Jetsettersblog

Chicago Neighborhood Tours is offering 25 tours, including five new ones, for 2010.

The half-day bus tours explore many neighborhoods as well as offer insight into famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham or the old U.S. Steel South Works site slated for reuse in South Chicago.

New Neighborhood Tours this year include the “Jefferson Park, Portage Park & Six Corners” tour on April 17, July 10 and Nov. 6.

The new “Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village” tour will operate June 5, Aug. 21 and Oct. 9.

The new “Daniel Burnham’s Chicago” tour on June 19 and Aug. 14, explores the accomplishments of the architect responsible for Chicago’s unobstructed lakefront and numerous parks.

The new South Chicago tour on June 26 and Oct. 2 visits a National Shrine at Chicago’s oldest Mexican parish and a Chicago landmark, the Calumet Park Field House.

Returning Neighborhood Tours include the “South Shore Neighborhoods” tour on March 27 and July 17; the “Hyde Park & Kenwood” tour on April 24, July 24 and Sept. 25; the “Devon Avenue” tour on June 12 and Sept. 18; the “Land of Lincoln” tour on May 8 and Aug. 14; and the “Great Cemeteries of Chicago” tour on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 7.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours is a division of the Chicago Office of Tourism. All tours depart by motor coach from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. at Michigan Avenue, at 10 a.m. (check-in at 9:30 a.m.) and include some walking.

The cost for each Neighborhood Tour is $30 ($25 for seniors/students) and includes refreshments.

For a complete lineup and description of tours, call 312-742-1190

or visit www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is ushering in the New Year with savings for travelers that stay grounded in 2010.

More than 30 of Kimpton’s nearly 50 hotels will offer 15 percent off the best available rate when guests book the “Ride the Rails” rate code in advance and show their train ticket at check-in.

Participating Kimpton hotels are located in Alexandria, Arlington, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cambridge, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Starting rates vary by market and reservations must be made in advance by calling 800-KIMPTON or at

www.kimptonhotels.com/promotions/ride-the-rails.aspx  

by navigating to the hotel of choice, and entering RAILS in the rate code box.

Icelandair said it will resume seasonal service from Minneapolis-St. Paul on May 11 through Oct. 9, 2010.

This year, as a part of a newly revised summer schedule, the airline will offer daily flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Iceland from June 13 through Aug. 22, 2010 with connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe.

Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK, and Seattle, and seasonal service from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando Sanford, Halifax and Toronto.

Connections through Icelandair’s hub in Reykjavik are available to over 20 destinations in Scandinavia, the U.K. and Continental Europe.

For more information, call 877-I-FLY-ICE or visit www.icelandair.com

Secluded lighthouses, romantic sleigh rides though the snow and what we can only call a ‘real’ chocolate extravaganza – yes we’re talking Valentine’s with a difference this year.

If you have already done the flowers, chocolates and romantic European city breaks time and time again, why not put the unexpected back into a relationship with a unique Valentine’s to remember with a trip to the Great Lakes of North America.

With return flights departing London from as little as £318*, whisking a loved one away doesn’t have to be a costly expense. We’ve rounded up some of the more unusual experiences available for loved up couples within the stunning Great Lakes region….

Big Bay Lighthouse

Not many people can claim to have stayed in a lighthouse so for a true romantic getaway, the north shore of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan is where you will find the Big Bay Lighthouse; a remote hidden inn located in a former lighthouse overlooking the impressive Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes.

The 1890’s red brick structure boasts a 60-foot tower that welcomes guests to 14 intimate rooms within this secluded cliff top retreat.

During the day visitors can take advantage of some of the romantic winter activities such as an afternoon winding through the snow drenched forest nestled together in a cosy dog sled, while the evenings lend themselves to quality time spent tucked up in front of the fire with views across the glistening lake.

