Top 10 Coolest Midwest Museums 2014

Grohmann Museum Rooftop Sculptures

Museums are more than just somewhere you are forced to go on an elementary school field trip. After you grow up (and are no longer required to go) you find out they are nice. Even tasty in some cases.

Whatever your interests there is a good chance a museum devoted to it exists somewhere. Unfortunately many museums have little or no budget available for marketing and go unknown. Food, music, military, fine and performing arts, outer space, underground and on land, water and wheels ~ pretty much anything goes. Below are the ones I believe should make someone's bucket list.

Top 10 Coolest
Midwest Museums 2014

GROHMANN MUSEUM

More than 1,000 paintings, mosaics and sculptures line the walls, floors and rooftop paying homage to the laborers throughout history in the Eckhart G. Grohmann "Man at Work" collection, located in Milwaukee. The passion of Dr. Grohmann encompasses works (from 1580 through post WWII era) depicting farmers, glass blowers, miners and other trades people he had watched as a child in Germany. Dr. Grohmann happened to be in the museum when I visited and proved to be a delightful and gracious host, passionate in his respect to working men and women, stemming from his days spent at his grandfather's marble processing plant.

GrohmannMuseum.org

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM

Is there anyone who hasn't had a hot dog slathered with the bright yellow goo known as mustard? With literally hundreds of flavors, mustard is the new black in the world of condiments. Located near Madison, in Middleton, Wisconsin is the coolest of quirky when it comes to museums. From the hundreds of different types of mustard to try (and purchase), to Poupon U mustard university, to the fresh pretzels and hot dogs in house to eat for lunch with, what else, mustard, this is the only museum devoted to the yellow spread. Spicy, sweet, maple ~ even chocolate ~ can be found in a jar, bottle or tube, along with mustard serving spoons and dishes dating to the beginning of mustardom.

MustardMuseum.com

CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

Michigan's Museum of Natural History
This is one of those museums adults love to go to even though they'll pretend it's really for the kids. The scientific section of the Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills (metro Detroit), is the ultimate spot for learning about the world around us. Featuring, among many other areas, a Bat Zone, planetarium theater, observatory, and plant gardens, summer programs are also popular, along with overnights and themed lectures and galeries.
Science.Cranbrook.edu

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

From The Everly Brothers to The Beatles and on to Van Halen, music has been a part of American history as the inventor of the rock and roll genre. The coolest list would not be complete without the Cleveland, OH music pillar. Fans flock from around the world to see thousands of artifacts including, concert posters, instruments and rockers' jewelry among other items. Exhibits, live entertainment and inductee ceremonies give music lovers a one-stop venue to enjoy all that is Rock and Roll.

RockHall.org

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF MAGIC

Highlighting the masters of magic through thousands of artifacts, the Marhsall, MI shares the history, memorabilia and artifacts of such famous magicians as Harry Houdini and Harry Blackstone, among others. Children and adults alike will find fascinating items in this educational and fun museum. Gifts, books and magicians' coins are available in the gift shop. Supported by the National Endowment of Arts, research appointments are available at the archive center which houses more than four centuries of information about magic and magicians.
AmericanMuseumofMagic.org

INDIANA MEDICAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Located in Indianapolis, this museum is one which will surprise you with the background story. The history of the Old Pathology Building places it on the campus once used as the Central State (Mental) Hospital. The National Register of Historic Places building features an autopsy room, amphitheater lecture hall and three clinical laboratories used in the beginning era of psychiatric medicine. On the grounds, also, is the Medicinal Plant Garden, featuring more than 90 medicinal plants for education and demonstration purposes. It is maintained by Purdue Master Gardeners of Marion County.

IMHM.org

CITY MUSEUM

St. Louis is the home to the Cardinals, the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi River, it's true. However, this hands- and feet- on interactive museum might be even more popular. The 10-story spiral slide begins on the rooftop where you'll find a school bus hanging off the building's edge and various midway equipment (still working and safe). It will wind you down through floors of enchanted caves, the shoelace factory and MonstroCity. Tours, educational programs and age-appropriate activities solidify the learning-through-fun premise.

