Windy City Spots

Chicago has something for everyone, from the art lover, to the food lover, to the punk rocker! While in Chicago, you must visit Lake Michigan. Whether you do a boat cruise or just go for a walk, look back at the skyline - it is amazing!

I would also suggest seeing a play at the Chicago Theater. They are all Broadway quality, and the building is beautiful. I have many happy memories from my childhood where we went for dinner beforehand at a trendy restaurant, then to a play and dessert afterward. You must do the theater scene in Chicago.

In addition, you MUST see Chicago at night. I feel like this is when the city really shines. From the impressive skyline to the trendy restaurants, hopping bars, and late-night gatherings, this is the true Chicago!

Quick Tips:

One of the best resources for local events is 190 North, a TV program that airs on Sunday nights (10:30pm) on Channel 7/ABC. The show tells you all about the local hotspots, from where to eat and drink to what is playing at the local theaters. It is a great resource for visitors and locals alike. If you won't be in Chicago on a Sunday, check out their website at http://www.190north.com/.

In addition, there are usually tons of ads in the Chicago Tribune and local newspapers for restaurants, clubs, bars... Sometimes coupons are included. The Tribune is probably the best source for entertainment news in the city, and most hotels give you a complimentary copy (well, the nicer ones do).

Best Way To Get Around:

The L is a pretty good way to get around the city, and it only costs .50 to ride it. It can get you almost anywhere you want to go, although I would not suggest riding it alone at night if you are a female. In addition, the bus system isn’t' all that bad for the city, and it is the same ticket for the L and the bus, so you don't need to buy a bunch of different tickets.

If you are renting a car, I would suggest doing so at the airport (O'Hare), as the options are a lot cheaper here than elsewhere. Taxis are also readily available, and you can pick one up from almost anywhere. You can definably walk Chicago though, as it is a great city to walk in with the lake, parks, and Michigan Avenue.

I love Maggiano’s; it is perhaps one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Although I have had better Italian food and been to restaurants with a better atmosphere, I still love this place. I would highly recommend a reservation, especially if you are going around any type of holiday.

If you do end up having to wait a few minutes, take advantage of the bar; their drinks are fabulous. I would recommend the cosmo, and they also make a fabulous sour-apple martini. My father is a fan of their Manhattans straight up. There is an extensive wine list. The bar area is dark and intimate, with burgundy and dark wood. It is usually busy. Don’t come here if you are looking for an intimate moment.

The decor in Maggiano’s is all dark woods and deep reds with accent pieces. There is enough here to keep little ones very occupied, with pictures of famous Italians and original pictures and menus all over the walls.

For food, go for it family style. It isn’t worth it for everyone to order their own entrée; there are too many different items that you will want to taste. Their portions are huge, even the half orders. For an appetizer I would suggest starting with the bruschetta or the calamari, as both are done very well.

I have yet to find something that I don’t like on the menu. A must is the house salad, though. The dressing is amazing and the rest of the salad is great (if you don’t like blue cheese, have them put it on the side, as there is a ton of it). For pasta items, I strongly suggest the shells and shrimp. The shrimp are large and cooked perfectly, and the sauce is light, very flavorful, and not overburdened by the taste of tomatoes or seafood. In addition, the clams linguine is amazing. I have never had it in the red sauce, but it is my favorite dish in the white sauce. There are a ton of clams, a light sauce, and a good bit of garlic. The fettuccine alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs may seem a little basic, but they are good, very, very good.

Now, that’s just the pastas! For entrées I would strongly suggest the chicken giardinaire. It is a pounded chicken breast that is breaded and then cooked. It is smothered with giardinaire, and the tastes are very complimentary.

For dessert you must attempt Nonna’s pound cake, which is my favorite dessert here. It is pound cake with caramelized bananas, hot fudge sauce, and a good serving of vanilla ice cream. Once again, this is pretty large and can be shared among several people. If you are a fairly large party, I would suggest that you do the family-dining menu. If you can, order everything that you like on it! It is a good price and all-you-can-eat, so even if you finish what they give you, you can always get more!

