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Fun Activities To Do While On A Cruise

Cruises are quickly becoming the number one option for a family vacation. You can never go wrong with vacationing aboard an elegant and fun cruise ship during your next family vacation.

When going on a cruises you can pick which exotic location you’d like to visit. Whether it’s the Caribbean, Hawaii or the Bahamas, you can’t possibly go wrong.

There are endless amounts of activities your family can partake in while on vacation. There are so many activities that even your young children be a part of and enjoy. From parties to pirate training to special shows, group activities and the various pools, cruise lines will go all out to make sure that everyone in your family is having a non-stop fun-filled vacation. Group activities are great since your children can interact with other kids their age while on vacation.

While the children are off learning and enjoying group activities, parents can take advantage of the many casinos, pools or golf courses the cruise ship has to offer.Vacations not just meant for children to have fun, but parents can have a fabulous time as well.

Once the fun winds down a little bit, you can unwind at the spa that’s located on your cruise ship. There’s a kids pool for the young children and a larger pool for adults. The nice thing about cruises is they make stops. Depending on the location, you can go on an adventurous hike in the woods or do some snorkeling in the ocean.

Going on a cruise is the best choice for your next family vacation. Say goodbye to boring trips and hello to exciting and adventurous vacations.

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Chicago’s Double Door: a find for musicians and fans alike

Where can you enjoy a full bar and a great band with 500 of your closest friends? Chicago’s Double Door, of course! The Double Door is located in Wicker Park and is considered an intuition by Chicago natives.

The Double Door serves as venue for a wide variety of musical genres, so you’re sure to find a show you’ll enjoy.  If concert tickets were a sacrifice you made to the recession, you can stop feeling guilty.  At the Double Door, a bigger name doesn’t mean a bigger price.  It is rare that ticket prices will exceed $20, regardless of the artist.  Some of these acts include The Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, and the Rolling Stones.  Moreover, the alcoholic beverages range between $3 and $5.  Who says you can’t always get what you want?

The Double Door is general admission, so there are no seats for you lazy folks out there.  However, if you like to get to know someone a bit before sweating on them, you may want to duck out of the main floor and head to the basement, where there is an additional bar, pool tables, and booths.  There is also a mezzanine with another bar where you can still see the stage.

The excellent acoustics in this venue make the Double Door a favorite with musicians as well as fans.  The Double Door offers some very reasonable deals and extensive in-house options for recording live performances.  In addition, they offer full production rehearsal time seven days a week.  Utilize their talented staff of engineers to hone your skills and make your performance unforgettable.

Come listen to music the way it was meant to be heard.

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Two Vacation Horror Stories You Can Avoid

While we’d all like to think that our vacation will go off without a hitch, the chances are highly improbable. Most of the time you may just deal with lost luggage or delayed flights, rude cab drivers, and maybe some terrible restaurant service, but there are some vacation horror stories that might make us all think twice about ever leaving home.

While these two-trip-ruining tempests might make your blood boil, you can try to be prepared.

Surprise Weather
On December 20, 2006 the area surrounding Denver, Colorado was hit by a blizzard that crippled travel of every kind, burying it in up to five feet of snow. Just before Christmas, Interstate Highways and U.S. Routes surrounding the city were closed. All the flights coming out of Denver were canceled, and they weren’t letting any flights come in. While many were stranded in the airport, the blizzard also caused hiccups in travel plans all across the nation, since many flights utilize Denver as a connecting stop.

Snow storms aren’t the only possible weather fiasco you may encounter. Your trip to the Bahamas may be cut short when a hurricane decides to head straight for those Atlantic waters. While you can’t always avoid something as unforeseen as five feet of snow or hurricane force winds, you can be a bit prepared for inclement weather on your vacation by following these tips:

●        Avoid trips on the Atlantic coast during hurricane season (June through November)

●        Steer clear of northern locations during peak winter months

●        Research your destination before you make reservations to find out what time of year provides the best weather

●        Check weather forecasts as your vacation approaches

Technical Difficulties
Problems on your vacation can also result from technical difficulties, such as overbooked flights or hotels giving you a full size bed when you requested a king. Many circumstances would hardly match what Comair did to 30,000 passengers by canceling flights on Christmas Day in 2004. Technical issues knocked down all of their flight-managing computers, and the airline grounded all flights in 118 cities. While they attempted to move passengers to Delta flights, most were unsuccessful.

There isn’t much you can do about a problem of this magnitude because you certainly can’t see it coming; however, it might be a good idea to be prepared as best as possible. In addition to keeping your response in check (losing your temper won’t make the situation better), take these precautionary steps:

●        Bring toiletries and extra under garments in your carry-on, just in case luggage is lost

●        If you’re driving, find mechanics along your route in case your car breaks down

●        Print reservation confirmations and take them with you to verify your hotel accommodations, flight plans, and more

●        Prepare a back-up plan, such as a car rental ahead of time just in case a flight is canceled – pick out a hotel just in case you can’t make it through the weather to your vacation rental, etc.

This is just a small portion of all the things that can go wrong on a vacation. Regardless of what happens, you’ll look back on it one day and laugh – hopefully. Do you have a vacation horror story? Share it below.

