Illinois – Page 8 – Travel Smart With Jodie

Five Memorial Day Weekend ideas

Chicago Memorial Day Parade is on State Street May 27. City of Chicago photo

Say Memorial Day to some folks and the response is it’s the time to commemorate people who died while in military service. To others it signifies the beginning of summer vacation.

On some town’s websites are parades, ceremonies and even a history note explaining that Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day and started shortly after the Civil War.

On others, it begins the period from the end of May through Labor Day when beaches are open, lifeguards are on duty, several outdoor fests and tourist activities take place and bus routes are added.

Five suggested Memorial Day Weekend activities in the Chicago area range from fireworks and festivals to a parade and party plus there’s a bus route bonus.

Parade

The City of Chicago is holding a Wreath Laying ceremony in Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington Streets at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017. It will be followed by a parade that starts at noon from nearby State and Lake Streets and travels south on State to Van Buren Street. The Grand Marshal is Marine Corps Commanding General Robert S. Walsh. The parade, among the country’s largest, includes veterans’ groups, marching bands and antique military vehicles. Visit Chicago for more info. The national Memorial Day remembrance is 3 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2017. For an excellent government-based web-site with history and other info visit Government.

Parties

View the city while partying at Roof on the Wit Memorial Day Weekend. Mike Reeves photo

Chicago House Party – DJs and performers take over Millennium Park,’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion and North Chase Promenade Tent May 27, 2017, from 2 to 9 p.m. Expect a variety of “house music” a style started in Chicago that is danced to throughout the country. The grassy areas are good for picnics or dancing. For performer schedules check City of Chicago. Millennium Park is at Randolph through Monroe Parkways along Michigan Avenue.

ROOF on theWit, a fun space with great cocktails and views of the city is starting its JETSET s series May 26-27, 2017. The party transports guests to Barcelona, Spain minus the airline hassle. ROOF on theWit is 27 stories above the Wit Hotel at 201 N. State St. at Lake Street, Chicago. For reservations visit Roof. JetSet weekends start at 2pm. For more information and reservations, visit Roof or call (312) 239-9502.

Festivals

The Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest runs from noon to 10 p.m. May 27 and May 28, 2017. A street party that has been going on for more than 20 years, the fest attracts excellent bands, good food, beer and wine booths and also features arts and crafts. A $5 entry donation benefits the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. Entry is at 3200 N. Sheffield, Chicago. Vist Chicago Events for more information.

Dovetail owners Hagen Dost and Bill Wesselink welcome visitors to their brewery.

Celebrate “Mayfestiversary,” a block party at and around Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine Rd. Dovetail is celebrating its first anniversary with Begyle Brewing which is marking the second anniversary of its taproom. There will be food trucks, live music and games. B elle Plaine Avenue will be closed from Ravensood to the CTA line. Part of proceeds benefit Foundations of Music.The festival goes from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 27 and 28, 2017. For more information visit at Dovetail or call (773) 683-1414.

Fireworks

Navy Pier is always good for a holiday outing but the Chicago attraction restarts its summer fireworks display Saturday, May 27 at 10:15 p.m. Among the ways to celebrate the weekend is to cruise on the Spirit of Chicago or Odyssey or stop in at the Miller Lite Beer Garden to hear Hot Rocks do Rolling Stones tributes from 2 to 11:30 p.m. BTW the Rolling Stones Exhibitionism upstairs at Navy Pier is worth seeing. Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 800 )595-PIER (7437) For more information visit Navy Pier or call (800) 595-PIER (7437).

Bonus

The CTA’s No 10 Bus that goes to the Museum of Science and Industry starts again Memorial Day weekend. That means it will be easier to get there from downtown Chicago to see the terrific Robots exhibit.

A Bearded Dragon and a Dracorex Hogwartsia visit Brookfield Zoo

You might expect a place that has exotic species to have interesting creatures you want to see, but dragons and dinosaurs?