Berghoff’s is known for their beer and German food. I must say, though, that I have had a lot better. I think their food is overrated and that people go much more for the name than they do for the food. I have never been here for lunch, but I have heard that there are huge crowds and that the food is pretty good. My suggestion is that if you are going to go, go for lunch.

As noted above, the place is packed for lunch almost every day. It is also a popular place to go before or after the theater, or even after shopping. While the food is decent if you are going there just as a small group, I would strongly suggest not going here for a banquet or with a large group. We once did a company dinner here. The service was horrible; it took forever to get our food, and it was cold when it came out.

I do enjoy their potato pancakes, a favorite side dish of mine (must be that Eastern European blood in me). In addition, the schnitzel is pretty good as well. I am not a fan of their famous creamed spinach, but that is more likely a personal dislike. The bread is good and will set the tone for the rest of your meal. I believe that it’s rye and wheat. It is dense, coarse, and thick.

The majority of the meals are smothered in some sort of sauce or another. They are usually brown and heavy, and I’m unable to tell one from the other. I would not suggest coming here if you are on a diet - the amount of calories will send you into shock.

The decor in here is authentic German; you do feel like you are sitting in a beer hall it the middle of Berlin, Munich, or any other city in Germany – well, with a Chicago twist. There is a ton of dark wood and a good bit of stained glass. The whole interior is dark, and on the walls there is a lot of Chicago memorabilia.

This is perhaps my favorite place to get a hot dog in Chicago. They make them the Chicago way, with poppy seed buns and everything you could ever imagine piled on top of them. Don’t worry it you are a purist, though, as the hot dogs are just as good if you get them with just a pickle as if you get them with everything. For those that are not from Chicago, a Chicago dog has everything on it, and the bun does get a little soggy! Make sure to get a few napkins if you don’t to wear your food.

In addition to the amazing hot dogs, Chicago Style also has amazing gyros (another Chicago favorite). Here is comes right off the spit; it isn’t heated in a microwave like some other places around town. They don’t water down the cucumber sauce and they include onions and tomatoes in addition to the lamb, pita, and sauce. I would highly recommend the gyros.

The fries are not my favorite here, but a lot of the time they come with the meal, which is a good bargain. They are the cut fries, so they are a little thicker and still have portions of the skin on them. They will also probably need a liberal dousing of salt and pepper; they lack a little in taste. I am just not a fan of hand-cut fries, but if you like them, these are pretty good.

Overall, Chicago Style Hot Dogs will give you a good idea of what a real Chicago hot dog is all about.

If only you could make reservations at Garret’s Popcorn, that would be the life. The line that usually stretches out the door is there for a reason… the popcorn is amazing! It is one of those traditions that you always must stop here for popcorn when you are shopping downtown (well, at least my family does).

You will know that you are near Garret’s either by the long line that sometimes stretches half the block or by the smell that hangs in the air. Garret’s is known for their caramel corn. It is nothing like the stuff you buy in the store. It is warm, slightly sticky, and sweet but not too offensive, and rarely does the popcorn stick in your teeth. The only way to eat the popcorn is warm; it isn’t nearly as good cold as it is warm. So, don’t worry about pacing yourself and saving some for later - indulge!

In addition, you can see them make the popcorn themselves, so you know that they didn’t just buy it somewhere else and heat it up in the back. It is pretty interesting for both children and adults to watch and takes your mind off waiting in line.

I would strongly recommend that the next time that you are in Chicago, you stop in and get a bag of popcorn from here. You won’t regret it!

Gino’s East is where you go when you want good deep-dish pizza! It is practically a Chicago institution. There are several locations around the Chicago area, and the food is the same at all of them. Gino’s East combines old-world Italy with fast-paced Chicago. They give you just enough of Italy so that you relax, but not enough so that you linger. The table clothes are red-and-white checkered, the music is Italian, and there is memorabilia of famous Italians on the walls.

