Looking for a place to escape within driving distance of the Chicago area? How about some family-friendly venues and destinations that support a “go green” initiative? These great getaways near Chicago are all within a five hour drive. Plus, find tips for reducing the carbon footprint of your travel at carbonfund.org.

Going Green in Wisconsin
Our neighbor to the North is one of the few states that actually features a Travel Green Wisconsin website, complete with certifications that promote smart, environmentally friendly business practices. Just a few hours away are a variety of Travel Green certified restaurants, hotels and venues that are committed to sustaining green practices and supporting the local economy.

It’s Grand in Lake Geneva

Splash down fun at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark (Photo courtesy of Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark.)

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark are close by, so you can slip, slide and sleep while creating wonderful memories for your family. The big draw at Timber Ridge is the 50,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor waterpark, Moose Mountain Falls, with pools, slides, a lazy river, several hot tubs, and new musically inspired waterslide, Avalanche Falls. Check out their special packages for great savings and family fun.

Right next door is the AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, an all-season resort with a weekly schedule of recreational activities, family entertainment and leisure programming. Take on a life-size game of Human Foosball or let the kids go for Pastries and Picassos, where they can create a masterpiece on a plate and enjoy a delicious treat.

“The natural beauty of Grand Geneva is something that should not be taken for granted. Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge are committed to going green, reducing their carbon footprint and embracing the natural beauty that surrounds them,” says Steve Magnuson, managing director at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark.

Green initiatives at Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge include the full range of amenities. “The resorts’ fertile locale cultivated a natural herb and vegetable garden, which provides fresh produce for the Ristoranté Brissago, Geneva ChopHouse
and Grand Café,” says Magnuson.

In addition, local partners are utilized in all of the Grand Geneva restaurants.
“Since 2009, Grand Geneva has participated in the Clean the World program, which collects leftover soap and bottled amenities from guest rooms for redistribution to children and families in need,” Magnuson says. Clean the World has distributed more than 17 million bars of soap in 96 different countries.

In 2010, Grand Geneva became the first resort in the Midwest to offer an on-site charging station for electric cars, including two Tesla electric charging stations. Timber Ridge regulates its electricity, heating and cooling with guests’ keys alone, and has converted to all LED lights in guestrooms

Braise the Bar in Milwaukee
Check out Braise, Milwaukee’s first community supported agriculture (CSA) restaurant, where diners find a truly unique farm-to-table experience that supports the local economy. Braise grows their own vegetables, bakes their own bread and butchers their own meats. The menu changes daily, so there’s always something new to try. From seasonally inspired menus and creative cocktails, to hands-on classes and events, they work to educate their community on food. Braise serves dinner only.

Earth-Friendly in the Dells

Enjoy a bacon cheeserburger at Moosejaw. (Photo courtesy of Moosejaw Pizza.)

It’s not just great pizza. It’s pizza and burgers that subscribe to eco-friendly practices. Yes, at Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Company, delivery vehicles run on vegetable oil, recycled from the kitchen fryer. They also handcraft 10 varieties of their own beer with the used brewing grains recycled as horse feed. And there’s a gluten-free menu as well.

Race to Indy
Just a few hours south lies Indianapolis, a great city known for its family-friendly venues. The largest children’s museum in the world, the five-story Indianapolis Children’s Museum, continues to win awards for its innovative, hands-on activities. Enjoy interactive exhibits exploring art, science, history and culture, a Dinosphere, and planetarium.

Another good bet is White River State Park, America’s only cultural urban state park with 250 acres of green space. Explore the park by bike, Segway, or your own two feet as you meander through the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum and Victory Field. A recommended green stay is The Hampton Inn Indianapolis/Carmel, which features energy efficient, LEED certified accommodations. The Hampton also offers organic products, recycling programs, solar panels, biodegradable materials, and even eco- tourism activities. Ask about their special package for the Children’s Museum.

Do the Dunes in Silver Lake, Michigan

Kids have fun rolling down the dunes. (Photo courtesy of the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce.)

Located on Lake Michigan between Muskegon and Ludington, Silver Lake is often called Michigan’s “Golden Coast,” where you’ll find 70-foot tall sand dunes. You can ride in dune buggy or simply hike to the top — it’s pure joy to run down the dunes. Visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse, which sits right on the beach. Try sandboarding, which lets you glide down the sand. Rent everything you need for sandboarding at The Sand Box in Mears.

“Our sandboards are specifically designed just for sandboarding,” says Terri Sharpe, owner of The Sand Box. “You can ride it like a sled or stand up. The boards have to be waxed before each run. People love it because it’s exhilarating and it’s easy for kids to do. There’s nothing quite like a run down the dunes under your own power,” adds Sharpe.

See more here.

From New Zealand and Lake Como to the U.K. and Lanai, birds-eye view is the new bragging right in luxury travel. So move over jet set, it’s all about the copter class with experiences that are quite literally over-the-top.