CityMuseum.org

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM

Few literary figures elicit a museum, and this is a personal favorite author from my childhood. A town of sorts, complete with Grant's era-replicated drug store, Becky Thatcher's home, Twain's boyhood home and father's law office. Merging Twain's actual childhood and literary characters creates a 3D historical situation. Interactive events (whitewashing the famous fence) free outdoor musical concerts and walking tours of the eight building compound make this a family friendly museum.

MarkTwainmuseum.org

FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM AT CANTIGNY

Located just west of Chicago is Cantigny Park, 500 acres of gardens, golf, camping and picnic grounds open to the public, along with two museums. First Division Museum preserves, interprets and presents the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, "in order to promote understanding of American military history and affairs." Gardens, live music evenings and exhibits, such as "WE NEED YOU! Propaganda of the Great War," and the Historic Military Vehicle Collection make this a museum, gardens and park not just for military, history and vehicle buffs.

FirstDivisionMuseum.org

ELLWOOD HOUSE
Step back in time to a world changing rapidly at the 1879 home of barbed wire entrepreneur, Isaac Ellwood, situated in Dekalb, IL. The three-story mansion features original Victorian style architecture and Gothic Revival, Georgian and Colonial Revival styles through subsequent remodeling projects. Gardens, exhibits and the home are open to the public for tours, events and an extensive interactive youth program, which focuses on art, history and nature. Children will be able to hunt for replicas of sea life, dragons and other creatures within paintings, carved into wood and throughout the mansion.

EllwoodHouse.org

Images were provided~

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Things to do at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa 2014

I recently visited St. Charles, Missouri's upscale casino: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. And, by upscale I mean ~ how did this place land in the Midwest? I have been in a few casinos and this is more of a spa, resort and casino combined yet, completely separate of each other's identities.

And ~ considering I am not really one to put coins into a machine without being assured of getting a candy bar back ~ this was great news. And surprising to find outside of Las Vegas.

Located in the historic town and just a few minutes from the airport makes this an easy road (or air) trip and provides the small town charm with big city slots.

It is owned by Pinnacle Entertainment, which also owns over-the-top Vegas-glamorized River City Casino and Hotel in St. Louis, which I wrote about earlier. Read Top 10 List here. Here are the Gotta Go recommendations for Ameristar Casino and Hotel, St. Charles.

Top 10 Best Things to Do

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa

~ 1 ~

Twirl

 
There are many food items in this list, I realize. However, when it happens that you find so many great ones, you just need to share. Here is the worth-the-drive pasta dish from the masterminds at Bugatti's Steak & Pasta, the Italian fine dining eatery. Beef short rib tagliatelle is a very long name for a very scrumptious meal to twirl. This could actually be my new No. 1 favorite Italian dish. No disrespect to Tony Danza who has just been pushed to the No. 2 spot.

~ 2 ~
Scrub Up
When I found out the ARA Spa service menu features Missouri's only Japanese bathing ritual-inspired all over body treatment, I went for it. Pure Bliss consists of five-parts using minerals, flowers and fruit essences, oils and lotions for an ultimate experience. All over mimosa shower, bamboo scrub, cherry blossom polish, plum mist and hydrated with wild lime oils.... that's not a spa menu item, it's an entire spa buffet. Wow. I might have floated to heaven somewhere between the second and third segment, or at least felt no stress for a couple of hours ~ Be sure to ask for Ramon.

~ 3 ~

Play Footsie

Just like any other lady (and cool men), I have received many pedicures in my life and the reasons this one hits the list is the professionalism and friendliness of the technician, the atmosphere and decor of the salon, and..... here's the big reason ~ the polish did not chip, smudge or flake off for three weeks ~ what a time saver without the extra cost and time for a gel polish treatment like Shellac gel. I use OPI regular nail colour (they also have a gel) almost exclusively and this was no exception. Except it lasted. And lasted. I received the Pure Bliss Ara ritual pedicure (and manicure) and if I lived within a reasonable driving distance, I would use ARA Salon for this reason alone.

