It feels like a cruel joke, but Mother Nature’s not foolin' around – that really is snow you see on the ground. But the weather has to turn eventually, and this week’s great escape idea will have you rooting for spring all week long. Take a break from your busy weekend and stop in at Amarabica Coffee Shop on Route 19 in Wexford on Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m., for an afternoon of  live original, acoustic music on the arbor-covered patio. The event features local musician Jason Deutsch of the band Hero and the Lie, with acoustic act Geoff Bland. If it’s warm, order the shop’s signature drink – …

Here’s a Great Escape idea that could lead to many more great escapes – right in your own backyard. If your idea of relaxing is making your yard and garden bloom, then set aside time on April 2 to take your green thumb to Soergel’s Orchards on Brandt School Road in Franklin Park for its spring kickoff event.  Soergel’s garden center pros will teach you how to turn your yard into a delightful retreat without breaking the bank. The event will begin at noon with a light lunch of deli sandwiches various chips and the orchard’s famous apple cider. The cost is $10 per person. After lunch, there …

Here’s an escape that’s tailor-made for you and your girlfriends to enjoy together – and you’ll wonder why no one thought of it sooner! On March 21, Siba Tuscan Grill and Wine Bar in Seven Fields will play host to its first Martini Manicure Monday event. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., you can enjoy a delicious specialty martini while relaxing with a mini-manicure from the expert estheticians at Eikon Hair Lounge in Wexford – all for just $15 “It’s a nice, relaxing evening out. You can come with your girlfriends and have a drink and something to eat,” said Siba manager Rudy Mogush. The event will be …

Just off the hustle and bustle of Route 19, a few remnants of Pine’s past still remain. This collection of historic buildings on Church Road between Route 19 and Route 910 is still known as the Village of Old Wexford, and it makes a charming spot to wile away a quiet afternoon. Start your afternoon with lunch at the historic Wexford Post Office Deli. As the name implies, the cozy wooden building once served as Wexford’s post office. Before that it was the Harmony Short Line’s station house. Today, the Wexford Post Office Deli offers a refreshing change from the fast-food restaurants on nearby…

Sure, Saturday date night is sacred, but a weekday break can feel like a real treat – for you and the kids. The folks at Blue Water Tavern in Wexford make it easy and affordable to escape the weekday rush with their Date Nite: Dinner and a Movie event on Tuesday, March 8. Simply drop off your children ages 4 to 12 in the restaurant’s private room where they'll have dinner and watch the movie “The Secret of Nihm” under a babysitter's supervision. “It’s a great option for people who don’t have grandparents or babysitters locally,” said restaurant co-owner Sandy Hughes. With the children …

It's tough to drag a beer lover to a wine tasting and vice versa. But everyone will love what's on tap at Blue Water Tavern this weekend. From 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, the Wexford restaurant/bar will feature 12 beers, 6 wines and a large selection of delicious tapas that will match up well with whatever beverage you choose. Owner Matt Hughes says he wants to give people something fun to do during February when there's not much to do but hate the cold weather. "We tend to hunker down in the winter, so something like this gives people an opportunity to do something fun, grab a bite to eat, and …

Valentine’s Day is a day for remembering why you and your significant other fell in love in the first place.  But it’s hard to do that when the baby is crying, the dog is barking, and your 5-year old just finger-painted the living room walls.  What you need is some time for just the two of you in a place where you can relax and decompress. How about a spa experience for two?  Today we have a Valentine’s Day offer from Above All Grand Salon and Spa. Choose the Couple’s Spa Escape and decompress in the soothing jets of an oversized hot tub. Then drift to sleep during your one-hour Swedish body …