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Steak Dinner on Your Vacation

The Windy City is a great destination for couples. There are so many romantic places to visit, you may not want to leave. Here few tips to make your visit as romantic as possible.

Restaurants

There are thousands of restaurants in Chicago. So, before venturing out for food, you may want to prepare yourself a little bit. Be sure to not only do research while you’re in Chicago, but before you leave as well. Sites and apps like Google Maps, Yelp.com, and Urbanspoon can help you narrow down your choices.

One thing you really can’t go wrong with is a romantic private dining experience at one of Chicago’s many steakhouses. With a steakhouse, you can enjoy some of the most delicious food available, no matter what city you’re in. It’s also a very versatile type of dining facility. You could show up in jeans and a t-shirt, or a suit and tie, and either way you’ll fit right in.

We all know that Chicago is famous for their pizzas, but it’s really not the most romantic option out there. Take your sweetheart out for a casual lunch to enjoy a famous Chicago-style pizza, but save the passion for a nice dinner together at a great Chicago steakhouse.

Steakhouses are a wonderful place to take your sweetheart. What better way to show her that you care than to get a private table at a premier steakhouse and enjoy a great meal together. Plus, the food is absolutely delicious. You really can’t go wrong with an expertly prepared steak.

The After Dinner Fun

After you’ve enjoyed your tasty meal, go ahead and spend the rest of your romantic night out on the town. One great destination is the Art Institute of Chicago. There you and your sweetheart can gaze upon some of the most wonderful pieces of art ever created. You could also enjoy a great play at one of Chicago’s many theaters.

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Chicago: A City for All

You’re heading to Chicago.  You might be heading there for business as Chicago is the top convention site in the country.  You may have family or friends that live in the area.  Whatever your reason for traveling to the Windy City is, there are plenty of cultural attractions to see during your free time.

Your first stop might be the The Art Institute of Chicago.  Whether you are a fine art connoisseur or just want to live “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” the Institute is what you are looking for.  The painting “Nighthawks” is my personal favorite.  The Field Museum also has exhibits that feature cultures from around the world.  You definitely want to check out the mummies while you are there, spooky!
After you are done with the museums maybe you will feel like a little shopping.  No worries there, you’re in Chicago!  If you’re looking for shopping you can’t miss by hitting the Magnificent Mile.  400 stores sitting on eight city blocks should be enough to satisfy almost any shopper.

If music is what you’re looking for there are plenty of options for you as well.  The House of Blues has acts multiple times a week.  National touring acts also will play at the United Center.

All of these things to see, but how are you going to get there?  What if you don’t want to drive in the city?  No problem, the train runs from O’Hare to the Loop, putting you within range of all of these attractions.

With Chicago being a major convention destination it will be helpful to check what’s going to be in town during the time you plan to visit. There are plenty of hotel options so you can find one that fits your style and budget.

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Chicago Hotels of Luxury

Luxury and boutique hotel accommodations offer more than a room and bed. Guests are treated to creature comforts and impressionable style. Here is a window into Chicago’s hotels of luxury. Staying at the best luxury hotel Chicago has to offer, is a glamorous way to vacation in the Windy City.

The Dana Hotel and Spa offers guests a haven within the busy city. Winner of the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide’s Best Boutique Hotel in Chicago, The Dana has a motto of giving. Simple elegance meets modern technology beyond its doors. A modern gym is open to guests 24 hours a day and is equipped with Italian TechnoGym Kinetic Equipment to provide optimal results without sacrificing style. Other stand out amenities at this boutique hotel include 24 hour room service, wireless high speed internet, valet laundry service and private wine reserves. Guests can also choose from a menu of spa treatments to help facilitate your relaxation.

Another addition to the luxury hotel landscape of Chicago is The Peninsula . With repeated positive reviews, it is known for a friendly staff and fantastic amenities. There is culinary setting sure to please each guest. Have a memorable dinner at The Avenues, which hold high acclaim with critics and guests alike. The Lobby offers an ascended variant on afternoon tea with its Royal Tea. Royal Tea time includes champagne, chocolate buffet and fashion shows. Wellness is a focus of The Peninsula. It’s in-house spa and fitness facilities offer guests top notch care in health and relaxation.

The heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast beats true with the help of its Elysian Hotel. As soon as you enter the lobby, the city outside melts away and your ultimate experience begins. 188 beautifully decorated rooms are distributed ten to a floor, allowing for roomier accommodations. Each room is home to white Carrera marble bathrooms that include inset LCD televisions, separate showers dual vanities and bathtubs. Fireplaces, private bars, touch screen voice-over IP telephones and Italian linens are just a sample of what guests enjoy in their room.

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Take a Walk Back in Time at the Chicago History Museum

Chicago History Museum miniature 1
Image by opacity via Flickr

On your next trip to Chicago, consider taking a walk back in time at the Chicago History Museum. This facility offers people of all ages a variety of activities that span the time period from when the story of Chicago began at the present day. The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday and from 412 to 5 PM on Sunday. While you are strolling through the museum, you can stop and get something to eat at the North and Clark Café that was recently opened. There is a fee to enter the museum based on age, with children aged 12 or younger free.