A mythological creature has landed on a castle harboring a live dragon from today's world at Dinos & Dragons at Brookfield Zoo. Photo by Jodie Jacobs — A mythological creature has landed on a castle harboring a live dragon from today’s world at Dinos & Dragons at Brookfield Zoo. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society’s extraordinary suburban compound of more than 3,000 animals west of Chicago, opened “Dinos & Dragons” May 6 and will continue the exhibit through Sept. 17, 2017.

You start what turns out to be an excursion into dragon mythology, literature and reality in a tent where a live Komodo Dragon peers curiously back at you and a dragon (make that lizard) caretaker walks around holding maybe a Frilled Dragon from Australia or another lizard that doesn’t mind being touched.

The tented area is divided into themes – Medieval, Asian and Paleontology (study of prehistoric times using fossils).

“We’re connecting science and myth,” said André Copeland, Chicago Zoological Society’s Interpretive Programs Manager.

Visitors are first greeted by a fierce-looking dragon on top of a medieval, castle that holds a glassed space for one of the live dragon-named creature.

There are several more live specimens but near the tent exit is a large, Chinese structure with another live “dragon”.

“In European myths, knights slay dragons. In Asia, the dragon is a symbol of virtue,” said Copeland.

He suggested visitors note differences in the mythical creatures often lumped together as dragons by counting their limbs.

“A wyvern is a biped and is popular in Europe. A dragon has four limbs,” he said.

Youngsters will want to stop at the paleontology area to brush aside material covering fossils and a peek cutout for a photo.

The wonderful props, lizards and learning stations are a traveling exhibit provided by Louisville, KY based Build 4 Impact.

“People can see the real live dragons of today,” said Copeland.

A couple of Pteranodons guard a Brookfield Zoo nature trail where dinosaurs and dragons lurk. Brookfield Zoo photo

Next, as you leave from a back exit you might hear a roar. But you’re not afraid of dinosaurs and dragons that lived eons ago, right?

Instead of playing a game of Thrones, the signs suggest a game of Bones. One station asks “Are You Smarter than A Paleontologist?

Now, be ready for photos or a selfie in front of an Ankylosaur Gryphon, the Late Jurassic period’s Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus or the Late Cretaceous period’s T- Rex.

Stop at the Dinosaur Dissection Lab near the exhibitand then go over to the outdoor Stage-osaurus Theater west of Tropic World (weather permitting).

It’s a fun, informative exhibit, and yes, there are Harry Potter book references.

Details: Brookfield Zoo is at 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, Illinois. For information call (708) 688-8000 and visit CZS

Shout out for World Penguin Day

Zoos and aquariums are celebrating World Penguin Day today, April 25, 2017. The date was picked because that is when Antarctic penguins annually start migrating north.

Penguins at the Shedd Aquarium. Jodie Jacobs photo

In Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium is celebrating with a wonderful series of videos showing penguins making a nest at the aquarium, a new-born penguin being fed and a Shedd program that rescues African penguins in trouble.

Click Shedd to watch the videos. And visit the Shedd, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, to watch penguins play.

The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is also is a good place to watch penguins. Go to LPZoo for more information.

A good online site to learn about penguins and find excellent photos is EarthSky. A not for profit site, EarthSky is a good place for space information and our planet’s news.

On the west coast, the San Diego Zoo is celebrating World Penguin Day with special penguin themed activities. Go to SDZ to see the events.

Easter brunches shine from yummy French toast creations to tasty egg and seafood dishes

Don’t wait until the last moment to make your Easter Brunch reservation. Tables at popular restaurants that do brunch are going quickly for Sunday, April 16, 2017. At some of the restaurants you order from the men. Others have fixed priced buffets. Choices range from high end to moderate. If visiting or living in the Chicago area take a look at these places to see what fits your criteria of ambiance, price and location. Reservations are required.