There is a full-service bar here, so it is sometimes a popular place for people to gather to watch the games. The beer is slightly overpriced, but the wine is a pretty good deal. I would suggest getting a carafe because the price is a lot cheaper for the number of glasses that you will be getting.

I know that you came for the pizza, but I would suggest getting the family-style salad to start off with. It is a bottomless bowl, so you can eat as much as you want, and the dressing is wonderful. It is a little tangy and refreshing but not overpowering. The salad consists of lettuce (a combination, but mostly iceberg), cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons, onions, and black olives. In addition, if you are looking for a starter, the mozzarella sticks and bruschetta aren’t half bad.

For pizza, get the deep dish; it is one of the best that Chicago has to offer. The crust is what makes this pizza a better offering than a lot of others in the area. It is a cornmeal crust (I believe) and not nearly as heavy as others that I have tasted. While this dinner will by no means be light, you don’t feel like you have eaten a rock after you have had a slice or two of the pizza. My favorite type of the pizza is the supreme, and I would suggest it to everyone. The pizza doesn’t get lost in the toppings, but there is a nice balance between the toppings, the sauce, and the cheese.

In addition to pizza, Gino’s East also has some decent entrées. Their lasagna and spaghetti are pretty good. But go for the pizza - it’s what everyone comes for.

The best time to visit the Walnut Room in Marshall Field’s is during the Christmas season. It is during these few months that the huge tree is put up. Every year, there is a different theme, and that theme is shown throughout the rest of the store. During the holiday season, you are actually sitting underneath the tree--go ahead and stop and snap a few pictures.

The room is actually quite pretty in every season. With deep colors, dramatic windows, and lots of wood (hence the name), it is a pleasant dining experience during any time of year.

The food in the Walnut Room has greatly improved in the past several years. Now it is a place to go to eat, as well as just to look at the tree or the view out the windows (looking out over downtown Chicago). The specialty of the house is the chicken pot pie. However, when it comes out, it does not look that large, and the filling is rich, creamy, and filling. It includes real chicken and a variety of vegetables all in the sauce. In addition, the turkey is very good as well. It is accompanied by delicious sweet potatoes and is done superbly. I have also tasted the mustard chicken, and it was very good, tender, juicy, and a good item as well.

All the entrees come with either a side (ex. potatoes and vegetables), or they come with a salad before the meal--you also receive bread with every item ordered. The service is quick, efficient, and usually in the background. In addition, they don’t gouge you on drinks like they do at some "touristy" places.

I would strongly suggest that you visit the Marshall Fields Walnut Room, especially during the Christmas season!

The Signature Room is a wonderful place to go for a special occasion. It is on the 95th floor of the John Hancock and simply defines elegance in Chicago. It is fairly pricey, but you are paying for being in Chicago, the wonderful food, and the amazing view. Two walls of the restaurant are floor-to-ceiling windows, and the view is spectacular. I would strongly suggest you book a reservation relatively early here, about 30 minutes before sunset, so you can enjoy the city in all three stages of the day (day, sunset, and evening). Another option is to have a drink in the lounge and then come to dinner and enjoy the elegance of the room in the evening.

I have only come here for dinner before, but have heard they have a lovely lunch and a spectacular brunch. Maybe one day this summer I will check these out. There are extensive menus for all three dining experiences, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine list.

For an appetizer, I would suggest the seafood timbale, a combination of lobster, shrimp, and crabmeat served with a sauce of avocado, onion, and fennel. Also, the wild mushroom strudel is amazing - rich with a liberal helping of goat cheese.

If you are in the mood for rich, go for the lobster bisque for a soup selection. It is warm, thick, rich, and perfectly delightful. The signature Caesar salad is perfectly crisp, and the dressing is what a true Caesar salad dressing should be.

I love the filet here. They prepare it just perfectly and never overcook meat at the restaurant. It is served with tomatoes and a blue-cheese and au-jus specialty. The scallops are wonderful as well. They are the perfect size and served with a potato-truffle torte, which is wonderful. I have tasted the duck, and it is an original dish with a fruit-flavored glaze.