~ 4 ~

Step Down
The suites are just that... suites. A relaxing sitting area accompanies every hotel room-suite in the form of a sunken living room. Picture windows showcase the cityscape or river view flooding the room with natural light. The step-down area is large enough for a few friends to sit and enjoy themselves without sitting on a bed or uncomfortable desk chair, making this a hotel that actually understands their customers' needs.

~ 5 ~

Flop it

No, I have not missed the Texas Hold 'em craze, which became more than a fad and is now a staple in casinos, bars and homes across the nation. I just never got the hang of it ~ until an invitation to a private lesson (my job does have its perks). Many things were learned at that tutorial: they are called cheques not chips, it's really, really fun to win large stacks on a bluff and you can take home big bucks playing this game. Hmmm, maybe I should take on that Moneymaker guy. I wonder if he's playing the Heartland Poker Tournament in Kansas City this October?
I think I'm ready ~ let 'em flop.

~ 6 ~

Pearl's Oyster Bar
(See image at top)

There is only one thing better than seafood. A tower of seafood. Pearl's is a Cajun and seafood eatery that tops itself with a vertical tribute to all that is wonderful under the sea. Blue Point oysters, King crab, snow crab legs and huge shrimp fight to be king of this hill of horseradish, hot sauce and melted butter. Enough to share with your gaming pals, chances are you will wrestle for the last bites.

~ 7 ~

Catch Fire

Because this casino's food and beverage team are slightly insane in that let's-see-how-we-can-top-it kind of way, they have taken a classic drink, the Hurricane (Pat O'Brien's in NOLA), and, well... lit it on fire. Yes. Flamed up the old standby get-the-party-started drink, proving they truly will try anything. Thank goodness.

~ 8 ~

Make a Wish

Now, I am not certain you are allowed to toss in the customary three coins, but no matter. This million-dollar water fountain doesn't need any coins to make you believe wishes truly do come true. It also doesn't scream for attention with flash and neon, simply drawing you in gently, offering a calming respite from all the gaming floor action.

~ 9 ~

Lap it up

Take a few laps in the indoor-outdoor pool or... just soak up the sun's rays while sipping a few cold concoctions. The cabana-style bar serves frothy, frozen and fruity drinks and is available to non hotel guests as well in the form of a day pass.

~ 10 ~
Listen Close

Live entertainment in the form of national and local artists fill the venues, such as Bottleneck Blues Bar and The Night Club. The St. Louis metro property even goes so far as to bring the music outdoors with Rehydrate Weekends ~ a pool party on steroids. Country, 80s pop, blues, you name it and you will find music for the soul.

Images ~ 

©Jeff Roberts JLR Photo&Video
E.J.Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Things to do at River City Casino and Hotel, St. Louis 2014

Returning from a trip is always a bit overwhelming ~ the origin of that feeling coming from two (or more) worlds colliding, I suppose. Leisure conflicting with work and home modes. You have been
either walking about a cruise ship, racing to see all family members or, perhaps it was a business trip and you need to relax before returning to local work mode and family duties.

Generally for me it entails a breakneck pace participating in, attending and trying as much as I can so as to report back to you. Kind of like the first guy across the ice before everyone else attempts it. Or the one who tastes the hot sauce first then cautions the others. Either way, I love it and upon returning home, I like to take a day or two, when possible, to let the world I just left swirl through my mind and see which ones are the ones I recommend the most. Here is the list for River City Casino and Hotel, located in St. Louis.

Top 10 Things to do

River City Casino and Hotel

~ 1 ~

Nosh on German Chocolate Pancakes

This is to-do list No. 1 for a reason. I have never seen anything like this anywhere else. Available at Lewy Nine's, no way will you eat this all by yourself, so be prepared to share with tablemates, onlookers and complete strangers as this is a showstopper dish.

~ 2 ~

Book a Director's Suite

If you do not believe these hotel rooms are worth the drive alone, we need to talk. It's a must to experience the Director Suites, with amenities such as glossy magazine-level bedroom, sitting room and.... those bathrooms, wait until you see those.

