Chicago travel tips
January 2nd, 2008 by susan j
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If you’re visiting Chicago the week of January 9, you should note that the Museum of Science and Industry will be closed on Wednesday, January 9 to Friday, January 11 in preparation for their 75 anniversary celebration. However, the Museum will be offering free admission for the remainder of the month (January 12 through January 31), so you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re in Chi-Town! .
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December 26th, 2007 by jamie a
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Chicago
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For everyone out there in the Windy City who’s ready to ring in the new year, here are some suggestions for the big night!
To celebrate on the water…
Check out Navy Pier’s newest offering, . Get dressed in your party wear to spend the night aboard a fantastic cruise ship. You can enjoy hors d’ oeuvres, an open bar, DJ entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, and fireworks to top off an incredible evening.
For one of the biggest events in town…
The NV Penthouse Lounge is hosting their fabulous celebration. From an open bar, champagne toasts, and one of the hippest crowds in the city, this is a great choice to party.
For an evening fit for royalty…
Party on at The Palace for There will be seven party areas, a hosted bar, party favors, and champagne (of course!) for the third year of this fantastic celebration.
To choose your own adventure…
This in Chicago for New Year’s Eve is a great site to find the event that’s perfect for you. A big thank you to for putting this listing together!
This New Year’s Eve should definitely be an interesting one, especially amidst the , which turns into effect starting at midnight on January 1st. How do you think the new ban will affect the nightlife of Chicago? Leave us a comment with your thoughts. We’d love to hear what everyone’s thinking.
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December 18th, 2007 by susan j
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If you’re doing some last minute holiday shopping in Chicago this week, then you might want to take advantage of the Fanni May Free Chocolate Ferry. Now through Sunday, December 23, weekend passengers on the passengers will get a free ride, complimentary chocolate samples, plus a coupon for a free cup of Fannie May Hot Chocolate. Shopping AND free chocolate? Now that’s a reason to celebrate this holiday season!
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December 17th, 2007 by susan j
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We’ve already shared some tips on holiday air travel, but we know that sometimes travel-induced stress can start before you even get to the airport. That’d right… often during peak travel season just figuring out where to park your car can feel like an odyssey in itself. Ed Perkins over at The Chicago Tribune offers some suggestions on . He suggests taking public transportation or flying into a smaller airport when possible. Great advice, Ed!
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December 12th, 2007 by susan j
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ice storms across the Great Plains have shut down schools and forced delays at . Chicago’s this week calls for clouds and temperatures in the mid 20’s and lower 30’s (slight chance of rain). If you’re flying in or out of the Windy City, it’s probably best to check for delays before you leave for the airport. .
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December 10th, 2007 by susan j
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The holidays are supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but airline delays, lost luggage, and other trials can turn a holiday trip into a scene from a Chevy Chase movie (not exactly what you had in mind when you booked that flight to visit the in-laws for Christmas).
But don’t despair, as MSN has just posted . I especially like #3, which reminds us to avoid airports that are known for having weather delays and to fly nonstop whenever possible. .
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December 7th, 2007 by shannon b
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Q. We will be Chicago on the 27th of December for a total of 3 nights; please, can you give some suggestion of night time events?
A. Lisa, good question! After you’re done using your during the day, what should you do fill up those winter nights? To open this question up a bit for all of our Go Chicago Card customers in town during the holidays, I’ve decided to give a list of fun things to do every night during the week of Christmas including the three days that you’re in town.
Sunday, December 23rd
It’s a Wonderful White Christmas
It’s time to warm up those vocal cords and make sure your peepers are top of the line because it’s . White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life are the perfect Christmas-time movies to get in the mood for the season. Plus, it’s the perfect haunt after an early evening of at one of the many rinks in Chicago that are open between November 24th and February 28th.
Monday, December 24th
The Four Seasons Is Nuts
While you may or may not be able to afford to sleep over at the , everyone can afford their served between 5pm & 7pm in the Seasons Lounge. Also feel free to wash down those holiday treats with the Four Season’s Kahlua-inspired Ebenezer’s Eggnog ($13). So go on! Dress up with a little holiday flair and enjoy the finer things in life, well at least until December 25th.
