Travel and Vacation Digest » Chicago

Chicagos Premiere Steak Houses

Ed — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 20:30:01 +0000

Chicago is well known for their luscious and mouth watering steaks and prime rib. Pencil in at least one night and visit one of the many steak houses that the city has to offer. There is a place to meet everyone's needs, so if you want to dress up or go casual, the choice is yours because there is a little bit of everything.

If you are dying for some succulent prime rib then head straight to 100 E. Ontario Street, where you will find Lawry's, The Prime Rib Restaurant which boasts about having the best prime rib in the world. It is not surprising considering the well known name of Lawry's seasoning salt and other products. The restaurant is very unique in style and in service. You are able to sip on world class wines from their winery, enjoy exquisite service, luxuriate in the most elegant and charming surroundings, all while you feast upon the world's best prime rib.

Lawry's rock salted prime rib is aged to perfection for 21 days. While you are in the restaurant your prime rib will be carved for you tableside from a silver cart and you will be able to select the perfect piece. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, Lawry's is also the home of what is known as the "spinning salad". It is very fascinating to watch as the server brings an assortment of fresh salad options right to your table and after you select what items create your perfect salad, the server will literally spin them into the air and they will land completely tossed to perfection. The premium prime rib dinner is also served with creamed horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding. The ambiance of the restaurant which used to be the McCormick mansion back in the late 1800's is now home to this savory restaurant.

Smoking is allowed at the bar only. Parking is valet or street side (not recommended). Reservations preferred. Not very child friendly. Moderate to expensive in price. Rated 4 1/2 stars for their prime rib. Accept all major credit cards.

Perhaps you prefer a succulent steak or seafood instead of prime rib, if so; Morton's Steak House located at 1050 N State Street in downtown Chicago is where you will want to head. This is the original Morton's Steak House that opened in 1978. This one of a kind restaurant is famous not only for their premium steaks but also their vintage wines and Martini's. Be sure to enjoy a drink while you are waiting on your choice of steak or seafood that is served with a classic Morton's salad. They offer a fairly large selection of other options including seared tuna and double rib lamb chops, all served with your choice of vegetables or potatoes. It is required that you make a reservation which can also be done online. Do not under dress here as most males will be in suit and tie. Price is about $170 for a standard dinner for 2 and that is before tax and gratuities. Prices could vary depending on your bar tab. Morton's also accepts all major credit cards.

Chicagos Most Traditional Cuisine

Ed — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 18:35:01 +0000

You can not think about Chicago without having food pass through that very same thought. Chicago is full of ethnic enclaves and each is delighted to share their homes cuisine with you. Do not attempt to take a walk around downtown Chicago without bringing your appetite along as you will be surrounded by mouthwatering scents that will more than tempt your taste buds.

While walking through Chicago just amazed at the skyline and the prodigious skyscrapers, you will be intrigued at the diversity of the ethnic neighborhoods, each so very proud of their own heritage. Walk through Little Italy and sample the pastas, then enter Little Saigon and get a bite of the infamous Vietnam dish Chao Tom, which is an original shrimp dish. Do not eat too much there because as soon as you walk around the corner you will enter Little Warsaw which will make it impossible to resist the taste of fresh Polish pierogi's and borscht. Save from room for Greek town as you can not pass up a bite of the flaming cheese. Keep in mind that the food is completely authentic and unbelievably affordable.

Chicago is world known for the food that is cooked up and served at street side. No one could ever pass up some of Chicago's most signature dishes, the ones that are just plain and simple but warm the heart such as the Chicago style hotdog. No one else makes a hotdog quite in this fashion, a hotdog with mustard, onion, relish, sliced tomato, dill pickle spear, and just a hint of celery salt. Although many have tried, no one has been able to replicate that exact hotdog. This is a specialty for the blue collar workers as well as the most prestigious. Another famous signature dish of Chicago is the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. This pizza is unlike any other and definitely requires a fork and knife to eat.

