February 9th, 2010 by
admin
Illustration by Velizar Simeonovski © The Field Museum
Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age is a special exhibition coming to The Field Museum. Visitors will step back to the time of these fascinating animals with a series of exhibits and interactive opportunities.
The highlight is Lyuba, a 42,000 year old baby woolly mammoth. Lyuba made headlines when she was discovered because she is the most complete mammoth ever discovered. You’ll learn how she and her kind lived and survived in a world populated with saber-tooth tigers and short-faced bears.
Other exhibits include the opportunity to try your hand at cave art, to touch mastodon teeth, and even feel mammoth fur.
Mammoths and Mastodons runs from March 5 through September 6, 2010. A Go Chicago Card (or a Chicago Explorer Pass) can be used for admission to the Field Museum — and let you skip the entry lines. The Exhibition has an additional charge for visitors of $22 for adults and $15 for children which can be purchased directly at the museum.
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January 25th, 2010 by
admin
Attraction Passes are a great way to save money seeing the sights and attractions in a growing number of cities and destinations around the world. This article is designed to help you understand what an Attraction Pass is, how it works, and which one should you choose.
What is an Attraction Pass?
Attraction Passes are multi-attraction tickets. For one pre-paid price, an Attraction Pass serves as your entrance ticket to multiple museums, tours, sights, parks, etc. Most Attraction Passes are priced to save you money compared to buying individual tickets at the included attractions.
Attractions Passes come in multiple forms, but three types are the most common:
· Pre-Set Bundle – Includes a specific set of attractions and works as a ticket to any and all of the included attractions (e.g., the Paris Musee Pass, the New Orleans Audubon Experience Ticket)
· Prix Fixe – Customer selects a fixed number of admissions, then chooses how to spend those admissions from a list of included attractions (e.g., the Explorer Pass in multiple U.S. destinations)
· “All-You-Can-Eat” – Purchased for your chosen number of days, they act as a ticket to as many of the included attractions as you want for the duration of the pass. Examples include Go City Cards across North America, the London Pass, and the Sydney Pass.
In addition to their primary benefit as a money saving way to get into multiple attractions, some come with secondary benefits like line skipping privileges, shopping discounts, and restaurant deals.
How Do Attraction Passes Work?
The attraction pass works as any other ticket, except for the fact it is valid for entry at more than one location. You simply hand your pass over at the relevant attraction, they validate it, and in you go. In some specifics cases it can be slightly more complicated (e.g., where an advance reservation is required), but in general using an attraction pass is as easy or easier than using a standard ticket.
Which Attraction Pass Should I Choose?
It all depends on what kind of traveler you are. Going back to the three most common types:
· Pre-Set Bundle – If you know what you want to see is covered by this type of Pass, then this can be a great option. The primary drawback of a pre-set bundle is that in many cases it fails to cover the travelers full itinerary, thereby limiting the savings. Also, these passes often exclude the more expensive tours and attractions, thereby limiting their saving benefits.
· Prix Fixe – As with the pre-set bundle, check if what you want to see is included in the attraction choices offered. One advantage these passes have over pre-set bundles is choice and flexibility. In addition to having more attraction options, you don’t have to decide in advance which ones you are actually going to visit. Also these Passes usually get you into one or more of the more expensive “must-see’s” in a given destinations.
· “All-You-Can-Eat” – By far the most comprehensive and flexible, these passes are optimal for many travelers. As with the Prix Fixe type passes, you do not have to decide anything in advance. They also tend to include the full breadth of a destination’s museums, tours, and attractions, including expensive options like trolley tours, cruises, and the like. One word of caution: if you only plan to see 1 or 2 things a day, it may be tough to get savings from the Pass.
