Duck Into A Swank Speakeasyall The Cool Kids Are Doing It
Theres a reason why the speakeasy never goes out of style. Sometimes you just need to hide out in a dark hole and drink cocktails like its illegal. Whether or not our own 20s turn out to mirror the Roaring ones of yore, Chicago still offers plenty of options to unleash your inner Capone. Heres our full roundup of local speakeasies and secret bars, since you asked. Shh.
Day : Undara To Georgetown
Drive 30 minutes along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise, best known for its gemstones. Gem fossicking can be great fun and many travellers have been lucky to find some valuable semi-precious gems in the region. If you feel you are up for the challenge, call into Mount Surprise Gems to obtain a fossicking license, equipment and directions to the nearby OBriens Creek fossicking site where topaz, quartz and garnet can be discovered.
If you are in Mount Surprise on a Thursday or Friday between March and December make sure to see the historic Savannahlander Train at Mount Surprise Railway Station. This beautifully restored silver 1960s train will take you on a nostalgic journey back to simpler times.
Next stop is Georgetown on the Etheridge River, site of a gold rush in the 1870s. In its heyday, Georgetown attracted nearly 3000 prospectors all keen to make it rich. While in town, visit the TerrEstrial Centre containing the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, a mind-boggling display of over 4500 specimens of all shapes, structures and colour from all over the world.
Eat And Admire On The Spirit Of Chicago Dinner Cruise
Take the riverfront experience to the next level by combining pristine Lake Michigan views with a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet dinner.
The menu includes entrees, salads, and desserts, ensuring that you disembark entirely stuffed and satisfied.
A DJ will spin the tunes all the way through, while the crewmates coordinate a few interactive games.
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Smoke Some Of Illinois Most Essential Legal Green
Who knew that just a few months after Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, a full-blown public health emergency would bring our society to its knees? And, furthermore, can you imagine dealing with the past year-and-a-half without a little green? We dont even want to think about it, and you dont have to either. Deemed essential businesses with more than $1 billion in sales in 2020, legal weed is clearly here to stay in Illinois. Check out our full dispensary guide for all the hairy details.
Let The Kids Run Wild At The Chicago Childrens Museum
Located at Navy Pier, the Chicago Childrens Museum is regularly considered the premier kids museum nationwide.
The immersive attraction features a plethora of hands-on exhibits that the youngsters absolutely love perhaps none more so than the Dinosaur Expedition, where they can dig for bones and pretend to be archaeologists.
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Ride The Ferris Wheel At Navy Pier
For the next point on the list, its time to leave the inner part of the city and head in the direction of Lake Michigan. There you can find Navy Pier, a 1-km-long pier on the shoreline of the lake.
You can easily spend an entire day at this pier because there are so many fun outdoor attractions. A sensory maze experience, a botanical garden, a Musical carousel, and the Chicago Childrens Museum are only some of them.
In the center of the pier and hard to oversee is the Chicago Ferris Wheel. This 60-meters high construction offers some of the best skyline views while rotating at a gentle speed. Tickets for single rides are $12 for children and $19 for adults. Its definitely not a cheap pleasure but its a lot of fun and its great to see the city skyline from the lake.
If you want to skip the line, you can buy online tickets in advanceHERE.
TIP: The best is to buy a Chicago CityPASS to save up to 50% on all the top attractions!
Barrack For The Bears At A Soldier Field Nfl Game
If hockey, basketball, baseball, or soccer dont spark much of an interest, theres one more sport on offer which the locals take religiously: football.
The Chicago Bears, who line up at Soldier Field during the season , foster a wild atmosphere and the only way to really experience it is to join in on the action!
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Popular Places To Visit In West Loop
Union Station
4.5/5
Learn about the history of Union Station, a well-known monument in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area’s riverfront or experience its acclaimed theater scene.
Navy Pier
Millennium Park
4.5/5
A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.
McCormick Place
4.5/5
Attend an event at the United States largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Wrigley Field
4.5/5
Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicagos beloved baseball stadium.
Michigan Avenue
4.5/5
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area’s riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Chicago Riverwalk
4.5/5
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the citys most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Soldier Field
4.5/5
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicagos most popular destinations.
Day : Burketown To Gregory Downs To Cloncurry
Follow the 120 kilometre sealed route from Burketown to Gregory Downs, a small town located near the beautiful Gregory River. The hotel motel provides meals and accommodation and has a good story to tell.
Gregory Downs is the best access point for Boodjamulla National Park. A visit to this spectacular park is highly recommended.
Make sure you fuel up at the Gregory Downs Hotel and stock up on supplies before the 332 kilometre drive to Cloncurry, home to a number of important Australian innovations. According to locals, Qantas was conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton and raised in Longreach, so its pretty exciting for plane buffs to see the original Qantas Hangar still in use at the Cloncurry Airport.
