ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Jan. 26-29 | 17th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago, Navy Pier, Festival Halls A and B, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, www.strictlysailingchicago.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.

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 | 28th 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 Drive, 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.

Feb. 23 | Of Stage and Scream, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Street, Valparaiso, (219) 548-9137, www.mohlive.com

This event will showcase Northwest Indiana's WINDIANA concert band in a theatrical light. It features silent movie accompaniment from 1913 (including three short silent films), a silly horror experience with "Godzilla Eats Las Vegas," and John Philip Sousa's take on being "At the Movies" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" remembering the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. As an added attraction saxophone virtuoso Otis Murphy, of Indiana University, will solo with the concert band. Jeffrey Doebler, of Valparaiso University, will be conducting.

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.