Tour an authentic windmill on Windmill Island in Holland, MI. Photos by Jodie Jacobs
Less than three hours north of Chicago there is an authentic windmill that grinds out flour. Surrounded by gardens, small waterways and bridges, it is on Windmill Island and open spring, summer and fall. But a great time to visit is the second week in May when tulips are blooming across the island and its town, Holland, MI.
In 2018, it is May 5-13 but don’t worry if you can’t make it or find accommodations during the festival. According to the Veldheer Tulip Farm and Gardens, a company that grows and ships bulbs globally, the tulips should peak the third week of May.
Masses of gorgeous tulips greet visitors in Holland, MI in May
No matter when going, Windmill Island is a must see. The windmill really is from the Netherlands. Dismantled and put back together there, it is run by a licensed operator who grinds flour that can be purchased and used at home. The island also features, a Children’s Carousel, a street organ, a couple of delightful buildings with Dutch figures and gifts and there are good walking paths.
But also visit the downtown for its good food, beer and boutiques. Stop in at Austrian Alpen Rose for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and pastry break.
Save time to see wooden shoes made and delftware painted on the outskirts of town at the DeKlomp Delftware and Wooden Shoe Factory on Quincy Street. Entry is free but you’ll want to take home well-made gifts for yourself, family and friends. BTW De Klomp is Dutch for wooden shoes.
Learn about Delftware and watch it being painted.
Another place is Nelis’ Dutch Village that features dancing, shoes, Delftware and playground activities. Entry has a fee because it is an entertainment area.
Room availability is scarce during the Tulip Festival so make plans ahead of time, then go enjoy the Dutch culture of a Holland that is here in the States.
Either come to Chicago, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the town rated tops n the country for wearin’ the green, or if already in town find out about all the events because they are likely to be happening where you are or want to be.
Don’t’ worry that you missed such neighborhood parades as the Southside one that take place the Saturday before March 17. They’re fun but a lot more happens March 17 including turning the Chicago River green followed by the big, downtown parade. Of course there are also pub crawls. a run, and two days of music and dance at the Irish American Heritage Center. Just bring something green to wear.
Chicago turns its river green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Photo complements City of Chicago
The River
Join the crowd at 9 a.m., March 17, 2018 on Wacker Drive (upper or lower) or on the east side of the Michigan Avenue Bridge to watch the river turn green with an eco-friendly substance poured from the boat that you’ll see going by. Best plan is to get there early.
The Parade
After seeing the river, find a spot on Columbus Drive west of Michigan Avenue between Balbo on the south and Randolph Street on the north before the noon step-off time. Sponsored by Chicago Plumbers Local 130 UA and the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee, the city’s downtown parade always has politicians marching but there are also several Irish dance groups and Irish bands. For more information visit City of Chicago/Parade and ChicagoStPatricksDayParade.
Irish American Heritage Center Festival
IAHC’s festival is a two day event of Irish dance, singers and music. This year it actually falls April 17-18, but sometimes it is held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day if March 17 is not on a weekend. Typically drawing about 10,000 visitors after the parade and the following day, it goes from 1 p.m. to midnight. There’s also a crafts’ fair, Irish gifts and food and drinks available to purchase. Admission tickets are $15 or $12 if purchased before March 16. Youngsters age 12 and under admitted free. IAHC is at 4526 N. Knox Ave. Chicago. For tickets and more information visit Irish American Festival.
St. Paddy’s Day Run
Certainly there is a lot of drinking and also some eating. So a good way to work off the weight ahead of time is to participate in a 5 or 8 K run or walk in the Lincoln Park neighborhood just north of the downtown. Once known as the Leprechaun Leap, the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 17 from near the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Participants enthusiastically put together their green attire but they also get a commemorative shirt, and an invite to the post party at Select Steak House (2808 N. Halsted St. north of the Finish Line. For registration and other information visit Paddy’s Day run.