Everything served here is á la carte, and I would suggest the asparagus spears if you wish to have some vegetables and the garlic whipped potatoes for your starch. These are creamy and full of flavor (an amazing feat for potatoes).

Perhaps the best part of dinner here, besides the view, is the desserts. I adore crème bruleem and the one here is no exception - rich, creamy, and perfectly prepared. The chocolate mousse cake is wonderful. Served with crème anglais and a raspberry sauce, the tastes are very complimentary. They also have a fruit plate and a cheese plate for those of you that have more refined tastes when it comes to dessert (or are too full to eat anything else).

The service here is refined perfection. You will never have to wait for your water glass to be refilled or for your plates to be taken. Everyone, from the maitre d’ to your headwaiter, will be there to serve you, so live it up.

Located in the northwest suburbs, Venus is one of my favorite Asian restaurants in the world! Everything, from the food to the people, is wonderful. We come here quite often, and the owners always remember us from before, even if has been awhile since we were there last. IT is the perfect place for a date, family dinner, and birthdays.

As you walk in, you will notice that the decor the walls is done with a layered gold that gives off a very nouveu, classical look. All the accents are black or white. The booths and chairs are black, napkins are black, appetizer plates are black (adds a lot to the table), and even the wine glass stems are black. The tablecloths are white, and I think this is just because people spill on them so much that they need to bleach them. The light fixtures are cute, and overall, the restaurant gives off an ambiance of chic and freshness you don’t often find.

They have amazing food here, and I would strongly suggest just doing it family-style so you get to taste a little of everything. Start off with the shrimp toast and the crab rangoon, both of which are wonderfully prepared - you can taste the seafood in them. If you are in the mood for a soup, I would suggest the sizzling rice soup. They prepare it right at the table (and, honestly, that’s half the fun). Now it’s time for entrées, my favorite part of the meal. My sister and I absolutely adore the Szechwan chicken or beef. It is sweet, spicy, and mixed in with a good amount of shredded vegetables. I would also suggest the garlic chicken, another favorite of mine. Once again, it is hot, sweet, and chock-full of veggies and flavor. If you are in the mood for more spice, check out the pork and beans. This is not what you find in the canned-food section, but rather small pieces of pork with fresh green beans, all in a sweet sauce that has a little kick in it. If you aren’t in the mood for spicy or just can’t handle it, go for the noodle dishes. They are fresh and have an amazing amount of meat in them. The fried rice is also a must (we order an extra dish just to get this), and the chicken in a black bean sauce has a different kind of flavor and will cool down your taste buds if you had some of the spicier dishes.

If you still have room for dessert, then I would suggest the fried bananas. They prepare it at your table, and it is enjoyable just watching it. First, they light the banana on fire, then they dunk it into the ice bath!

The staff will serve you tea throughout the meal, as well as water (for some of the dishes, you will need it). In addition, they have a full bar and some interesting Asian specialty wines and beers.

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the best museums in Chicago, and that’s saying a lot. There are exhibits for both the young and old here! It isn’t a stuffy old museum that requires you to be quiet and doesn’t allow you to touch. No, here you are allowed to walk through the human heart, go to the center of the world, peer in the windows of the yesterday, and much, much more!

The museum is fairly large but can be done in one day! Just make sure that you don’t dawdle too long at some of the exhibits. The museum combines learning with fun, and that should be its greatest claim to fame.

Some of the favorite exhibits that are there are the "rides" or special exhibits that allow you walk through and touch them. The Coal Mine has always been a favorite of everyone I know; I think it might have something to do with the elevator that you get to take down, the train is fun as well, with the simulation of speed. The submarine will give you a greater appreciation for sailors, and Apollo 8 for astronauts.

In addition to these favorites, everyone must visit Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle--whether male for female, young or old, it is something to see. It is taller than a small child and has real jewels, miniature furniture, working lighting, and is richly appointed. Definitely worth a trip to see. I have also always loved Yesterday’s Main Street; it is a recreation of a main street from the turn of the century. Children love to look in the windows, and it is a great way to teach children history (when they won’t even know it). Also, make sure to take a stop and watch the baby chicks hatch; the kids will talk about it for the rest of the day!

