Dolphin Shows at Indianapolis Zoo

One of the features I've always enjoyed at Chicagoland's Brookfield Zoo are the dolphin shows. I recently was in Indianapolis and spent some time at their wonderful zoo, which included taking in a dolphin show.

The Marsh Dolphin Theatre has two shows daily that are included in your zoo admission. You need to obtain a ticket for the free show and a limited amount are available, so be sure to get yours early to ensure that you'll be able to enjoy the show. The shows are about 20-minutes in length and filled with upbeat music as the residents perform under water and above.

If you're a big fan of dolphins and plan a little in advance, you can enjoy the rare opportunity for an in-water adventure with the dolphins. From the zoo's website, here are details of those exciting encounters.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Dolphin In-Water Adventure ​

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to step into the world of our dolphins!  This 90-minute Dolphin In-Water Adventure program includes:

• A backstage classroom session about dolphin characteristics, adaptations and training.
• More than 30 minutes of poolside/in-water time with our trainers and dolphins where in-water participants will get a sampling of the different activities the Zoo’s trainers carry out each day – feeding a dolphin, signaling the dolphin to carry out a behavior, and lots of up-close, hands-on interactions. 
• Along with memories for a lifetime, participants will receive a souvenir towel and a digital photograph of themselves with a dolphin! 

Please note: This is a wade-in program and no swimming is involved. Each session includes up to eight participants.

Requirements for Participation

• All participants must be at least 4 feet, 6 inches (54 inches) tall.
• Participants who meet the height requirement and are between the ages of 6 and 13 must be accompanied by a paid  adult either in the water or as an observer.
• Observers must be at least 6 years old. Paid observers between the ages of 6 and 13 must be accompanied by a paid adult observer with a ratio of one adult per child.
• Observers cannot register separately; they must be associated with a participant.
• Observers experience the classroom session and are able to watch their participant from an area near the in-water activity. Only paid observers will be able to view the interaction.
• To insure the health and safety of our guests and dolphins, those who are pregnant may only observe.

On the date of their program, guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time to fill out paperwork in the Hix Institute, located directly to the right of the Zoo admission gates.

Pricing

Participant: Zoo Member $205; Non-Member $225

Observer: Zoo Member $30; Non-Member $40

Payment in full is required at time of registration. Pricing is subject to change. There will be no refunds unless the Indianapolis Zoo has to cancel the program and guests cannot reschedule.  Please note that registration closes 14 days before the event date. 

Another fun feature of the shows is a "Junior Dolphin Trainer" opportunity where kids can sit up close and help give cues to the dolphins along side the trainers. It is only $10 per person and tickets can be purchased the day of your visit. More details below from the zoo's website:

Junior Dolphin Trainer

Lots of young people dream of someday becoming a dolphin trainer. The Junior Dolphin Trainer program presented by Dippin' Dots offers an up-close encounter for the little marine mammal lover in the family. 

Purchase your Junior Dolphin Trainer ticket at the admissions window when you arrive at the Zoo and you will be assigned a dolphin show to attend. Plus all Junior Dolphin Trainers receive a special badge.

Each junior trainer will be met inside the Marsh Dolphin Adventure Theatre and escorted to reserved seating in the first row of the west side of the theatre. When it's time, the marine mammal trainers will bring up their junior counterparts to help them cue the dolphins by hand! After the experience, the junior trainers will receive a collectors card with information on the dolphin they "trained," which will fit inside the badge holder as a souvenir. This program is only $10.00 per junior trainer (the rest of the party will not need special tickets to get into the show) and is for children age 5 and up. 

Of course, the dolphins are just one of the amazing zoo exhibits. Plan for a full day at the zoo where you can have fun on rides, explore a variety of species, pet a shark and visit the new International Orangutan Center. 

The zoo is celebrating its 50th year and is part of the White River State Park.

Indianapolis Zoo

1200 West Washington Street

Indianapolis, IN

www.indianapoliszoo.com

Springhope Farm: Galien, Michigan

I'm looking forward another good season of picking our own fruits and veggies and one of our favorite U-Pick places is Springhope Farm in Galien, Michigan. It will be a bit before they open for the season, but once the orchards are ready, they'll be bursting with beautiful peaches, cherries and apples.