Rooms start from $175 per night and to coincide with Valentines, the Sweetheart Special package, offered February 12-13, costs $387 and includes a two-night stay, a romance basket, flowers, and dinner at the nearby Thunder Bay Inn. For further information visit www.bigbaylighthouse.com

The Hotel Hershey

Why give chocolates when you can experience the heart of them. Legendary US chocolate-makers, Hershey, originate in Pennsylvania so why not whisk your loved one to where it all began – the Hotel Hershey. Not just an elegant hotel, this chocolate haven has hints of the tasty treat throughout with a Cocoa Beanery serving delicious chocolate pastries and treats, a turndown service with Hershey’s kisses for the sweetest of dreams, and it even has its own decadent Chocolate Spa offering tasty treatments that sound good enough to eat such as the Whipped Chocolate Bath and Chocolate Fondue Wrap.

Prices for a double room start from $249, and if the chocolate element alone wasn’t enough to tempt visitors, from February 12, the Hotel Hershey will be launching the Chocolate Chef’s Table, a one of a kind five course chocolate-themed dinner experience with the head chef for $75 per person – a must-do for any chocaholic. For more information on the Hotel Hershey, visit www.thehotelhershey.com

Cottagewood Resort

This Minnesotan resort consists of individual self catering log cabins spread across 20 acres of woodland – so it really is your own private retreat.

The icing on the cake is that each cabin has its own sauna and guests can create their own wood burning fire to see the evenings in. A masseuse is also available for treatments within each lodge.

By day visitors can take a romantic walk or snowshoe though the Natural Environment Lake and Creek or for some fun on the water, visitors can hire a canoe or peddle boat.

The Valentine’s Romance Package includes two nights with a special sauna basket and scented kindling – a bouquet of flowers, sticks and scented items for the fire, starting from $458.

For further information visit www.cottagewoodresort.com

La Quinta Inn and Suites

Take your loved one’s breath away, quite literally, with a visit to the top the tallest building in the western hemisphere and Dare to stand out on the glass Ledge, 1,353 feet over the Windy City! This unforgettable experience is being offered with a one night Love on the Ledge stay at La Quinta, just steps away from the Skydeck Chicago.

The Love on the Ledge package is $195.00 and includes a one night stay in a King Plus Room, buffet breakfast, chilled bottle of champagne with two keepsake Champagne flutes, chocolate covered strawberries, and two tickets to the SKYDECK Ledge. For availability and reservations visit www.laquinta.com

The Kingsley House Bed and Breakfast

This second property is another gorgeous Victorian home located in Saugatuck, Michigan.

This boutique property is reminiscent of a traditional American mansion with a large wrap-around porch standing prominently in a charming garden. The eight luxurious rooms consist of four chambers and four suites featuring handmade aromatherapy soaps, a double Jacuzzi tub and personal fireplaces for visitors to kick back and embrace some of the finery from the local vineyards.

Rooms start from $139 per night, and for a unique winter experience for loved up couples, each two night stand includes a complimentary horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow (offer available until February 28, 2010).

If you are really looking to pull out the stops, the Valentine’s Romantic Getaway Package, costing $199, includes a dozen red roses, a gourmet chocolate sampler tray and two one hour in-house massages to ensure you feel relaxed and ready to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Further special offers can be found at www.kingsleyhouse.com

Hotel Metro

This eco friendly hotel is continuously awarded some of the highest accolades from the travel industry. Recently voted ‘One of the Top Hotels in the World’ it is not hard to see why – as one of the Historic Hotels of America, this boutique art-deco hotel incarnates historic architecture with character and luxurious glamour.

Centrally located, the hotel is a great base for exploring the beautiful city of Milwaukee with a number of restaurants, bars and entertainment complexes on its doorstep.

The Romance Package includes a selection of finest handmade chocolates, a bottle of champagne and gift certificate for the sumptuous hotel restaurant, Metro Bar and Café. Packages start from $249.
www.hotelmetro.com

The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls

Take a step back with seclusion nestled in one of the Great Lake’s national parks at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls, a collection of 1840’s styled cabins located in the Hocking Hills,Ohio. Spend three nights at the inn for an extended Valentine’s holiday weekend.

