of choices including the famed Hackney Burger but during the weeks leading up to St. Pat’s Day you might want to go for the corned beef, straight up or in a Reuben.

For Irish music with your grocery shopping check out the Sunset Foods stores in the northern suburbs. Irish dancers will be at Sunset’s five store on March 5. They will be in Libertyville at 10:30 a.m., Lake Forest at 11:45 a.m., Highland Park at 1 p.m., Northbrook at 2 p.m. and Long Grove at 3 p.m.

Chicago

The city has several St. Patrick’s Day parades but your first stops should be on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Greening the River

The Chicago River at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Driver will be turned green when vegetable dye is poured in at 9 a.m.

Downtown Parade

The city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has bagpipers, bands, dancers and dignitaries step off at noon from Grant Park at Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe Drives.

Irish Festival

Lots of folks go over to the Irish American Heritage Center at 4626 N. Knox Ave. after the parade for an all afternoon-evening party. Tickets: $12-$15 adults; free for children 12 & under. The festival continues on Sunday.

Neighborhood Parades on March 12

South Side Irish Parade http://www.southsideirishparade.org/
Time is noon from Western Avenue between 103rd St. & 115th St.

Northwest Side Irish Parade
Time is noon from Onahan School at 6634 W. Raven St.

It is maple syrup time

You don’t have to go to Vermont to hike around maple trees and learn about that yummy syrup folks love to pour on their pancakes and French toast.

Lake County Forest Preserves District Environmental Educator Jennifer Berlinghof is tapping a sugar maple tree for liquid sap to make into maple syrup. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

The Lake County Forest Preserves District holds Maple Syrup Hikes the second, third and fourth weekends in March.

The hikes are a chance to learn about the trees’ plumbing that makes late February and early March the best time in our area for collecting sap.

Actually, the sap is already running up Lake County’s sugar maple trees.

LCFPD Environmental Educator Jennifer Berlinghof has been out at Ryerson with her drill, hammer, spigot and pail to tap a few mature, sugar maples. She said the sap which is very watery has to be processed.

“It takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. It takes a lot of boiling,” Berlinghof said.

She pointed out that the resulting maple syrup becomes a tiny taste treat given to people on the March hikes.

Hikes are every half hour from noon to 2 p.m. starting at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield, but preregistration is necessary.

Cost is $6. Children age 3 and under, free. To register and get more details call (847) 968-3113 or visit LCFPD.

Weekend outing; Pair model railroad meet with a historic town

You don’t have to wait until Spring Break to take a fun, weekend outing.

If you love the model railroads and buildings at the Museum of Science and Industry and at the Chicago Botanic Garden in the summer or Christmas, drive up to the northwest corner of Illinois March 4-5, 2017. The Depot Stove Gang are holding their 29th annual Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet that weekend in Lena. The town is a short distance east of the historic destination of Galena, IL, so the model railroad show makes a trip to this area a good, two-for-one, weekend outing.

Model train show comes to Lena, IL March 3, 4, 2017

About the model railroad event

It’s fun to see the model trains moving along their tracks past villages and scenery. Plus there will be lots of railroad memorabilia and stuff to start one’s own setup or add.

The show is so large it takes place in the gyms and cafeterias at Lena-Winslow Elementary School, 401 Fremont St, IL , the Junior High at 517 Fremont St. and High School at 516 Fremont St. Check in is at 401 Fremont St., Lena IL 61048. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is available in the Elementary Cafeteria. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Lena is in Freeport/Stephenson County which celebrates the outdoors and history, year round. For things to do and other information visit Freeport/Stephenson County. and call (815) 233-1357 or (800) 369-2955. The Visitors and Convention Bureau is at 4596 US Highway 20 E. Freeport, IL

About Galena

West of Lena on US Highway 20 in Jo Daviess County is Galena, a 19th century town filled with sites on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a terrific Main Street shopping area of boutiques, candy and ice cream shoppes, wine tasting places and historic homes and inns. For more information visit Galena and call (815) 77.3557 or (800) 747-9377. The CVB is at 720 Park Ave., Galena, IL 61036

Where to stay

There are lot of choices but to get you started check out Eagle Ridge Resort.

It is on the outskirts of Galena, west of Lena on US Hwy 20.

Three ways to take advantage of a long weekend

All of a sudden the long weekend that includes Presidents’ Day, the third Monday of February when schools and banks are close, is only a few days away.