Of course the day would not be complete without a sweet ending so while venturing down the Magnificent Mile, an absolute must is a stop at Hershey's Chicago. The only problem is that you will not want to leave and it could actually turn into an all day adventure, especially if you are bringing the kids. Here, they will gladly personalize a giant Hershey kiss while you wait and you will just adore the singing baker who sings for you while you decide which original Hershey treats from the bakery that you want to take home. If you still have a sweet tooth, keep in mind that Chicago is home to the very last factory that makes Twinkies.

There is always something going on in Chicago and so much to eat. The choices are virtually unlimited as to what, where, and how you choose to eat. A fancy restaurant is nice but so is dining at a street side café on a nice cool summer night. If you enjoy people watching you are in for a treat because of the cultural diversity that Chicago attracts, you will certainly be enlightened and entertained.

Enjoy Chicagos Nightlife

Ed — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:16:01 +0000

Chicago is a city that evolves around music and it is obvious with the diverse musical reflection that shadows it. Chicago offers a genre of music for most everyone. Located on Michigan Avenue is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The classical music lover will be mesmerized by the precision of the conductor and the brilliant talent of the musicians. Even if you have never been to the orchestra before, this is a once in a lifetime experience. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has been performing since the late 1800's and many have a deep expression for their love of classical music. Therefore the rules can be somewhat stringent when attending. The dress is formal, the time of arrival is precise, no children under the age of 8 are invited, all cell phone must be turned off, and no picture taking during any of the performances. Prices vary widely for this event.

Perhaps classical music is not of interest to you, maybe you would rather hear some blues. Right down the road on South Wabash Street in the infamous Buddy Guy's Legends nightclub which is named for the owner, Buddy Guy who is a legendary blues guitarist. Anyone with an appreciation for the blues already knows who Buddy Guy is and is aware of his great inspiration to artists such as the late Jimmy Hendrix and Beck. Guy is also a Hall of Fame inductee. Of course while you are sitting back enjoying some good old blues you might be interested in glancing at the menu. It is loaded with nothing other than classic Southern favorites such as crab cakes, chicken wings, catfish, fried okra, and gumbo. The nightclub is open every night until 2 am except for Saturdays when it is open until 3 am. No reservations are required and carry out is available.

Maybe you would just like to hit the town for a taste of Chicago's premier nightlife. Although there are many nightclubs to choose from, one that is certain to ensure a great night out is Crobar Nightclub. Located on Kingsbury Street, this old renovated warehouse that legally holds 800 people is jam packed every night. Inside are four separate bars and a center stage raised platform dance floor with a premium sound system and an incredible light display. This is primarily a dance club and is open Friday nights until 4 am and Saturday nights until 5 am. This is a high energy nightclub with a cover charge of $10-$20. There is a dress code that does not allow sneakers or athletic wear and it also requires that you be 21 or over to enter. All major credit cards are accepted.

For the sports enthusiast, be sure to make it a point to stop in at Murphy's Bleachers Sports Bar located on Sheffield Avenue. This bar offers rooftop seating that overlooks Wrigley Field. There are TV's located everywhere that allow you to watch just about any sport that is being televised across the globe. Loaded with décor intended for the sports buff, this bar is a must see. Make sure that you try their signature drink which is pink lemonade and vodka concoction that everyone seems to love. There are also daily drink specials. For those who might not welcome rooftop seating, sidewalk seating is also offered. Murphy's is open Sunday – Friday until 2 am and Saturday until 3 am. Dress is casual, there is no cover charge. Food is served and all major credit cards are welcome.

Visiting Chicago With Children

Ed — Sat, 01 May 2010 06:35:01 +0000

If you have decided to visit Chicago and make this a family trip then you should know about the many activities and events that are centered on the kids to ensure that Chicago is a memorable time for them too.