Rev John Flynn established the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Cloncurry back in the 1920s. You can learn all about his legacy and this wonderful outback service when you visit the John Flynn Place Museum.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the shaded parklands of Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre where youll find one of Australias most comprehensive gem and mineral collections.
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A Weekend In The West Loop
October, 28 2020 Blog
Looking to get out of your area and explore more of the city? Theres so much to do throughout the city and to spend your weekend, from Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville and River North, theres so much to take part in. But if youre looking for something besides those popular areas head out west! Weve got you covered with all the best things to do this weekend in the West Loop.
First things first is finding where to stay the weekend, if youre looking for a charming hotel that allows you to be in the heart of the West Loop then book your stay at Nobu Hotel Chicago.
Next up on your weekend trip, experience what Chicago nightlife has to offer while eating some incredible food at Carnivale. A dining experience inspired by Mexican and South American culture, Carnivale is a dining experience featuring live performances, unique cocktails and entrees that will keep you entertained through the whole experience.
The morning after a night out can be tiring so make sure to get some breakfast and coffee to get ready for your day. Press Coffee Bar offers high end coffee brewed in store as well as a wide variety of cafe style breakfast options. And dining in is always an option with Press Coffees outdoor seating.
Get Into The Christmas Spirit While Window Shopping
Every year since the 1870s, Macys has created elaborate window displays on State Street, bringing Christmas to life through interactive storytelling. This years theme is the story of a blue reindeer named Tiptoe who, with the help from her friends, overcomes her fear of flying by believing in herself. Afterwards, head inside to see the famed Macys decorated Christmas tree and perhaps even pick up a present or two for someone topping your Nice list.
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Let Your Imagination Run Wild At The Legoland Discovery Center
No matter if youve just turned 5 or 50, everyone loves Lego! The large complex offers Lego-themed rides, building sections, a 4D cinema to delight the senses, and a gift shop to buy all the Lego sets you could possibly fit in your suitcase.
The Discovery Center is situated outside of the main Chicago area, so make a day trip out of it and explore the adjacent Ned Brown Preserve while youre there.
Scream Your Lungs Out At Lollapalooza Music Festival
Lollapalooza is one of the largest and most famous music festivals on the planet, and it surfaces every year in the middle of none other than the Windy City.
The wild event spans four days in late July or early August, with hundreds of local and international artists pumping out their best tunes for the tens of thousands of screaming fans.
Past headliners have included The Strokes, The Chainsmokers, Ariana Grande, And Twenty One Pilots its a big deal and tickets sell out quickly.
Festival-wise, its not only one of the best things to do in Chicago but one of the best things to do across the entire country!
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Feel The Vibe At The Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Every year come rain, hail or shine the city of Chicago puts on an exciting lineup of outdoor concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park from June through August.
Past performers have spannel the entire genre spectrum, from jazz and orchestral music to dance vibes, indie rock, and country. Best of all, its totally free.
Strike Out With Some Buddies At A Bowling Alley
Itsbeen awhile since the crew has been able to roll up to the bowling alley, lace up some bowling shoes, and try their luck at the lanespizza and beer in-hand, of course. Take advantage of some indoor fun at Waveland Bowl on Western Avenue, serving Alley Dogs with billiards as a bonus, or Diversey Bowl in River North, with lanes strewn in LED and laser lighting . 10 Pin Bowling Lounge, also in River North, provides a full bar paired with elevated pub grub, while Kings Dining & Entertainment in New City stocks cocktails and speciality menus to please more sophisticated bowlers.
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Have A Drink At Londonhouse Rooftop Bar
How does sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar while watching the boats floating on the Chicago river sound to you?
If this is exactly your kind of thing to do then dont miss a visit to the rooftop bar of the citys best-located hotels. The LondonHouse Chicago is a 4-star hotel in a 1920s building facing the iconic Riverwalk. From its tri-level rooftop bar, you can take in stunning views of the Chicago river, Magnificent Mile, and even Lake Michigan while sipping a delicious cocktail.
Catch A Performance Of The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
As the Chicago Symphony Orchestra edges its way toward 13 decades of captivating performances, it solidifies its reputation as one of the worlds best.
With brass, percussion, string, and woodwind instruments, coordinated by renowned Italian conductor, Riccardo Muti, its quite literally music to our ears.
Performances regularly take place at the Symphony Center in the Loop area.
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See A Broadway Show At James M Nederlander Theatre
Once a movie palace and vaudeville venue, the James M. Nederlander Theatre was recommissioned and restored to its original purpose: musical theatre!
Now, the decadent venue hosts a slew of Broadway shows, each more entertaining than the last.
Thanks to its central location near restaurants, bars, shops, and Millenium Park, its easy to spend a whole day without walking too far.
Devour A Delicious Brunch On The Chicago Odyssey Cruise
Captivating views of the Chicago skyscrapers are aplenty on board the luxurious Chicago Odyssey.