From the 12th to the 15th February, the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is opening it’s doors to loved-up couples with each of the cabins adorned with rose petals romantically placed.

With smouldering chocolate aromas from the candles, guests can take advantage of the Couples Massage at the spa, and foodies need not go hungry, upon arrival guests will be greeted with their very own Gourmet Picnic Basket filled with enough goodies to satisfy any guest’s dinner cravings, and on the final evening guests are invited to join Chef Anthony for a delectable Valentine’s Day Dinner.

This three night package costs $799 per cabin with the Cottages available with the same Valentine’s package for $999. For further information on this hideaway visit www.innatcedarfalls.com

The Peninsula

Taking luxury to another level, the multi-award winning 5 star, 5 diamond Peninsula hotel located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile just oozes opulence and decadence, and that’s without even stepping into one of the dazzling bedrooms!

Following a multi-million pound renovation, the 339 luxurious guestrooms and suites feature the finest carpeting, beautiful thick drapes and sheers and luxurious Pratesi hotel bed linens for a perfect night’s sleep.

The Peninsula has also splashed out on the finest mod cons with each room featuring a 42” plasma television encased in a customised hand-crafted cabinet, with an extended 50” plasma high definition television for the suites, complete with iPod docking stations and memory card input.

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA is also worth a visit alone, with a menu offering a varied selection of body, facial and holistic treatments with the option to join these with the more comprehensive spa journey – a half or full day use of the fitness, swimming and relaxation facilities accompanied by a Naturally Peninsula spa lunch.

Whether visitors are after an overnight stay or a simply paying a visit to the spa, this is THE place to impress.

Turning up the heat for Valentines, the Urban Retreat package, $795, includes a one night stay in one of the hotel’s deluxe rooms with in-room breakfast, ESPA goodies in your room and an enchanting 60 minute couples massage. For further information on this luxury resort visit www.peninsula.com/chicago

For further information on the Great Lakes of North America and some of the excellent locations within the region, visit www.greatlakesnorthamerica.co.uk

Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort is offering Valentine’s getaway packages that will fit into any budget.

The Valentine’s getaway package is offered from Feb. 8 to 14, 2010.

All of the packages include overnight accommodations for two with complimentary turn-down service; champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to the room; and complimentary use of the indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center.

The Sweetheart package also includes a breakfast buffet for two in Master’s Clubhouse and a special in-room gift.

The offer is priced from $149 per couple.

The L’Amour package, priced at $249 per couple, features a four-course dinner for two at Shiraz on the Water Restaurant; breakfast buffet for two in Master’s Clubhouse; and a special Valentine’s surprise gift in room.

The Valentine’s Spa package, priced from $349 per couple, includes a four-course dinner for two at Shiraz on the Water; a $100 spa credit toward any service at Spa Vargas including the renowned “Couples Massage”; breakfast buffet for two in Master’s Clubhouse; and a special Valentine’s surprise gift in room.

For reservations or more information, call 630-529-0200 or visit www.hilton.com

Renaissance Hotels has partnered with Dylan’s Candy Bar to create the Escape! Romance Valentine’s Day package, available at participating Renaissance Hotels throughout the United States and Canada.

The package is available for stays from Feb. 11 to 15, 2010.

To launch this Valentine’s Day package, Dylan’s Candy Bar created an exclusive fantasy candy land suite with over 300 pounds of candy at the Renaissance New York Hotel 57, which will be available this Valentine’s Day as well. Renaissance Hotels Dylan’s Candy Bar Sweetest Suite features accommodations in the “Sweetest Suite,” available at the Renaissance New York Hotel 57 for two nights only, Feb. 13 to 15. for $2,500.

The package includes an edible candy wall, white chocolate fountain, cotton candy machine, over 300 pounds of candy, and gumballs and chocolate in every draw.

Other Valentine’s Day packages are offered for $169 at Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, $199 at Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel, $169 at Renaissance Houston Greenway Plaza Hotel, $159 at Renaissance Atlanta Downtown Hotel, $349 at Renaissance New York Hotel 57, $529 at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, and $289 at Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel.

