West, east or south,
there's plenty to do
just outside
Michigan.
G eta
Khristi Zimmeth
Special to the Jewish News
Hocking Hills is known for it's breathtaking natural areas, soaring rock formations and 100 waterfalls.
ichigan is blessed
with more than
its share of scenic
wonders. But, if
you're looking for something a
little farther afield, we're also
lucky enough to be located
within weekend driving distance
of two exciting cities and some
of the Midwest's most beautiful
countryside. All offer great get-
aways where you can relax and
recharge.
Here's what's new with our
nearby neighbors.
Windy City On Wheels
Chicago is known for it's amazing
architecture, and the city offers
plenty of ways to enjoy its spec-
tacular skyline, from walking and
biking tours to explorations by
bus or water.
One of the newest — and dare
we say coolest — ways to experi-
ence the City of Big Shoulders is
by Segway, that space-age-look-
ing, two-wheeled human trans-
portation machine.
"It gets called a scooter but it's
really not:' says Susan Johnson
of Chicago's Segway Experience
(www.mysegwayexperience.
corn). Susan and her husband
William, a Detroit native, started
the tours three years ago after
taking a similar spin in Paris.
Tours depart from near the
Art Institute and last 2 1/2 hours.
The itinerary takes in the city's
renowned lakefront, including
Buckingham Fountain, Grant and
Millennium parks, Soldier Field,
the Art Institute of Chicago, and
more. Stops along the way let you
park your wheels and explore
each attraction.
Tours are as popular with
locals as with visitors, Johnson
says. Each is preceded by 20-30
minutes of training in Grant
Park, and all drivers must wear
helmets.
The company offers joint tours
with a variety of city institutions,
including a once-a-week intensive
architecture tour with the Chicago
Architecture Foundation through-
out the summer (they're housed
in the same vintage Santa Fe
Building near the Art Institute).
They're also in the planning
stages of a tour with the Museum
of Science and Industry. They
even offer a Polar Bear tour in
snowmobile suits in winter. Prices
start at $50 for a one-hour tour;
the architecture tours are $80.
"I've yet to see anyone come
back without a smile on their
face she says. "Segways are a
great way to see Chicago from a
different perspective. They're as
close as you'll ever come to riding
on a magic carpet."
Where To Stay and Eat:
Globetrotting friends swear by
the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
(www.sofitel.com or 312-324-
4000), an outpost of the famous
French Sofitel chain. Adjacent
to the Magnificent Mile, the
415-room, 32-story hotel boasts
views of Lake Michigan and a
Deco-style bar and restaurant
modeled on 1920s Paris.
Other Options: Chicago is
known for its fun-filled festivals,
and there are plenty on tap this
summer, including the Blues
Fest in June, the Outdoor Film
Festival in July, the Jazz Fest in
August and many in between.
For more: For a complete
calendar, check out the city's
handy Web site at www.cityof-
chicago.org. For more hotels,
restaurants and attractions,
contact (877) CHICAGO or
www.877CHICAGO.com .
From left: Hocking Hills visitors can feed hummingbirds by hand and attend the washboard Music Festival on Father's Day weekend. Right: The Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ont.
8
SUMMER FUN • MAY 25 • 2006