With shining skyscrapers and bustling streets, Chicago is a city replete with culture, from blues clubs and theatres to architecture and art museums. There’s plenty to keep you busy in this bright and intriguing city. See a show, hit the shops, take a cruise tour or sit back and enjoy nature in a pristine park. Chicago is a happening city!
Get a great overview of the city, literally! You’ll see things from a whole new perspective at the Willis Tower Skydeck, the highest point in the city. Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is an icon in the city’s skyline and holds the title of “Tallest Building in North America.” The Willis Tower features the ultimate observatory with visibility of up to 50 miles on a good day! The Skydeck also maintains displays and interactive exhibits available in several languages showcasing the city’s rich history. Your little ones aren’t left out of the experience; there are “knee-high” history displays for the kids! The Skydeck is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Combined ticket and tour packages are available. For more information, visit www.theskydeck.com.
Once you’ve seen the city from the sky, see the city’s stunning architecture from the Chicago River with informative and fun guided tours. A Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Cruise will show you some fabulous sights! The ships dock at Navy Pier and operate April 1 through November 30, weather permitting. River cruise tours depart several times daily between 11:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. on weekdays and 10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. on weekends. Reservations are recommended, but “walkups” are welcomed. Tickets can be booked in advance through the website for a discounted price. For more information, visit www.shorelinesightseeing.com.
For the art aficionado, a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago is a must! The institute’s permanent collection features a wide variety of art from an array of cultures and continents including Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The collection spans the years, from ancient to modern. Works in the collection include such classics as Edward Hopper’s Night Hawks and photographs by Eugene Atget. A Special Exhibit – Victorian Photo Collage – runs now through December. Admission is $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for senior citizens, students and children. Children under 14 and members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.artic.edu/aic/.
If you enjoy extravagant restaurants, classy shops and unique boutiques with all the best brands and a lot of variety, spend a day strolling the Magnificent Mile. Encompassing eight city blocks, the Magnificent Mile’s name says it all. For more information, visit www.themagnificentmile.com.
The world’s a stage at the Shakespeare Theatre where you can catch a variety of live theatrical performances throughout the year. Shakespeare’s dramatic Richard III will shock and enthrall you with its murderous plot and villainy, now through November 22. Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, visit www.chicagoshakes.com.
Relax and unwind in a natural oasis at one of the Chicago Park District’s many pleasant parks. If you enjoy the outdoors, Chicago provides plenty of opportunities with a multitude of designated parks spread throughout the city including gardens, lagoons, wetlands, woodlands and playgrounds. The city’s Parks District maintains over 7,600 acres for your recreation and enjoyment. Many of the parks host free and low cost events including Halloween festivities starting on October 27 and running through October 31. These events include all the usual Halloween fun like “haunted houses,” pumpkins, hayrides and more. Dates and specifics vary by location. For details, visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/.
There’s nothing like an evening at Blue Chicago to cure your blues or your craving for some sweet blues music. With two venues in the city, Blue Chicago features a wealth of talented blues musicians in true Chicago style with live performances every night of the week in an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that really draws in a crowd. Doors open nightly at 8:00 P.M. and stay open until 1:30 A.M., except for Saturdays when the good times go until 2:30 A.M. The club also offers accommodations for booking private parties. Cover charge is $10.00 on Friday and Saturday, $8.00 any other night. For more information, visit www.bluechicago.com.
Enjoy Chicago!