Lincoln Park St. Pat’s Crawl
Going from 3 to 9 p.m., March 17. participants of this crawl visit several bars in the Lincoln Park neighborhood starting at 2247 N. Lincoln Ave., To register and for more information visit Lincoln Park St. Pats Crawl. You Sat, March 17, 2018
Chicago Shamrock Crawl
Do the Wrigleyville bars from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17. Participants can pick up their tees and other paraphernalia ahead of time. Registration and other info visit Chicago Shamrock Crawl.
St. Paddy’s Day Boat cruises
There are two cruises that leave from Navy Pier. The Irish-themed Architecture River Tour begins in the morning at 10:45 a.m. and lasts 75 minutes. For tickets and more information visit Shoreline Sightseeing. There is also the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Cruise which is a St. Paddy’s Day party on the Mystic Blue. It boards at 6:30 p.m. goes from 7 to 10 p.m. For reservations and information visit Mystic Blue Cruises.
The only problem with celebrating the day in Chicago is the abundance of good choices.
When needing some getaway time check in at the newly remodeled Marriott Lincolnshire. The resort’s 25 million dollar re-do has the excellent Spa at Lincolnshire, the really good Three Embers restaurant for breakfast and dinner, a nice, casual Wrights Brew& Bistro for lunch or dinner and a convenient Starbucks Café off the Lobby.
Marriott Lincolnshire Resort provides a relaxing getaway. Jodie Jacobs photo
BTW, Three Embers replaced The Wharf with a fine menu of locally sourced dishes and a redesigned space that includes a wood-burning grill and a chef’s table. The butter has a wonderful, honey flavor from the chef’s on-site beehive and the pastry’s chef’s yummy rolls to spread it on.
Pack a swim suit to for a dip in the pool or hot tub. The pool entrance is nicely positioned near the rooms’ hallways and elevators so guests don’t have to walk by the lobby.
Don’t forget workout clothes for the redone fitness center or some laps around the resort. Rooms typically have a lake or golf course view.
If interested in good musical theatre and time allows, get tickets for the resort’s famed Marriott Theatre. Currently, “Ragtime,” is playing through March 18. Next is Oklahoma April 11-June 10, 2018, which celebrates the legendary musical’s 75th anniversary.
The theatre is connected to the resort on the main and second levels so it won’t be necessary to brave whatever nature is serving up outdoors.
Now, pick a date to escape. There are special deals for theatre, romance, spa and restaurants.
It’s Groundhog Day so the critters known as Punxsutawney Phil in the movie and in Punxsutawney, PA and called Woodstock Willie in Woodstock, IL where the famed movie was filmed, will take over the weather person’s job by predicting what to expect.
Sunny means the critter see their shadow so return to hibernation and winter will continue for six more weeks. Cloudy means no shadow so they remain out and spring will come early.
To wake Woodstock Willie from his winter hibernation, there will be a polka band playing somewhat similar to the band in the movie.
Woodstock Willie predicts the coming weather in Woodstock, Il where the Groundhog Day movie was filmed. Woodstock photo
No matter what happens, the delightful movie co-written by Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin and starring Bill Murray as weatherman Phil Connors and Andie Macdowell as news producer Rita Hanson, is brought back to life, again.
In the Chicago area, movie fans can see it free in Woodstock at 10 a.m. Feb. 2-4 and walk the movie sites at 9 a.m. Feb. 2, noon Feb. 3 and 12:30 p.m. Feb 4.
Free walking tours of the movie sites begin at the Moose Club, 406 Clay St. Friday and Saturday and at at Stage Left Café, 125 Van Buren S. Sunday. Tours end at the B&B where Murray woke up each day. Called the Cherry Tree Inn, the place is a friendly destination and will host walkers with warm cider.
Lying northwest of Chicago, the town’s picturesque square appealed to Ramis who wanted to be within driving distance of his home in a Chicago North Sore suburb.
