NEWS TO USE
Here are some of the more interesting events, deals, websites and other travel tidbits that have come across our desk recently:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., is staging its 24th annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibit through Jan. 6. Included are 42 Christmas and holiday trees and displays representing countries and cultures from around the world. There’s also the popular model train Railway Garden and special events such as Tuesday evening performances by the Original Dickens Carolers. tinyurl.com/qdo8abu
Christmas at the Mansions, a popular holiday tour in Illinois’ Bloomington-Normal community, will be held Dec. 8. There will be tours of the David Davis Mansion and Ewing Manor, along with a third secret location that’s a private residence. All will be decorated for the holidays. Shuttle buses will run among the three houses. tinyurl.com/yazfu6xc
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra presents its holiday concert, Glad Tidings, on Dec. 8 on the Mendel Center Mainstage in Benton Harbor. The Three Divas of Southwest Michigan will perform with the orchestra, and there will be carols, singalongs, storytelling and more. tinyurl.com/ y8dq6skm
Ripon, Wis., holds its annual Dickens of a Christmas events Dec. 7-9. Carriage rides will be offered through the historic downtown, and there will be an Enchanted Forest featuring decorated trees and holiday music, a quilt show, ice sculptures, home tours, model trains, a fruitcake toss and more. tinyurl.com/ yacuplz7
Shipshewana, Ind., is aglow with the Lights of Joy display at the Shipshewana RV Park. More than 2 million LED lights have been set up in multiple displays for a milelong drive-thru experience. It’s open Thursday-Sunday until Dec. 30. www. shipshewana.com
Where else to go for Christmas activities than Santa Claus, Ind.? Find a list of what’s going on for the holidays at tinyurl.com/ ycap6mc4.
Cook County, Minn., is a prime area for viewing and photographing the night sky. In recognition of that, a Dark Sky Festival will be held Dec. 14-15 in Grand Marais. There will be presentations on the night sky, including by two local photographers, telescopes will be set up to view a meteor shower and there will be a bonfire and more stargazing activities. tinyurl.com/y88k67y9
You can order a copy of the 2018-19 Fall/Winter Ohio Calendar of Events or view it at tinyurl.com/ yd8lkvrv.
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