~ 3 ~

Bathe

No, you are not the smelly kid, which is a good thing because the shower is big enough for you and four of your closest friends in this spa-like retreat. The tub is a romance-inspiring deep soaking joy just waiting for a couple to slip in and enjoy a Hollywood movie moment.

~ 4 ~

Play

Although there is more than enough to keep busy without stepping onto the gaming floor, go ahead and hit the slots (more than 2000), and throw some dice. There are live dealers (55 tables), which is always more enjoyable, and the top-end venting system makes any nearby smokers a complete non issue.

~ 5 ~

App Up

The free app was so helpful in checking out the entertainment calendar, menus, and a map to keep you going in the right direction. But don't wait until you're there to download it ~ it's great ahead of time for reservations and more. Click here to download.

~ 6 ~

Throw (or eat) a Tomahawk Steak

A great ice breaker meal with friends, coworkers or family and found by order at 1904 Steakhouse,  Let them know when reserving a table that you want the 44 oz. prime ribeye and the optional 8-10 lb. lobster and your group will have plenty to enjoy.

~ 7 ~

Take a Stroll

I mean it... walk throughout the property enjoying the beautiful design, water fountains and other ooh and aah factors. This is not just another casino, folks. I have seen a few in my travels, and this one blew my mind that it is not located on the Las Vegas Strip.

~ 8 ~

Cater Events and Conventions

I am not in the convention-booking field, nor do I set up catered affairs, but if I did ... this is the place dreams are made of. I was priviliged to try out many items from their customizable catering menu and was impressed with how many could be served without losing quality, pricing or flavor.

~ 9 ~

Be Entertained

The ever-changing schedule makes me believe they truly care what their patrons want. It varies with boxing, music of all genres and other shows to keep it fresh. Click for schedule.

~ 10 ~

Toast a Little Lasagna

 

Seriously ... with St. Louis as the home to toasted ravioli, Executive Chef John Johnson uses his mad culinary skills (and I do mean over-the-top mad skills) to twist things up with this Beerhouse dish. Click here to watch his video on making it at home.

Images ~ E.J.Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 10 Best Midwest Food Tours 2013

Food tours have become one of tourism's most requested activity and the Midwest is no different.
Whether checking out a new city, or exploring your own, learning about the cuisine of the area is a delicious way to travel.

Basically, there are two types of food tours: Ones that focus on the food itself, concentrating on the chefs, restaurants and ingredients; the other covers the neighborhood, architecture, and history while enjoying the foods of the area. If you are looking to learn about a town, historic area or neighborhood you will want to choose the second type. True foodies, gourmet cooks and potential restaurant owners may be more inclined to choose the first style.

The best way to figure out which type of tours are available is to research. A simple call, website check, or email is all it should take. Culinary tour owners and staff are eager to ensure you choose one you will enjoy and will lead you in the right direction. Tours might be dedicated to a specific food (pizza, beer, cheese, chocolate), a specific area of town, or ethnicity. Transportation is normally by walking, but in some cases it might be by bicycle or shuttle.

Click here for the Gotta Go Food Tours segment on Indy Style ~

Below are my insider's tips and (in no particular order) the list of my recommendations.

Top 10 Best Food Tours 2013

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Bring a camera

Extra money is good for shopping after it's over

Come hungry

Let the operator know of allergies when booking

Go in a group or with a friend for memory-making

Be open to new foods and drinks

Milwaukee

Milwaukee Food Tours

Tours: Walking, Shuttle-Brady Street, Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, Riverwalk/Westown, Bloody Third Ward/Bloody Mary Brunch, Bay View/Bloodies & Beers, Village of Wauwatosa, Cedarburg, Pizza Bus, Churches & Chocolates, Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus, Grandparent’s Day, Bone Appétit (dog friendly), Walker’s Point Dine Around

MilwaukeeFoodTours.com

Saint Louis

STL Culinary

Tours: Walking-Market Street Gastro, DeMun Gastro, UCity Loop, Edwardsville, Chaumette Vineyards