Wednesday, December 25th
Light Up A Life
If you can tear your family away from their new toys long enough to take a leisurely winter drive, you’ll get the chance to head on over to the and enjoy the a 1.6 mile course featuring millions of lights with holiday themes. Your admission fee goes directly to , a non-profit Illinois human service agency whose goal is to illuminate the lives of adults and children affected by mental disabilities. The best part is that you can give back to the Illinois community 9 pm daily (10 pm on Fridays) until January 1, 2007. Admission is $10 a car.
Thursday December 26
Winter Wonderful
After the chaos of gift-giving has subsided make your way over to Navy Pier for , where you can ice skate and enjoy inflatable games. If you have little ones, they’ll enjoy the Carousel Rides while you wander past the hundreds of decorated trees with your family and friends. Admission starts at $15. Open 10 am - 8 pm until January 6, 2008.
Friday, December 27th, 2007
Warm Up In The Jungle
If you’ve never seen , now is the time to gaze upon high-flying aerialists, contortionists, and acrobats who leap out of what could be a Tarzan dream. Fly with them through this enchanted world of vines and strongmen at the at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, December 28th, 2007
Lions and Tigers and Lights, Oh My!
It may be a jungle out there but at the it’s a jungle, savannah, ocean, and forest. At , spot your favorite zoo animals in this stunning visual display which will have you wild with excitement. This incredible visual menagerie can be seen from 5 pm-9 pm, Friday & Saturday until January 9, 2007.
Want to see some real animals? Roar with laughter at The when the sketch comedy group Koko turns us all into laughing hyenas. Show starts at 8 pm!
Sunday, December 29th, 2007
Jam Out With Andy
You never know who will stop in for a quick jam session at . Jam sessions are a well-known tradition in Jazz music used to search for artistic expression in a casual, energetic environment. Andy’s Jazz session is a favorite hangout of professionals as well as newbies looking to break into the scene through this loose and exciting form of expression. For $5, you can kick back on a leisurely Sunday, enjoy Andy’s comfort-food packed menu and listen to this . Starts at 7:30 pm every Sunday night.
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December 4th, 2007 by shannon b
Q.) We are traveling to Chicago this Thanksgiving Weekend, what attractions do you recommend?
A.) Hi Pam! Unfortunately, you caught us here at at a time when we were all gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday. I apologize that we were too late to answer you question about what attractions to see in Chicago on Thanksgiving weekend, but we thought it might be nice to write a response about what Go Chicago Card travelers should do if they’re in town for the Christmas holiday weekend.
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re in Chicago around Christmas, make sure you venture down to Lake Shore Drive to oggle the Shedd Aquarium’s newest holiday gift to marine biologists everywhere:
According to , “this marble octagon building is filled with thousands of denizens of river, lake, and sea. The only problem with the Shedd is its steep admission price.” Fortunately for you, the Shedd’s much-desired All Access Pass is included in the cost of your Go Chicago Card. For more details on making the most of your Chicago visit, check out ChicagoTraveler’s .
Sears Tower Skydeck
Many travelers making their first visit to Chicago want to know which attraction is better: John Hancock Building or Sears Tower. Well, if you could take off work and travel for weeks at a time, you’d probably be happy visiting both. Each attraction has its perks. For example, the John Hancock offers something that the Sears Tower can not… a view of the Sears Tower. But in the end, who can pass up looking out about one of the world’s most influential cities from in the world’s tallest building?
Take in Chicago’s awe-inspiring views with the SkyDeck’s high powered telescopes. On a clear day, not only can you see four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan) but you’ll really understand what a powerful city Chicago really is as you gaze out upon 40 miles of Chicago streets, outstanding bodies of water, and the rolling beautiful of Chicago’s surrounding suburbs.
And unlike many other Chicago attractions which are closed Christmas day, the Skydeck is open 365 days a year which means all your relatives are free to spread their yuletide cheer from way up above!