Woodstock celebrated 25 years from its filming there in 2017 but this year marks the 25th anniversary of its release in 1993.
So why a woodchuck or groundhog prognosticator? The story is that farmers who emigrated to the eastern US from Europe brought the legend with them because back home farmers thought spring was coming if they saw badgers.
Whatever the day’s prognostication, the movie is a joy and Woodstock is a charming town to visit.
Put super blue moon or eclipse on your calendar for Jan. 31, 2018. That’s three unusual sky phenomena all happening on one day.
Supermoon that is also a blue moon will be eclipsed early morning Jan. 31, 2018. NASA photo
First, the moon will be at its second full phase showing in January, making it a blue moon (not color, just the old rare once in a blue moon saying).
Secondly, it will be a “supermoon”, meaning its orbit places it close to earth so it appears larger than other full moons.
Third, now hear the ta-das and horns? If you step outside really early on Jan. 31 and the sky is clear, you can witness a lunar eclipse. In the central time zone it begins about 5:48 a.m. That is when the moon will be moving into the Earth’s shadow where no sun can illuminate any part of the moon. Total lunar eclipse is about 6:52 a.m.
When Chicago’s winter gets going that’s the time to head to the Morton Arboretum for an indoor miniature train exhibit and an outdoor husky sledding event or to the Chicago Botanic Garden to breath moist air in its greenhouses or enjoy Asian orchids.
Visit Husky Heroes at the Morton Arboretum. Morton Arb photoMorton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum
An Enchanted Railroad is zipping around at family-friendly height at the Morton Arboretum now through Feb. 19, 2018. Viewing is ticketed so if at the Arboretum during those days stop at the Visitor Center Desk to get a timed ticket. The event is weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Or go over to the Arboretum Jan. 27-28 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see Husky Heroes. Siberian dogs will be pulling sleds and posing for pictures. Demos are typically 11:30 a.m., 12:45, 2 and 3:15 p.m. Also visit Adopt a Husky.
The Morton Arboretum is at 4100 IL Hwy 53, Lisle. For other information call (630) 968-0074 and visit Morton Arb.
Chicago Botanic Garden
A favorite place for people in the know who can’t fly to warmer climes is the desert or one of the other greenhouses at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Others dress for the outdoors and exercise by exploring the Botanic Garden’s paths.
However, orchid lovers will likely be heading there beginning Feb. 10 to see 10,000 of those exotic plants in the Asian Orchid Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The show goes through March 25, 2018. For a special treat plan on Orchids After Hours on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit CBG Orchid. Or go to Chicago Botanic Garden and call (847) 835-5440 (or 6801)
Visit the greenhouses at the Chicago Botanic Garden for a breath of warm air. Chicago Botanic Garden photo.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Granted the giving, religious and entertainment aspects are important but that still leaves shopping, food and restaurants to go with friends and family and specialty items to find.
So, even though it’s not always all about food or cakes here are two places that excel in those categories. And even thought it’s not all about shopping these two places have fun or unusual gifts and other items you’ll want or need for holiday celebrations.
Plus, even though it’s not just about toys, this place has something that will appeal to different interests and ages.
Chocolate Sanctuary is a restaurant in Gurnee that uses cocoa for savory and sweet dishes.
Chocoholics rejoice. Go here because owners Bill and Donna Collazo have found a way with their executive and pastry chefs to infuse cocoa in entrees, appetizers, breads and butters, desserts and drinks.
But you don’t have to order any of those because this is a full-service restaurant where all the food is delish. BTW, the restaurant’s meats are supplied by Allen Brothers whose clients include some of Chicago’s top steak houses.
However, you will want to linger and relax here because it’s not so noisy that you can’t have a conversation and the owners’ motto and believed in by their staff, is that customers always are important and come first.
The bonus is that the chocolates you will see in a case when you leave are made in house and are irresistible so you’ll want a box to give and to eat at home.