STLCulinaryTours.com

Savor Saint Louis

Tours: Walking-Central West End

SavorSaintLouis.com

Indianapolis

Taste Indy Food Tours

Tours: Walking-Mass Ave., Wholesale Food District, Fountain Square, City Market

IndianapolisFoodTours.com

Chicago

Bobby’s Bike Hike

Tours: Bicycle-Bikes, Bites & Beer

BobbysBikeHike.com

Tastebud Tours

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast, Sweets (Chocolate and desserts), Loop/Millennium, Magnificent Mile

TastebudTours.com

Chicago Food Planet

Tours: Walking-Gold Coast/Oldtown, Chinatown, Bucktown/Wicker Park

ChicagoFoodPlanet.com

Cincinnati

Findlay Market Tour

Tours: Walking-Customized Findlay Market

FindlayMarket.org

Lexington

Bleu plate Tours

Tours: Walking- Heart of Lexington, Sunday Stroll

BleuPlateTours.com

Bloomington

Bloomington Food Tours

Tours: Bites of Bloomington

Walking-Downtown Bloomington

BloomingtonFoodTours.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

St. Louis Shakes Things Up with Adult Style Kid Drinks

The restaurants of St Louis' casinos ~ Lumiere Place and River City ~ have figured out a solution to a never-ending problem for adults. one that has plagued each of us since the moment we hit puberty.

One of the best things about being a child is the food. You taste so many things for the first time and, often, can remember for the rest of your life your first hot dog, pizza, or ice cream. Memories remind you of happy times (or not so happy) times when you eat your favorite foods.

Certainly we remember our first adult beverage ~ that Little Kings in high school, the screwdriver made with swiped vodka from a parents' cabinet ~ and you laugh about it later.

One of the worst things about growing up is giving up, one item at a time, those favorite foods. Health reasons, weight watching and other various reasons require you to give them up forever. Sometimes you give it up because you have to decide between an adult beverage and a child's favorite.

Now you can have your shake and liquor too.

For beer drinkers, the casino's Guinness chocolate  milkshake will quench your thirst. The dark stout pairs well with the frozen flavor and keeps chocolate cravings at bay.

St. Louis' River City Casino, Lumiere Place and Four Seasons Hotel have created a complete menu of adult beverages harking back to delicious childhood favorites.

On a rotating seasonal menu, "Adult Milkshakes" made with the fun-loving grown up in mind include:

White Chocolate Truffle

Vanilla ice cream, Godiva White Chocolate Liquor, Chambord

Chocolate Truffle

Chocolate ice cream, Chocolate vodka , Chambord

Chocolate Orange

Chocolate ice cream, Chocolate vodka, Cointreau

Naughty Strawberry

Strawberry ice cream, B&B, Strawberry Pucker

Nutty Irish

Vanilla ice cream, Frangelico, Irish Cream, Nutella

Rocky Road

Chocolate ice cream, marshmallow vodka, vanilla vodka, sliced almonds, Chocolate chips

Key Lime Pie

Vanilla ice cream, Lime Vodka, Whipped Vodka, fresh squeezed juice of 2 limes, graham cracker mixed in and sprinkled on top of whipped cream, wheel of lime as garnish.

For those who grew up watching E.T. find his way home, River City brings the colorful candies into the bar for a special treatment. Skittles-infused vodka cocktails satisfy the little kid in all of us with the brightly hued martinis tasting exactly like the popular candies.

Bottom Line: Residents of St. Louis, and anyone within driving distance, will be able to feel like a kid again ~ one drink at a time.
 Images: E J Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused 101: Shrub Cocktails with Cielo Mixologst Cory Cuff

In INFUSED, Elizabeth J. Musgrave connects the art of spirits, wine and beer with culinary and creative arts

Infused 101: All About Shrubs

A resurgence of an old-fashioned bartender staple has emerged and is catching the fast train to Trendyville. Although it sounds like a landscaper's problem, shrubs are popping up in homes and bars nationwide creating confusion with novice and seasoned drinkers alike.

What is it? How do I use it? Can I make it myself?

