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Things to do in Chicago in the Spring

April 30th, 2008 by susan j

Springtime in Chicago
Springtime in Chicago photo uploaded by strangehill

Spring is the perfect time to visit Chicago. The city is reawakening after the winter, and some of Chicago’s most popular attractions are reopening for business. Here are some our picks:

What’s your favorite springtime activity in Chicago? Leave a comment and let us know!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Download a Map of Chicago

April 14th, 2008 by susan j

Chicago attraction map

If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, then you should be sure to pack a good map so you can find your way around the city. We’ve put together a map that includes all of the attractions that are part of the Go Chicago Card so you can get the most out of your vacation. Download our Chicago map and start planning your trip to the Windy City!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Best Shopping in Chicago

April 2nd, 2008 by jamie a

Fashion Gallery in ChicagoFashion Gallery in Chicago Photo uploaded by eob

While you’re in the Windy City, explore the city’s best shopping destinations with a guided neighborhood shopping tour! You’ll not only learn about the places that only locals know about, but you’ll get tons of helpful shopping tips from your guide.

Featured on Daily Candy, Chicago Traveler, and in the Chicago Tribune, this tour is a favorite activity for groups of friends ready to spruce up their wardrobes for spring. There are tours to suit every style, including neighborhood tours, happy hours (complete with stops for cocktails and snacks!), designer tours, and special tours for charitable organizations, where a portion of the tour cost will be donated to the charity of choice.

These tours do a great service in boosting awareness for local designers and businesses by making them known to shoppers’ radars. Tourists can get a great overview of the fashion community of Chicago, while locals can discover shops they never knew existed.

So, here’s your chance to pick up a great new staple for your spring wardrobe, all while getting to know the great city of Chicago!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Children’s Humanities Festival in Chicago

March 31st, 2008 by susan j

Chicago Botanic Gardens
Chicago Botanic Gardens photo uploaded by mattnis

Running May 3-10 in Chicago, the 2008 Children’s Humanities Festival promises fun for the entire family. This week long family arts festival covers five different Chicago neighborhoods and features live performances to inspire and entertain kids of all ages. The roster of performers includes Mirah and Spectratone International performing “Share This Place” (a multimedia video performance with live music), Lelavision (performing in English & Spanish), Teatro di Piazza D’Occasione (presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Botanic Garden, picture above).

The highlight of the festival will the world premiere of José Cruz González’s new play, The Blue House, which is about a 13 year old girl discovering the secrets of Chicago’s history. The performance opens on April 5 and runs through May 3. While in Chicago, you might also take the kids to Chicago Children’s Museum, Brookfield Zoo, and Navy Pier.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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International Village Poster Fair

March 28th, 2008 by jamie a

vintage postersVintage Poster Sale Photo uploaded by JoeBehrDenver

If you need some stunning new decor to spruce up for place for spring, look no further than the International Village Poster Fair and the Chicago Cultural Center!

Over 25 dealers will be exhibiting more than 10,000 posters, dating from the 1890s. From Art Nouveau Belle Epoque images, Art Deco, and Modernist posters, there’s something due to draw your attention. Subjects of the works range from WWI and WWII images, food, liquor, transportation, and classic cinematic wonders.

The festival runs from March 28-30th and $15 covers admission for the whole weekend, so head on over!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Spring Attractions in Chicago

March 24th, 2008 by jamie a

Spring in ChicagoThe First Sign of Leaves in Chicago Photo uploaded by jordanfischer

Now that Spring’s just around in the corner in the Windy City, it’s time to get out and explore all the great seasonal attractions that the city has to offer!

For some exercise and a little history lesson, check out Chicago Historical Museum Walking Tours. There’s tours of the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park starting in April. There’s also the Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural River Cruise, operating on weekends in April and May, where you’ll learn about the city’s comeback after the Great Fire of 1871 to be a modern architectural hotspot.

Come May, you’ll also be able to take advantage of all the amazing attractions that Navy Pier boasts of! There’s a ferris wheel, miniature golf, a light tower, and the classic Wave Swinger ride.

Happy Spring!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Saint Patrick’s Day Festivities

March 3rd, 2008 by jamie a

Green Chicago RiverGreen Chicago River Photo uploaded by Flipped Out

From their gigantic parade to the magic of the green Chicago River, this city certainly knows how to show its Irish spirit.

On Sunday, March 15th, the famous downtown Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day parade will take place at noon. The parade is held on the Saturday before the actual day to accommodate families with children who are not able to miss work or school to attend the parade. Taking public transportation to the event is highly recommended, due to increased traffic and closed roadways on the parade route. This informational page has a map of the route, directions for public transportation, and driving.

The dyeing of the Chicago River will take place on March 15 at 10:45 am. This is a tradition that spans back 40 years brought to the people of the city by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. The story behind this amazing feat is well worth a read, along with videos and photos of the event from previous years.

Last but certainly not least, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our readers!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Chicago Dog Show

February 22nd, 2008 by jamie a

dog showContenders in a Dog Show Photo uploaded by pepewk

Fellow bloggers over at Chicago Hot Blog have posted about the Chicago Dog Show, which will be held February 22-24 at McCormick Place.

Hosted by the International Kennel Club, the show will feature over 150 breeds of dogs, along with Junior Dog Judging (for kids 10-18) and the Puppy Spectacular. General admission is $16, seniors are $10, children under 12 are $3, and kids under 3 are free.

May the best canine win!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Black History Month

February 15th, 2008 by jamie a

Langston HughesPortrait of Langston Hughes by Carl Van Vechten Photo uploaded by Ping News

Celebrate Black History Month at Navy Pier with “Perseverance & Persistence: An Exhibition of Pride.”

Held in the Crystal Gardens, this event will run from February 2- 22 and showcases 28 notable African Americans and their contributions to American culture and society. From Langston Hughes to Frederick Douglass, there are portraits of so many amazing individuals that guests can read and appreciate.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Chicago Events for the Week of 2/14

February 14th, 2008 by jamie a

Thursday, February 14 (6-9 pm)
Attention winos! Join Bin36 for a “I’m Not That Into Valentine’s Day” wine tasting. $36 covers wine, cheese, and other great snacks.

Friday, February 15 (7:30 pm)
Author Jennifer Parello will be reading from her new novel Dateland at Women & Children First, which deals with two dear friends handling difficult breakups.

Saturday, February 16 (2 pm)
Head over to the Chicago Cultural Center for the Chicago premiere of the award-winning documentary Iron Ladies of Liberia. There will be a panel discussion after the film, focusing on the current electoral crisis in Kenya and connecting it to the topics in the film.

Saturday, February 16 (4:30 - 6pm)
Warm up with High Tea at Chalkboard every Saturday through March.  Enjoy an amazing selection of teas along with sandwiches and scones with a group of your friends.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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