Chicago News & Travel

Escape to Chicago’s Botanic Garden

Image by Michael Kappel via Flickr

The city of Chicago offers a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities for vacationers, but what if you’re looking for something outside of the ordinary places like the museums, zoos, and the aquarium? If you’re willing to drive a short distance north of the city, the Botanic Garden is sure to be a pleasant and stress-free activity you’ll love.

Chicago’s Botanic Garden is situation over 385 acres on a number of small islands surrounded by lakes in the Northern Chicago suburbs. Founded in 1963 by the Chicago Horticultural Society, the garden opened to the public in 1972 and consists of wooded areas, several waterways, natural growth areas, and 23 other gorgeous display areas. Some of the gardens open for display include an Aquatic Garden, the Sensory Garden, a Bonsai Garden, the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden, the Malott Japanese Garden, the Waterfall Garden, and English Walled Garden, among many others.

The ever-changing landscape is one of the most popular in the entire United States, but because the Chicago Botanic Garden is so large, it’s nearly impossible to admire the entire thing in one day. If you’re unable to spend more than one day among the gardens, the best advice to print a map and plan a route among the areas you’d like to see most. Otherwise, there’s always the option of planning for visits to the gardens in the future.

Getting into the Chicago Botanic Garden is absolutely free, but you will need to pay a $20 parking fee. If you’re a member of the garden, parking is free as well.

Chicago for the Frugal-Minded

In today’s still-recovering economy, everyone is looking for ways to save a little money wherever possible. Some have taken measures to cut vacations from their schedules, but it doesn’t have to be this way, especially if you’re thinking of visiting a city with numerous activities such as Chicago. There are some easy ways to have fun in the city and still be financially responsible. Take a look below for some fun, money-saving ways to have fun with your family in Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago showcases numerous galleries full of classical works of art, including the paintings “American Gothic” and “Nighthawks.” Every Thursday night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can get into the museum for free.
The Field Museum in Chicago holds one of the most popular exhibits in any museum in the city—the fully reconstructed Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, named Sue (a huge hit with kids). The museum offers 52 free-admission days a year.
The Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago offers many interactive exhibits for children, including a dolphin show and an exhibit where children can act like penguins. The aquarium holds sleepovers for children and also has several discounted days and weeks each year.
For the space-lover in the family, the Adler Planetarium is a great learning experience. From learning about constellations to the Milky Way to the solar system in general, you’re sure to enjoy a stop here. The planetarium offers numerous discount days as well.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a favorite among Chicago vacationers, especially those with children. Admission is free every day and the zoo holds many events, such as the upcoming Zoo Babies event, where children can learn about the baby animals throughout the zoo.

If you’re looking to save some money while still taking a trip to Chicago, the best advice is to plan ahead. After you know when you’ll be in Chicago, check the websites for the places you plan to visit and see if there will be any discount days or special offers.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Shedd Aquarium

Visiting Chicago With Your Tax Refund

You may be expecting a tax refund in the coming months if you filed your taxes and are expecting some money back as a result. Your mind is probably going a million miles a minute as you think about all of the different things that you can do with your extra cash. One possible option is going on a vacation to one of America’s great cities, such as Chicago, Illinois. This is a choice destination if you want to experience a wide variety of activities in a single area.

There are plenty of things to do and see when you visit fair Chicago. For example, you should definitely go and see the Sears tower, the historic museums, the world-famous restaurants and steakhouses, and you should absolutely experience a true Chicago hot dog as well. Chicago is a fast moving and bustling city that will give you what feels like an infinite number of things to do and experience. If you are looking for a way to really enjoy your tax refund check, consider visiting a city such as this one so that you can keep yourself busy and enjoy a unique city away from home.

The best way to get the most out of your tax refund check is to rely on the free taxes online option. More money in your pocket means more money to spend on your vacation, which is where your money should be going after all. Doing something nice for yourself with the money from your tax refund check is a good idea because you deserve a break after working so hard all year long. A vacation is all about enjoying the fruits of your labor, so why not spend your hard earned tax refund check on enjoying the world around you?

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: Tax, Tax refund

Christkindlmart: Chicago’s Biggest Holiday Attraction

Christmas Markets are thought to have originated in Germany, since they’ve been a tradition there for hundreds of years. If you can’t imagine yourself going to one in Germany, then look no further than Chicago! Christkindlmarkt is held throughout Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago every year, usually running from the first Saturday after Thanksgiving up until Christmas Eve on December 24^th. The Chicago Market is styled after the Christ Market in Nuremburg, Germany, which dates all the way back to 1545.

Christkindlmarkt’s first big event is the lighting of the big Christmas tree in Daley Plaza, which usually occurs either on the first day of the market or during the first week in December. This is one of the most popular and best-loved Christmas traditions in Chicago and usually draws large crowds.

