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Chicago Summers: Planning a Vacation

Chicago has many things to offer when it comes to activities to participate in while on vacation. Deciding on what to do while you’re visiting isn’t the only big decision to make, though. With today’s economy, planning a vacation and thinking your decisions through will help you make the rest of the decisions. You can use 411 canada if you need information on stores and shops for your travel. The following list offers some tips on planning your next trip or vacation in Chicago.

  • How will you be getting around? Checking prices for the different modes of transportation is one of the first things you should do. Will you be renting a car to get around? Driving your own vehicle? Walking? There are many options, but some will obviously be less costly than others. Decide on what you can afford over the course of your visit to the city.
  • What do you want to see while in the city? Many of Chicago’s attractions offer discounts during the week, including free admission days. The best way to find out about these is to acquire a visitor’s guide to the city. These can be found online as well.
  • Where will you be staying? Finding a place to stay that is in the vicinity of where you’ll be spending most of your time is the best idea. This way, you’ll save money on transportation. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to walk from your hotel to the places you want to see. If you happen to belong to a travel club of some kind, find out if you can get a discount anywhere in the city.
  • Do you know where everything is in the city? When on vacation, you want to see as much as possible, right? Take a look at a city map or two. Knowing where things are and how to get to them will cut back on time spent driving around aimlessly. Nobody likes to spend vacation being lost.
  • What about the weather? This is a simple one. Check forecasts and pack accordingly.
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Chicago Man Turns up after 32 Years

Chicago skyline at sunrise

Image via Wikipedia. Chicago skyline.

In 1979, a Chicago man by the name of Arthur Gerald Jones disappeared without a trace. Because of the debts he owed, and his potential ties to the mafia, he was declared dead seven years later in 1986, so it was surprising when the man turned up recently in Las Vegas under the name of Joseph Richard Sandelli working for a sports book there.

He was arrested for using a social security number fraudulently, but has been charged with additional crimes since. These include some burglaries across the country: In Boca Raton, Florida, he was arrested on larceny charges in 1979 and then in Naples and Palm Beach in 1980 under the name of Robert Lage. He moved to California and changed his name again; this time to Richard Sanders. He was arrested in Santa Barbara, Las Angeles, and Westminster. He was connected to these arrests because of his fingerprints.

It was after this time that he moved to Nevada and changed his name to Joseph Richard Sandelli. Because of his most recent arrests, his previous identities were discovered. Jones has been charged with possession of personal identifying information to establish false status or identity and fraud, obtaining and using personal information of another person, and burglary.

As they always say, you can’t escape the past. Jones was able to escape his for 32 years, but eventually, at the age of 72, it finally caught up with Jones. Looks like he’ll get life in prison (because he likely won’t live to carry out his sentence).

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Best Chicago Restaurants

While you are in Chicago exploring the exquisite city and all of the hotspots, don’t forget to visit the most popular restaurants. The top three are listed here, according to the local residents, with the wait times listed. It will assist you in the time-planning of your trip itinerary to know what sort of wait time that you should expect for each.

 

M. Henry would be listed among the most popular restaurants for the delicious Bliss cake that makes them famous in Chicago.  This modern establishment draws in crowds from all over and brunch is the busiest time, though the wait time during the weekdays will be minimal.

 

Girl and the Goat is an excellent place for dining with great food. You should plan on waiting approximately an hour and a half for two people and another hour for more than four in the party on the weekends. Saturdays are especially busy and Tuesdays look to be the best time to visit this very trendy spot in Chicago.

 

Kuma’s Corner has the most adored burgers available in Avondale. The unique pretzel bun gives that extraordinary taste that you shouldn’t miss while visiting. With an hour or two wait times, the weekends tend to be the busiest, whereas the weeknights would be the best time to visit just before the kitchen closes. In the warmer months, the patio is open for almost double the amount of customers that will be out enjoying the nice weather in the Windy City.

 

Besides the restaurants, be sure to check out the theatres, concerts, comedy clubs and various family events that are featured in the Chicago area.

 

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Top 5 Things to Do In Chicago

Chicago River @ night 

Image via Wikipedia

Chicago is a great place to visit for either an interstate trip for a short city break or as part of an international trip.  There are so many things to do in this great city that really has its own unique vibe and culture, offering something for everyone day or night, rain or shine.  With so many things to do where do you start?  Well below are the top 5 things you really must see on your visit to Chicago!

  1. The museum of science and industry is a wonderful way to spend a day.  With great exhibits from space suits to submarines and great interactive displays to keep even the most distracted minds engaged.  Currently the controversial and macabre Body Worlds Exhibit is on display.
  2. The John G Shedd Aquarium holds a vast 90,000 gallon coral reef display and the always popular dolphins and whales. A magnificent display of marine life well worth a look.
  3. Wrigley Field is the home to the legendary Chicago Cubs and a must see for any sports fan.  Full of history and sporting memories of great athletes.  True Americana.
  4. Supernatural Chicago is a one man historical tour with a twist.  Be guided around Chicago learning about weird and wonderful occult happenings in Chicago’s deep history with entertainment and a splash of magic to keep you interested, engaged and on the edge of your seat for the entire evening
  5. The Oriental Institute is not what it seems.  This is not a museum housing oriental artifacts but a grand display of rare, unique, ancient artifacts from Egypt, Persia and surrounding countries.  Great for history buffs and so much to see you may want to go back and visit!