What would have been a good time to fly south for a short, sunny break is likely going to be too difficult to book now. Airline flights and hotel rooms in places such as south Florida are typically at a premium that weekend, if still available.

However, instead of playing the “should-have” game, think of the weekend as a fun opportunity. The following suggestions work anywhere even though the examples given are for the Chicago area.

The Field has free general admission for Illinois residents Presidents' Day Weekend. Photo by Jodie Jacobs — The Field has free general admission for Illinois residents Presidents’ Day Weekend. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Take a “staycation”

Nowadays all hotels have a fitness center so that would no longer be a deciding point on where to take your weekend vacation. Think about what you most want to do. Shop? Visit museums? See art and architecture? Go to the theater? Do it all?

Next, how important is a pool? Few downtown Chicago hotels have pools but some have indoor lap pools. Even fewer have a pool where children can swim all year round.

You can keep the bathing suits in the suitcase you planned for a trip south if spending the weekend at The Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent (Shopping) Mile. It not only has a pool, it is historic and large. The spa and fitness area is now a part of the hotel pool area.

The hotel is nicely placed for a “staycation.” Walk north from the hotel for Michigan Avenue shops. Walk south and cross the Chicago River a few blocks to Millennium Park for ice skating and “Cloud Gate” better known as “The Bean.” A little further south is the Art Institute of Chicago. You are in a great spot to appreciate downtown art and architecture.

Cross Michigan Avenue from the hotel to take a bus to the Museum Campus’ Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium at the south end of Grant Park. All of February is free general admission for Illinois residents at the Field. Presidents’ Day, Feb. 20, is free admission to the Adler Planetarium and the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park.

The city is at you doorstep when you take a “staycation” downtown. Enjoy

Binge on Oscar nominated movies

Get a jump start on Oscar night, Feb. 26, 2017 by seeing the nominated movies at your local theater.

For the kids there are the animated features: “Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Moana,” “My Life as a Zucchini,” The Red Turtle” and “Zootopia.”
Best Picture nominees are: “Arrival,” “Fences,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Hell or High Water,” “Hidden Figures,” “La La Land, ”Lion,” “Manchester by the Sea” and “Moonlight.” Most theaters offer advance tickets. The AMC theaters at Northbrook Court were recently remodeled with really comfortable seats and a bar to get drinks and food.

Or settle in with popcorn or pizza at home as you check Netflix or On Demand for past Oscar winners. Some are oldies. Others are just goodies.

Make a penguin and cupcake play date with friends

Lincoln Park Zoo Penguin Cove opens. Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo

Go to a zoo or aquarium then forget the diet and splurge on cupcakes at places you’ve been meaning to try.

In Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo has a wonderful, new penguin center. Or watch the penguins in their Polar Play Zone at the Shedd Aquarium.

For a dessert break pick up cupcakes at Sprinkles Cupcakes at 50 E Walton St. west of the Magnificent Mile. Or stop in at the Magnolia Bakery at 108 N State St at Block 37.

Woodstock Willie predicts more winter

The weather is supposed to get slightly warmer next week but don’t put away the heavy jacket yet.

Shortly after sunrise on Groundhog Day Feb. 2, 2017, Woodstock Willie saw his shadow and decided to return to his abode until spring comes.

Woodstock Willie saw his shadow on a sunny Feb. 2, 2017. Photo compliments of the Woodstock Groundhog organization

So at least Midwesterners should be prepared for six more weeks of chilling winter.

On the bright side, folks can visit Woodstock, IL where the movie, “Groundhog Day” was shot.

They can see the movie for free and tour the sites in the movie now through Feb. 5. (The Woodstock site is down this morning, Feb. 2 but try it later).

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the filming. Next year the town celebrates the 25th anniversary of the film’s release in 1993.

Co-written by Ramis and Danny Rubin, the film has Pittsburg TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) trying to cover Groundhog Day when he gets stuck in a time warp.

Also starring Andie MacDowell as news producer Rita Hanson and Chris Elliott as cameraman Larry, the “Groundhog Day” supposedly takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

However, with the exception of a couple of opening and highway shots to set a sense of place, it really was filmed in the cute, countryside town of Woodstock, IL Ramis had been searching for a site within a day’s drive of his Winnetka home.

Unfortunately for easterners. Punxsutawney Phil also saw his shadow in Pennsylvania so it looks like Spring is not on the way.

The groundhog prediction legend emigrated from Europe where farmers thought spring was coming if they saw badgers.