Water Tower Place
The
eight-level Water Tower Place reigns as the largest mall
on Michigan Avenue. Anchored by a Lord & Taylor and
a branch of Marshall Field's and Company, Water Tower includes
more than 100 stores, movie theaters, and many dining options.
Take the glass elevators to the upper floors to visit the
frenetic Foodlife, an upscale food court with multiple stations
that offer made-to-order items from a wide range of cuisines.
For a hearty sit-down meal, try Mity Nice Grill, with its
1940s decor and crowded walls of children's photos.
John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium
Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, this indoor aquatic
world is home to more than 650 species of fish, reptiles,
amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from across
the globe. Explore Caribbean waters at the 90,000-gallon
coral reef exhibit, or watch whales and dolphins play during
marine mammal shows. Eat at Soundings restaurant, where
you will find a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, or in the
Bubble Net food court. Aquatic souvenirs are available in
the gift shop.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lions,
tigers, bears and hundreds of endangered and exotic species,
oh my! All inhabit this urban outdoor wildlife park in near-natural
environments against the backdrop of the breathtaking Chicago
skyline. The zoo includes an ape house, a birdhouse and
a 12-million dollar greenhouse with rain forests, savannahs
and deserts under a 45-foot high glass dome. Kids will not
want to miss the Children's Zoo or the five-acre "Farm-in-the-Zoo."
After strolling through the park, visit the zoo gift shops
or catch lunch or dinner at the Park Place Cafe or the Gorilla
Grill.
Chinatown
Although
not one of the country's larger "Chinatowns,"
the main drag on Wentworth Avenue is worth the brief side
trip from the Loop for the curious. You will find an assortment
of shops, restaurants and the butchers with skinned ducks
hanging in the windows. Fueled by an influx of money from
wealthy Chinese developers looking to diversify their holdings
outside of Hong Kong, Chinatown is looking to expand its
boundaries. A new shopping center was recently completed,
and Chinatown has reportedly been put on the Mayor's list
of neighborhoods up for urban renewal and redevelopment.
Taste of Chicago
Every
year, more than 65 of the most popular Chicago restaurants
open up food booths all over Grant Park so visitors can
sample a broad array of goodies from this most diverse restaurant
city. The food, though a touch overpriced, is eminently
affordable, and the other attractions of the Taste are all
free: four entertainment stages feature live music, many
stalls offer cooking demonstrations and others sell arts
and crafts. Past festivals have featured a stunt high-diving
show, various rides and a nightly dance (with free lessons.)
Over three million people crowd in, so be prepared to fight
your way to pizza, pork sandwiches, stuffed peppers, ribs,
egg rolls, bratwurst.
Six Flags Great America
Activities
abound at the Midwest's largest theme park, from speeding
roller coasters like Deja Vu and Viper to pure thrill rides
like the Giant Drop and Vertical Velocity. But those who
turn green and come one step from puking on the stomach
dropping rides will find plenty of other easy going alternatives.
There are also tons of activities for the tots, including
Looney Tunes National Park and Camp Cartoon Network.
Oprah Winfrey Show, (The)
See
the woman who changed the meaning of talk shows. One of
only three women in history to own her own television and
film production studios, Oprah Winfrey inspires and is admired
by millions. The highly rated show features celebrities
and average people with stories to tell. Oprah strives to
lift her viewers up and make a positive difference. There
is free, limited audience seating. Reservations must be
made in advance.
Chicago Air & Water Show
Millions
of Chicagoans flock to the Lake Michigan shoreline to watch
as the pilots begin their terrifying daredevil displays.
The show is usually held at the end of August and can be
viewed from just about anywhere along the lakefront, as
long as no buildings or trees obstruct the view. If you
insist on watching from North Avenue Beach, be sure to arrive
by 9am to stake out a spot, and bring plenty of water and
sun tan lotion with you, because you'll be jockeying for
position all day long.
Navy Pier
This
family entertainment complex on Lake Michigan offers daylong
fun with more than 50 acres of parks and gardens, first-rate
shopping, restaurants and exciting attractions. Ride the
15-story Ferris wheel, watch world-class performers at the
Skyline Stage, and tour three floors of interactive fun
at the Chicago Children's Museum. For some culture amongst
the commercialism, check out the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
During the summer, free entertainment is available on Dock
Street. During the winter, rent skates and take a spin on
the open-air rink. Credit cards are accepted, but types
vary by the establishment.
Sears Tower Skydeck
While
no longer the world's tallest building, the 25-year-old
Sears Tower still stands proud. High-speed elevators climb
110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the
view from 1,454 feet can be stunning. Enjoy bird's eye views
of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the
city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts
of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Skydeck Tour also
includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information
on the Sears Tower and other architecturally significant
buildings.
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