Helena Bay | North Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s newest luxury property, Helena Bay Lodge, offers not only stunning private beach views, but also high-touch service providing an exclusive retreat built to host no more than five couples in its luxurious villa suites. Guests can delight in world- class cuisine from celebrated Michelin-starred Chef Ernesto Iaccarino of Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 in Italy, and enjoy over-the-top experiences including the Private Flights package which offers private helicopter transportation from Helena Bay to a selection of beautiful wineries. The idyllic excursion sweeps guests from the property to the Waiheke Islands via private helicopter for a wine tasting at both Cable Bay or Man’ O War Estate vineyards as well as lunch and to meet with winemaker. Guests who choose to purchase a bottle of wine to bring back to the property, can then have Chef Michele Martino of celebrated Michelin-starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 in Italy, curate a tailored lunch the following day, with custom wine pairings from the bottle chosen at the vineyard.

**The Private Flights package must be reserved with two days in advance and is available for guests staying for a minimum of a two night stay. Advance notice of the type of wine is needed for chef that day. The price for two people including helicopter

transportation, lunch and wine tastings at the vineyard, and chefs wine pairing lunch is $12,475 NZD including GST (tax).

Chewton Glen | Hampshire, UK

Chewton Glen an award winning storied Relais & Châteaux property, located in Hampshire, UK welcomes guests to experience the high life with their Helicopter Hotel Breaks package. Indulge in a two night stay in one of the hotel’s exclusive Treehouse Suites. Built high among the trees of a secluded valley, each Treehouse suspense 35 feet above ground is an unforgettable setting for a truly unique, unwinding, relaxing getaway. Huge windows give a panoramic view through the canopy to the valley beyond and every need is catered for and brought straight to the Treehouse doors…from a curated dining experience via a picnic basket style hamper, to unique Treehouse spa treatments, to a children’s nook filled storybooks the Treehouse suites at Chewton Glen are wonderfully unique. Once settled into your home in the sky, go even higher with a 45-minute private helicopter flight over the picturesque Isle of Wight with flowing champagne. Included in booking this stay is also full use of the award-winning spa, leisure facilities, dinner hamper for two, breakfast hamper for two and VAT. The Helicopter Hotel Breaks package begins at £1,850 per room per night based on two people sharing a Treehouse Studio Suite.

Jumeirah Port Soller | Mallorca, Spain

Just recently re-opened for it’s fifth season, the stunning Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa has unveiled a Unique Experiences Program to help guests discover the true beauty, culture, cuisine, wildlife and local produce of Mallorca. The private helicopter trip lasts approximately 20 minutes, enough time to identify many of the best parts of the island, and will drop you off right at the door of a charming agritourism in Fornalutx. A magnificent traditional manor house with a colorful history, where you will be offered locally grown oranges for your refreshment. Continue the day hiking across Sa Costera, one of the most beautiful coastal trails on the island that will take you to Cala Tuent. Finish off the day with lunch at ‘Es Vergeret’, offering local cuisine and freshly caught fish and seafood. Enjoy a swim before returning back to the hotel by private speedboat. Pricing upon request.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Lake Como, Italy

A rare jewel of Italian art de vivre with frescoed rooms and legendary architecture, Villa Sola Cabiati is a museum-worthy masterpiece that until recently was reserved for private use only. Today, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, an icon of period style and elegance, is setting the stage for guests at the historic villa, where the leisure class lounged lakeside since the 1700s. Sitting side-by-side along the Riviera della Tremezzina, the marriage of Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Sola Cabiati is a study in refined luxury and a window into the heritage of Lake Como and its Grand Tour spanning two centuries. Separated by just a short ride in a traditional or water limousine, Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Sola Cabiati offer high-level service and an extraordinarily regal experience in the air to

view Lake Como and it’s glory from high above in a helicopter. From the intimate to the elaborate, on the roof of Villa Sola sits a landing pad after your tour and on the grounds are perfectly suited for romantic dinners, milestone celebrations, spectacular soirées, or languid afternoons of alfresco luncheons, sun-dappled picnics and treasure hunts for little ones.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai | Lanai City, Hawaii

With contrasting landscapes across only 140 square miles, the secluded island of Lanai offers visitors unique, one-of-a-kind experiences highlighting the island’s diverse topography. For those looking for a sky-high adventure – all with the hallmark of Four Seasons and Lanai inspired, embark on a helicopter tour and fly over rolling mountains, jagged cliffs and broad beaches. Choose from the 20-minute Lanai Circle Island Experience for an aerial understanding of the island’s history, culture and beauty, or take a longer air expedition over the islands of Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Molokai and learn about their geological evolution over the last million years. Guests can also choose their own birds-eye adventure and develop a custom itinerary with a pilot for a full day’s flight over coffee estates, remote beaches and lava flows around active volcanoes. When the mood strikes, land for a gourmet picnic lunch, hiking tour or visit to local attractions. In addition, guests can learn to fly and perform basic maneuvers, such as takeoff, cruise and land, with the Maui Flight Academy. Fly in between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, directly over the active volcano vent, travel alongside tall sea cliffs to Molokai before heading over the lush West Maui mountains, finally landing in Hana to explore the rainforest on a 2-4 hour experience. The Fabulous 4 flight is a full-day of pure joy. Fly to Molokaʿi, Honolulu, Hawaiʿi’s Volcano, Hilo, Waipiʿo Valley, Hana Maui and Kahului for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Gurney’s Resorts | Montauk, NY and Newport, RI