A trip to the museum wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the IMAX. Be warned that there is an extra fee to see a show here, so budget that into your trip. They are all educational films, but they aren’t dry or boring, and they are designed with the IMAX experience in mind. So when you are diving to the depths of Antarctica, you really will feel like you are diving. Be warned that if you get motion-sick, I would suggest that you sit this one out. The seats don’t move, but there is the feeling of movement, and depending on the movie, it is sometimes a good amount of it.

Museum of Science and Industry is a great museum to go to if you want a fun learning experience where you aren’t required to be quiet and not touch anything. Prices are $9 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are free on Mondays and Tuesdays from January 3rd to March 15 and September 12 to November 24th.

The Signature Room offers one of the best views in Chicago! Whether you go there for dinner or just a cocktail it is well worth the money. The best time to come is in late afternoon and then you are sometimes blessed with a majestic sunset. This way you also get to see the city in the daylight and at night! It makes the city look like two entirely different places.

The Signature Room in the John Hancock has it’s own elevator and rarely do you have to wait in line like the tourists do to go to the observation deck. An important thing to note is that I you are going there to eat tell them and the chance of you waiting for an elevator dramatically decreases.

There are two different bars to sit if you are looking for just a cocktail. Check them both out before you decide where you want to sit. Usually, the one by the dining room is more crowded and while there will be more people to talk to, the view might not be as good. In addition people who are eating dinner usually don’t appreciate you standing in front of them to look at the view.

The Lounge is on the 96th floor and there is often live jazz here Wednesday-Saturdays so you can make it an all night event if you wish to. If you are just going to have a drink, realize that many of them are cheaper than the price of the observation deck and remember you are in Chicago. So, while a martini may be $10 how can you complain when you are 956 stories up and overlooking Chicago!

Although there is no official dress code, please be mindful of other people, especially if you are in the bar by the dining room. A lot of people come to the signature room for special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, special events, rehearsal dinners). Therefore, they often dress to reflect this; I am not saying that you must come dressed to the nines, but make sure that your shirt is tucked in and your shoes match.

Other than that, have a great time and enjoy the view and all that Chicago has to offer.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must for art enthusiasts and mere spectators alike. It has one of the best collections of European Art, outside of the Louvre of course. There is something for everyone here from Architecture to armor worn by medieval knights.

I would suggest that you start on a floor and work floor by floor. The European Art is a great place to start. You can even go century by century. I would suggest seeing some of the middle-ages works and then progressing onward. It is easier to track how art forms have changed over the centuries and it makes the appreciation of the artwork more this way. Don’t miss the pictures by the French impressionists: Monet, Degas, Renoir, the lists goes on. There is nothing quite like seeing a picture that is in every history and art book up close.

I always found that the Ancient collection very interesting as well. It is great for people that may appreciate history more than art. Here there is a great combination of both. There are coins, vases, glass, jewelry, and more to look at. It describes the lives of the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and many more. It is also a welcome change for those that may not enjoy looking at paintings for hours on end.

The section of American artwork is highly impressive. With everyone from Georgia O’Keefe to Winslow Homer being honored in this section of the Art institute. Also, make sure to take a look at American Gothic, for those that don’t remember your art history it is the picture of farmer (with his pitchfork) and his wife done by Grant Wood.

The museum has an extensive contemporary art collection in as well. Here you will see everything from one red line painted across a white canvas, to photographs that have been adjusted by the artists. It is a good place to see the range that isn’t often discussed in Contemporary art. Lichtenstein, Hockney, and Warhol are just a few of the names that are hanging somewhere on the walls.

Yet, my favorite part of the Art Institute hands down is the Thorne Rooms. They are the miniature replications of a European and American rooms spanning from sixteenth century to the 1940s. There are 68 rooms in all and they are highly detailed with everything from place settings in the dining rooms to fountains in the courtyard. Personally, I could spend hours here and I suggest that it is worth a view for everyone.

