Chicago hasn’t forsaken its alternative music fans; they have clearly found a home at the Metro, a place worth going to if for no other reason than to see the stage where bands like Nirvana and R.E.M. played in their early, most angst-filled years. As long as we’re name-dropping, let’s really go for it!  To give further testament to the Metro’s chops are musicians like Bob Dylan, Prince, and James Brown who have all delighted audiences at past Metro events.  More recent noteworthy acts include The White Stripes, The Yeah Yeahs, and the Foo Fighters.

The ticket prices range as widely as the artists, so expect to pay more for the bigger names, though you can sometimes save money by ordering tickets in advance.  You can often see local acts for less than $5.  If you’re under 21 and love music, you should definitely keep an eye on the Metro’s calendar of events. Most shows are all ages, with the exception of some late-night weekend shows that require concert goers to be 18 or over.  For the 21 and over crowd, the Metro offers access to its Smart Bar, a dance club where some of the best DJs in Chicago spin dance music until the wee hours.

For those who enjoy the literary arts, the Metro offers a special event this March.  Come to “Literary Rock and Roll: Class Acts” on the 16th for this event presented by the Columbia College Chicago Fiction Writing Department’s Story Week.  The evening will include readings and signings by authors Irvine Welsh (Crime), Preston L. Allen (Jesus Boy), and Gina Frangello (Slut Lullabies).  There will also be comedy and music.  What could make having your copy of Trainspotting signed by Mr. Welsh himself and gathering with fellow eggheads better?  Free admission!  Story Week is free and open to the public, so come join the celebration of the written word.

Chicago has many attractions to offer the luxury weekend traveler.  It offers high end hotels, shopping, food, entertainment and culture.  The options for a weekend trips are almost endless.

Chicago offers many types of hotels for all types of budgets.  Major chains such as Holiday Inn are available as well as Chicago-only boutique hotels like the Allegro.  Travelers can realize significant savings if they book with an online site like Hotwire.  Most of the major hotels are close enough to “The Magnificent Mile” that either walking or riding a bus will get travelers there easily.

“The Magnificent Mile” contains plenty of high end shopping for those looking to treat themselves.  There is a store to fit just about every need.  With offerings such as The Apple Store, Nike Town, and Macy’s, there is something for everyone.

There are many types of entertainment one can enjoy on a weekend getaway to Chicago.  Sports fans will have no trouble finding something that interests them as Chicago has professional teams in all the major sports leagues.  Depending on the time of the year of the visit the Bears, Cubs and White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls may have a game that someone on a weekend getaway might want to attend.  There are also regular music acts at the House of Blues as well as shows at the Oriental Theatre.

Food is also something those on a weekend trip will want to sample.  If you hit Chicago in July The Taste of Chicago  allows the city’s restaurants to showcase their cuisine for millions of visitors. There is something for everyone at The Taste of Chicago, from barbeque to pizza.

If shopping, sports, entertainment and food aren’t enough, Chicago has cultural offerings as well.  The Adler Planetarium, The Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum are all located close to each other.  Those looking for art will want to see The Art Institute of Chicago.  For those seeking a more technological experience, the Museum of Science and Industry has some interesting content.

There is plenty to take in and do on a weekend getaway in Chicago.