Chicago cancels fireworks for July 3, 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

Looks like the people of Chi-town will have to come up with their own fireworks extravaganza this year. Breaking news from the Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago’s traditional July 3 Grant Park fireworks display is canceled.

“I would say we’re doing it to be fiscally responsible, because we have to be,” said Megan McDonald, director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. “We’re also doing it to more effectively manage what happens at the Taste of Chicago, as well as citywide on an already busy holiday weekend. I think it is always challenging to manage a million, 2 million people in a very small space.”

The fireworks display – part of the Taste of Chicago – is just one of the many celebrations Chicago plans to put on hold in 2010 (the famous South Side Irish Parade, Venetian Night and the Outdoor Film Festival were also cut). Canceling these celebrations, said McDonald, will save the city between $1 million and $2 million.

Not all is lost for Chicago residents wanting to celebrate their Independence Day with a little flare. The Mayor’s office announced it will stage three smaller fireworks displays spread out along the lakefront – the North Side fireworks will be held around Montrose Beach; the South Side fireworks in the vicinity of 63rd Street Beach; and the third display will take place at Navy Pier. Each fireworks show will be 15 minutes.%Gallery-64025%

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Five ways to make a dollar go further in New England this holiday season

by Tom Johansmeyer on

New England was made for the holiday season. Sure, it’s a bit chilly up there in the winter, but bundle up, and it’s impossible not to be sucked in by the charm of one of the oldest corners of America. If you’re looking for a great way to maximize your spending power this Christmas (who isn’t?!), check out five great ideas from New England Inns and Resorts. There’s plenty of variety … but little room for Scrooges.

Cut your own Christmas tree
This is a tough one if you’re traveling any distance, and trying to cram a fir into the overhead bin will not help you win friends and influence others. But, if you’re within driving distance, check out The Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, Maine. The holiday package gets you two nights in an ocean view room and a fresh-cut Christmas tree from nearby Bragdon Farms. Fortunately, they’ll wrap it and fasten it to your car. Back at the inn, you’ll also get two hot chocolates and use of the sauna and spa – you’ll need this to warm up a bit; Maine gets pretty cold.

Shop ’til you drop
At the White Mountain Hotel & Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire, you’ll be close to the outlet stores (famous to anyone who grew up in an adjacent state). The package includes discount coupons to make the savings even greater, and you’ll also get breakfast every morning (two-night stay required). So, instead of cramming into the local mall, dash off to do your shopping this year, and make it an experience worth remembering.

No stress involved
Up in Lyndonville, Vermont, The Wildflower Inn wants to make your holiday season as easy as possible. Rather than worry about fold-out couches and relatives lurking in your kitchen in the middle of the night, invade the Wildflower and occupy its 570-acre resort. Stay for three nights, get a full breakfast every day and unwind. Every room has a Christmas tree that’s ready to be decorated. And, the inn will serve dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas day itself. Don’t worry: Santa goes to Vermont (hell, he doesn’t live far from it). Every room can be expected to have packed stockings!

Movie marathon by the sea
Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, Maine is offering a low-key holiday that will make any holiday host drool. Instead of fussing over guests, take advantage of the “Ho-Ho-Ho Package,” and enjoy a holiday movie marathon, caroling and a visit from Santa himself (he doesn’t live far from Maine, either). Bring an unwrapped gift for Meadowmere’s Toys for Tots tree (do it), and relax be the fire.

Think past Christmas
There’s more to the holiday season than Christmas. For the next big event, skip the mayhem of Times Square (or the boredom of watching the ball drop on television), and go to Adair Country Inn & Restaurant in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Spend two or three nights at the inn, and sit for a four-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. Bring your tux; formal attire is encouraged. A party will follow, with dancing, champagne and a fireworks display. When the festivities are over, scarf down a late-night snack. Drag yourself out of bed the next day for high tea.

Five ways to rock Idaho for the holiday season

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho may not be the first destination that comes to mind for holiday travel. I mean … who jumps to Idaho?! Well, this is a problem that needs to be remedied. If you’re looking to take off for a few days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, there’s a lot happening in Coeur d’Alene.

1. Holiday Light Show: More than 1.5 million lights are hung along the Coeur d’Alene waterfront every winter, creating the largest on-the-water holiday light show in the United States. The festivities kick off the day after Thanksgiving with a parade through downtown with more than 5,000 candles. One button is clicked at the end, bringing the waterfront to life with white lights, a 30-foot wreath and a fireworks display. This event runs through the end of the holiday season.

2. Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole: Cross the water by boat to visit the workshop run by the esteemed Santa and Mrs. Claus. On display, you’ll find a 161-foot Christmas tree with north of 30,000 sparkling LED and colored lights. The lights themselves take on the shapes of nearly 150 characters, from fire-breathing dragons to dancing elves to giant snowflakes. You can take advantage of this from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. Set sail at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

3. Migrating Bald Eagles: Watch the bald eagles stop in Coeur d’Alene every winter to dine on Chinook salmon near Wolf Lodge Bay. From Thanksgiving until the end of the year, you can see up to 100 eagles hanging out on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

4. Shop for the Holidays: Stop by Sherman Avenue, where you can find plenty of unique shops and art galleries. Add a local flavor to the gifts you give this year — a great alternative to the big box stores (and their online equivalents).

5. Parks of All Types: At Silver Mountain, a half hour from Coeur d’Alene, you can do some skiing or tubing — or throw on a swimsuit to splash around at an indoor water park, despite the freezing temperatures outside.

[Photo by Jami Dwyer via Flickr]

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Chases Away Winter Blues with Lights

by Jamie Rhein on

Two nights ago when I was driving home I passed by a house with its outdoor Christmas lights, complete with a huge tree, still decked out in multicolored glory. These beacons of cheer reminded me of The Magnificent Mile in Chicago.

Through March 3, this slice of Chicago is lit up with Light Nights, an almost all winter long happening. Along with the trees being festooned with twinkling lights on Michigan Avenue, every Saturday at 6:30 pm there are fireworks and special events at Pioneer Court.

The idea is to chase away the winter blues and entice people to come out into the cold in order to later escape the cold in one of the restaurants and shopping areas. Clever idea. It works for me. Each Saturday has a little different flavor to satisfy a broad range of interests and ages. There is a grand finale planned for March 3. I just hope on March 4th after Light Nights is over a massive depression doesn’t hit the windy city, particularly since I may be heading there the following weekend.