Southwest Chicago

The best part of being in this portion of the city which includes some of Chicago's nicer suburbs (Downer's Grove, Lombard, Oakwood, etc.), is a great alternative to the business of downtown. If visiting as a tourist, you can't beat staying on the lakefront and close in proximity to the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and all the popular Chicago stops, but if you're looking for a bit of quiet and a nice hotel that also comes with a better price tag, then moving out of the city a bit can be a wonderful alternative. I find this area of the city in particular to be an inviting option as hotels and restaurants are plentiful and there's still quite a bit to do and see. Several small lakes can be found near Downer's Grove and there are some world class golf courses in this area too if you're looking for a challenge.

Quick Tips:

As with any trip, plan ahead. Have some idea of what you want to see or do, or if you're just going to relax by the hotel pool. It's not a bad idea to print out a map and have some clue as to where you're going, especially if you're taking a cab from one of Chicago's two airports. On my latest visit, I had to give the cab driver directions, so be somewhat knowledgeable of where you're headed. This part of the city has some of the more affluent suburbs, so be wary of the fact that you're likely going to pay a bit more for meals and hotel rooms than you would in some of the other suburbs but the cost is still less than a typical hotel and meals in downtown.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you're driving into Chicago, you'll have no problems finding parking in the suburban areas and many of the hotels won't charge you for parking. Also, be aware that there are several toll roads that will lead you from the suburbs into the city if you're plans will be taking you in that direction. They're inexpensive tolls, 15 cents and 40 cents depending on where you're headed, but have some spare change handy. Also, if you're flying into the city and will be looking for a cab, be aware that many cabs that are "for hire" at the airport won't take you this far out. You'll need to call a cab and the airport can provide you with the numbers, I would recommend American Taxi. These are predominantly flate rate fares that won't include the tolls or tip and you can expect to pay in the vicinity of from Midway or O'Hare to Downer's Grove, Lombard or Oakwood. Overall, traffic can be daunting for those who don't like city driving, but this is a beautiful area, slightly out of the way where you can drive and not feel too rushed or too stressed from being stuck in traffic.

As you step into the lobby of the Amerisuites Lombard, you''ll realize that you have stepped into the lobby of an upscale hotel at an affordable price. Decorated with wood paneling and having a cozy living room type feel, the lobby itself is welcoming to a weary traveler. When you reach your room (suite) you''ll recognize that the hotel chain''s mantra of "an affordable all suites hotel" is exactly that. For slightly over $100 per night and offering great business rates below that, you''ll find a two room suite complete with kitchenette that is spacious and very clean. For the business traveler, the suites are equipped with a desk and high speed Internet access. For the leisure traveler a nice sitting room with a couch and chair are sure to be a nice alternative to the local budget chain. The view from the rooms is nice and will provide you with a nice perspective of the surrounding Lombard community. If you''re looking for entertainment within the hotel for yourself or the kids, look no further than the large indoor swimming pool and workout room. If you didn''t bring a car and need transportation, the hotel has a shuttle service that will deliver you anywhere in the surrounding area...except to the Chicago airports. If having a hotel with a restaurant is important to you, you''ll find that although there is no restaurant in the hotel there are several fine establishments in the surrounding area, including three across the parking lot. Overall, in a part of the city that is not known for being all that affordable, you''ll find the Amerisuites to provide a spacious suite at slightly more than the price of a budget motel.

We have all grown up with the experience of the Weber corporation's backyard kettle grills, but now is your chance to experience fine dining cooked on charcoal grills by Weber's very own chefs. As you near the entrance the very large Weber grill parked in front will remind you exactly what they're known for. When you enter the front doors, you'll find a restaurant reminiscent of a very classy hunting lodge dining room. With wood paneling and vaulted ceilings and leather chairs and booths, the restaurant has a very warm inviting feeling. For a touch of humor, take a look around and notice the artwork that chronicles the barbecue grills place in American culture. From cartoons to photos, the art in itself is a bit of humor and history that the first time visitor might find enjoyable. Perusing the menu, you'll find a selection that includes steaks, sandwiches and practically anything else that can be thrown on the grill. I would highly recommend the London Broil (which unfortunately is only available on their lunch menu) or their prime rib french dip sandwich. If by the time you're finished with your meal you're still a bit hungry, take a look at their dessert list. Here I would recommend the turtle cheesecake which was absolutely magnificent with thick layers of caramel and fudge, a true chocolate lovers delight. Be aware that their menus do change between lunch and dinner; there is some overlap but some popular items are only available on one or the other. As you head home, if you're still looking for a memento of your visit, you'll find a gift counter with Weber barbecue sauces and tee shirts and other assorted knickknacks. If you love great food and grilling, this is a must eat at restaurant. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

If shopping for a college and looking for a small town feel with big city opportunities, look no further than Midwestern University. Located in suburban Chicago, in Downer's Grove to be precise, you'll find a campus that specializes in health sciences and almost exclusively graduate programs. Founded in 1991, the University graduated it's first class in 1995 and has continued to grow and prosper ever since. The University's strong reputation is a result of a host of new modern facilities and having recruited a strong faculty. As you explore this campus, you'll notice that the architecture is modern, a result of being founded in the early 90's. If you're a student, you'll notice that the laboratory space is full of modern conveniences and state of the art technology, the teaching classrooms are as well. The gym/recreation center on campus has an indoor olympic size swimming pool and a nicely equipped weight room. Overall, you'll find a campus that is both appealing to the eye and friendly as well. As a student the only downside is cost, as Midwestern is a very pricey (~$30,000/year) school to attend. The faculty and staff that I have interacted with personally have been very amiable and you're likely to find that this is a University based on putting students first. If the academic reputation is not enough for you, the location in a beautiful surburban part of Chicago is certainly inviting. The surrounding community has much to offer in terms of restaurants and night life and the simple thought of knowing that downtown Chicago is less than 25 minutes away is a definite plus. The campus and surrounding area is full of wide open spaces and you're likely to feel like you're in a small town and as a result, you'll almost certainly feel right at home here. Anther interesting anecdote about Midwestern is that the campus is a haven for the breeding of Canadian geese. In the early spring months, you'll find geese all over the campus, much like you'd find pigeons on most other university campuses. All of these interesting and impressive facets make Midwestern a favorable school to attend or visit.