The market provides bystanders with good food and hot cider as they wait. Both international and local German merchants and restaurant owners provide numerous German delicacies to try, such as sausages and potato pancakes, complete with Gluhwein, a tasty sauce made from red wine. The shopping experience at Christkindlmarkt is like no other, offering attendees a large selection of traditional German gifts, such as wood carvings and textile and blown glass items, among other things. If you’re in the mood, there’s even a building where you can purchase beer.

If you have children, take them to see Santa in Daley Plaza. He appears there daily throughout the length of the market and can be found in a cottage by the Christmas tree in the center of the plaza. Nearby is a large model train exhibit, so if you have a budding engineer in your family, be sure to stop by and check it out.

Admission to the market is free every day. Since it is Chicago, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. All of downtown in festive during the holiday season, so if you’ve got some extra time, wander around and see some more of the holiday sights.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Christmas market

Tips for Visiting Chicago

Image via Wikipedia

Are you traveling to Chicago for business or vacation? This wonderful metropolis is home to the Sears Tower, the Chicago Bears, Wrigley Field as well as some Chicago food favorites — deep-dish pizza and the Chicago dog.

There are so many venues and attractions in Chicago you might have a hard time trying to decide on what to do and even where to stay during your time in Chicago. You may also want to make the most effective use of your time traveling to everything you want to see and do.

How do you go about finding information about all that is Chicago? It’s relatively painless procedure. Just try to plan in advance so you’ll have plenty of time for planning before traveling.

There are numerous websites out there that provide information about places to stay and visit in the city. Many of these websites will also mail you brochures and literature for additional information.

There are also national travel sites that can provide you with local information, as well as travel accommodations. These travel agencies will often be able to provide a full itinerary for you. They can plan a central lodging option that can get you to your chosen events or attractions for timely arrival at your business function or to make sure you can take in all the attractions on your vacation.

Area chambers of commerce are also a wealth of information for visitors or even people who are considering a move to Chicago. You can find out all kinds of information from socio-economic statistics including the average weather during a particular time of year. This kind of informatin will help you pack the appropriate clothing for the time of year you’ll be visiting.

It’s not hard to plan a trip to this wonderful city. Just spend a bit of time and planning and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field

The Big City Life of Chicago in Three Fabulous Hotels

You’ve got the Sears Tower, Chicago-style pizza, hot dogs, Wrigley Field and Cellular Field. That’s Chi-town. The Windy City. To experience the full breadth of this wonderful town, experience these three hotels from their angles overlooking Lake Michigan and reminding you of the history and spirit of a great city: starting with The Trump Hotel and Tower, The Elysian Chicago, then the Talbott Hotel, followed by the glamorous . Each is a luxury hotel Chicago location you can brag about. You won’t get the full extent of shopping, big city life, and good-natured crowds without staying in these luxury hotels.

You get the full extent of ultra-modern with clean, crisp white colors and pristine finishes of the highest quality in luxury at The Elysian Chicago. Following a sort of Greek/Roman mythological feel, the hotel features 188 guest rooms, Elysian Spa and Health Club, a mosaic-tiled lap pool, and a private fleet of luxury Lexus automobiles. It’s royalty in pure white, like beautiful dove goddesses waiting to be loved.

The Talbott Hotel is a completely different look altogether, but one equally luxurious in quaintness and comfort. Sitting at the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, this luxury hotel of Chicago sports 149 guest rooms with private Pilates and Yoga studios for those wanting comfort and peace in their workouts. Personal service is the key at the Talbott. Nothing overstated, nothing shining out at you. Just true blue service to a tee.

This third hotel screams luxury! And why wouldn’t it? It’s the Trump International Hotel and Tower. Founded by Donald Trump himself, luxury hits the skies high with some of the most luxurious guest suites you’ll ever see with just about any amenity you’d expect from a hotel. The cream of the crop.

So enjoy the splendor that is Chicago, Illinois, with these luxury hotels. They each offer an authentic view of the city–from the inside of your heart to the outside of your eye.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Chicago, Donald Trump, Hotel, Lake Michigan

Summer Festival Fun in Chicago

It’s been said that one of the best times to take yourself or your family to Chicago is during the summer. Not only is the weather gorgeous and the view of Lake Michigan breathtaking, but Chicago offers a host of fun activities in the form of one of the many festivals and gatherings that take place throughout the summer months. The best part about these festivals? Admission is absolutely free! If you’re planning to be in Chicago at all during the summer, keep the following events in mind when look for something to do.