In addition the museum shop is very well stocked, and there are prices and gifts for all walks of paper. There is more here than just reprints of famous paintings. There are unique gifts for everyone, I even know people that do all there Christmas shopping in this gift shop.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a fabulous art museum. It has a picture, sculpture, photograph, or suit of armor for everyone. I would strongly suggest you going to Art Institute.

It is America’s pastime, baseball. Almost nowhere else in America will you get the same experience as you do at Wrigley Field. It is considered one of the best baseball fields to visit in the United States, and the atmosphere at a Cubs game is like no other.

Baseball is in its purest form at Wrigley Field. The stadium was built in 1914 and little has changed since then. It is the second oldest major-league ballpark in the nation and brings feelings of nostalgia anytime you are there. Wrigley Field still has its original scoreboard, and you can tell if the Cubs won or lost their game that day by the flag flying from it (W = Win, L= Lost). You feel like you must root for the home team here (and it will be the Cubs, not the Socks); you must indulge in beer, popcorn, ice cream, and peanuts to your heart’s content; and you will sing "Take me out to the Ballgame."

I would suggest purchasing tickets online or through Ticketmaster. The scalpers jack up the prices a ton, especially if the Cubs are on a winning streak. Unlike other parks, there is really no bad seat at Wrigley Field, so you will always have a chance to watch the game or the other fans.

Getting to Wrigley Field is easy enough. I would suggest taking public transportation; just jump on the Red Line "L" and get off at Addison. You are able to see the field from the platform, so you can’t get too lost, or you could always just follow the crowds in red-and-blue apparel. There is parking but not a lot, and you will pay anywhere from $10 to $30 for parking spaces. Once again, these prices go up depending on how the Cubs do.

Once inside the stadium, make sure that you check out the buildings across the street. These are some of the best places to watch a Cubs game in Chicago. These are rooftops that are rented out on game days, usually to companies, and are fully catered. If you have a chance watch a Cubs game from these rooftops, they are arguably the best view and a unique experience.

There is tons of traditional baseball food in Chicago, and the prices reflect the fact that you are in Chicago. If you don’t feel like playing the game-day prices, I would suggest you check out some of the many restaurants located around the ballpark. In addition, if you are looking for Cubs apparel, look into a few of the shops. The prices may very well be better than the hawkers out on the street.

Wrigley Field is the host to America’s most lovable losers when it comes to baseball. In addition, there is the feeling of old-time baseball that adds to the feeling of the ballpark. Not much has changed here since 1932, when Babe Ruth called his shot (a moment in baseball history).

If you love to shop, window shop, or just watch people, you must visit The Magnificent Mile. It is chock-full of the best stores in America, and you will find everything that you have ever needed here. The stores range from the classy, like Ralph Lauren and Tiffany’s, to the bargain-hunter’s paradise of Filenes’s Basement. There is truly something for everyone.

If you have a person that isn’t too interested in clothes or shopping but likes sports and high-tech gadgets, drop them off at Niketown, the Sony Store (amazing new stuff in there), or FAO Schwartz. In fact, in my opinion, everyone should visit the FAO Schwartz at least once while they are in Chicago.

In addition to the high-end and specialty shops, there are stores for every type of style. There is a four-floor Gap, a two-floor Banana Republic, a two-story Victoria’s Secret, two United Colors of Benetton stores, a Timberland Store (sorry, never been inside, so I do not know how large it is), an H&M, a Chanel store, a three-story Crate and Barrel, a Kate Spade store, Nine West, Hugo Boss, Abercrombie, and Hermes.