The “Escape! Romance Valentine’s Day” package includes a complimentary bottle of champagne; late check-out; $100 Renaissance savings coupon towards a future two-night stay; Dylan’s Candy Bar three-pack of special Valentine’s Day treats including gumballs, gummi bears and chocolate-covered cookie-dough; and Dylan’s Candy Bar chocolate candy heart on the bed.

For more information or reservations, call 212-651-3205 or visit www.RenHotelsRoamnce.com

Bayfield is preparing to go to the dogs

With near perfect snow conditions the
15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race schedule is packed well

The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau is eagerly preparing for what is certain to be successful Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race on February 6th and 7th.

“We always have near perfect snow conditions in Bayfield, and this year is no exception! All the early snow in the Midwest this year means that the mushers and dogs are sharing another wonderful season,” explains John Theil, owner of Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing,

“The best thing about a sled dog race is that you can feel the excitement in the air! The dogs love it, the mushers love it, the volunteers love it and all that energy ignites the crowd.”

Theil has been actively involved in assisting in the planning of this race for 15 years.

The Bayfield Chamber is also very excited to be welcoming over 40 “Voluntourists” to Bayfield to help out as volunteers for the races this year.

“The voluntourism program has become such an amazing success. We have again increased our numbers over 2009 greatly, and we even have people coming back to experience these races for a second time,” explains Kristen Sandstrom, Marketing & Events Manager for the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to come and cheer on the teams and experience a bit of the energy this event exudes.

Below is the full schedule of events for the 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races:

Friday, February 5, 2010

6:00-7:00pm – “Meet the Mushers” Spaghetti Dinner (open to the public)
7:00pm – Mushers roll-call and meeting at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
8:00pm – Dr. Jerry Vanek (Cheif Veterinarian for the races) shares his experiences from the “Serum Run” in Alaska

At the Bayfield Inn

Saturday, February 6, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

5:00pm – Musher Mixer at the Bayfield Inn – a lasagna dinner open to the public.

Race results will only be available here

6:00pm – Madeline Island resident Jim Ryder of Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures presents his “Arctic Adventure.” At the Bayfield Inn

Sunday, February 7, 2010

10:00am – Race begins at the Echo Valley Gravel Pit
Located approximately 12 miles out of Bayfield along Highway 13

4:00pm (Approx.) – Awards presentations at the Northern Edge Restaurant located just south of Bayfield on Highway 13

The 15th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races are sponsored by; The Bayfield Inn, Harbor View Lodging, Northern Wisconsin Dog Mushers Association, Seagull Bay Motel, Silverwaves *Olas de Plata, Snow Ryder Dog Sled Adventures, Stonehouse Photography, Wolfsong Wear and Xcel Energy.

For more information on this and all other Bayfield information and events, visit www.bayfield.org  or call (800)447-4094 

Chicago in January and February offers an array of activities and lowest hotel rates.

In February, free ice skating lessons is offered from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in downtown Millennium Park;

extended public skating hours and professional ice dancing demonstrations are held on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Held Jan. 29 to 31, Snow Days Chicago is a free three-day winter festival on Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, featuring a national snow sculpting competition, dog sled demonstrations, a snowboard rail jam and kids activities.

The free Polar Adventure Days, held on Northerly Island on Jan. 23 and Feb. 20, include ice sculptures, an arctic dog sled team, winter crafts, hot cocoa and even snowshoing.

The Dusable Museum of African American History from Jan. 23 to April 4 hosts an interactive multimedia exhibition, Freedom’s Sisters, about 20 African American women who helped advance civil rights in America.

The Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place, Feb. 12 to 21.

Now in its 102nd year, the nation’s largest auto exposition showcases over 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, including experimental and concept cars, collectors’ antiques and numerous auto-related accessories and exhibits.

On Feb. 14 is the annual Chinese New Year Parade in Chicago’s historic Chinatown.

Chicago is home to over 40 museums; many are free or offer free days. The Art Institute of Chicago is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings throughout the year. Plus, the museum is free every day during the month of February.

