I don’t know about you, but I have spring fever! As I look out my window and look at the snow on the ground, I realize I am craving spring flowers, nature, sun and some warmer weather. So I checked around to see what is available and was surprised at how much there is to do in Dupage County. Here are a few ideas to get you out of the house this week, without spending a fortune.

Maple Syrup Sundays
Fullersburg Woods  in Oak Brook  Mar. 14, 2010 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Get sticky! Take a stroll through the woods, and discover the secret of turning tree sap into syrup. All ages. Activities ongoing. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 850-8110.

Spring Night Hike
Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook  Mar. 18, 2010 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Experience a forest preserve after hours, when animals are accustomed to going about their activities undisturbed. Ages 7 and up; under 18 with an adult. Free. Registration begins March 1. Call (630) 206-9581.

A Nickel’s Worth
Kline Creek Farm  in Winfield  Mar. 18, 2010 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Find out what a nickel could buy in the 1890s and how consumer preferences were changing. Free. Registration not required. Tours begin on the hour. Call (630) 876-5900.
Better yet, before you take off, why not make this recipe for crock pot minestrone soup. There’s nothing like coming home to hot soup!

Minestrone
1 -15 oz can Navy beans, rinsed and drained
2 carrots diced
2 baking potatoes, peeled and deced
2 red onions, chopped
2 small yellow squash diced
½ fennel bulb chopped
¼ pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, peeled
10 fresh parsley sprigs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 32oz carton vegetable broth
1 cup orzo (or favorite soup noodles)
1.Combine all ingredients except the orzo in a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Pour broth over the beans and vegetables. Cover and cook until vegetables are for tender. 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.  At end of cooking time, remove and discard the parsley and garlic and gently stir in the pre cooked orzo.