If you want to get all your shopping done in one place, there are several department stores, including Marshall Fields (a Chicago tradition), Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales. These stores sell everything, from wedding dresses to pots and pans. If you can’t find something you like in one of these stores, then you need to come take a shopping lesson with me.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Michigan Avenue is during the Christmas season. This is one thing the city of Chicago does right - they decorate for the holidays! There is greenery and lights everywhere, and music usually coming from most of the stores. If you get a light dusting of snow (otherwise known as lake-effect flurries), you will be walking in a winter wonderland and put in the holiday mood. In addition, there is a free trolley that runs from Michigan Avenue to Water Tower Place to Navy Pier. This way, you can get all your holiday shopping done in one day and not have to worry about taking it all on the train/L or getting a cab.

One of the best things to do on Michigan Avenue is to just sit and people-watch. If it is nice out, there is a little park by the water tower; if not, find a little coffee shop to rest your tired feet at. You will see a perfect cross-section of America walking along Michigan Avenue at any given time, all types of races, genders, religions, nationalities, fashion choices, and more. It is always interesting to see if you can discern between the locals and the tourists.

Whether you go to Michigan Avenue for serious shopping, window browsing, or just to take in the sites, you will know why it is called The Magnificent Mile.

Brookfield Zoo is massive; with over 216 acres to explore, you will be lucky if you can do it all in one day. A few words to all those intending to visit: wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers if you want to be there all day. Also, be sure to pick up one of the maps in the beginning of the day - you will regret not having one later on.

At the Brookfield Zoo you must make a stop to see the pandas. They are world-famous and have even been featured on some television specials locally and nationally. The penguins here are adorable and always active, and the zoo has a special exhibit set up so you can see them both on land and when they are swimming underwater.

If you go soon, you can still see the gorilla Kamba as a baby. She is currently 6 months old (April 2005) and adores the public. Both the public and the other gorillas adore her, and she has a way of always getting the attention. She is a real riot, and I would suggest taking a stop here and watching her work her magic.

If walking from the zoo is getting to your feet, take a rest and watch the dolphin show. There is a chance that you will get wet if you sit in one of the first few rows, so be careful of that. The show is entertaining and the animals are adorable, so you can either watch from the stadium or from below, where you will see them underwater.

The zoo has a huge selection of all types of cats, from lions, tigers, jaguars, lynx, and leopards to many more species I can’t even pronounce. These are always a big favorite with everyone, and you will always get a chance to see them.

There are the usual zebras, camels, monkeys, turtles, reptiles, fish, birds, elephants, giraffes, wolves, and more here. If you are bored at this museum, you aren’t appreciating everything around you.

The petting zoo is a favorite with children and allows them to interact with some of the tamer animals one-on-one. They set up special shows and hands-on activities for the kids. Here, they are allowed to feed, touch, and even play with some of the animals that the zoo deems safe for children.

The zoo does a nice job of labeling everything and giving you information on all the animals. Yet, they do it in a way that doesn’t scream educational! There is also a lot of green space and park space in case you want to take a break or just watch the animals from afar.

The Taste of Chicago is unlike anything else you will do in the city. It is like a huge county fair, only city-style. It runs from June 24 to July 4 and spans all of Grant Park. Set up along the way are food tents for every type of food imaginable. As you look down the street, all you see are people and rows upon rows of vendors. There's everything from corn on the cob (a Midwest favorite) to Italian beef, Chinese food, tempura, pizza, brats, sushi, rock lobsters, cheesecake (Eli’s, of course), ice cream, funnel cakes, ice cream on funnel cakes, and much much more.

Things can get a little crazy here, so if you aren’t a big fan of crowds, I wouldn’t suggest coming on the 4th. Also, strollers are usually a bad idea just because you get stuck in all the human traffic. Be careful of your feet when you are walking; they will probably get trampled. I know it's summer, but closed-toe shoes may be the best idea.

Tickets were 11 for $7 last year (summer 2004), and everything is priced usually between four and five tickets. Most of the time, these are massive portions, so you really won’t be ripped off too badly. Some of the items, like homemade potato chips or corn on the cob, are only two to three tickets, and that’s a good bargain if you ask me. If you are going with a group, it might be the best idea to stake out a spot to reconvene after you get your food. This way, you always know where everyone will be. If you are in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, there are beer booths set up along the way. I believe these were six tickets, and it was a fairly large-sized glass. I think that the wine is a little more of a rip-off. It is only served in the one pavilion, and the glasses were tiny for the same price as the beer. Plus, let's be honest, people, this is the taste of Chicago--it's like one giant cook-out. You need to drink beer.