Initially coming into contact with shrubs at Iozzo’s, Indianapolis, I became intrigued and started researching. Shrub, which means “to drink” in its native Arabic language, is also the word origin for sherbet and syrup as well. Becoming common in the 18th Century as a fruit, sugar and alcohol drink, modern day shrubs are added to mixed drinks to create a much more intense depth of flavor. If paired properly with the other ingredients, it can intensify, highlight and broaden the flavors of the drink.

My friends at Cielo, St. Louis’ swanky rooftop modern Italian restaurant and nightspot, which sits high atop Four Seasons Hotel, were kind enough to create a teaching video. I spoke with in-residence mixologist, Cory Cuff, Certified Specialist of Spirits. Cuff also instructs Cielo’s mixology courses offered to Four Season’s guests. Topics include, Basic Mixing, Spirits & Cocktail Era, Pure Shrubbery, Advanced Bartending and Bar Managing. Cuff’s Pure Shrubbery course teaches the definition, use and types of shrubs, as well as creating and using the cordials.

Infused: In one sentence; what is a shrub?

Cory Cuff: It’s a vinegar-based cordial.

I: Do you drink it by itself or in a cocktail?

CC: All good shrubs should be able to be drunk alone. However, you want to put it with ingredients that will highlight and emphasize what you’re trying to get across. Cucumber-lime shrub? Put it with tequila: it’s a natural fit and will elevate both elements.



I: How difficult is it to make at home?

CC: It’s not difficult to make it. It’s mostly the mind frame that I am going to put vinegar in a mixed drink. Once you get over that mind frame and treat it as a cordial or another mixing element, the sky is the limit.

I: Does it have to be refrigerated afterwards?

CC: It should be.

I: Is it cooked?

CC: It is boiled with sugar. You’ll boil it for about 10 minutes and that’s what you use. It softens the bite of the acid.

I: What type of vinegar?

CC: I’ve been using a lot of Champagne vinegar and, recently, balsamic. However you can make your own vinegar or use any vinegar you want. It’s the end product that matters.

Image and video courtesy of Cielo

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published onGottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Cocktails, Corsets & Cupcakes with Bixby's & Missouri History Museum Through Aug. 28

St. Louis' award-winning Bixby's and the Missouri History Museum get Underneath it All with Above it All through Aug. 28, 2012. In conjunction with the museum's latest, unique exhibit, Underneath it All, which presents a timeline of historical lingerie and fashionable silhouettes, the upscale eatery pours cocktails and presents its own exhibit of demi plates, hors d' oevres and desserts.

Although the museum's exhibit is open daily, Tuesdays are the hot night with the "Above it All" reception for fashionistas, girlfriends and trendy folks.

From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., the second floor will get racy with Bixby's Sous Chef Callaghan Carter's epicurean nibblers, including tomato-mozzarella antipasto plates, orzo primavera with grilled shrimp, watercress vichyssoise shooters, smoked paprika and citrus hummus with veggies, and summer squash flatbread with local goat cheese.

And for dessert?

Nothing but cocktail cupcakes will do in tempting flavours of vanilla Champagne, strawberry daiquiri, citrus colada, and chocolate cosmo.

Smart cocktails of infused summer spritzers and a premium cash bar, including Skinnygirl cocktails, will be available during the event.

About the exhibit

As a reflection of identity throughout the ages, clothing can be used to reflect one's status in society -- or to rebel against it in the case of the bra-burning era. Various efforts have been using undergarments to highlight or create an illusion of perfection with the female body.

Underneath It All showcases the fashionable silhouettes of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries through dressed mannequins and their coordinating “undressed” mannequins. The undressed mannequins display the undergarments needed to create that silhouette.

From bustles to bullet bras, petticoats to panty hose, corsets to camisoles, Underneath It All tells the story of women’s progress in a changing society through fashion.

For Tuesday evening's Above it All event, purchase tickets ($20) and reserve a spot by visiting AboveitAll/qrickets.com. To reserve early and receive a unique gift bag, call Bixby's at 314-361-7313 or email aboveitall@bixbys-mohistory.com.

