Getting Warmed Up
By Jennifer Plum Auvil
As the air starts to warm across the nation, many of us are overtaken with the urge to shake off our winter blahs and get out into the sunshine. Let MyMidwest give you some ideas for where to go and what do, whether you’re out locally for just the day, or traveling to one of our destinations for a business trip or vacation.
fun for foodies
EAT SOME RIBS
Kansas City: The city is known for its top-notch barbecue, so it’s no surprise that everyone turns out to judge at the Great American Barbeque (bbqcontest.info). Sample a variety of rubs and sauces and enjoy the traditional festival fare. (May 24-27)
EAT LIKE A KING
Tuckerton, N.J.: Crack some crabs at Tuckerton Seaport’s Baymen’s Seafood and Music Festival (tuckertonseaport.org). Located 90 minutes from Newark, visitors can also stop by the Baymen’s Museum and the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. (June 23)
SEARCH FOR MORELS
Manistee: Mushroom maniacs gear up in the spring for some serious foraging for rare and expensive morels. Amateurs should tag along with seasoned hunters, or they may find themselves with a sack of poisonous imposters. Also, check out Boyne City’s Morel Mushroom Festival (morelfest.com), two hours away. (May 17-20)
CELEBRATE THE ARTICHOKE
San Francisco: The prickly artichoke is the main event at the Castroville Artichoke Festival (artichoke-festival.org). The festival also includes a parade, various cooking demonstrations and a ‘choke eating contest. (May 19-20)
SAMPLE NEW WINES
San Diego: Taste offerings from more than 20 California wineries at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival (tvbwf.com). (June 1-3)
pick some strawberries
Hartford: The last days of spring are the best time to pick your own strawberries in New England. Head to Pickin’ Patch (farmingtonvalleyvisit.com) in Avon for luscious strawberries that are so good they’ve been recognized by Martha Stewart herself.
the festival circuit
LEARN ABOUT ORCHIDS
Omaha: In the Midwest, orchid fans head to the Annual Orchid Show and Sale (www.omahabotanicalgardens.org) at Lauritzen Gardens. Even if there’s still a chill in the air, the exotic plants on display are sure to prepare you for the coming warm weather. (March 31-April 1)
ADMIRE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Washington, D.C.: Mark the beginning of spring with the Cherry Blossom Festival (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org), celebrating Tokyo’s gift of cherry trees in 1912. The city’s Tidal Basin area is awash with color and busy with festivities, including a parade and street fairs. (March 31-April 15)
CELEBRATE MEXICO
San Antonio: Raise your margarita glass to celebrate the Mexican army’s 1862 defeat of the French on Cinco de Mayo. Market Square (www.marketsquaresa.com) is bustling with authentic Mexican food, mariachi bands and, of course, fantastic margaritas. (May 4-6)
KICK UP YOUR HEELS FOR BLUEGRASS
Green Bay: Popular bluegrass musicians congregate in June for the annual Heritage Farm Bluegrass Festival (bjorgensonbluegrass.com). Enjoy banjoes and fiddles in a family-friendly atmosphere and join the jam sessions and impromptu dance parties in the “Jamming Barn.” (June 8-10)
increase your hip factor
Nashville: The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (bonnaroo.com) in nearby Manchester has been making waves with the hipster set for years. Music fans camp out for four days and enjoy bands like Tom Petty and Death Cab for Cutie. (June 14-17)
sports fans musts
CHEER ON THE RUNNERS
Boston: The city’s first marathon in 1897 consisted of just 15 runners. Today, the Boston Marathon (www.bostonmarathon.com) is one of the most popular road races around with thousands of local attendees every year and elite runners traveling from around the world to compete. Join the spectators lining the course in support. (April 16)
GOLF IN THE WOODS
Duluth: Golfers tend to think of Florida when it comes to making tee times, but when spring is sprung and the warm weather hits, Minnesota can promise great golf. The 18-hole Black Bear Golf Course (www.golfatthebear.com) takes players through forest and wetlands with plenty of lakes, streams and rocky gaps to increase the golfing challenge. (Starting in May)
FILL IN YOUR BRACKET
Dayton: For sports fans, a welcome sign of spring is the NCAA tournament bracket. Root for your favorite men’s or women’s college basketball team at a local sports bar or pack your foam fingers and head to The University of Dayton’s arena (www.daytonflyers.cstv.com) to cheer The Flyers or your favorite team through the first round.
HEAR THE RUSH OF THE WATERFALLS
Marquette: As the spring weather arrives, the melting snow pours down Alder Falls (www.gowaterfalling.com), making for a dramatic natural display. Follow the sounds of the rushing water down a short trail and be sure to bring your camera.