Galien is not too far over the Michigan border, so for those coming from Illinois and Indiana, it's an easy drive for a summer day. You can choose to either take a tractor-drawn wagon ride out to the orchards to pick your own or pre-picked items are available in the farm stand. They also carry a variety of vegetables when in season and some local honey, apple butter and other canned (or should we say jarred?) items.

During the summer season where other outings may take us to lively amusement parks or crowded community pools, visiting a U-Pick farm makes for a quiet, relaxing day of enjoying the outdoors in such a serene setting. The kids always love running around in the open space and then eating the fruit they picked with their own hands.

Springhope Farm

18720 Cleveland Ave.

Galien, Michigan

269-545-8313

www.springhopefarm.com

Terra Cotta Warriors: The Emperor's Painted Army now open at Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The long-awaited arrival of soldiers from Shaanxi Province in China is here. Terra Cotta Warriors: The Emperor's Painted Army opened May 10 at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It will run through November 2, 2014.

This fascinating exhibit includes 8 of the terra cotta warriors that were buried for 2200 years around the emperor's tomb and unearthed in 1974. Approximately 8,000 unique life-sized soldiers were buried as part of the world's largest underground burial site with the intention of protecting the emperor's tomb in the afterlife. 

This is the only time this year that you'll be able to see the Terra Cotta Warriors in the U.S. and the first time that it's been available in a family-centered venue. While the real warriors are behind glass, there are some great-opportunity for hands-on fun, including an opportunity to sculpt your own miniature terra cotta warrior.

Also, don't miss the experience of being immersed in Chinese culture in the Take Me There: China exhibit where you can learn all about life in modern day China.

Various programs and live demonstration help to enhance the experience for visitors.

Strike a pose as a warrior yourself.

Get your hands a little dirty and have some fun with modeling clay creating your own miniature soldier.

Or sculpt a face for a warrior.

For more details on the exhibit, visit www.childrensmuseum.org.

InterContinental Chicago goes dark for Earth Hour

This is something I love. In recognition of Earth Hour, the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile will be drastically reducing their lighting from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. on March 29. Large hurricane lanterns will be placed throughout the lobby. Can you imagine how lovely it will look by candlelight?

There will also be a fun, historic flashlight tour and the building's dome will go dark for the hour.

Read more on the event below:

Candlelit Lobby:  The hotel team will significantly lower the lighting in the lobby and check-in desks.  Large hurricane lanterns will decorate the lobby, conserving energy and enveloping the area in a candlit glow. Historic Tour in the Dark:  For the hour, InterContinental's Historic Guided IPod Tour, where guests can explore the history of King Arthur Court, the famed Olympic-sized Pool, and Ball Room while enjoying the essence of the hotel's architectural details will be dark. Guests will be given battery-operated flashlights to guide their way. Darken the Dome:  The famed InterContinental Dome, which sits upon the 42-story hotel and rotates over 70 colorful shades throughout the year, will go dark for the hour. Additionally, those looking to celebrate Earth Hour with a cocktail can visit Michael Jordan's Steak House, located inside the hotel, to enjoy their Lights Out cocktail with Brovo #14 Amoro, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Death's Door Gin and lime juice. The InterContinental Chicago was the first hotel to receive an Energy Star rating, as well as a silver certification from Green Seal and StayGreen recognition from the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association. The property continues its commitment to "green" performance by modernizing its programming with innovative, energy-conserving technology and eco-friendly beauty products.   InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile 505 N. Michigan Ave. www.icchicagohotel.com

Kentucky Action Park: Cave City, Kentucky

Some of our favorite times on our family vacations have been spent in Kentucky. We love the Cave City area where we've visited several times. There's a big variety of things to do - from exploring caves to visiting Dinosaur World and seeing life size replicas to watching actors stage a gunfight on Guntown Mountain to petting a kangaroo at Kentucky Down Under. It's such a beautiful area, too, and I enjoy just taking in the landscape and enjoying nature.

One spot we have visited twice on our visits in Kentucky Action Park. They've added a lot since our initial visit, but it's the kind of place, where there's something for everyone - horseback riding, cave tours, zip line, alpine slide, go karts, mini golf, arcade games, old thyme photos and bumper boats, which you can tell from the photo below my kids thoroughly enjoyed.

