Take Home A Good Yarn from Vacation

Now that it's winter time, it means that folks want to snuggle in with warm clothing and blankets. Come to the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites, stay in one of our cozy suites and visit the Stitching Salon at the Chicago Tourism Center where you'll learn how to make gear that will keep the cold away. During the months of January and February, both beginning and advanced knitters can learn quilting, crocheting, and T-shirt making techniques through free classes and exhibitions from some of the best artists in the country. You'll also have the chance to be part of knitting circles during hands-on classes.

Events taking place include weekly knitting courses and 'Knitflix', a night where guests knit at the movies and have the chance to receive free light-up knitting needles. There's also a lunchbreak knitting circle and a "Family Sip and Stitch" where families can learn the craft together while having tea and cookies.

Visitors can view the Top 10 Handmade Delights featuring Mayan textiles, Mexican prints and African-inspired wooden staffs. They will also see a crocheted sculptural installation by Mike Andrews and handmade hardwood eyeglass frames by Scott Urban.

After a day of stitching and knitting, come back to the Chicago Radisson, cozy up with your creation and settle in with room service!

Details
Winter Delights Stitching Salon
January 2 - February 28 , 2007
Free
Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph Street, Chicago

Take to the Air and Sea this Summer

People are often surprised at how many interesting festivals happen in Chicago every summer. It’s funny because most people think of the snowy Chicago winters – but forget that we have beautiful summers filled with cultural and sports activities. A perennial Chicago favorite is the Annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which is on August 19th and 20th this year (2006). During these two days, Chicago is home to an exciting array of air and sea activities. That’s another thing people forget about Chicago – the beach from Lake Michigan!

Headlining this year are the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Army’s Parachute Team Golden Knights. If you’ve never seen them in person, trust me, there’s nothing like it. Television just can’t give you the full experience of the Blue Angels. When you see how closely they fly in formation and how fast they move – it’s just amazing. The event is the oldest air and water show in the country and the admission is free, so it’s perfect fit for any family vacation – no matter what your budget.

The daredevil and death-defying action is sure to please kids and those who are children-at-heart! The water events kick of at 9 a.m. each morning at North Avenue Beach and run until 4 p.m.. The air show starts at 11 a.m. and also runs until 4 p.m. both days. While the main action takes place at North Avenue Beach it also runs from Fullerton to Oak Streets.

Details
48th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
August 19 -20, 2006
Cost: Free
North Avenue Beach
Great for kids and families!

More information about the 48th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show:

• Chicago City Guide
• AOL City Guide Review (Editors’ Pick)