It’s Mardi Gras, people. Time to party. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

There are celebrations being held all over the world, but the two best are Carnival in Rio and the craziness of America’s own New Orleans. By best I mean the most drinking, parades, and public nudity. You may have your own ranking system.

If you can’t get to Brazil or New Orleans there are plenty of other places to enjoy the celebration before Lent sets in (although, my personal experience has shown a lot more people seem to partake in Fat Tuesday than Ash Wednesday — go figure).

St. Louis throws a nice party as does Mississippi’s West Coast (both of which offer lots of family fun). Most cities feature some sort of celebration, although they tend to focus on Fat Tuesday (February 21) rather than weeks of debauchery. San Diego claims to have the best party out west, but I recall one Fat Tuesday in Seattle that brought out police in riot gear, which is always a sign that things are pretty wild (also a sign that it is time to duck down an alley and get the heck out of there).

If you want something that the kids will enjoy (not that they won’t get a kick out of the above, but the parents will probably have a nervous breakdown), then check out the rolling good times at Disneyland. Yes, Disneyland. Parades start tomorrow (February 10) and the fun runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in New Orleans Square (check link below for dates, subject to change).

Disney’s New Orleans Bayou Bash has all of your favorite Disney characters, street performers, food, and music, and runs well into March.

Unfortunately there isn’t any drinking at Disney’s party, but a quick walk through Downtown Disney, one of the Disney hotels or Disney’s California Adventure can wet your whistle quick enough. Please note, they do tend to frown on public nudity.

Party on!

Photo: Mark Gstohl via Flickr

You probably woke up this morning thinking that spring was on your doorstep and it was time to start planning vacations accordingly (ah, spring break). Well, guess what, winter isn’t going anywhere.

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s cutest weather forecaster, has seen his shadow and as such six weeks of winter has been added to the calendar. The famous groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, PA, and has been looking at shadows for years, so he knows what he’s talking about (squeaking?).

What are you going to do with more winter? Another ski trip? Ice fishing? Take the kids sledding? The possibilities are endless. Kind of like winter.

Enjoy.

Photo: Eddie~S via Flickr

Of Mice and Moments

Sure, Valentine’s Day is more about romance of the couples variety — and it’s on a Tuesday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the excuse of a candy-filled holiday to take a mini-vacation. Am I right?

Personally, I’m a fan of the family theme park outing. Disneyland and Walt Disney World (dinner at Victoria and Albert’s, anyone?) always have something up their, um, glove(?) for Valentine’s Day, which means fun for the whole family. What? Disney is totally romantic.

If theme parks aren’t your thing how about a cabin stay in one of our many state and national parks? It may be brisk out, but a few hours of hiking or mountain biking will warm up the family in no time.

Of course, there is always the option of getting a babysitter and, hopefully, a reservation at some restaurant with a special holiday menu (see, pricy) and being one more sucker in a suit — don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but why wait until Valentine’s Day to do it? Go out on any Tuesday, it will be less crowded and a lot more meaningful. Spend Valentine’s Day with the entire family, that’s the love, people.

Photo by W. Honea

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we are honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a holiday dedicated to peace and social involvement. There are festivities across America — check your local listings or Google the town you’re visiting, there’s something close to you!

In honor of the late Dr. King, here are some of his quotes, all of them as true now as the day they were first spoken:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Enjoy the holiday.

Photo from Kent State University

I wanna be a cowboy.

The 2012 lineup for Cheyenne Frontier Days will blow your mind. From July 20th through the 29th, there is an ENORMOUS schedule of events with everything you could possibly think of to entertain yourself and your family: concerts, rodeos, demonstrations, exhibitions, museums, rides, carnival games, and lots and LOTS of food. The FREE pancake breakfast comes highly recommended by the vast network of my husband’s cousins that live in Cheyenne and Laramie. They tell me it is the town of Cheyenne’s chance to practice their emergency response and disaster recovery skills, by feeding a vast amount of people in record time.

The concert lineup includes the Zac Brown Band, Journey, Hank Williams Jr., Blake Shelton, and Brad Paisley. Make sure you buy your tickets early!

If you’re coming in from out of town, I recommend the Little America Cheyenne or the Hampton Inn – they’re elegant yet reasonably priced. And if the whole frontier/western/cowboy thing isn’t for you… well, first visit during some other time – they’re ALL FRONTIER ALL THE TIME during this stretch of July. Second, check out the Historic Governor’s Mansion, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, or the Wyoming State Museum.

Photo by Tiffany Joyce.

Le Fleur De Lis

New Year’s Eve festivities always bring lots of  fun and celebrating.  They’re also prone to bring lots of headaches and overall fuzziness the next day. A vicious hangover is no way to usher in the new year so I recommend a few tried and true Chi-town brunches to clear the head.  Not only do these hearty meals help soak up the alcoholic excess, but these particular spots offers there own specific hangover remedies.

