|
Chicago Tuggin' my sleeveMake it Your Kind of TownBy J. J. Scott
1. Start your visit with stop
at the Tourist Information Center in "The People’s Palace," the Chicago Cultural
Center.
2. Catch the enthusiasm of city-wise locals who volunteer to share their knowledge and love of the city through tours on foot and public transportation. See the city through the eyes of a local. Schedule a tour with Chicago Greeters, www.chicagogreeter.com. You pick the tour theme. A "do-not-miss." Free!
4. Take a young lady and her doll to brunch – in matching outfits. The American Girl Café, centrally located across from the Water Tower, serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, where dolls sits in a special seat at the table. www.americangirlplace.com, (877) AG-PLACE.
6. Relive the Eliot Ness days at Tommy Gun’s Garage, a musical comedy dinner-theater experience. Join the flappers and gangsters at a speakeasy under "da El tracks, open da heavy metal door and give "Gloves" da Password. Be prepared for a raid by the likes of Elliot Ness. www.tommygunsgarage.com, (800) 461-0178.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the world’s greatest art collections. It is best known for its collection of American art and Impressionism. The collection is unrivaled anywhere outside the Musée d'Orsay. www.artic.edu, (312) 443-3600. Free on Tuesdays. And, it is just one of the cities great museums. Don’t miss the nearby Millennium Park, Chicago's latest world-class attraction.
10. See what a million dollars looks like at the Chicago Federal Reserve, try your skill at detecting actual counterfeits, make decisions about setting interest rates and keeping the economy strong, and more during the 45-minute tour. www.chicagofed.org, (312) 322-5322. Free. For more fun things to do in get a free Chicago guide book, www.choosechicago.com or call (877) CHICAGO. You will be singing, "Chicago is my kind of town, Chicago is my kind of people too." And, thinking, "…each time I roam, Chicago is calling me home." Images by Chicago Department of Tourism, The Drake Hotel, and Sandra Scott |
|
TM
When you find Chicago "tuggin’ at your
sleeve" these tips will make it "your kind of town." Try some of the free and
not-so-free, but always fun things to see and do. 
Stay for one of the free daily programs. The beaux-arts building is an
architectural delight including the world’s largest Tiffany dome and rooms
modeled on the Doge's Palace in Venice, the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, and the
Acropolis in Athens. 77 E. Randolph Street, (312) 744-6630 
3. Wander along the
800-foot-long galleries of The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows on Navy
Pier. The permanent display of 150 stained glass windows is the first museum in
the United States dedicated solely to stained glass windows and showcases both
secular and religious windows. Just one of the great draws on Navy Pier.
5. Take break from the hustle
bustle of the city. Relax and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea at the
Drake. Listen to a harper while dining on finger sandwiches, fruit breads,
scones, and jams. The Drake is a Chicago landmark and has been a symbol of white
glove elegance for over 80 years. The accommodations have rooms with great views
of the city, beach, and/or the lake.
7. If they are not being rude then
they ain’t doing it right. Have a hamburger served with attitude at Ed Debevic’s.
With a little encouragement, the help will dance on the tables. Don’t be
surprised if you hear, "If you like what you're eatin', order more. If you don't
there's the Door."
9. Catch a Cubs Ball Game but
first take a tour of historic Wrigley Field Tour stops include the Cubs
clubhouse, visitors clubhouse, dugouts, mezzanine suites, press box, bleachers,
playing field and security headquarters,