Illinois
Feb. 27: Antique Appraisal Day, Union. The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum is hosting this event that will feature experts in dolls, toys, china and glass, ceramics and more. It’s advisable to reserve a 10-minute slot in advance. 815-923-2267, http://tinyurl.com/zs87zmg. Miles from Chicago: 60
March 5-6: Wine & Food Pairing Weekend, Pomona. The 12 wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail host this weekend with the theme of Cheese, Not a Solo Act. This is a chance to sample locally produced wines along with cheeses. 618-218-4402, http://tinyurl.com/jos5lkx. Miles from Chicago: 345
Indiana
Through Feb. 28: Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show. Lots of boats and RVs to drool over, along with outdoor gear for a variety of interests, educational seminars and representatives of travel destinations. http://tinyurl.com/jfo83d3. Miles from Chicago: 185
Feb. 27-28, March 5-6: Parke County Maple Syrup Fair, Rockville. Visit maple camps to see trees being tapped and maple syrup being boiled down, then dig into some pancakes drenched in the sweet treat. You can also buy maple goodies to take home and browse as well as the work of local artists. http://tinyurl.com/go4hj6v. Miles from Chicago: 170
Iowa
Through March 27: “Alaska & the Voyage of Understanding, West Branch.” The Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum presents this exhibit of photos, mementos, letters and paintings from a trip that Hoover took with President Warren G. Harding to Alaska. Hoover was secretary of commerce at the time. 319-643-5301, www.hoover.archives.gov. Miles from Chicago: 225
Michigan
Feb. 25-28: Outdoorama, Novi. This show is for all outdoors fans, whether hikers or hunters or fishers or paddlers. Included are vendors with lots of gear, seminars, a trout pond and much more. 800-328-6550, http://tinyurl.com/hzcr8md. Miles from Chicago: 270
Feb. 26-27: Bike the Ice, St. Ignace. Fat-tire bikers compete on 16- or 32-mile routes on frozen Lake Huron. There are men’s and women’s divisions flighted by age. A beer tasting takes place on the first day, and the competition and after-party on the second. 800-338-6660, http://tinyurl.com/z8l2khv. Miles from Chicago: 420
March 5: 10th Annual Suds & Snow, Traverse City. There’s a half-mile hike through the backwoods of Timber Ridge Resort, where you’ll find two live music stages with local musicians and at least 12 craft breweries serving beer, wine and cider. Local food vendors will be on hand too. www.sudsandsnowtc.com. Miles from Chicago: 320
Minnesota
Feb. 26-27: Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship, St. Paul. More than 100,000 people show up to watch skaters race to the bottom of an ice track that’s littered with obstacles. http://tinyurl.com/zjgxa9d. Miles from Chicago: 400
Wisconsin
March 3-6: Green Bay Film Festival. This year’s festival is based at St. Norbert College, which allows for more seminars and better seating for film viewing. Films span many genres. 920-265-0333, www.gbfilmfestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 210
March 4-6: Bayfield Winter Festival. Might as well try to enjoy winter. There will be ice golf and softball, along with a 3.1-mile run and obstacle course, polar bear plunge, live music and dancing. Bundle up. www.bayfieldwinterfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 460
Through Sept. 5: “Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track,” Milwaukee. The Harley-Davidson Museum has mounted this exhibit of work by Dave Hoenig, who has photographed more than 1,000 races in his career. The photos cover both track action and views in the grandstand. 414-287-2789, http://tinyurl.com/zptkmhz. Miles from Chicago: 90
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
