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Schubas: a Diamond in the Rough

There are few places that your palate and ears can be experience simultaneous and intense pleasure.  Upon further consideration, there may be only one, and it calls Chicago home.  Whether you do the same, or are just visiting, you should put Schubas at the top of list.  This bar/restaurant/music venue may be the only place where you can devour amazing macaroni and cheese while watching a mind-blowing live music show. What more can you really ask for?

Look Inside

Chicagoans know not to judge a book by its cover, and tourists would be wise to keep that in mind when cruising the bar scene.  Don’t be fooled by the less than aesthetically pleasing shell; it gives no hint of the heart beating within.  Music lovers of every genre will find a home at Schubas, where live music is played seven days a week.  Given the wide variety of music played there, it would be prudent to check the Schubas’ calendar regularly.  Schubas has also hosted big names such as Tori Amos, Dave Matthews Band, and Train in the past; these musicians perform on the same intimate setting where local and lesser known artists play their hearts out.

The good eats, courtesy of Schubas’ Harmony Grill, can be washed down with a variety of reasonably priced alcoholic beverages for under $5 at Schubas’ Tavern, which was built in 1903 as part of the Schlitz Brewery.  Schubas pays homage to Schlitz in their décor, as well as their deals.  Patrons can enjoy deals on Schlitz beer that go as low as $2.

Enough people dug the charm of Schubas for the institution to remodel several years ago and create an elegant private banquet facility.  They are open for lunch as well as dinner, so if you like a diamond in the rough, this may be a place you want to consider for hosting an event.

Though it’s still cold outside, Schubas will keep you warm with good food and great music.  Stay tuned.

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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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Activities for a Chicago Getaway

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.

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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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Enjoying Good Times on the Chicago Navy Pier

If you are looking for a good time while in Chicago, you will want to make the Navy Pier one of your stops while in town. A popular hot spot, the pier includes a number of dining establishments and entertainment options to choose from. You can also take a fantastic tour by boat, taking in the view of the city from the river as you pass by.

The Family Pavilion is the best place to start, as it has the information you will need to plan your day. It offers maps, brochures and information regarding the entertainment on the pier. The staff can also help to answer any questions that you may have and can point you in the right direction. When you get hungry, you can find fare in any style from spicy Cajun food to just about anything that will wet your appetite. If you are on a limited budget, the food court area is a great option. It offers you numerous affordable options to eat, saving you money.

If you are a movie fan, you should check out the Imax Theatre on the pier. It features a 60 x 80 feet screen and can seat up to 40 individuals. The films are shown in both the regular version and in 3-D, giving you an incredible experience. The theatre changes its showings periodically to keep up a fresh list. The Children’s Museum is a perfect family stop, featuring various displays and interactive activities that make for an enjoyable afternoon. When you purchase a ticket to the museum, it is good for the entire day. You can come and go as you please, especially if want to check out other attractions.

These are just a few of the offerings that the Chicago Navy Pier offers, and there are numerous others that you can explore. Consider putting this on your list of stops the next time that you are in town.

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A Visit to the Field Museum of Natural History

CD818 Sue
Image by listentoreason via Flickr

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is a unique way to learn and enjoy the natural world. It is located in the Chicago Museum Campus and was first constructed in 1893. Its exhibits are not just limited to the natural world, but encompass a variety of areas including science, history, art and archaeology. Its primary purpose at its inception was to serve as a home for the collection of artifacts that were on display at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. From that early time, Museum now houses over 20 million items and is home to a research library with over 200,000 books in it.

As you enter the museum, you can walk through exhibits and learn about biology, animals live under the ocean, fossils, various Native American cultures and the culture of the African people. There is also the biggest preserved Tyrannosaurus rex in the world, named Sue, you will want to check out. Another popular exhibit at the museum are the man eaters of Tsavo that terrorized natives that were helping to build a bridge in Africa. Killed by John Patterson, they have been donated to the museum and are an eerie sight to see.

During your visit, if you have any questions there are many individuals stationed at strategic points that can answer any questions you might have. You can also take in a variety of plants from around the earth and can even get a look inside the history of ancient Egypt.

The museum is not as busy if you come in the afternoon, which gives you more freedom to move around and take your time when looking at the exhibits. There is an admission fee to get into the Field Museum, but there may be a special price offered on certain days. Taking an afternoon to visit the Field Museum of Natural History is well worth the effort and will become one of your favorite stops on your trip.

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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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Take a Boat Tour Through Chicago

There are many ways that you can travel about Chicago, but one of the most unique is by boat. You can find many of these vessels docked alongside the Dock Street at the Navy Pier. You can either privately charter a boat tour or take one of the more popular sightseeing boat tours that are available. You can also choose from different types of tours, including dinner cruises, speedboat rides on Lake Michigan, take a water taxi and even do some dancing.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise runs approximately 90 minutes and takes you past some of the most important structures in the city. These include: the Sears Tower, Marina City, the Tribune Tower, River City, Trump Tower and Merchandise Mart. The trained tour guides will give you an inside look at the story of each building and and their significance to the city’s history.

If you want to get some entertainment while seeing the city from the water, an entertainment cruises is the perfect choice for you. These excursions provide you with excellent food, the chance to dance and to find excellent views of the city from Lake Michigan. The entire experience is included in one package. You will have to contact one of the many companies that offer these tours in order to book passage on one of their boats.

A unique experience can be found on the Tall Ship Red Witch, a large wooden schooner available for tours. It can be reserved for a private day out for your group, a dinner or wedding reception. There also events throughout the year that are open to the general public for the price of a ticket.

Whether you are taking one of the regular sightseeing tours or chartering a private vote for a day out on the water, this is definitely the way to Chicago. You can sit back and relax while seeing the sights.

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Cycling Around Chicago

There are many ways to see Chicago, and one of the most fun can be to take a bicycle tour through the city. You will not only get around easier, but will get some beneficial exercise in the process. The bikes offered come in a variety of styles, depending upon your personal preference. These include: hybrids, mountain bikes, raod bikes, cruisers, tandems, bikes for children and others. This allows you to ride that is more comfortable for you.

You can rent bikes at locations such as the Navy Pier, Millenium Park, North Avenue Beach, Riverwalk and Foster Beach. The rides vary in their destinations and routes, giving you greater choice in the kind of tour you take. Some take you through various neighborhoods, parks around the city and along the lakefront. There are some stations where you can rent a bicycle just to take out on your own. There are also tours taken around the city by bike at night for a different experience.

These companies will often provide you with the necessary safety gear, such as helmets, to wear on the ride. In some cases, you may have to provide your own. These tours run in the warmer months of the year, beginning in the early spring. It is best to set aside a full morning or afternoon for one of these tours, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the rides and sights without being strapped for time.

Some tours may require a reservation, so it is best to call in advance to make arrangements. You should also check with the tour company to see what kinds of bikes they offer for you to choose from. Another great reason to see Chicago this way is the money you will save on gas, you won’t have to worry about parking or getting around through traffic. You can just get on, push off and ride without worry, taking your time for a trip through Chicago.

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