The Chocolate Sanctuary is at 5101 Washington St. Gurnee at the corner with Milwaukee Avenue. For reservations and other information call (224) 944-0808 and visit Chocolate Sanctuary.
Do what folks in northwest suburban Barrington area do. They know they can count on Ambrosia, a European-style patisserie, to come up with the perfect pastries to serve friends and families for holiday parties so they order but also stop in to see what looks interesting, creative and delectable.
This is also a good place to go for breakfast if you crave croissants that are sweet or savory. Choose what you want at the counter including coffee and bring them over to atable. But forget trying to resist bringing something to have later at home.
Ambrosia is at 710 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. For more information call (847) 304-8278 and visit Discover Ambrosia.
Ambrosia, a European style patisserie.Photo by Jodie Jacobs
Long Grove is a fun place to visit December weekends when it has carolers and carriage rides but you will want to stop in at the Olive Tap, weekends or weekdays to pick up gifts for the holidays.
You get to taste different olive oils and vinaigrettes before you buy. However what is most important is that the store’s products are fresh. They also know how to package items so they look special.
The Olive tap is at 240 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. For more information call (847) 478-8741 or visit The Olive Tap.
The store has been the place to go in Highland Park for years when needing cards, invites, announcements and great wrapping paper. However, it shines during the holidays with all kinds of stocking stuffers you never would have thought of. It’s a great place to browse so enjoy and don’t be in a hurry.
The Paper Source is at 490 Central Ave Highland Park, For more information call (847) 266-6100 or to get some ideas visit PaperSource.
Welcome to Jordan, a fascinating gem in the Middle East that beckons with profound experiences from exploring the rose-colored city of Petra to floating in the Dead Sea to flying through the Wadi Rum desert in an open air, 4 x 4 vehicle.
From bustling cities to the quiet of Bedouin desert camp to luxury resorts, Jordan will simply surprise you with breathtaking moments and feelings of wonder.
Historic ruins, welcoming hospitality and unsurpassed luxury make Jordan an extraordinary destination.
Petra in Jordan. Mira Temkin photos
Petra reveals mystery among the ruins
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new “Seven Wonders of the World” was once a bustling site in the crossroads of trade, built by the ancient Nabataeans.
For thousands of years, Petra remained an ancient city, unknown to the modern world. Discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, visitors have come from around the globe to explore its intriguing architecture.
As you begin to walk along the Siq, the main entrance to the Red City, glorious stone monuments and carvings begin to emerge. Then the gorge opens up and you are standing front and center of the Treasury, made famous by Indiana Jones in the movie, “The Last Crusade.”
Continue on your walk and palaces, tombs and waterway systems come into view, one more exquisite than the next. Along the way, there are artisans selling spices, jewelry and meticulously- crafted sand art bottles.
The truly ambitious can climb up (or take a donkey) the 800 steps to the magnificent Monastery. Don’t miss Petra at Night where the site takes on a mysterious glow by candlelight.
Discover the life of a Bedouin
For thousands of years, the wandering Bedouins have maintained their nomadic existence, living off the land in simple tents.
Visitors can share this experience by sleeping in one of their camps like the Rahayeb Desert Camp in the Wadi Desert. Choose from tents or cabins, enjoy a traditional zarb (barbecue) dinner cooked in the ground and listen to their traditional music as you drift off to sleep under the stars.
At other Bedouin camps, you’ll hear the tapping of the kettle, offering anyone near a cup of coffee or tea. You’ll find the people most welcoming.
Traveling through the Wadi Rum Desert
DH Lawrence called it “vast, echoing and God like” and the setting where David Lean filmed his award-winning film, “Lawrence of Arabia.” This is the infamous Wadi Rum desert, best seen from the perspective of a open-air, 4×4 jeep. Get an up close view of the massive “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” Lawrence wrote about in 1917.
