While we’re not sure which lion/lamb combination March will take on this year, there are numerous events worth traveling for regardless of the weather. Here is just a sampling to whet your pre-spring wanderlust.
This exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago explores the cultural explosion of the Windy City during the early 1900s due to the migration of African Americans from the South and emigration of others from Europe and Mexico. The works of art, not often seen in museums today, depict the underlying causes for relocation, whether they be darker themes such as persecution and violence or more hopeful ideals like education and community building. Through paintings, photographs, sculpture and more, the story of Chicago’s identity is told. March 3-June 2
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Claremont Hotel Club & Spa’s restaurant, Meritage at the Claremont, opens the 2013 edition of this celebration of all things vino. Taste more than 45 wines from Hanzell Vineyards, Frogs Leap Winery, Silver Oak Cellars and more. The reds and whites will be complemented by cuisine from chef Scott Quinn, the man behind the Four-Star eatery’s creative direction. A new event sure to tickle the tongue of effervescent fans everywhere is the Sparkling Wine Brunch, featuring Moët & Chandon champagne, live music, made-to-order waffles and omelets, breakfast pastries, carved prime rib and sushi. March 16-17; other events run through May 24
St. Patrick’s Day
Talking about March is impossible without at least mentioning this festive Irish holiday. For the emerald-blooded (and, well, everyone else who just wants to have some fun), there are plenty of shindigs around the country to enjoy. East Coast dwellers are likely looking forward to New York’s iconic parade, which is roughly a spirited, five-hour trek through the city. Boston’s heritage sparks one of the largest parties in the States, but for a (semi) natural spectacle, Chicago’s famous celebration must be seen in person. Midwesterners need only follow the green glow of the dyed Chicago River to partake in the Windy City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, which makes its way up Columbus Drive, passing by Grant Park’s beautiful Buckingham Fountain. March 17
The Great White North preps to showcase its musical prowess with more than 1,000 performers at more than 60 venues. Global superstar Rihanna understandably gets top billing at this Toronto megafest, but a diverse lineup — from hip-hop’s A$AP Rocky to rock’s Heart and metal’s Soilwork — guarantees your entrance wristband will see plenty of live action. March 19-24
Designers and the fashionistas will descend upon South Florida for the largest international and Hispanic fashion event in the US. The Miami Beach Convention Center, dubbed “Fashion City” for the haute event, will showcase a plethora of designers, entertainers and stars from across the globe. It also will feature The Culinary Style Café, where a different celebrity chef each night will cook up a tasting menu that showcases the fare of attending designers’ home countries. As for budding fashion geniuses, they’ll find food for thought at events like “Retail 101: How to Open and Run a Successful Retail Store” and “Fashion 101: How to Start a Fashion Line in Today’s Market.” March 20-23
Photos Courtesy of iStock-Christopher Arndt, Claremont Hotel, Norman Sheef and Trump International Hotel
