Food and wine festivals allow people to diversify their palates in one day, a feat previously attainable only by cramming five frozen dinners and a variety pack of juice boxes into a blender. Savor expanding horizons with today’s Groupon to the Flavors of Freeport festival at the Hilton Garden Inn. Choose between the following options:

• For $15, you get two tickets to the First Annual Freeport Ice Bar and two complimentary alcoholic beverages on Friday, February 17 at 5 p.m. (a $30 value).
• For $25, you get two tickets to Flavors of Freeport Chef’s Signature Series on Friday, February 17 at 6 p.m. (a $50 value). <p>

From within the Hilton Garden Inn will swirl the sounds of clinking glasses and the bubble of conversation, framed by the aromas of barbecue from Buck’s Naked and snacks from chefs around the city. The event begins in the hotel courtyard with the opening of the first annual Freeport Ice Bar, where bargoers sipping complimentary beverages mingle near toasty fires and ice sculptures of famous fires. A martini luge slides elixirs across crystalline planes and into waiting glasses. A wider range of tastes populate the Hilton’s ballroom, where local epicureans plate bite-size specialties ahead of the Chef’s Signature Series. A steady supply of wine, beer, and spirit samples fuel cheery warmth in visitors perusing an assortment of culinary offerings, and those casting votes for their favorite fare gain entry in a door-prize raffle. Both events only host those 21 and older, and, like the office of a sundial, the ballroom and ice bar close at 9 p.m.