Luxury in the Dead Sea
Luxury starts at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea with its elegant, pure white surroundings, looking out on the Dead Sea between Jordan and Israel. Dine in one of their four exquisite restaurants and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from your terrace.
There is something quite remarkable about floating in the Dead Sea. That’s because of the water’s high salt content and the Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world. Just sit in the water and you’ll pop up on your back without any effort at all. And don’t forget to slather the nutrient-rich mud all over your body, then bake in the sun and wash it off. Your skin will feel smooth and silky.
Look out over Mount Nebo
See beautiful old mosaics.
One of the most revered holy sites in Jordan, Mount Nebo is where Moses is buried as well as where he stood and overlooked the Holy Land. You can see the same breathtaking views across the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea to the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The hilltop church right next to it features beautiful mosaic floors.
Wherever you travel throughout the country, it’s the warm, friendly people and hospitality that make Jordan such a unique and welcoming destination.
For more information about Jordan, myjordanjourney.com. I gratefully acknowledge being hosted on this amazing journey by the Jordanian Tourist Board of North America.
It’s not too early to make ticket and hotel arrangements for Cubs spring training games. The Cubs have already announced their opening games in Arizona.
Sloan Park before the crowd enters Jodie Jacobs Photo
First up, they play Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Park in Phoenix Feb. 23. The rest of that weekend they are playing Texas Rangers in Sloan Park Feb. 24 and the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale Stadium, Feb. 25. The next week through March 1, the Cubs will be at home at Sloan against the Seattle Mariners Feb. 26, the Chicago White Sox, Feb. 27, Oakland Athletics Feb. 28 and Colorado Rockies Mar. 1.
Even though the tickets are not yet on sale, the Cubs have a spring training waiting list. So best chance to get what you want is to sign up at MLB Sloan Spring.
However, there are several good chain hotels and resorts near all the spring training ball parks. Plus there are lots of excellent golf courses, good shopping and outstanding museums that turn a spring training visit into a vacation.
Work off holiday treats by ice skating. Or simply enjoy the outdoors gliding around a rink to a waltz or holiday music. The City of Chicago, its park district and The Park at Wrigley Field have ice rinks that are fun to skate. All you need to bring are your skates or rent them there.
Skaters at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. City of Chicago photo
Look below the Bean (Cloud Gate) sculpture on the Michigan Avenue level between Washington and Madison Streets to join skaters on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, free of charge. Ice skate rental is $12 Monday-Thursday, $14 Friday-Sunday and holidays.
Open through March 4, 2018, the rink’s regular hours: Mondays–Thursday, noon–8 p.m., Fridays, noon–10 p.m. (ice skating lesson at 11am), Saturdays (Nov. 18–Jan. 6), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (ice skating lesson at 9 a.m.), Saturdays (Jan. 13–Mar. 3), 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (ice skating lesson at 9 a.m.) and Sundays, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (ice skating lesson at 9 a.m.)
Look on north side of Millennium Park at 337 E. Randolph St. to find the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon. It really curves like a ribbon. Admission is free. Skate rental and regular hours are the same as McCormick Ice Rink except Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Christmas Day, Dec.25, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., New Year’s Eve, Dec.31, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (During the holiday break, the Skating Ribbon will be open from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, except for above dates).
Skate in The Park at Wrigley, the public entertainment area that abuts Wrigley Field at 3637 N. Clark St. Opened Nov. 24, the 8,000 sq. foot ice rink will be open daily through Feb. 25, 2018. Entry is $5 ages 13 and older. Skate rental is $10.
If there during the holidays stop at the Christkindle Market that opened this year for the first time in the Park at Wrigley.
Chicago Park District
The park district operates several ice rinks. Its outdoor Warren Ice Rink at 6601 N. Western Ave. is already open as is the Maggie daley Skating Ribbon and the McFetridge Ice Rink which is indoors at 3843 N. California Ave.. Other rinks open in December depending on weather conditions.