No matter which type of Pass you need, Smart Destinations has you covered in the City of Chicago. We offer and all-you-can-eat Go Chicago Card, a Prix Fixe Chicago Explorer Pass. And if you want a pre-set bundle, we’ll let you build your own – try our Custom Explorer Pass to build a ticket with just what you want and at a savings vs. buying individual tickets. This custom option lets you avoid the most common shortcoming of pre-builts, since you are the one deciding what is included.
Have a wonderful time doing all the great things to do visiting the City of Chicago!
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December 15th, 2009 by
admin
At 6:36 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, we welcomed Puiji’s calf into the Shedd family. Mom and calf are doing well. Members of our marine mammals and animal health staffs are monitoring the pair around the clock, watching for them to pass critical milestones in the next hours and days. See photos of the baby, video of the birth and follow the calf’s progress on our
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November 25th, 2009 by
admin
Museum of Science and Industry, 2009 Performance & Events Schedule
All activities take place in the Holiday Stage area off the Museum’s East Court, Main Floor. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Choral performances by area school groups will also take place from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18.
December
Gingerbread White House (Friday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010)
See the White House in sweet splendor with a mouth-watering model of the White House created by pastry instructor Marilyn Santos-McNabb and her students from the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC). The West Wing, East Wing and Executive Residence will be crafted from gingerbread, chocolate and sugar!
Saturday, Dec. 5
11 a.m. — Faith Filipiniana Dance Group/Chicago Angklung & Rondalla Ensemble/Sampaguita Singers — (Philippines)
12:15 p.m. — Boliviamanta Dance Ensemble (Bolivia)
1:30 p.m. — Norwegian National League of Chicago - Folk song and dance
2:45 p.m. — Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (India) – Pageant, song and dance
4 p.m. — Royal Scottish Country Dance Society/Chicago Branch Demo Team
Sunday, Dec. 6
12:15 p.m. — The Italianettes – Folk dancing, song and costume showcase
1:30 p.m. — Harvard High School Madrigals (England) – Choral performance
2:45 p.m. — Knights of Lithuania Dancers and Choir
4 p.m. — Flores de Mexico & Affinity Dance Company
Saturday, Dec. 12
11 a.m. — Danish American Athletic Club – Folk dancing
12:15 p.m. — Classic Act Choral Ensemble
1:30 p.m. — Thistle & Heather Highland Dancers (Scotland)
2:45 p.m. — Chicagoland Festival Chorus
4 p.m. — Robert Healy School Chinese Ensemble - Folk songs
Sunday, Dec. 13
12:15 p.m. — Finnladies of Chicago (Finland) – Traditional singing
1:30 p.m. — Iskra School of Ukranian Dance & Ukranian Children’s Choir, Cherubic Voices
2:45 p.m. — Cambrian Society (Wales) – Folk dancing, song and theatrical performance
4 p.m. — Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society (Greece) – Folk dancing and song
Saturday, Dec. 19
11 a.m. — Kupa’a Pacific Island Resources (Hawaii) – Dance and music
12:15 p.m. — “Raices” Rondalla Cultural Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rico) – Traditional instrumentation
1:30 p.m. — The Hump Night Thumpers (USA) – Jug band performing traditional blues, jazz and ragtime
2:45 p.m. — Acapellago (USA) – Acapella choral music
4 p.m. — Belizean Cultural Bearers – Folk song, dance and narrative skits
Sunday, Dec. 20
12:15 p.m. — Choomsarang Korean Traditional Dance Group
1:30 p.m. — Tierra Colombiana Folkloric Dance Company (Colombia)
2:45 p.m. — Polish Scouting Organization – Choral performance with dance and skits
Monday, Dec. 21
1:30 p.m. — Improv Playhouse (USA) – Song and theatrical performance
2:45 p.m. — Holy Cross/IHM Marimba Ensemble and Children’s Choir (Mexico/Central America)
Saturday, Dec. 26
11 a.m. — Frula Folklore Group (Serbia) – Pageantry, choral performance and folk dancing
12:15 p.m. — Mamma Sunshine (Kwanzaa) – Storytelling
1:30 p.m. — Tuwamari, Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano (Ecuador) – Folk dancing and song
2:45 p.m. — Figle (Poland) – Folk dancing and song in traditional costume
Sunday, Dec. 27
12:15 p.m. — “Campanella” Children’s Choir (Russia)
1:30 p.m. — Renacer Boliviano Dance Troupe (Bolivia)
2:45 p.m. — Holy Nativity Romanian Orthodox Church, Miorita Ensemble – Folk dance
4 p.m. — Holy Resurrection Cathedral Church (Serbia) – Folklore and choral music
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Chicago?
