After a weekend wandering the County trails, one of our writers returns from the woods a changed man: blisters on both feet, and a blossoming wish to head out again, and soon. more ›

Susan Robb's Warmth, Giant Black Toobs spent the day at Volunteer Park. Activated by the sun, they stirred and rose. Blown by the breeze, they knotted up. Kids shrieked and ducked under them, ran pell-mell to escape from Toob walls closing in on them. The Toobs got into wedding pictures. They impersonated anemones. Then they were balled up and the lawn was suddenly Toob-less again. more ›

One of our favorite art installations of 2007, the Dancing Toobs, returns to Volunteer Park on this sunny day around 11 a.m. and continuing through the day. This weekend promises to be exceptionally hot and packed with artsy events (or Hempfest... if you consider glass pipes to be art), and we can think of no better way to launch it than to head over to Volunteer to watch enormous solar-powered toobs bob, sway, and dance their way closer to the sun. The gentle, plant-like toobs are artist Susan Robb's brainchild, and she's a lovely person--we talked to her last year for a few minutes--so don't be shy to ask her questions. Also, don't touch the damn toobs or you'll ruin the fun for everyone. Thanks to CHS for the tip! more ›