Le Fleur de Lis : This New Orleans bistro brims with Creole style and warm Louisiana geniality.  It’s covered with purple, gold and green Mardi Gras colors but if that doesn’t wake you up, the elaborate soul food buffet will.  Try the shrimp and grits, mac n’cheese to help slay that hangover but I’d avoid the live jazz band if the pain is of the throbbing variety. $15, Reservations recommended (773-268-8770).

Balsan : This sleek eatery with a European ambiance is tucked on the third floor of the Elysian Hotel and offers lovely views from the floor to ceiling windows.  Mussels, oyster shooters and the veal heart with mustard, pears and Parmesan is sure to rev you back up. $29 prix fixe.

Kanela Breakfast Club: This laid-back Lakeview joint is named for the Greek word for cinnamon and you’ll find plenty of the warming spice on the menu.  Sample the french toast flight to make you feel like new.  The rich flavors including red velvet, banana nut and poppy seed will defintely keep you alert.  As will the Bloody Mary’s made with cucumber vodka. If that doesn’t work, there’s always the hangover omelet with peppered bacon and house made turkey sausage.

Escape the North Michigan Avenue crowds and hole up at the charming South Loop Hotel, where you can relax with a full stomach and a minimized hangover.

Photo courtesy of Le Fleur De Lis

It’s New Year’s Eve, which means you will most likely be celebrating in style. For my family “style” means a night at the Disneyland Resort. Since we’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel (my own dime) we can have a few drinks and not have to worry about driving. Plus, there’s plenty to do for the kids, because, hello, it’s Disneyland.

How do you spend New Year’s Eve with the family?

Whatever your plans are for ringing in the new year, please have fun and be safe! See you next year (that never gets old)!

Sincerely,

Your friends at UpTake (that’s us)

Photo: Lobby of the Disneyland Hotel by W.Honea

Don’t let the lack of gifts fool you. The holiday season is still in full swing (for about 48 more hours, giver or take).

This display in Austin, Texas reminds us that we should keep Christmas and/or the holiday of your choice in our hearts, always. Or at least until the credit card bills arrive. Then you can pack it until next year.

How long do you keep your holiday decorations up?

This post is part of UpTake’s Family Friday Series. This month the emphasis is on holiday lighting. If you see a display worth mentioning send us a photo via the contact link in the sidebar.

Photo: el_eduardo via Flickr

Wonderland Express

Chicago beckons with holiday events galore, from ice skating in Millennium Park to Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland. But no tradition excites kids (and the young at heart) more than the miniature trains that chug through the Chicago Botanic Garden during the annual Wonderland Express event.

Located just outside Chicago in Glencoe, Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers free displays of gardens and exhibits every day of the year. The Wonderland Express rolls out every year on November 25 and continues through January 1 with a glittering spectacle of lights, trains and holiday activities.

The garden comes alive with 750.000 lights sparkling from trees, branches and trails. Inside the Regenstein Center, an exhibit of  10,000 square feet of miniature trains glide through replicas of Chicago landmarks — spot Soldier Field, the Art Institute, Navy Pier and more as the tiny trains wind past.  All the buildings are constructed from natural materials like moss and leaves and most of the lights are energy conserving (LED) certified.  A wreath display, a gingerbread village and decorated trees offer more dazzling views.

Family drop in activities provide arts & crafts, and live carolers are featured on select days. Top off the festivities with hot chocolate at the Caboose Cafe.

Admission to Chicago Botanic Gardens is free but tickets for Wonderland Express are $8 for adults and $6 for children.   Enjoy a fun-filled holiday weekend and stay at the nearby Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel and sample an American Bistro meal at the hotel’s  Rooks Corner Lounge.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden

Leopold Restaurant

New Year’s Eve celebrations don’t have to be crowded, raucous affairs. If you prefer a more sophisticated experience, head to Chicago for an alternative New Year’s Eve party at Leopold restaurant.   You won’t have to worry about  jostling hoards or out of control drunks while enjoying an elegant Belgian meal and a striking art exhibit all in one space.

Choose either a three-course meal at the first seating at 5-7PM or a second seating with four courses at 9-11PM. The menu features Belgian delicacies such as heart of rib eye tartare,  beet salad, house made pierogi, roasted sturgeon and apple currant cobbler.  The second seating includes  a champagne toast as well as oysters and foie gras to start the new year off  with flair.  After dinner, browse the work of emerging Chicago artist Christopher Meerdo. Leopold features two bodies of the artist’s work, “Billboard Groves,” which focuses on Midwestern nightscapes and “Reiteration,” which pairs photographs taken by the artist with vintage photos taken by his grandfather. Meerdo’s pieces examine memory, nostalgia and technology in thought provoking ways.  All (312)  348-1028 for reservations.  Avoid the downtown mayhem and book a cozy room and the nearby Wicker Park Inn. This charming bed and breakfast features private baths, 300-count bed sheets and continental breakfasts for a relaxing New Year’s morning.

Photo courtesy of Leopold