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August 31st, 2009 by
admin
Smart Destinations, the company behind the Go City Cards and Explorer Pass, hit a milestone in August when the 3 millionth visit occurred using one of its products. The visit occurred at Skydeck Chicago using a Go Chicago Card. Skydeck recently opened The Ledge, retractable glass-floored bays that extend over four feet outside the tower to allow visitors to gaze 103 floors straight down from America’s tallest building.
“We’ve continued to grow strongly in 2009,” said Cecilia Dahl, founder and President of Smart Destinations. “Beyond the savings component of our product we know from our customers that they see this as a way to travel smarter as well as more economically.” Dahl points to markets like Hawaii as a place where relatively well heeled travelers are embracing Smart Destinations’ Go Oahu and Go Maui cards and driving strong growth for the company.
“This is the equivalent of BMW’s in the Costco parking lot or the spread of private sale shopping sites,” said Dahl. “These aren’t customers who need a deal. But they like knowing they have been smart enough to get one.” Smart Destinations has seen growth across its 14 destinations in 2009, from Hawaii and San Diego to Miami and Boston.
The customer making the 3 millionth visit used a Go Chicago Card, one of Smart Destination’s flagship ‘Go City Cards’. Go City Cards allow a customer to pay a single price and then use the card as their entry ticket to as many as 80 different attractions in a given destination. Smart Destinations other product, the Explorer Pass, similarly allows customers to save time and money by paying once for the card and then using it for a set number of attractions in their destination of choice. The products area available across North America – from Oahu to Boston, San Diego to Toronto, and a dozen top destinations in between.
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August 14th, 2009 by
cecilia d
As the summer winds down, things are heating up in . The folks at the are preparing for the final show in the Jamin at the Zoo summer concert series. On August 28, 2009 Singer songwriter Angel Taylor will open the show; followed by headliners FIVE FOR FIGHTING whose 2000 album America Town went platinum with the hit song “Superman.”The concerts are held in the middle of the at the south lawn making for one of the most unique show venues in town. Tickets are priced from $21-$28 and can be purchased online at www.lpzoo.org, in person at the Zoo’s Gateway Pavilion or by phone at (312) 742-2283. Bring a blanket to sit on and get ready for a great evening.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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August 7th, 2009 by
cecilia d
If you’re heading to Chicago, you might want to extend your congratulations to the most unique pair of expectant mothers in the city. Shedd Aqauarium has announced that two female beluga whales, Puiji (poo-EE-jee) and Naya (NI-yah) are both expecting calves this fall. The whales recently returned to Shedd’s newly renovated Oceanarium from the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in Mystic, CT and were confirmed pregnant through blood tests and ultra sound exams in May. Shedd Aquarium is one of Six North American aquariums and zoos committed to the public display and breeding of beluga whales. The whale habitats were part of the recent renovation and feature new ledges around the exhibits and a permanent observation station which will better connect guests with the animals. Puiji and Naya will continue their regular training sessions but are not expected to be participating in the new marine mammal show or beluga encouter program for the forseeable future.” This is an exciting time for us at Shedd Aquarium, with the re-opening of the Oceanarium earlier this summer and two of our most recognizable animals expecting calves” said Ken Ramirez, senior vice president of animal collections and training. ”Both whales are healthy and their pregnancies are progressing normally. While we remain cautiousy optimistic, we are equally thrillled. Our animal care and health experts continue to provide the very best 24-hour care to both beluga moms.