The Field Museum is free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 24 (excluding Feb. 9).

The Museum of Science and Industry is free on weekdays in January and on Feb. 8 and Feb. 14.

The Adler Planetarium is free on Tuesdays in January and February. The planetarium is also free Jan. 11 to 15 and Feb. 8 to 12.

The Shedd Aquarium is free on Mondays and Tuesdays during January and February. The aquarium is also free Jan. 16 to 21 and Feb. 15 to 19.

Chicago hotels offer their lowest rates of the year during the winter months. Rates start at $79 at the Best Western River North (includes free parking), $91 at Days Inn Chicago, $99 at the Marriott Chicago at the Medical District and the Allerton Hotel, $129 at the Westin Michigan Avenue, $139 at the Dana Hotel & Spa and $265 at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago.

For more information, call 877-CHICAGO or visit www.explorechicago.org

G’Day USA, the annual celebration of all things Australian, is launching around the U.S., and Qantas Airways is kicking off the festivities by offering travelers savings with 40 percent off year-round Economy and Premium Economy and up to 60 percent off Business airfares on select flights between key U.S. and Australian cities.

These fares, which must be booked by Jan. 26, are valid on flights departing New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) for Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE) and Melbourne (MEL). Rates are listed as the cost per person, roundtrip.

Qantas Economy: Flights departing Los Angeles or San Francisco from $798 and flights departing New York (JFK) from $998 are valid for travel May 1 to June 8 and July 24 to Sept. 21. Qantas Premium Economy: Flights departing Los Angeles or San Francisco from $2,198 and flights departing New York (JFK) from $2,338 are valid for travel Feb. 1 to Aug. 31.

Qantas Business: Flights departing Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney from $4,439, to Melbourne from $5,439, or Brisbane from $4,939; and flights departing New York (JFK) to Sydney from $4,943, to Melbourne from $5,943 or Brisbane from $6,139 are valid for 2010 year-round travel with 50-day advance purchase.

Fare are available on Qantas-operated flights, and taxes, fees and September 11 security charges of approximately $120 are additional depending on itinerary chosen.

Seats are limited, and restrictions apply.

Last month, Qantas took delivery of its fifth new A380 aircraft and is awaiting delivery of its sixth.

Upon arrival of the sixth A380 aircraft, the airline will offer daily A380 service from Los Angeles to Sydney (currently four flights per week) and an increase from two to three flights per week from Los Angeles to Melbourne. Qantas, boasting over 55 years of experience in flying between Australia and the United States, invented Business Class in 1979, and was recently named “Airline with Best Business-Class in the World, 2009” by Business Traveler magazine.

InterContinental Hotels Group announced that the Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago has opened just steps from Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent Mile.”

A conversion of the Avenue Hotel Chicago, the 40-story hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in summer 2008. This property will be the second IHG full-service hotel along the Magnificent Mile. Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago is located near Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place, Lake Michigan and given its proximity to Michigan Avenue offers guests immediate access to shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.

The Crowne Plaza brand offers a comprehensive meetings program to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief. The hotel has more than 18,000 square feet of flexible, upscale meeting space featuring natural light from expansive windows overlooking the city.

The Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago boasts 350 guestrooms each complete with a flat-screen TV, iHome docking station, mini bar, rain showerhead, and granite countertops along with expansive views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline.

Guests have access to a variety of amenities including complimentary wi-fi in the guestrooms and public spaces, rooftop pool, fitness center, business center, in-room dining and spa services, which are available upon request.

The 40th floor of the hotel is home to the Sky Lounge and spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Sky Lounge provides guests a relaxed and contemporary setting to enjoy a European-influenced breakfast; the space is also available for private events. For more casual fare, guests can visit the hotel’s first-floor restaurant Elephant & Castle, an English pub-style restaurant serving English specialties throughout the day, complete with 26 ales on tap. The property, located at 160 East Huron, is owned and managed by Driftwood Hospitality Management, LLC, and under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.