When I was very little my absolute favorite museum was the Art Institute. I was in love with the Miniature Rooms and used to beg my father to take me there every time I visited him and so I decided to share my love with the nieces.

The miniatures are complete and fully detailed European and American rooms from various periods in history - after the 1700s I think. There are over fifty individual rooms and each is a little bit of perfection. They were all given to the museum by one donor - though I don't know if she had them made for herself or specifically for the museum.

If you've ever had a lust for dollhouses (my particular childhood obsession), furniture or interiors, you should enjoy this exhibit and fortunately yes, it went over quite well with the girls.

There are many exhibits designed specifically for children in the museum, on the bottom level is a special touching exhibit for kids, originally it was designed for the blind I think. Anyway, there are several pieces from the museum's collection that you can touch and feel - as opposed to viewing from across the room. Another huge hit with the kids.

This tour stops at about 10 destinations of the very most haunted ground in the Chicagoland area.

Have you heard about Resurrection Mary? She is the poor girl who was going to a dance and was hit by a car. She now wanders the roadways being picked up by unsuspecting young men who take her home.... only to find out later that she died long, long, ago! What about the ghost trying to get out of the locked cemetery who left fingerprints and bent metal in the gates?

The tour rotates to different areas including the site of the St. Valentine's day massacre and Al Capones final resting place in Mt. Carmal cemetery where we hope he rests in peace! There are so many places that are haunted in this area...so keep your eyes peeled for bizarre happenings.

This is a fairly long bus tour, so be prepared by packing snacks and drinks in a backpack!

Built in 1893 to highlight the Columbian Exposition, this classic building not only houses a collection of 300,000 pieces of art, but it contains the world known art school training the Michaelangelos of the future.

I must confess to you that I run around visiting my favorite pieces each and every time....as if they are long lost loves of my life !

Begin in the European collection and take extra moments to gaze at Renoir's "Acrobats of the Circus" and anything from Paris.....Monet, Seurat (A Sunday on la Grande Jatte), Degas,Gauguin (in his island stage), Caillebotte (Paris Street;Rainy day).

By now my husband is restless, so he will leave and go to the collection of armour and weapons, while I head to the American Collection !

Of course, Anything by Mary Cassett-take your pick, it's all wonderful ! check out Winslow HOmers "Croquette Scene" For a quirky fix I run over to the Remington area. Most known for his bronze work, this guy really tried it all ! I find it so bizarre that he did most of the oil paintings here in black,white, and greys immitating photography !

In the meantime, my husband has probably viewed the photography collection which is another of his favorites since photography is his hobby.

We meet upstairs for lunch (unless it is an exceptional day to sit in the outdoor enclosed patio). The Restaurant on the Park serves lunch MOnday through Saturday from 11-2:30 and has a grand time showing you how edible food can be presented as an art form ( and be yummy too !) Featuring linen tablecloths and uniformed waiters as a set-up for the sensual pleasures to come hot or cold to your table. I don't care what you order; you'll love it ! Slip into total gluttonous abandon by ordering dessert....if you can make a choice among the generous selection.

After lunch, take in the special exhibits (currently : Bonnard, Vuillard,Denis and Roussel--1890-1930) Audio tapes are a good way to add to your enjoyment here.

Wander the ancient collections from 3000 B.C. in many cultures with the remaining hours of the day. Whatever you do....don't miss the gift shop ! It is the most amazing place for notecards, journals, art books, jewelry......members receive 20 % savings !

This was, hands down, the best art show I've ever seen. It was obviously a labor of love for the people who arranged it. Some of Van Gogh's best, including several on loan from New York and Amsterdam that I'd never seen before. I cried because the story of Van Gogh's attempt to create an artist's community with Gaugin and another painter were so sad. They really told a story with paintings carefully paired with excerpts of the men's private letters. We were also shown how they influenced each other. One tip -- just say no to the audio tapes. God, just let the beauty flow through you! I believe that this exhibit has now left Chicago, but if you hear of it coming to a museum near you (and you like passionate painting) then get thee hence!

In any case, the Art Institute is a gem all on its own.

AfterHours is held the third Thursday of every third month from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Visitors can explore the galleries at their own pace. It is a hip event especially for 20- to 40-something singles. I would recommend it for sure.

I went to see the Medici, Michelangelo, and the Art of Late Renaissance Florence. The exhibition was quite crowded that night so I did not have the patience to see everything in the detail that I normally would. Nevertheless, it was fun because the night had an Italian theme with Italian music played by live entertainers. There was delicious appetizers like mini bruscetta and of course, vino or other cocktails for a fee.

The museum shop was open and I was pleased to find some super bargains on posters from previous exhibitions--something I really like to collect.

The Art Institute presents AfterHours on a quarterly basis for a post-work celebration of art and entertainment. Each AfterHours program is centered around a theme highlighting either the museum’s permanent collection or a special exhibition like the Medicci one. There are gallery walks presented by museum curators, music, cocktails, and complimentary food included with the entrance fee of $15 for non-members and $10 for museum members.