Check out the Chicago Children's Museum where the kids will be entertained for literally hours. The museum is located at Navy Pier. The museum hosts an all kid's block party that runs from June-September and this is an event that the kids will just flip over. Here there are ice cream shops, pizza shops, a taco stand and other kid sized booths where the kids can throw on an apron and get down and dirty while they prepare cones, pizzas and tacos for themselves. The kids are in charge here of preparing the food, ringing up the bill on the register, serving, and cleaning up afterwards. It will be hard to pull the kids away from this place.

There are also many educational exhibits that are available to visit year round. Here too, there is a little bit for everyone, a Dinosaur Expedition that recreates a back in time setting where kids not only can watch and enjoy the exhibit but are encouraged to join in as there is a real life excavation pit where the kids can see exactly what it is like to be part of an expedition team. Make sure they get to go to the Inventing Lab too. Here the kids learn all about inventions from the past and are also able to get their creative juices flowing and be part of an on site invention process with other children. Also located within the museum is an exhibition sponsored by Allstate and conducted by the Chicago Fire Department that teaches children in an interactive environment about strategies and plans to be developed in safety situations. The exhibit's theme is prevention and effective ways to deal with emergency situations.

No child can pass up the opportunity to get wet in a water playground. WaterWays is a premier water experience for all children as they will not only enjoy the fun filled water wheel but it is also an educational experience as well. While the kids are having a great time getting squirted and splashing around in the water park they will also be educated about the forces of water and how people have used water to generate energy for years and years.

A special area that is designed for children under the age of five is Treehouse Trails. Imitating an enchanted forest in an entirely safe environment, the kids can play in a place that seems very real but is all make believe. They can ride in a canoe, fish, and climb on logs into a tree house but the whole area is completely safe for children under five. Remember that we are still at the Chicago Children's Museum! So while you are still there make sure that the kids get a chance to see Kids Town. This is truly amazing! Imagine a neighborhood where kids are in charge, they can shop in a grocery store, change a tire, and drive a bus. The whole premise of this exhibit is a role playing experience that the kids just love.

Things To Do In Chicago

Ed — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:42:01 +0000

The windy city has so many attractions and sites for travelers who wish to spend their vacation in Chicago. Sporting events, trips to the top of the Sears Tower, and a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago are just a few of the activities and attractions to keep you occupied during your vacation in Chicago. Besides these key attractions you can also enjoy authentic ethnic foods. Chicago is known for having several different ethnic neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Greektown where you can travel into the neighborhood for authentic foods and a feel for the native country of the inhabitants.

Chicago has a storied sports history that includes the baseball, basketball, football and hockey. With so many sports teams calling Chicago home, any time of year is a good time for seeing Chicago's sports at their best. Even if you travel during the off season of your favorite team, you still may be able to take a tour of the stadium or arena. Historic Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs while the Chicago White Sox call Comisky Park home. The United Center is home to the city's football and basketball teams. Although the two teams share the facility, you can visit at any time to get a real feel for either club.

Who could resist the opportunity to visit the Sears Tower and travel to the top to observe the city of Chicago? The elevator whisks you to the Skydeck atop the tower that stands 1,353 feet above the ground in only a matter of a few seconds. Here you have the opportunity to look out over your surroundings. On a clear day you can see for almost 50 feet in all directions. The view directly below you is very worthwhile as well. Looking down on the bustling city, the people and cars hurrying look like ants preparing for the winter. This awe inspiring view makes it clear that the city below, for all its grandness, is still only a tiny piece of the entire world.

Chicago is rich with museums and boasts over 20 museums residing within the city. Each of them offers you a unique perspective but none is more outstanding than the Art Institute of Chicago. This museum is home to over 300,000 pieces of art and some displays change periodically throughout the year. At the Art Institute of Chicago, you can spend hours viewing the artwork and analyzing the symbolism behind each piece or you can view the art casually not looking deeper than whether or not you like the piece on the surface. Either way you are sure to have an enjoyable day at the museum.