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July 6th, 2009 by
admin
For those scared of heights, the Sears Tower Skydeck was probably never on their list of “must-see’s.” But the new glass floored observation point will undoubtedly thrill those looking for the ultimate view from the United States’ tallest building.
“I’m not going out on that thing” is one common reaction to the just opened addition to the Skydeck, named “The Ledge.” But even more common is an exclamation of amazement (with perhaps a tinge of fear) from those who have stood looking between their feet 103 floors straight down. And yes, a very high percentage of the younger visitors do seem determined to lie down on The Ledge as you can see from the photo above taken opening weekend.
Anytime you make changes to an iconic structure it must been done with care. “The Sears Tower has always been about innovation. For this new Skydeck experience, we have kept with that tradition.” said Bill Baker of SOM, the building’s original designers. ”Cantilevering out from the site of America’s tallest building, the viewing platform will all visitors to see the incredible city of Chicago literally beneath their feet.”
According to Randy Stancik, the GM of Skydeck Chicago, it was clear ”the Ledge” was going to be a hit long before it opened on July 2nd. He knew from all the forehead prints on the windows that people were straining to get a look down the side of the Tower.
Maybe you have never been, or maybe you’re a Chicago native who has been to the top a number of times. Either way, with the Ledge you have a whole new reason to go. If you need another, the Sears Tower Skydeck is one of 30 attractions included in the Go Chicago Card or make it one of your three choices with a Chicago Explorer Pass – two great ways to experience the best things to do in Chicago while saving money in the process.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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May 20th, 2009 by
admin
The Art Institute of Chicago. Griffin Court, Photo credit: Charles G. Young, Interactive Design Architects
The Art Institute of Chicago just got bigger. A lot bigger. With the May 16th opening of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing, the museum is now over a million square feet.
The new wing is dedicated to the display of the Institutes’s collection of 20th and 21st century works. The area devoted to modern European painting and sculpture features works by Matisse, Klee, Kandinsky, and Picasso to name a few, while the Contemporary Galleries boast works from Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and Ellsworth Kelly as well as many others. In addition, the museum’s architecture and design collection has been given a vastly expanded space and the wing’s displays of modern and contemporary photography compliment its existing displays that trace photographic art from its beginnings.
The design of the new wing has been described as a “triumph” by the Associated Press. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano led the $300 million dollar effort, which in addition to gallery space, offers visitors a a restaurant, a cafe, an open-air sculpture terrace, gift shop, and a pedestrian bridge linking the win to Millennium Park.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is included in a Go Chicago Card or can be selected as part of a Chicago Explorer Pass.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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April 21st, 2009 by
admin
The site for Go Chicago Card has a completely new look. The old site has been replaced with a new site that offers a number of improvements for customers.
The site has been folded in under a new top navigation bar that allows customers see all of the Go Cards and Explorer Passes offered by Smart Destinations. Previously, each Card had its own unique site which meant customers were not aware they could get Cards in other destinations. The new site now includes the Chicago Explorer Pass– a sister product that was previously on a its own site — as well as links to Cards covering destinations from Maui to Boston.
The site also places more information at customers’ fingertips. They can learn how the card works, where it is accepted, read reviews by other customers, and see all the included restaurant and shopping deals on the same page.
Images and descriptions have been upgraded, navigation streamlined and improved, and other changes have also been made to the site to help customers plan their trip and get the perfect Card for their needs.
Smart Destinations reports that demand for the company’s attraction passes has not only been strong, but is actually accelerating in 2009 as more and more people are looking to travel smarter. The fact that Go Cards and Explorer Passes let people into the top museums, tours, and attractions for a single money saving price makes sense in any economy. The expectation is the new site will further contribute to strong growth.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
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