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Late Summer Festivals In The Midwest

Today we wrap up our series exploring some of the best summertime family friendly festivals taking place in the Midwest. This latest list of events caters to the true Midwesterner who wants to make the most of those late summer days. Even though some of these festivals take place after the kids return to school that’s no reason to dismiss them. Show up and you’ll find that these wonderful ethnic and art events taking place in and around the Chicagoland area are hard to beat. Port Clinton Art Festival. This annual event features the work of more than 250 artists. … Continue reading →

Exploring The Great Midwest–Summer Festivals

It ain’t over til it’s over, right? Kids may be heading back to school in a few weeks, but that doesn’t mean the festival season is dying down anytime soon. The Midwest is teeming with family friendly events, which take advantage of the great summer weather and the diverse ethnic cultures. Here’s a look of some of the activities planned for August. Midwest Corvette and Chevy Car Show. The annual event takes place August 17-19 and features a bevy of classic cars. You can check out all the action at the Porter County Exposition Center and Fairgrounds off of Hwy. … Continue reading →

More Summer Festivals In The “Land Of Lincoln”

Looking back at my previous blogs listing dozens of family friendly festivals taking place this summer in the Midwest you might think that all I do on vacation is eat. Yes, food is at the center of many summer festivals, but as this blog will illustrate there are tons of events, which feature much more than just corn, strawberries, or ribs. Here now are more extremely family friendly festivals taking place this month in and around the “Land of Lincoln.” Ethnic Arts Festival. This art fair features more than 125 artists representing 80 cultures. It also features music, food and … Continue reading →

Chicago’s Festival Season

My mouth is watering just thinking about it. My favorite summer festival (okay, my all-time favorite festival) is just a few short weeks away and my taste buds couldn’t be happier (my thighs, well they’re another story). The 27th annual Taste of Chicago kicks off on June 29th and I will once again be making the obligatory drive south to take in the sights, sounds and calories that make this summer event so memorable. The 10-day food extravaganza includes more than 70 restaurants, cooking demonstrations and plenty of activities for the family. And, of course, no Taste is complete without … Continue reading →

Fitness Fanatics Visit Oprah

Not just any group of fitness fanatics… we’re talking about the best of the best. The world’s most decorated elite athletes are heading to Chicago this week to meet up with someone who knows a thing or two about working out and losing weight—-Oprah Winfrey. The winningest athlete in Olympic history, Michael Phelps, along with 150 other U.S. Olympic team members, including gold medal gymnast Nastia Liukin and basketball super star Kobe Bryant, who was a member of the gold medal winning “Redeem Team,” will be in the Windy City on Wednesday to tape the season premiere of “The Oprah … Continue reading →

End of the Year Travel to Chicago

I realize some parts of the country are just barely showing signs of spring, but there are some people who are already making their travel plans for the fall and winter. (I know because I am related to some of them.) With the price of gas nearing record highs and the cost of air travel soaring it might not be a bad idea to secure tickets while the prices are still reasonable. I have always maintained that Chicago is a destination for all seasons. No matter what time of the year you plan to visit there is something to keep … Continue reading →

Cruising Chicago and the Caribbean

If you are looking to take to the seas on a Caribbean cruise booking early will allow you to save a ton of money in the long run. Right now Orbitz is offering a great deal on an eight-night Caribbean odyssey from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas for $3,298. (That’s a discount of 40 percent.) The price might sound steep but the ultra-luxe Seabourn Legend is an all-suite ship and your journey will include stops in Grand Turk Island; St. John on U.S. Virgin Islands; Gustavia on St. Barths; Marigot on Saint Martin; Virgin Gorda; and Charlotte Amalie on St. … Continue reading →

Wheelchairs in the Windy City

In a previous blog I mentioned that Chicago was recently named one of America’s most disability-friendly cities by the National Organization on Disability. Not only are all of the city’s public buses wheelchair-accessible, but also each summer Chicago hosts the largest Disability Pride Parade in the nation. To learn more about what the Windy City offers disabled travelers I would suggest ordering a free copy of a new guide called “Easy Access Chicago.” It includes basic visitor information for popular city attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower, along with details on accommodations like … Continue reading →

Winter Vacations in Chicago

If you like your winters cold then Chicago is your kind of town. I happen to love the Windy City (no matter what season), but I realize there are many travelers who would prefer a week in Hawaii to seven days in a chilly midwestern metropolis. Those people don’t know what they are missing. Of course, the beauty of so many people having that mindset is that traffic is lighter, lines at attractions are shorter, you don’t have to wait for a seat at area restaurants, shops are not packed and area hotels offer incredible winter deals those willing to … Continue reading →

The Nation’s Most Festive Front Yards

How’s your front yard looking these days? Are the Christmas lights hung and the plastic Santa and his reindeer affixed to your roof? I have to admit our yard is looking a bit bare compared to our neighbor’s. But, then again, it’s hard to compete with homeowners who spend days and goodness knows how much money festooning their lawns with thousands of festive lights, inflatable snowmen, and plastic reindeer. Me, I, like to leave the decorating to others and then climb into the car and gush at the fruits of their labor. Sincerely, I tip my hats to all the … Continue reading →