On a typical 2-hour cruise, guests have access to a fresh brunch buffet, offering the best of the breakfast and the lunch menu, and complemented by a gourmet coffee bar.
Cap off the journey with a mouth-watering mimosa before disembarking at the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier.
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History Of The West Loop
Today, West Loop has developed quite a reputation as a cutting-edge gastronomic center. In the mid-1800s, however, the areas efforts were located at the opposite end of the food production scale. Chicago was a major hub of agricultural and processing and distribution, and West Loop became a hub for both the produce and meatpacking industries.
The Fulton-Randolph Market District has a rich history as one of the oldest Chicago wholesale markets. In the 1850s, the area was separated into two markets, with Randolph Street Market Hall providing a home for produce sales and Fulton Street providing meatpacking services and sales. As these areas grew, related businesses began to pop up, like barrel manufacturers, then general manufacturing made the area its home as well.
The low-rise manufacturing buildings of the meatpacking era became a draw for condo developers and restaurateurs in the early 2000s, who favored its unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 affected the southeast portion of the West Loop area, having spread north and east from an area that is now the home of Nordstrom Rack in South Loop. Flaming debris picked up by a strong southwest wind landed on rooftops across the river, and the conflagration moved into the Loop. After devouring 3.3 miles of Chicagos business district and leaving of Chicago homeless, the fire began to burn itself out, and the rains came.
Sip On A Wintery Cocktail On A Warm Cozy Rooftop
Because drinking is always better with a view. Luxury outpost Gwen Hotel not only boasts a heated roof deck complete with fire pits where guests can enjoy delicious signature cocktails, but also offers a more peculiar attraction: a real-deal curling rink . This year, the Godfrey is inviting guests to reimagine what a wintery rooftop might look like, providing heated igloos for guests to reserve as part of their annual Winter Wonderland. Grab a cocktail and step out of your igloo to keep warm beside a decked-out fire pitmarshmallows for s’mores are just inches away. Cindys Rooftop atop the Chicago Athletic Association is always a great place to enjoy the sips and sights, with tasty food and drinks plus spectacular panoramas of Millennium Parks wintery snow globe below.
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Museum Of Contemporary Art
Dedicated to art from 1945 to the present, the Museum of Contemporary art is endowed with a serious collection, spanning surrealism, conceptual art, pop art and minimalism.
Youll get to see works by Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Francis Bacon, René Magritte, Alexander Calder, Ann Hamilton and Richard Serra.
When we wrote this article in 2018 there was a haunting exhibition by the Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Otobong Nkanga, combining installations, photography and textiles.
From June to September, Tuesdays on the Terrace is a programme of summer performances by members of Chicagos dynamic jazz community.
West Loop Bars And Nightlife
A community doesnt attract the likes of Google and McDonalds without boasting a variety of places to let off steam after a hard days work. The Aviary offers cocktail exotica, the Press Room wine bar offers intimacy, charcuterie and fabulous desserts, and the Soho House Fox Bar has fantastic service and a playful seasonal menu.
City Winery offers not only wine but concerts. Lone Wolf Tavern is your spot to get 3 Floyds Beer out of Munster Indiana. Bar Siena at 832 W. Randolph is known as a buzzy bar, which makes sense since its closing time itself is buzzy no specified time, just close. Bar Siena serves rustic Italian street-fare inspired meals by Chef Fabio Viviani. It even has a puppy patio where your pooch can enjoy, too!
For billiards, try G-Cue Billiards at 157 N. Morgan, which boasts 24 beautifully-maintained tables, homemade crabby cakes and chili, as well as their famous chicken fajita salad. Mix it up at the Emporium Fulton Market , with its 19 arcade games, two foosball tables, 11 craft beers and a live DJ. For comedy, try Wiggle Room at 1200 West Randolph.
Once again, bars and nightclubs change like toppings on your favorite Chicago deep-dish pizza, so check out websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor to search for the exact kind of nightlife, bar or club youre looking for.
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Wander Around Old Town & Visit Its Most Beautiful Caf
At least since I mentioned West Loop you know that Chicago doesnt only consist of skyscrapers. There are so many other different areas besides downtown that are totally worth exploring and one of them is the gorgeous neighborhood Old Town.
Thanks to its Victorian-era buildings, Old Town kind of looks like a town you could find somewhere in Britain.
Its an area popular for its quaint streets, small shops, old-school pubs, and artisanal cafés. One of these coffee shops is the 3 Arts Club Café inside Restoration Hardware a home furnishing company.
The first time I entered I was utterly speechless as Id never seen such a beautiful café before. Crystal chandeliers hanging from a glass ceiling, a fountain in the middle of the room, and plants in every corner made it look like a wedding venue. Frankly, it wouldnt have surprised me if a coffee cost $20 but luckily it wasnt that expensive!
Sitting beneath those mighty chandeliers with a good cup of coffee or Chai Latte in my case is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Chicago!