Field Museum
Indiana Jones movies seem to come to life in this world-renowned museum featuring over 6 acres of exhibits including the Field’s famous Egyptian Mummies, “Sue” the Field’s in-house T-Rex and the latest exhibit, which takes a look at the past, present & future of life all the way from the single-celled organism to when dinosaurs walked the earth to the latest human evolutionary developments.
Museum of Science & Industry
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry had a new temporary exhibit which should not only get you in the mood to continue your travels throughout the US and beyond but it should also strum up some holiday spirit as well! The exhibit features decorates trees from around the world in what the museum is calling a “dazzling forest of trees and displays lovingly created by the citizens of Chicago.”
The museum also presently houses the much beloved Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit (runs until January 2008) and the infamous U-505 Submarine, a real WWI & WWII German Submarine which significantly altered the outcome of WWII when special code breaking documents were discovered on board by Allied troops.
Whatever your pleasure, one can easily spend a whole day (warm & safe from Chicago’s frigid winter) while perusing these outstanding exhibits.
What Christmas trip would be complete without a visit to ? Spend an afternoon at Chicago’s iconic department store Marshall Fields or swing by Burberry (where you can buy a designer scarf to mask your neck from winter weather) or just pop for some holiday-decoration therapy at Crate and Barrel, home to hundreds of Christmas-themed home & cooking gifts. Your family will thank you for your generosity and perhaps you’ll find a little gift for yourself along the way?
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November 30th, 2007 by jamie a
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Until all of Chicago becomes wireless as hinted at by , here’s a list of wi-fi hotspots to help keep you stay connected while you travel.
As far as hotels go, there’s quite the variety. The offer free wireless, as well as and . If you’re up for meeting new faces, there’s also which welcomes guests of all ages.
For brunch, sandwiches, salads, or coffee, there’s the (featured in the film Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell), with great espresso shots, and with a menu full of exotic Mediterranean flavors and signature smoothies.
If you like to have a couple drinks while you catch up on emails, Chicago also has a wide assortment of pubs that provide free wi-fi. There’s which shows all Great Britain’s football games and serves traditional Irish pub fare and tasty appetizers like Guinness BBQ Wings. At the , you can sample the finest Chicago-crafted ales and lagers with over 10 handcrafted brews on tap every day.
Finish up your day with a visit to a genuine soda-fountain for a shake, float, or a build-you-own sundae. At the , you can savor the only handmade hard-pack ice cream in Chicago all while surfing the ‘net.
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November 28th, 2007 by jamie a
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While you’re touring around the great city of Chicago during this chilly time of year, check out this list of coffee shops to stop in while you’re out and about.
If you’re visiting the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, or the Field Museum, we’d recommend stopping in to the . Cozy up with specialty drinks like the Caramel High Rise, Mint Condition, and the Turtle Mocha. If you’d like some lunch, they also have delicious roasted chicken sandwiches on multi-grain rolls or a turkey cherry pasta salad.
After a stroll through or the Art Institute of Chicago, awaits with a tempting cup o’ joe. Voted by locals as their favorite in the city, it’s great to know that this is also a Chicago-based business. Drink it black or indulge yourself with a delicious mocha or their seasonal “celebration blend.” You can even have your lunchtime break here and enjoy some of their delicious paninis or salads.
Visit the in Lincoln Park and then head over to for a delicious treat. A cute little independently run coffee shop, order an orange coffee and a smoked salmon salad to fill your hungry belly. It’s the type of place to sit in a rocking chair and relax for awhile while you read the local paper.
If you’re in the area, be sure and stop in to the in the basement of Swift Hall where all proceeds benefit the Divinity School and its students. For just $1, you can enjoy a 16 oz. cup of regular or fair trade coffee. Espresso is also $1, and if you stop in on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 am, you can score a latte or a cappuccino for a dollar as well! (Any other time, they’re only $2) Grab a boxed lunch catered by other local businesses for only $5.25 and join in the intellectually stimulating conversation in this quaint little spot.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