The Chicago Blues Festival: Spanning three days each June, this is the largest blues festival in the world. It showcases local blue artists, as well as nationally known musicians and is held on six separate stages in Grant Park. Past talent has included Buddy Guy and Ray Charles, among others.
The Taste of Chicago Food Festival: This is a must for any food lover. You’ll need to purchase food tickets, but can sample over 200 items from over 60 local restaurants. In addition to the massive amounts of food, there are free music concerts featuring local and nationally known artists. Carnival rides are available for children as well.
The Chicago Air & Water Show: Held over one weekend every August, this is the longest ongoing event of its kind in the United States. Much of the show can be seen from anywhere on Chicago’s lakefront, including the yearly headlining acts, the U.S. Army Black Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
The Grant Park Music Festival: Running each Wednesday night throughout the summer, this is the largest classical music festival in the United States. The weekly performances are held at the northern end of Grant Park, inside the Jay Pritzker Pavillion which is part of Millennium Park. Performances typically include the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus on a regular basis, but other acts, some nationally known, make appearances throughout the summer as well. This festival is a must for any classical music lover.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Chicago, Grant Park

The Taste of Chicago Food Festival: 2011 Information

For ten days every summer, Chicago’s Grant Park morphs itself into a food lover’s paradise for the Taste of Chicago Food Festival. The festival, first held in 1980, has become the city’s most popular event, bringing in over four million people every year. Some of the information for this year’s festival has been made available. Here’s some of the basic stuff, just in case you’re planning to check it all out.

2011 Festival Dates/Times: 6/25 – 7/4; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on 7/3 when the festival closes at 7 p.m. and on 7/4 when it closes at 6 p.m.

Location: In Grant Park, between Balboa Drive, Monroe Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, and Michigan Avenue.

Getting In: The festival is free to get into, but you do need to buy tickets to be able to eat and drink. Twelve tickets will cost you $8. How many tickets you pay for food or drink will be dependent on the size of the food portion. To be fair, most vendors offer a sample-type plate for minimum tickets.

Public Transportation in Chicago: You can get to the festival in Grant Park a few different ways. The red and blue line subway stops are a few blocks away, and the 145 and 151 buses stop near Grant Park as well.

Parking: As far as parking goes, you can make use of the numerous parking garages around Grant Park. There is no parking right at the festival site. You also have the option of parking farther away and taking one of the public transit options to get to Grant Park.

Filed Under: Dining, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, Taste of Chicago

Chicago for Families

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, and as such, it offers many activities and places of interest for singles, as well as families. If you’re thinking about taking a family trip to Chicago, you’ll have plenty of options to keep the trip centered around your family. Depending on when you’ll be visiting Chicago, there will be different events to attend and other things to see. The list below offers some of the best-loved family attractions in the city.

Taste of Chicago: For ten days every June, this huge food festival takes place in the beautiful Grant Park. Starting in 1980, the festival was meant to be a one-day thing, but was immensely popular, attracting far more people than was anticipated. Today, nearly six million people attend each year. Over 70 local restaurants participate, so you’re sure to find something for everyone in the family.
57^th Street Art Fair: Held in Chicago’s Hyde Park area, this three-day fair is held every June. This event has been showcasing the work of local artists for over 60 years and was first held in 1948. The area is even family friendly, with a playground located right in Hyde Park.
Christkindlmarket Chicago: If you’ll be in Chicago between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is almost a must. Held in Daley Plaza, this is a four-week-long market showcasing nearly everything German—cuckoo clocks and handcrafted Hummel figurines and other ornaments. You can listen to (and sing along with) German music and songs and learn German.
Garfield Park Conservatory County Fair: Held on the west side of Chicago in mid-September, there is a petting zoo and farmer’s market among other things. If you want to showcase something special, you can. This event is only held for one day, though, making a little hard to plan for.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Travel Tagged With: Chicago, United States

Plan Your Chicago Experience

: Image via Wikipedia

It doesn’t matter if you plan to visit or you are looking for Chicago apartments so that you can live there, Chicago is a city full of history, culture and everything to see and do. From fine dining to arts and history, you can find it all in the fine city of Chicago.

Many people know that Chicago is a star in the culinary world. You can enjoy a food lover’s paradise and it doesn’t matter what type of food you like, you can find it all in Chicago. Any food found around the world can be enjoyed in Chicago and you don’t have to travel halfway across the globe to get the same fine cuisine you’d find there. Food such as Italian, Greek, Mediterranean, Indian and many more can be savored and if you are looking for some of the world’s best pizza, you’ve come to the right city.

After you’ve had your fill of delicious cuisine you can enjoy many other things to do in Chicago such as visiting the Shedd Aquarium, which is world famous. There is also the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry to explore. If shopping is your thing then you’ll love the Magnificent Mile where you can shop at 460 stores available. Don’t forget the night life where you can enjoy the Chicago Symphony Orchestra one night and laugh at a comedy club the next. For theater there is Broadway in Chicago with hit plays and dance productions right out of Broadway or enjoy Cirque du Soleil at the Chicago Theater. There is literally something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Everything you’d ever want in a city can be found in Chicago and whether you want to visit or live there you can do it all in one of the world’s most famous cities.

Filed Under: Travel