Take a look into the rich history and culture of Chicago, you won’t be disappointed!

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Chicago’s Famous Field Museum

If you’ve been thinking about taking a vacation to Chicago, whether solo or with your family, be sure to visit the Field Museum on Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago. The museum is located in an area of the city that is very popular with tourists because it offers many attractions including the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, along with the Field Museum, and is near a multitude of restaurants.

The museum first opened in 1893 under the title of the Columbian Museum of Chicago. The name was changed to its’ present one, The Field Museum of Natural History, in 1905 after Marshall Field donated a large sum of money, enabling the museum to expand and then relocate to the current site on Lake Shore Drive.

The Field Museum houses many different types of exhibits, including a fully reconstructed skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex named Sue, which is part of one of the most popular nature exhibits. Other exhibits include Asian and African areas, which showcase fossils, various examples of taxidermy, as well as stories of both history and culture. The Underground Adventure is a favorite of this area of the museum, as it allows you to “shrink” and see what it would be like to live underground as in insect.

The museum also displays a number of special exhibits throughout the year. Past exhibits have included a large display of Chinese rubbings, a display on mastodons and mammoths, as well as an exhibit showcasing a large number of mummies from Egypt and other areas around the world.

To find out what the Field museum is currently showcasing, and to learn more about the discount and special days regarding admission, take a look at their website or call for more information.

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Chicago’s Favorite Haunts

Halloween isn’t just another holiday for children. The ever-growing emergence of haunted houses and ghost tours has turned the holiday into one that older kids and adults can love as well. There’s always the question of where to go, thanks to the ever-increasing number of haunted houses, but if you’re in the Chicago area, there are quite a few popular choices. Read on for some of the area’s favorites!

In Elk Grove Village, a short drive west from the city, you’ll find Eleventh Hour Haunted House. This location offers up four different haunted attractions, the most popular being the manor house. You’ll find stage-quality props and theatrical actors throughout Eleventh Hour.

Statesville Haunted Prison in Crest Hill has been frightening people since it opened in 1996. A replica of the old prison, this locations offers up prison cells full of insane inmates, along with gore and special effects from over 40 actors makes this one a fan favorite around Halloween.

One of Chicago’s newest and immensely popular haunts is Asylum Xperiment in Villa Park. Dave Link who is an expert when it comes to special effects created this site.  He’s combined animatronics with separately themed rooms that depict a myriad of horror scenes. Admission is a bit high, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re a horror fan. You even get a little extra—Blackout, a darkened maze filled with surprises.

Dream Reapers, another fan favorite, is located in Melrose Park a short distance from the city. The 22 rooms at this location combine with over 40 theatrical actors and over 40 different animatronics to offer a truly terrifying experience. Along with a simulated experience of being buried alive, this locations matches unique sounds to every experience it offers.

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Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle for St. Patty’s Day

Chicago offers up activities for just about anybody. There are plenty of museums, tons of flavorful restaurants, and no shortage of shopping facilities. If you’ll be in Chicago around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for an activity a bit more physical than just walking around in a museum or from store to store, then maybe you should check out the Shamrock Shuffle.

The Shamrock Shuffle is held every March in downtown Chicago. The race is 8k—just under five miles—making it the perfect length for the veteran running enthusiast and the beginner alike. Winding along nearly the same route as the Chicago Marathon, the Shamrock Shuffle begins in Grant Park and finishes there as well, but not before taking participants along some of the best-known streets in downtown Chicago. The path is mainly a flat one, making the race easy for everyone, beginner or not, and the race is held in March (weather cooperating, of course) so participants can enjoy the race without the need for layers of extra clothing for warmth.

If you think the Shamrock Shuffle might be something fun to get into, then make sure you get registered early. Thousands of people take part in the race every year, so registering early is the best way to guarantee that you’ll be able to participate on race day. In the two days before the race, you’ll need to pick up a race packet which includes your race bib and tracking tag, among other items.

On race day, grab your bib and tracking tag and get to Grant Park early. Where you start will be determined on how fast you can run. The Shamrock Shuffle employees corrals containing blocks of participants, so be sure to arrive early enough to be able to find your starting point. Regarding your tracking tag and race bib, be sure the bib is displayed on your clothing in an easily readable manner. Attach the tracking tag tightly to one of your shoes.

Fore more information on Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle, stop by the official website at http://www.shamrockshuffle.com.

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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.

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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 24th. 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.

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Tips for Visiting Chicago

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in 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.

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