Visitors to Chicago will not be disappointed by the many activities that there are to enjoy in this city. Visiting some of the historic sports fields is just one of the many ways to enjoy your trip to Chicago. Taking a trip to the top of Sears Tower is another attraction that can't be missed when you visit Chicago. Finally, the Art Institute of Chicago is another attraction for those who want to enjoy some cultural enrichment during their travels.

For Love Of The Game In Chicago

Ed — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:53:01 +0000

If you are a sports enthusiast then you are probably already aware of the fact that Chicago is one of the better sports towns in the country. Home to the Chicago Bulls basketball team, the Chicago Blackhawk's hockey team, the Chicago Bears football team, and two major league baseball teams, the Cubs and the Whitesox, Chicago more than holds its own when it comes to sports.

No matter what time of the year that you choose to visit Chicago there is always some sports hype going on. The Bulls and the Blackhawk's play at the United Center Stadium where there is a life sized bronze statue of former Bulls' star, Michael Jordan. This is a tourist attraction for many who visit the "Windy City". United Center Stadium is one of the largest arenas in the United States and because is has a football shape to it, there is literally not a bad seat in the house. In 1994, United Center Stadium replaced Chicago Stadium along with all of its history but regardless the Bulls seem to have adjusted just fine. There is always something huge going on at United Center Stadium so if you can not catch a game, there is sure to be a concert, a circus, or even the Champions on Ice. United Center Stadium is located on West Madison Street and you can get there by a shuttle bus or there are parking structures available as well. United Center Stadium is also handicap accessible. Prices for these events start at $20 for general admission and go up from there.

If you visit Chicago during baseball season, you may be fortunate enough to catch a Cubs game at the historical Wrigley Field. This field was built in 1914 and is the second oldest ball park next to Fenway Park in Boston. Wrigley Field has more history than one could ever imagine and while you are there you may want to be a part of it. After all, Babe Ruth played there during the 1932 World Series game, Ernie Banks hit his 500th homerun there; Pete Rose tied with Ty Cobb for most hits in baseball history, and numerous All Star games.

If you are a Whitesox fan then you may be able to catch them at US Cellular Field for a home game. US Cellular Field is the new Comiskey Park and has been since 1991. This park is stocked with state of the art equipment such as a fan deck, a gift shop, a Miller Lite Bullpen Sports bar, a rain room which provides a refreshing mist on a hot summer night, a speed pitching machine to practice your speed and accuracy, and a custom T-shirt shop. Formerly, Comiskey Park, the park has been completely renovated since 1991 adding fan friendly renovations to attempt to make up for the things that may have been lacking previously. Located on West 35th Street and prices vary greatly depending on seating however, the Whitesox are one of the teams who have managed to keep the cost of their tickets slightly less than the other teams.

Must See Places In Chicago

Ed — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:16:01 +0000

Just when you think your trip to Chicago could not possibly be any more memorable, you decide to take a horse drawn carriage ride through the city. Awesome at any time of the day but extremely romantic at night, you will be picked up at the curb by a beautiful white carriage that is drawn by a magnificent pair of Clydesdale horses. With the stars above, the stunning skyscrapers, and the amazing lights of the city, this is truly a memory that you will cherish forever.

The Chicago North Side Tour is also a big tourist attraction while visiting the "Windy City". This is a very reasonably priced tour, under $25 per adult and rates even lower for children. Be prepared for a cram packed, action filled, and educational two hour journey. Make reservations 24 hours in advance and you will be picked up right at your hotel and then the fun begins. First, you will go through Chicago's main business sector and see some of the greatest financial institutions in the world. You will also pass through the "loop" which is another claim to fame for Chicago. Designed and sculpted by Pablo Picasso just for the city of Chicago, this masterpiece is housed at the Richard J. Daley Plaza. The tour will take you over the Chicago River, (which by the way flows backwards on purpose) then pass by the Wrigley Building and travel down Michigan Avenue which is part of the Magnificent Mile where the most popular designer stores and boutiques are located. You will be awed as you pass by the Water Tower Place, which is a seven level shopping mall that is seated right alongside one of the tallest building in the world, The John Hancock Center.