For viewing of the Underneath it All exhibit sans cocktails, visit MOhistory.org for details, directions and hours.

Underneath It All continues through Jan 27, 2013.

Images: Bixby's; Missouri History Museum

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Top 6 Midwest Places You've Gotta Go This Summer 2012

Lantern Festival                                                                                          Image/IzzyEvans

I have compiled a list of the Top 6 events and great places you've Gotta Go this summer. Within a day's drive, these should definitely be checked out whether as a full-blown vacation, a weekend getaway or day trip. There are long- and short-running exhibits, performances, etc., so take special note of the dates.

Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night

Where: Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)

When: Through Aug. 19, 2012

What: Created by Chinese artists on site, 26 silk and light sculptures that are larger-than-life (literally, they are huge-up to 3-stories tall).

My thoughts: By day, fun and pretty; by night, breathtaking and surreal. There are some things that must be seen to be believed and this one is right at the top for that sentiment. This is one of those "You won't see anywhere else" kind of things. My recommendation is to go about an hour before nightfall, see the sculptures by sunlight, then catch the wonder of them by moonlight. Never before seen in the United States, I was fortunate to be invited to St. Louis for the event's grand opening and I absolutely plan to drive the 4 hours to catch it one more time before it disappears.

Website: Mobot.org

World Choir Games 2012

Image/CincinnatiUSARgionalTourismNetwork

Where: Cincinnati
When: July 4-14, 2012
What: "The Olympics of Choral Music" competition
My thoughts: The honor of being selected from a list of 20 cities from around the globe striving to be chosen to host the phenomenal international event is not lost on me. Held every two years in committee-judged locations, Cincinnati is the FIRST ever selected from the United States to host 362 choirs in this international competition. More than 200,00 participants from 48 countries will arrive to compete in front of tens of thousands of attendees. Opening ceremonies, participant village, and special events throughout the host city bring together international and domestic performers all trying for the gold, silver and bronze medals and honor of distinction. More than 300,000 performances and public appearances, 10 venues and a rare chance to be a part of this high-energy event make it a Do-not-miss event.
Website: 2012WorldChoirGames.com

Symphony on the Prairie

                                                     Image/IndianapolisSymphonyOrchestra

Where: Conner Prairie (Indianapolis)
When: Through Sept. 2, 2012
What: Annual summer outdoor concerts, performed by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
My thoughts: This annual tradition encourages picnics, family time and great music in a casual, scenic location. Jazz, classical, rock and even disco are all performed with, and without, the symphony depending on the show. This year's selection includes Don McClean (American Pie), The Contours (Motown) and firework displays. For a complete schedule, click here Complete schedule
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

German Fest

                                                                               Image/GermanFest

Where: Summerfest Grounds (Milwaukee)
When: July 26-29, 2012
What: United States' largest German festival
My thoughts: It only makes sense that the city with the largest German settlement in the United States would hold the largest German festival in the nation. Nearly 100,000 people will frolic for three days along the banks of Lake Michigan, enjoy biergartens and dance in liederhosen.
Website: GermanFest.com

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

       Image/MackinacIslandTourismBureau

Where: Mackinac Island (Michigan)

When: Aug. 24-25, 2012

What: United State's largest German festival

My thoughts: Fudge. A festival devoted to fudge...kinda proves there is a heaven, doesn't it? Known for the Grand Hotel, horse-drawn carriages and fudge, the island has been a vacation destination since the 19th century. This annual event has activities and demonstrations galore for fudge fanatics known affectionately as "fudgies."

Website: MackincaIslandFudgeFestival.org

Taste of Chicago

                                                                           Image/TasteofChicago

Where:  Grant Park (Chicago)
When: July 11-15, 2012
What:  34th annual Five-day foodie festival
My thoughts: Free admission. This annual event welcomes one-day (called "Pop ups") and five-day restaurant participants from the Chicago area. The more laid back, dressed down predecessor to Gourmet Chicago feeds approximately 1 million attendees.
Website: TasteofChicago.us

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com, and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.