DRINK A MINT JULEP AT THE DERBY
Louisville: Horseracing enthusiasts converge on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby (www.kentuckyderby.com), the first leg of the Triple Crown. Mingle with the well-heeled spectators on Millionaire’s Row and sample a nice cool mint julep. (May 5)
WATCH THE INDY 500
Indianapolis: The Indy Motor Speedway is home to the most attended sporting event in the world—the Indianapolis 500 (www.indy500.com). The 500-mile race draws racing fanatics and curious newcomers alike. (May 27)
CATCH A REGATTA
Philadelphia: College athletes from more than 100 schools compete each year in the Dad Vail Regatta (www.dadvail.com) on the Schuylkill River. Grab a seat at the grandstand to cheer on the rowers, and then take a stroll along Boathouse Row for some springtime fun. (May 11-12)
CHECK OUT SPRING TRAINING
Tampa & Ft. Lauderdale: MLB spring training is a cool way to see players hone their skills during open practices and workouts. Enjoy the Yankees in a more intimate setting at Tampa’s Legends Field (www.legendsfieldtampa.com), or catch the Orioles at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium (www.orioles.mlb.com).
natural highs
SEE NESTING EAGLES
Appleton: Fox River comes alive with activity in the spring months. Nature enthusiasts can greet the season with a trip to the 1000 Islands Environmental Center (www.home.new.rr.com/thousandisland) in nearby Kaukauna. There are plenty of trails for hiking and seeing resident wildlife, including bald eagles, waterfowl, herons and many migratory birds.
PLAN A ROMANTIC DATE
Orlando: In March, you can catch the tail end of the camellia blooms, while the rose gardens peak in April and May at Harry P. Leu Gardens (www.leugardens.org). For some romance, head to Date Night at the Gardens on the first Friday of the month, when outdoor movies are shown from April through September.
RUN THROUGH WILDFLOWERS
Phoenix: Arizona’s Superstition Mountains (www.visitphoenix.com) are mostly known for their sordid history of lost gold mines, so this dry Sonoran desert hardly seems the place to view wildflowers. But after a rainy winter, the area explodes with technicolor wildflowers nestled between the resident cacti and succulent plants in March and April.
WATCH THE GRUNION RUN
Los Angeles: The grunion is a California novelty—slippery silvery fish swim up on the shores of southern California beaches every year to lay their eggs.Locals eagerly await the start of the Grunion Run (www.grunionrun.com) each March and flock to the beaches along Santa Monica and Venice to observe.
STROLL THE TULIP GARDEN
Grand Rapids: Midwesterners don’t need to head to Amsterdam for tulip season—the Holland Tulip Festival (www.holland.org) celebrates the same Dutch spirit and ubiquitous springtime flower. Aside from the lively tulips, the week is filled with Dutch dancing and good shopping at the traditional Dutch markets. (May 5-12)
counting cranes
Madison: The International Crane Foundation can use your help counting migrating sand cranes during the annual Midwest Crane Count (www.savingcranes.org). Bird lovers gather at 5:30 a.m. to count cranes at the Wisconsin center in Baraboo. (April 14)
weekend warriors
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS
Las Vegas: Early spring is your last chance to camp out in Death Valley National Park (www.nps.gov/deva) before summer’s intense heat. Take advantage of its nine park campsites and ranger-guided tours.
SAIL AWAY
Milwaukee: Take in Milwaukee’s shoreline from the deck of the snazzy 34-foot Blue Chip with Sea Dog Sailing (www.seadogsailingmilwaukee. com). Sign up for a trip or choose your own adventure and charter the ship for the ultimate experience.
HIT THE SLOPES, ONE FINAL TIME
Ironwood: Even in March, spring can feel a long way off in Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula. Those looking for a last shot at winter fun can head to the Spring Carnival (www.bigpowderhorn.net) at Big Powderhorn Mountain. (March 17)
TAKE THE KAYAK CHALLENGE
Wausau/Stevens Point: Experienced paddlers can try out the whitewater twists and turns at one of Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corporation’s (www.wausauwhitewater.org) open-water sessions. Beginners should opt for training classes in the summer months.
KAYAK THE THREE RIVERS
Pittsburgh: After a brutal winter, Pittsburgh residents are ready to welcome the warm weather. Beginning in May, Kayak Pittsburgh (www.kayakpittsburgh.org) rents out kayaks to cruise the Three Rivers and gain a new perspective on the city.
