Added: 01/23/2006 |
Live fast in ChicagoChicago boasts one of the world's most beautiful lakefronts. With the exception of a few miles of industry on its southern extremity, virtually the entire lakefront is devoted to recreation, with beaches, museums, harbors, and parks.
There is much to experience in Chicago, you might even be at a loss where to begin. In order you do not get lost in the variety of opportunities offered by the city, here are just several places you might want to see in Chicago.
By the way, as Chicago is one of America's largest business centers, you will not fall short of hotels in Chicago, while service in Chicago is also up to par.
ADLER PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY MUSEUM
The planetarium occupies more than 35,000 square feet of exhibits, which offer a wide range of phenomena from scale models of the Solar System, to ancient astronomical instruments, to interactive adventures. The planetarium's collections of astronomical instruments and rare books are among the finest in the world. The Adler is the only museum in the world that boasts two full-size planetarium theaters. Since 1930, the historic Sky Theater has been revealing the wonder of the stars to its visitors. The Sky Theater is equipped with the latest state-of-the art kits. For example, the Zeiss Planetarium projector can reproduce the movement of any celestial body.
SHEDD AQUARIUM
This is the world's largest indoor aquarium boasting more than 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world. The Marine Mammal Presentation that takes place several times a day, features animal-care staff interacting with the dolphins and whales as they dive, hop and walk on their tails.
Shedd Aquarium also offers Habitat Chats for visitors to learn about the aquatic world and its inhabitants in an informal setting. You even have a chance to look at and touch such critters as a Chilean rose tarantula, leopard gecko, African bullfrog, red-tailed boa, or a king snake.
Children in the age of three to five can enjoy a special event organized by Shedd Aquarium - "Tots on Tuesdays". This is a full day activity that includes story telling, learning crafts, animal-touch programs, videos, dancing and singing.
The visit to Shedd Aquarium will grab all your attention but when you return back to earth you might realize that you are terribly hungry. Never mind, Bubble Net Food Court will not let you die of hunger. You will be offered pizza, sandwiches and burgers. Sounding Restaurant offers a full table service, wine and cocktails in a casual setting, and at Mrs. Field's Cookie House you can taste various cookies, brownies, cold beverages and coffee. You can also drop into the gift shop for souvenirs and jewelry.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, each year welcomes more than three million visitors. Guests are welcome to experience the thrill of gazing directly into the eyes of a lowland gorilla and standing toe-to-toe with grazing giraffes.
The Zoo is open 365 days a year.
Lincoln Park Zoo also features SBC Endangered Species Carousel ride, paddle boat and swan boat rides, the LPZOO Express train ride, the 4-D Virtual Safari simulator and a Safari Audio Tour. Each attraction requires a small fee. The Zoo offers a variety of dining options and two gift shops as well.
TASTE OF CHICAGO
The Taste of Chicago is an annual event held at Grant Park on June 24 - July 4. Visitors are offered the cuisine of nearly 100 local restaurants and a variety of exhibits and activities. The food options are too numerous to list, including varieties of Chicago pizza and cheesecake, corn on the cob all types of ice cream you can only imagine. At any given time, the entertainment will be drawing crowds on multiple stages scattered all over the park.
NAVY PIER
One of Chicago's most popular attractions, Navy offers a great variety of activities on the Pier including dining and entertainment options.
The most visible feature of Navy Pier is its 150-foot Ferris wheel. Pier Park also features the Chicago Children's Museum where children and parents can visit the Kraft Artsabound Studio and make real pieces of art to take home. Another place which you just can't miss is The Smith Museum of Stained Glass. The exhibit in the eastern part of the Pier is a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows covering nearly three football fields of galleries and presenting a beautiful collection of religious and secular pieces dating back to the 1870s.
Navy Pier is home to Chicago Shakespeare Theater and to an IMAX theater with a 6-story flat movie screen featuring 2D and 3D films.
This wonderful site can as well offer you boat tours. This can be an extravagant dinner cruise along the lakefront or a speed-boat ride.
After a whole day of walking around you might want to have a bit of rest and re-energize. Jump on a trolley and head towards the end of the Pier. There you'll find the Beer Garden, a bouncy place offering you live music and premium beers.
With all the Navy Pier spots already mentioned there are still left the Skyline Stage, the Time Escape 3D Thrill Ride or the Cliff Climb Climbing Wall.
You are welcome! There is something for everyone at this awesome location.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
