ONE-TANK TRIP

ILLINOIS

Jan 28-29 | 17th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Navy Pier, Festival Halls A and B, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, www.strictlysailchicago.com

This event is the largest U.S. indoor sailboat show and attracts more than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts each year for hands-on education and a selection of the latest sailboats all in one place.

Jan. 28-29 | Bonsai Silhouette, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chicago Botanical Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, (847)835-5440, www.chicagobotanic.org

The garden presents this silhouette bonsai show featuring trees from its bonsai collection. A silhouette show consists of deciduous bonsai trees in their dormant phase when the branching structure is highlighted. Family activities will include creating scrolls that are inspired by the three friends of winter (pine, bamboo and plum) and their symbolism. Families can also enjoy traditional Japanese folktales as well as winter stories from around the world told by Anne Shimojima, and try out suminagashi painting with guest artist Pam Martinez. Family activities are planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Feb. 10-20 | Chicago Auto Show, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, www.chicagoautoshow.com

Auto enthusiasts trek to this annual convention — celebrating its 104th anniversary this year — of more than 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks, SUVs and concept cars, all displayed within the colossal confines of McCormick Place.

INDIANA

Jan. 28 | Explore the South Shore II, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Indiana Welcome Center, Hammond

More than a dozen South Shore arts and culture organizations will gather for this free event featuring giveaways, kid's activities, classic cars, family photo opportunities, a livestock area, live entertainment and food. The first 500 families will receive a "passport of savings" for coupons and discounts throughout the region.

Jan. 28-29 | Annual Hammond Outdoors Sports Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jean Shepherd Community Center, 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dive, Hammond, (219)554-0155, www.gohammond.org

This event features free goodie bags for the first 300 attendees each day, plus tons of door prizes and other giveaways. Activities include the Trout Pond, minnow races and bobber pond for the kids. For adults, chain saw wood carving demonstrations and free deer antler scoring by Buckmasters.

MICHIGAN

Feb. 1-29 | 2nd Annual Harbor Country Chocolate Classic, various times and locations, Harbor Country, (269) 469-5409, www.harborcountry.org

This event features chocolate-themed movies, ice-sculpting, sleigh rides and creative activities for all ages. Culinary venues will offer chocolate-chip pancakes, hand-made truffles, and chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-enhanced wine and locally brewed specialty beer. Chocolate Classic retailers entice shoppers with specials on chocolate-hued items including jewelry, glass, furniture and more. Visitors can also win special prizes by participating in various chocolate-themed guessing games.

Feb. 4-5 | New Buffalo Winter Fest, various times and locations, New Buffalo, (888)660-6222, www.newbuffalo.org

This festival offers winter fun activities including free sleigh rides through town, ice-skating, ice carving demonstrations and more.