It's a place where you can stop for a few hours to kill some time or you can plan a full day to try it all out. They also have primitive campsites and now have cabins, as well.  Cabin rentals are available starting in March. Horseback riding is available starting in March and additional attractions open later in the season. For more information, visit www.kentuckyactionpark.com.

Here's a listing of activities and rates (2013 prices):

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY FREE IN PARK W/PROPER ID.
ALL DAY PASS‐ARMBAND—(10am‐6pm)‐‐‐‐‐‐‐$24.95 ea.
(6 yr & up) 5 and under FREE w/pd adult.
Includes unlimited riding on Chairlift,
Alpine Slide, Go Carts, Bumper Cars, Trampoline Thing, Climbing Wall, Bumper Boats (open in May) 18‐Hole Mini Golf and a FREE Outlaw Cave Tour (30min). Does Not include horses or zipline.
FAMILY PASS (10‐tickets) 1‐ticket per person per activity‐Good for Any rides EXCEPT Horses & Zipline‐‐‐‐‐‐‐$35.00
SINGLE TICKETS: Alpine Slide‐‐‐$5.00, Other rides ‐‐$4.00 ea.
ZIPLINE: ‐‐‐‐‐One Ride‐‐$45.00 or 3 for $99.95 (70 lbs & up) (under 70 lbs rides Tandem with adult or guide, same price)
MINI GOLF: Adults‐‐$5 Children ‐‐$4 (5 & under FREE w/pd adult)
OUTLAW CAVE TOUR (30 min tour)
Adults‐‐$6.95 Children‐‐$4.95 (5 & under FREE w/pd adult)
JESSE JAMES RIDING STABLES: (9am‐6pm til Labor Day)
6 & up ride own horse 2‐5 rides w /adult & $2 extra on 1/2 & 1‐hr. 1⁄2 hr‐‐$14 One hr‐‐$18 2‐hr‐‐$34 (8 yr & no doubles)
CABINS: $89.95 per night Mar‐Labor Day ($79.95 Labor Day‐Mar)
Sleeps up to 6 people if some are children, not 6 adults.
PETS are not allowed. Open floor plan, 1‐full size bed, set of bunk beds, futon & loft for kids (no beds in loft) Full bath, TV, WiFi, heat, air, small frig, microwave,
coffee pot, toaster, 2‐burner hotplate, picnic table, grill & fire pit.
CAMPGROUNDS: No Bath House‐Port a Potty only.
Full hookup (water‐electric‐sewer) ‐‐$35 per night
Water & Electric:‐‐$25 per night Primitive sites (2‐tents) ‐‐$15 per night
OLD TIME PHOTOS: First Photo‐‐2‐people (1‐(8 x 10) or 2‐(5 x 7’s)‐‐$15.95 & $5.00 for each additional person or each additional photo (1‐8 x 10 or 2‐5 x 7’s). 

College of DuPage has waterside upscale dining and lodging

I'm sharing a post here that went up on the food blog I do with my sister and niece, Chicago Foodie Sisters. I'm sharing it not only because the dining establishment was lovely and top notch, but because travelers might be surprised to know that there's also a 6-room hotel that sits above the restaurant, making it a great spot for romantic overnight. Although it's on a college campus, the floor is accessible by key access only. All rooms have a view of the water, which from what I told is beautiful in spring time (it was covered in snow on our visit) with floating flower beds and a fountain. If you are looking for a nice couples weekend, this is a perfect spot. There are also joining rooms, so if multiple family members are staying they can also be accommodated. A complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Photo from www.cod.edu

Read on to learn more about the restaurant in the Chicago Foodie Sister post.

Waterleaf: Glen Ellyn, Illinois

I had an opportunity recently to try out Waterleaf, offering a fine dining experience in a beautiful waterside setting on the campus of the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. It's definitely a hidden gem that must make its way onto your foodie bucket list. A variety of classic French dishes with creative, contemporary presentations are available for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, with prix fixe menus that enable you to enjoy multiple courses at a great value. It's elegant and inviting, and the fact that is a somewhat unexpected makes it all the more charming.

An extensive list of imported wines completes your meal. Waterleaf's wine selections have earned the restaurant multiple awards, including being named one of Wine Spectator Magazine's 2103 Awards of Excellence winners.

My husband and I visited for lunch on a quiet, sunny day that was just getting the thaw going. With the pond and exterior grounds covered in snow, we committed to coming back in the warmer months when the pond is visible with floating flower beds and the outdoor fireplaces are lit. With a menu that changes seasonally, there's also that incentive to revisit frequently.

