This museum is WONDERFUL, particularly if you like the Impressionists and/or Post Impressionists. Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Degas and Gauguin are all well represented. Make sure to see Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte-1884". His technique of dots and lines can really be appreciated when seen closely. Gustave Caillebotte's "Paris Street; Rainy Day" takes up a whole wall and the couple in the foreground seem ready to walk into the room with you. There are a large number of Picasso paintings and a few by Toulouse-Lautrec (including "At the Moulin Rouge"). Grant Wood's "American Gothic", as well as Edward Hopper's "Nighthawk" can be found on the second floor of the museum. Do not miss the Thorne Minature Rooms on the lower level. Tiny replicas of sitting rooms, living rooms and kitchens are displayed for different countries (England, France, USA) and times (15th, 16th centuries etc.) The detail is amazing and though the area is a bit warm when crowded, it is a "must see". Try to visit the museum early if visiting on a Saturday. We arrived shortly after opening and the lines started notlong after. Large bags and long umbrellas must be checked. If possible,plan what you would like to see in advance. I recommend buying the pocketguide in the store next to ticket sales. It is only a few dollars and will help guide you to what you'd like to see and give you some information about the paintings and sculpture. Go to those paintings that you really want to see first and avoid the crowds (when passing by the Seaurat at a later time, it was packed!). Their web site is : www.artic.edu Enjoy!

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 is one of my favorite museums in the world!! They have Night Hawks by Edward Hopper, a lot of Impressionists. My favorite is downstairs. The miniatures. There are about 30-40 miniature houses in different periods almost like doll houses. A must see. Example (a 1800 Massachusetts parlor)or a 1750 Virginia kitchen. They have a lot of detail, down to the hairbrush on the dresser. In the summer they have a wonderful garden restaurant outside.