There is one area (the same pavilion that sells the wine) where you can get gourmet food prepared for you. It has some of the best chefs from Chicago showcasing their favorite summer dishes. There will be a menu of what they are serving that day posted at the entrances and in the maps.

The Taste of Chicago isn’t just about the food; Chicago has turned this into a very real festival. There are bands that play both during the day and at night. They have special acts to entertain you while you are munching away, and there are vendors and music playing everywhere; it's truly become something amazing.

My suggestion is to go, have a good time, and taste some of Chicago’s favorite dishes!

If you are looking to go to tea in Chicago, go to the Intercontinental. While many go to the Drake hotel, I have found that the Intercontinental is more my style. We have had tea here every Christmas season for as long as I can remember. The location is great right after shopping on Michigan Avenue.

I would suggest that you get a little dressed up for tea here. Tea is served daily from 2-5pm and is an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world! The Intercontinental hotel is understated elegance and supreme service.

When you go to tea here, get full tea--please do not be content with simply a cup of tea and a side sandwich. Full tea here is an experience you will remember. It consists of a pot of tea of your choice (there are some eight different choices), and then they bring out the snacks to nibble on. This consists of a three-tiered platter of finger sandwiches (cucumber, turkey, and salmon ones), pastries/tarts, and what is tea without scones? The Intercontinental serves real clotted cream, in addition to individual preserves in jars (no plastic here).

I would also suggest that you get the "Avenue Tea"; it is the epitome of decadence. In addition to everything that was mentioned above, they include a glass of Moet & Chandon White Star champagne and a plate of strawberries with real whipped cream.

Tea at the Intercontinental is an elegant and understated experience that I would recommend for anyone looking for a little bit of culture.

Christmastime in Chicago is my favorite time of the year. In summer, you can get stifled by the heat; in spring and fall, you get bombarded by the rain; and in winter, you get a blizzard or tow. But the Christmas season is the best time to be in Chicago. The weather hasn’t turned too entirely frigid yet, and you may be lucky enough to have a little snow, turning the city into a winter wonderland.

The one thing that you have to do in the city during the Christmas season is to go see the Marshall Field’s windows. Every year, starting around Thanksgiving and ending in the middle of January, Marshall Field’s decorates their front display windows with a theme. It is usually a Disney story, and the words to the story are printed below the windows, while the story takes place inside the windows.

Now, these are no ordinary pictures in windows; these are small masterpieces. There are figurines that move, costumes made out of velvet and satin, water that runs, and music playing, just to mention a few of the aspects. Last year (winter 2004/2005), the story was of Snow White and included a ballroom scene where everyone was dancing, the mirror where a face really appeared, a cauldron turning (for the apple), and Snow White cleaning. It is truly a magical event that I am not doing justice to in this write-up.

You must start at the beginning of the windows and work your way around. It has become a tradition that my father always reads the stories out loud to us, using different voices (my sister and I are grown, yet we still do it every Christmas). I am sure that you can convince someone in your group to do it for you (or we could probably arrange to have my dad rented out for the day; someone once offered to tip him because he thought that he was a tour guide). It will make it more magical, especially to the younger kids.

If you are getting a little too cold, go inside for a quick break or to shop in Field’s. You will immediately know that the Christmas season has arrived! This store does the most fabulous job decorating for the holiday season, with carols playing all over the store and trees, garland, ornaments, menorahs, stars, and everything else all around. Take a look at the tree in the Walnut Room (or better yet, go for lunch or dinner), and enjoy being swept up into the holiday season.

Just for a point of reference, the windows are only decorated at the Marshall Field’s on State Street. Don’t go to the one on Michigan Avenue looking for the windows, as you’ll be disappointed.