ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Oct. 17-23 | Fashion Focus Chicago 2011, Millennium Park and venues citywide, Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, Chicago, www.explorechicago.org

This event is a week-long celebration of Chicago's thriving fashion industry. Some of the city's top designers will have runway shows in Millennium Park and at various locations around the city. The week will also include a variety of free and affordable shopping events and industry happenings. There are four headlining shows this year.

INDIANA

TODAY | Valpo Brewfest, 1 to 5 p.m., Central Park Plaza, Lafayette and Indiana streets, Valparaiso, (219) 464-8332, www.valpobrewfest.com

Sample more than 125 different styles of beers from America's best craft brewers. Also featuring live music and home brewer demonstrations.

Oct. 6 | Taste of Home Cooking School Show, 7-9 p.m., The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, (219) 473-6060, www.ticketmaster.com

This year marks The Times' fourth annual show. And just like the previous years, there will also be a vendor booth area off the theater lobby, open from 1 to 5 p.m., prior to the show doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The event also features a private tour of the stage area by this year's featured chef performer Eric Villegas, as well as food provided for both lunch and dinner.

MICHIGAN

Sept. 29-Oct 2 | Four Flags Area Apple Festival, Lake and 17th St, Niles, (269) 683-8870, www.fourflagsapplefestival.org

This four-day festival, one of the top in the state of Michigan, features carnival rides, food vendors, entertainment, and parades. Its purpose is to promote, unite and cherish the apple harvest.

Oct. 1 | 2nd Annual Weko Beach Brewer's Fest, 3- to 9 p.m., Weko Beach, Exit 16 off I-94, north on Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman, (269) 925-6301, www.wekobeachbrewersfest.com

This showcase event offers an opportunity to sample (tastes or by the mug) more than 30 wonderful locally-produced craft beers from Southwest Michigan. Wrap this into a day filled with sun and sand, tasty cuisine from local restaurants, live music and a dazzling sunset.

Oct. 2 | Antiques on the Bluff, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph, www.sjtoday.org

Held along the tree-lined Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan, this antique show is the premiere event for antiquers and collectors around Southwest Michigan. This event offers free parking and no admission.