Gurney’s Resorts make it easy to visit their Montauk, NY and (new!) Newport, RI locations with a new partnership between the aviation company BLADE with Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa and Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. The properties can arrange for easy transportation on a luxurious BLADE seaplane from Manhattan to both islands – or in between islands allowing for a Montauk to Newport experience. Additionally, for the month of June, those that book a flight from Manhattan to Newport will receive complimentary accommodations at Gurney’s Newport. Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina debuted January 2017 as the only four-season resort in Newport, RI. Surrounded by water with frontage on both the Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor and a few minutes’ walk to Downtown Newport, Gurney’s Newport has 257 rooms and suites, four restaurant outlets, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, spa, and spacious banquet space for groups and events. Under new ownership led by George Filopoulos and Lloyd Goldman, the resort will feature a refreshed lobby, new marina in early 2017, as well as enhanced pool deck and updated culinary outlets by summer 2017. Gurney’s Newport marks an expansion of the Gurney’s brand in the northeast, following the success of Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa in the Hamptons, NY. Additionally, situated on Montauk’s most pristine stretch of oceanfront

real estate, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a Hampton’s institution and the only four-season resort on Montauk. Providing guests with direct access to a 2,000 ft. private sand beach, Gurney’s features 146 rooms, suites and beachfront cottages, each with dramatic ocean views. Under new ownership led by George Filopoulos and Lloyd Goldman, the multi-phase, multi-year refresh of the entire property began in 2014 and has returned the year-round spa destination to the epicenter of the Hampton’s experience.

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara | North San Diego, Calif.

Capture the beauty of Coastal California from sea and sky with Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara’s Coastal Photo Safari. Led by award winning and internationally acclaimed artist Aaron Chang, this unique expedition offers hands-on experience with the creator of modern surf and ocean photography himself. Armed with a waterproof camera and wetsuit, guests free-dive as Chang shares tips for shooting the rhythm and movement of the water and tricks for capturing the early morning light. Next, the class enjoys a drive down the coast to Chang’s award-winning gallery, where he’ll gives a behind-the-scenes tour, before a private farm-to-fork lunch served along the beach. By the afternoon, guests will soar by helicopter above the San Diego shoreline while Chang guides them towards the perfect aerial shot. Situated in shimmering Southern California along the coastal city of Carlsbad, Four Seasons Residence Club offers 246 villas with all the comforts of a luxurious vacation home, coupled with intuitive service and amenities.

Trappers Cabin | Beaver Creek, Colo.

Beaver Creek pulls out all the stops with the ultimate White Glove Winter Package! Visitors can treat themselves and three guests and experience a ski vacation that will spoil them for anywhere else. With every detail attended to and amenities ranging from first class airfare, a private helicopter transport and private car to deliver guests to an on-mountain cabin all their own, there is no better place to experience the vacation of a lifetime than at Beaver Creek. Guests are encouraged to embrace the finer things in mountain life with this unforgettable vacation package valued at $50,000 (All package items subject to availability). The White Glove treatment features:

• Four Epic Passes, providing skiing and snowboarding privileges at 13 resorts in 3 countries
• First-class, round-trip airfare to Eagle Airport (EGE) from anywhere in the lower 48 states

• A private helicopter transfer straight from EGE to the base of Beaver Creek Mountain
• Four-night stay at the on-mountain Trappers Cabin with a personal “Cabin Keeper” concierge and chef
• A “welcome to Beaver Creek ski apparel package,” including items from Helly Hansen and Smartwool
• Golden Ticket First Tracks access to the mountain before it opens to the public

• Private ski lessons with a Ski School Ambassador
• A ski concierge private boot fitting and ski rental delivery
• Other activities and amenities include: a private snowshoe tour and picnic, private on mountain lunch, gourmet dinner at SaddleRidge Restaurant, post-ski spa treatment, dinner at Beano’s Cabin

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | Lake Geneva, Wis.

With the US Open heading to Erin Hills in just a few months time, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. (just 50 miles away from each other) is officially offering an over-the-top package for golf enthusiasts that includes a helicopter ride, a three- bedroom villa (brand new and debuting this June), private dining experience and more.

Fairways and Airways — Brand new Villa Access, Helicopter Transportation and Tickets to the US Open

• Four tickets to the US Open, with access to the hospitality tent with an open bar • Two night stay in a three-bedroom brand new Villa **the resort is celebrating the grand opening of the Villas in June
• Helicopter transportation for four to the US Open
• Transportation from landing spot to the US Open
• Grilled to order in-room villa dining experience with Grand Geneva’s chef
• Valid June 11 – 18, 2017. Package is subject to availability and does not include nightly resort fee and taxes.
Starting at $6,999

See more here.

LAKE GENEVA — Back for another year, the Lake Geneva Festival of Wineis a three-day celebration that starts Friday, March 31st. And it’s about so much more than just drinking wine. Carl spent the morning getting a preview.