LEARN SOME SKATEBOARD TRICKS
Denver: When ski season is over in Denver, daredevils take to a different kind of board. Denver Skatepark (www.denverskateboardpark.com) is one of the largest skateparks in the country.
RIDE A SEGWAY
St. Louis: Forest Park (www.explorestlouis.com) is the hub of outdoor activity during spring in St. Louis, with residents traversing the paths on foot and bike. The curious can rent a Segway and take a guided tour of the park.
GO FISH
Eagle River: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (www.fs.fed.nf) is just 20 minutes from Iron Mountain, Michigan. The forest has 607 lakes teeming with walleye, bass and muskellunge, Wisconsin’s state fish.
family fun
TOUR A LIGHTHOUSE
Escanaba: Once spring hits the Upper Peninsula, Escanaba locals shake off their cabin fever by taking to the lakes. Visitors can get a different view from the top of Sand Point Lighthouse in Ludington Park.
CELEBRATE BUTTERFLIES
Columbus: The Blooms and Butterflies exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory (www.fpconservatory.org) will charm everyone with its showcase of hundreds of exotic butterflies and stunning tropical foliage. (March 17-September 3)
MAKE ART WITH THE KIDS
Flint: The kids won’t mind being dragged along to The Flint Art Fair (www.flintartfair.org). This art fair provides plenty of culture for the adults while the kids can express their own creativity at the “Kiddie Kourt.” (June 9-10)
JOIN A CATTLE DRIVE
Muskegon: Kids will love the Wild West feeling of the Back Forty at the Double JJ Ranch (www.doublejj. com), just 20 miles north of Muskegon, where they can try out the cowboy lifestyle. For more modern fun, there’s a swimming hole and indoor waterpark.
VISIT A THEME PARK
Atlanta: Stone Mountain Park (www.stonemountainpark.com) is part outdoor adventure playground, part historic center. Activities range from rope courses and zip lines to train and sky rides.
LEARN ABOUT TOADS
Toronto: The arrival of spring harkens the great Spring Toad Festival at the Toronto Zoo (www.torontozoo.com). There are many hands-on exhibits where the kids can get up close with the tiny hopping toads. (May 5-6)
HEAD TO THE BEACH
Ft. Myers: Spring breakers flock to Florida, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find an escape during the warm spring months. Ft. Myers (www.fortmyers-sanibel.com) is a low-key destination far removed from the party vibe of other towns.
CATCH THE RODEO
Dallas/Ft. Worth: The Mesquite Championship Rodeo (www.mesquiterodeo.com) at Resistol Arena starts with a flurry of activity in April. Kids will love the petting zoo and pony rides, and parents will love the affordable tickets and fabulous BBQ spread.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Cleveland: Opening day at Cedar Point (cedarpoint.com) can never come soon enough for roller coaster junkies. Fans will be waiting for the unveiling of the Maverick, the park’s newest monster roller coaster. (May 17)
GO FOR A SPIN ON A CAROUSEL
Des Moines: While huge amusement parks provide plenty of thrills, there’s something to be said about an old-fashioned carousel. The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines (www.heritagecarousel. org) has 30 hand-carved wooden animals to ride. (May 26)
paddle a canoe
Minneapolis: Pack a picnic and load the family into a canoe for a trip around Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes (www.minneapolisparks.org). The trip from Lake Calhoun to Brownie Lake is nearly two-miles long and offers plenty of interesting lakeside scenery.
celebrate the arts
SUPPORT LOCAL ART
Kansas City: Kansas City shows heart when it comes to the Brookside Art Annual (www.brooksidekc.org/artfair.html). The Midwest’s leading art show features 170 local and national artists, as well as live music and children’s events. (May 4-6)
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC
Rhinelander: Before the kids head off to summer camp, musically minded adults can check out jazz fantasy camp at Holiday Acres Resort (www.holidayacres.com). The camp helps develop singing, playing and listening skills. (May 16-19)
GET TO KNOW MILWAUKEE’S ART SCENE
Milwaukee: The Lakefront Festival of the Arts (www.lfoa.mam.org) takes place at the Milwaukee Art Museum and features the work of more than 170 artists, an outdoor sculpture garden and a silent art auction. (June 15-17)
CATCH THE TRAVELING ART
Baltimore: Check out the Visionary Arts Museum’s (avam.org) Sculpture Race. Contestants pilot homemade art-turned-vehicles through downtown and through the city’s harbor during this day-long competition. (May 5)
ESCAPE FROM MANHATTAN
New York: The Cloisters: (www.metmuseum. org) is a great escape for New Yorkers any time of year but when you explore the urban castle in May and June, there’s the added bonus of a free garden tour that focuses on the museum’s architecture.