Of course the tour will continue through Lincoln Park where there is an actual lagoon, amazingly beautiful flowers and a zoo. Before the two hour tour comes to an end, you will finally go past Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs, the Chicago Historical Society, Botanical Gardens, Newberry Reference Library, a real Indian Totem Pole, and a final stop at the Lincoln Park Conservatory where you will be allowed to walk around for about a half an hour. This is a narrated motor coach tour.

If a motor coach was not quite what you were looking for then maybe a tour by chartered plane or helicopter is more appealing to you. There are helicopter tours that last about a half an hour and give you a view of the historical skyline like no other tour ever could. There are few different choices to select from depending on your areas of interest. One tour takes you over the malls, the river, and ending over the casino. Another helicopter tour takes you right through the business "loop" of downtown Chicago, over the Sears Tower, The John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and ending over the Chicago River. If these choices leave you completely undecided then there is another choice too. A one and a half hour helicopter tour which incorporates both tours into one but extends over Northwestern University, Ravinia, Lake Forest and the Northwest Suburbs, and finally ending over Arlington Park Racetrack.

Chicagos Navy Pier

Ed — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:09:01 +0000

While you are in Chicago after dark, you will notice a brilliantly lit Ferris wheel way off on the horizon. You can not help but notice it as it is magnificent. There is something about Ferris wheels that lets you know that something really fun is going on. What you are missing is Chicago's Nay Pier. It might not sound like much from the name alone but for this event you will certainly need an entire day. People who have been there will offer this word of advice; enjoy every second and every single little thing. Take nothing for granted as it truly is breathtaking.

This place is made up of so many different things for all to do. Navy Pier has a unique Imax Theatre where there is a gigantic movie screen that presents first run movies and specialty IPEX films. If you have brought along the kids make sure they get a chance to stop by the Chicago Children's Museum too. Here, the kids can learn a lot about the world and get to become creative little artists while they are there. There is so much to do there that it is hard to even know where to begin. There are boat rides where a speedboat will take you cruising past the entire beautiful skyline or if you prefer something not quite as thrill seeking then you always have the option to take a cruise along the same path, just a bit slower. There is also a park which is an all day, every day carnival which of course includes a 150 foot Ferris wheel. As soon as you have exhausted yourself there it's off to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass where there are some amazing historical pieces of work dating back to the 1800's.

By then it should be time for a good cold beer and a minute to just sit back, relax and listen to the music festival tat is always in play. But if you are looking for something just a bit more easy then take a short walk to the North side of the pier where you will find a much more relaxed place to sit and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake. You can either walk to the North side of the pier or hop on a trolley that will escort you there or take you directly to your car.

Navy Pier also gas an 18 hole miniature golf course, cliff climbing, a fun house maze, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, souvenir shops and a food court. There are plenty of trade shows and Crystal Gardens which is a breathtaking tropical paradise. Along the lake you are encouraged to bike ride or roller skate and if you forgot to bring your own, they are there for rent too. Stop by the Bud Light Stage as there are always name acts performing live and there is never a fee to watch. Navy Pier also has a wonderful array of fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night off of the pier. This begins at Memorial day and lasts through Labor day.

Visiting The Windy City

Ed — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:31:01 +0000

So, you are off to the "Windy City" for your vacation and you are going to have such a wonderful time. Chicago offers a brilliant skyline and some of the finest cuisine around. Most of downtown Chicago is taxied around, so expect to see people at curbside hailing a cab. Driving a vehicle yourself through town could be monotonous as there are many one way streets and it could be very confusing and time consuming to get to your destination. Further, parking can be very costly, averaging at least $20 per day.

There are many extraordinary hotels in Chicago for you to choose from. While some will have a bell hop ready to immediately carry your luggage to your hotel room, there are others that allow for those on more of a budget. If you select a hotel that is near the downtown area, you will be able to enjoy just a short walk to almost anywhere. The shopping is inexhaustible, there is an assortment of outstanding eatery's located in every direction, and there is plenty to do for everyone. The Magnificent Mile is only eight blocks long and there are some 460 stores located within that area including American Girl, Crate & Barrel, and Niketown. Here you will also find museums and galleries to keep you busy throughout the day.

