Road trippin'

Less than 1 hour away

Murphysboro, Ill.

Murphysboro Apple Festival

The Murphysboro Apple Festival prides itself on providing family fun, billing itself as Southern Illinois' oldest and largest alcohol-free festival. More than 45,000 people are expected to attend the festival -- which started Wednesday -- over its five days. As part of the festival, the General John A. Logan Museum will unveil its new special exhibit, "April 1865: Lincoln, Grant and Logan."

For more information on the festival, call 800-406-8774.

Less than 2 hours away

St. Louis

"Macbeth"

We'd be willing to wager you've never seen a performance Shakespeare's famously cursed tragedy "Macbeth" quite like this. Three actors perform the parts of 24 characters in this play that debuted last weekend and concludes with shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Tower Grove Park. The production is presented by the Hydeware Theatre group.

For more information, call (314) 368-7306.

Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race started back in 1973, just an idea by four hot-air balloon enthusiasts who wanted to try out their balloons. Today organizers says it's the most well-attended single-day balloon race in the country.

Attendance is free, and about 130,000 spectators are expected to converge on Forest Park to check out the 70 balloons that will compete in the race.

For more information, visit www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com.

Less than 3 hours away

"The Lion King"

Memphis, Tenn.'s, Orpheum Theatre has been showing Disney's Tony award-winning Broadway version of "The Lion King" since August. Now the show is about to end its several-week run. Performances are slated for tonight through Sunday, with matinees Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call (901) 525-7800 or visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.