Our meal was nothing short of magnificent. I started with the cheese selection of the day, sampling three domestic and imported soft cheeses and an bleu cheese that was enjoyed on toast points with accompanying cumquat chutney and almonds.

My husband selected Ratatoullie with poached egg. He knows the deal. He has to order something different than what I order and a sample is required. The wonderful blend of stewed vegetables was a perfect start (and I was almost sorry I wasn't the one who ordered it.)

Next up was my Baby Field Greens, with French beans and Parmesan crisp. I selected bleu cheese dressing, a wise and delicious choice. The hazelnuts weren't mentioned on the menu, so it was a lovely surprise. I absolutely adore hazelnuts and am convinced that the lack of them in American cooking is one of our most blatant errors. Anyway, back to the salad. A tad of freshly ground black pepper topped it and the salad was divine.

Hubby opted for French Onion Soup, a suburb burst of flavor beneath a covering of Swiss, Parmesan and Gruyere with hints of sherry and brandy and herb-crusted croutons.

My entree was a a medium-well salmon filet over an exquisite mushroom sauce complimented with bok choy and gluten free buckwheat noodles paired with a Martin Rey Pinot Noir. I loved the Asian infusion of flavors in this dish.

Hubby gave extremely high marks to his Amish Chicken Breast in a natural au jus reduction with roasted elephant garlic and cipollini onions with potato puree. I was in complete agreement.

I'm always tempted to skip dessert when dining out and I am so glad that I did not on this trip. It is truly not to be missed. I spied intently as a table of four females beside us had their dessert brought out. They opted to try four of the five desserts with sharing plates. I am glad I got a glimpse because as soon as I got a peek at the Vanilla Bavarian, I knew it was a definite winner. I took the liberty of ordering it for hubby and the orange creme brûlée for myself.

The desserts are unequivocally heavenly and such artistic specimens ~ you know, the kind that are so beautiful that you feel terribly guilty taking a bite of.  The Vanilla Bavarian with winter fruits (pomegranate, gooseberry and mandarin orange) included a hidden surprise as there was an enclosed dab of currant reduction.

I've found myself on a custard kick lately, so I was so excited to find creme brûlée on the menu. The addition of citrus flavor with a chocolate layer on the bottom put this over to the top in such a grand way.

We couldn't have been more pleased with our lunch. Of course, I love places that embrace the farm-to-table concept as does Chef Nadia Tilkian. A server also plays such a big part in the overall experience and Jennifer was friendly and knowledgable.

We also learned in chatting with staff that the Culinary and Hospitality Center at COD includes a six-room hotel that sits over the Waterleaf, called the Inn at Water's Edge. Rates are reasonable and packages are available that include a credit towards dinner at the Waterleaf. We took a moment for a tour and although the snowy landscape was beautiful, I'm just kind of done with the white stuff. I can just imagine how lovely it will look two months from now. It makes for a great setting for a romantic overnight getaway in the burbs. For more details on the Waterleaf, visit https://www.cod.edu/w/waterleaf.htm.

Waterleaf

425 Fawell Blvd.

Glen Ellyn, IL

630-942-6881

Good eats in Kenosha

My last visit to Kenosha was in the heat of summer as we visited for Taste of Wisconsin. Our next visit will be in the snowy chill of winter. Kenosha has gotten to feel like a home away from home for our family. We've made many visits there. It's not too far over the Wisconsin border and we can head up for a day trip, make it an overnighter or an extended trip.

There are lakefront attractions, free museums, lighthouses, public beaches, beautiful parks, historic homes, streetcar rides, outlet shopping and the nearby Bristol Renaissance Faire and Jelly Belly Center. It is a great destination for those of any age.

Another reason to visit is the awesome food you'll find - from the "garbage plate" at Frank's Diner to German specialties at Gerhard's to old-fashioned milkshakes at The Spot Drive-In to cheese curds on the go from Mars Cheese Castle. And no visit over the border is complete without a visit to the Brat Stop, where you can enjoy sausages and other meals and grab some foodie souvenirs in the gift shop.
For more information on the good eats in Kenosha, go to www.visitkenosha.com.

No visit to Kenosha is complete without a stop at the Brat Stop!