Walking the Magnificent Mile is a memory that you will always treasure. Each season in Chicago hosts a unique and wonderful outdoor festival. While on your walk down the magnificent Mile plan on enjoying four shopping plazas and world renowned boutiques filled by local designers. Here is where you will literally want to shop until you drop. Make sure to stop by the infamous Cheesecake Factory and pick up at least a slice of the most mouth watering cheesecake in the world. There are so many flavors to choose from that everyone will love it. Whether you are looking for some ethnic food, a Chicago Style pizza, or the perfect steak, you will find it all within these eight blocks.

Along the Magnificent Mile you will find Bloomingdale's Department Store, a six level upscale shopping experience. While you are visiting Bloomingdales, keep in mind that they also offer a full service salon and spa, and a state of the art fitness facility. If Bloomingdales did not quite quench you're shopping desires then visiting Water Tower Place surely will. Deemed the apex of the Magnificent Mile, this mall is Chicago's pride and joy for shoppers. With an eight level atrium, you will find more than 100 of your favorite stores, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty stores. Just to name a few of the stores located within this 78,000 sq ft mall are Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldo's, Godiva Chocolatier, Macy's, and Steve Madden Shoes.

Remember that Chicago is home to many sports teams, the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawk's, The Cubs and the White Sox so no matter what time of the year that you plan your vacation if you are a sports buff, you will have lots to do.

Sky High Tours In Chicago

Ed — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:00:01 +0000

While you are in Chicago you might decide that you would like a bird's eye view of the city. The best place for that is to visit the Sears Tower Skydeck as it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It is 103 stories tall and from there the view is breathtaking over the city of Chicago and four other states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana can be seen from there as well. Tickets are $12.95 per adult and $9.50 for children over 3. It is best to make sure that the day of your visit that the weather is nice and clear so that visibility is good. There is a tour provided that will enlighten you on all of the relevant facts about the city and its surroundings. The Sears Tower Skydeck is absolutely an amazing place to visit. It is 1,730 feet tall and the cost of building it was in excess of $150 million. There is much more to this tour than just riding an elevator to the top of a building and checking out the view from a window. The tour from inside tells much about the history of Chicago with the use of interactive kiosks that are available in six different languages; they talk about the past and present history and culture.

There are some activities to keep the kiddies occupied as well as they offer a Sears Tower Skydeck Scavenger Hunt where the children are encouraged to find famous Chicago landmarks based on their knowledge. The Sears Tower Skydeck is open 365 days a year and during the months of April – September the hours are 10 am to 10 pm. October – March the hours are 10 am to 8 pm. The Skydeck is located on Wacker Drive. The Sears Tower Skydeck will close in the event of extremely high winds. Parking is available across the street from the entrance of the Sears Tower Skydeck. Public transportation is also available. Those who have been to the Sears Tower Skydeck offer a bit of advice, try to visit after 5 pm, not only to avoid crowds but also because there is no better way to catch the sunset than from that extraordinary view or imagine it at night under the stars. Remember that the Skydeck is also handicap accessible.

While you are reaching for the sky, you may want to consider a trip to the John Hancock Center as it too is spectacular. 94 stories high into the sky, it boasts an open air sky walk that takes you right over the Magnificent Mile, 1000 feet above as a matter of fact. Audio tours add to the excitement of the rush of being so far up in the air and capturing this magnificent view. You have the option to have photos taken and they can really snap some thrill seeking pictures that will make you look like quite the daredevil when you get home and share them with your friends. The John Hancock Center is located on N. Michigan Avenue and the hours of operation are 9 am to 11 pm. The admission fee is $10.25 for ages 13-61, seniors over 61 is $8.00, children 5-12 are $6.50 and children 4 and under are free.