The exhibits available in the museum encompasses a wide variety of topics. A recent addition is the “My Chinatown” exhibit, which is a multimedia theater. Visitors get to learn the stories of individuals who live in this area the city and their cultural traditions. It ties events from the past to the present together in a fascinating display of technology.

Another exhibit, titled “Facing Freedom,” explores the different struggles over the history of the country for various groups to get equal freedom. This includes the women’s rights movement, civil rights, unions and those who were held in the Japanese internment camps during World War II. Displays have a mix of hands-on experiences with historical artifacts from each period. You can also learn history about Abraham Lincoln, the history of Chicago’s neighborhoods, its economy and a plethora of valuable and rare artifacts, such as the bed on which Abraham Lincoln died.

It is advised that you set aside at least a full day to explore the museum. This gives you a good amount of time to get the entire experience in, and the café allows you to eat right where you are. All in all, the Chicago history Museum is one experience that you will not want to miss out on.

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Brush Up on Art at the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art

No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at the The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art. The museum offers a wide variety of displays from various parts of the world, some of which are permanent in nature and others that are temporary, special exhibits. When you tour the museum, you can either be led by a trained docent or you can go on a self-guided walk. If you are coming with a group, the museum asks that you make a reservation for a docent led tour at least two weeks before you come. You can also check the Museum calendar for any walk in tours that the museum offers that particular day.

If you get hungry while you are walking around, the museum has a café inside that you can take advantage of. Currently, they are featuring a wonderful exhibit titled “Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Cave Temples of Xiangtangshan.” In it, there is a selection of Buddhist sculptures that date back to the sixth century that offer an inside look at at these beautiful cave temples. The main collection includes Asian, modern art, European and contemporary art. There is also a wonderful collection of sculptural pieces. Works from master artists and those in not so well known areas of the art world are displayed to give you a wider experience.

The museum requires no fee to enter, and there is also a free service where you can check in your bags and coats. This is preferred before you enter to browse through the galleries. The operating hours vary during the week, and during the holiday season. The next time you come to Chicago and want to get a taste of the art world, make sure to put the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art at the top of your list.

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Get a Taste of Broadway at Chicago’s Theatres

The Goodman Theatre
Image via Wikipedia

The Goodman Theatre in Chicago has a long history with the city, having been set up in 1925. Theatre goers can see works put on by players from around the world, within the United States or from local groups. You can purchase tickets to a single show, or you can buy a subscriber’s package to see several throughout the season. Plays range throughout the year, from big stage productions to holiday favorites.

Another hot spot to check out is the Harris Theater, which is a non-profit establishment that supports the performances of a variety of artist groups. These can include performances of dance, music and theatre. You can take in a jazz performance, classical music, choir singing and Christmas plays for your enjoyment. They currently have on tap several youth centered performances, ballet, A John Walters’ Christmas and various dance performances. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office or through their website.

You can also go the famous Chicago Theatre, located on State Street. This theatre got its start in 1921, has made itself into a major landmark in Chicago history. It offers a large variety of venues for visitors to watch, including comedy, various types of alternative theatre performances and compelling dramas for you to enjoy. You can also take a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre, seeing the stage, backstage area and related parts of the building used for productions.

With all of the options available to you to catch a show, you can find the perfect one for your tastes. This can be whether you prefer a classical performance of Bach, a ballet or a taste of new age theatre. Each theatre also has its own fascinating story to tell. Whatever your preference, Chicago has a broad variety of theatre venues for you to choose from.

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An Adventure at the The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, original logo
Image via Wikipedia

The Art Institute of Chicago is not only one of the nation’s top art schools, but also features a spectacular museum for visitors to enjoy. The museum is open throughout the week, with a daily entrance fee. You can enjoy the museum for free on Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. It offers a wide selection of excellent works from artists throughout history.

For the holidays, and any other time of the year, you can get a look into an extraordinary tiny world. Mrs. James Ward Thorne is the artist who created the 68 different miniature rooms that are on display, made to exacting detail at a scale of one inch to one foot. Filled with Victorian charm, they are dressed up on a small scale each year for the holidays.

You can also check out the Gray Collection, which spans over seven centuries of great artworks. The works come from periods including the Renaissance, Baroque and nineteenth centuries with such artists included as Ruebens, Guecino, and Tiepolo. You can also see paintings and other works by Matisse, Picasso, and Miro. Robert Gray was an art dealer who amassed this astounding collection, with the museum having over 120 of the best works in the collection.

You can bring your family in for a variety of fun activities. These include crafts, exhibits, games and various others. There are also special family oriented programs offered, so check the museum schedule for the latest updates. If you get hungry, the cafe inside the museum offers foods, deserts and drinks for you to quench your hunger. You can also bring in pencils and a sketchbook if you love to draw and copy from master artists.

The Chicago Art Institute Museum is the perfect way to spend an afternoon when you are in the city. You can enjoy beautiful art, a relaxing meal and enjoy some quality family time.

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