Lox and bagels are often on breakfast buffets but there is a lot more to Easter menus at these restaurants. Photo compliments of Cellars

CHICAGO

Broadway Cellars

Called Cellars by its fans, as in we’re going to Cellars tonight, the restaurant also has a big brunch following. So, the only seating left as of April 11 is at 10 a.m. and around 2 or 2:30 p.m. Brunch is ordered from the menu rather than a buffet table so diners end up spending what they want for what they want. House brunch specials range from Broadway French Toast made with brioche, caramelized bananas, rum caramel syrup and whipped cream for $10 to E Grump poached eggs on crab cakes with lobster flavored hollandaise and Broadway potatoes for $14. But there are lots of other entree choices and sides.

Cellars is at 5900 N. Broadway, Chicago in the Edgewater neighborhood. For reservations and other info call 773-944-1208 or visit Cellars.

Mon Ami Gabi

Expect fine dining with a French accent but at moderate prices at this long-time popular Lincoln Park restaurant. Brunch, ordered from the menu, can range from crème brulée French toast with blueberries and Chantilly cream for $10.95 to a poutine of bacon, Jarlsberg, blue cheese, crème fraîche, green peppercorn sauce and poached egg for $14.95.

Mon Ami Gabi is at 2300 N. Lincoln Park West in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. For reservations call (773) 348-8886 or visit Mon Ami Gabi.

Shaws Crab House

Known for its Grand Brunch Buffet and wonderful seafood, Shaws normally charges $55 adults but the restaurant goes all out on Easter, Mothers Day and Fathers Day For these expanded brunches the cost is $75 adults and $20 children under age 12 but the special brunches are very popular for p;eople willing to splurges.

Shaws Crab House is at 21 E. Hubbard St. in the River North neighborhood. For reservations and information call (312) 527-2722 or visit Shaws.

SUBURBS

Allgauer’s

Winner of Open Table’s Diners’ Choice in August 2015 and Best Brunch in 2014, the kitchen prides itself on fresh, creative and reasonably priced special brunches. For Easter, offerings include Champagne and Mimosas, a good seafood selection, omelets, prime rib and lamb station, other hot entrées, a kids buffet and wonderful desserts for $44.95 adults and $21.95 children ages 6 to 12, free to age 5 and under. Seating is from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Allgauers is in the Hilton Hotel at 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. For reservations or more information call (630) 245-7650 or visit Allgauer’s or Hilton.

MLG Chicago

Located in the former Grille on Laurel space in the northern suburbs, MLG Chicago is carrying on the Grille’s reasonably priced Sunday brunch tradtition. Easter Brunch, which includes a carving station and omelet station plus cold and desset tables will be $35 adults, $15 ages 10 and under. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

MLG Chicago is at 181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest. For reservations and other information call (847)234-9660 and visit MLG Chicago.

Five things to do in Chicago for Spring Break

Here are some ideas of where to go and what to do whether visiting Chicago from out of town or planning to take advantage of the city if living in its metropolitan area.

Take an architecture tour

Chicago is known for its architecture – whether it’s the fabulous Louis A. Sullivan Auditorium Theatre at Congress Parkway west of Michigan Avenue, the Rookery designed by Danial Burnham and John Root, with a grand atrium redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright on LaSalle Street or the Aqua Tower, an undulating multi use building designed by Jeanne Gang and her Gang Studios on North Columbus Drive that includes the Radisson Blu hotel.

The Architecture Foundation does excellent art deco and other walking tours and has a good boat tour on the Chicago River. There are also other good architecture boat tours such as those done by Wendella.

The Marina Twin Towers on the Chicago River are on architecture boat tours and the Chicago Film Tour. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

See movie and TV filming sites

Chicago is a popular movie and TV location site. A really great way to see the city is to take the Chicago Film Tour.

More than 80 movie and TV shows have been filmed in Chicago including The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Sting, Spiderman, The Fugitive and North by Northwest so the tour goes from Wrigleyville on the Northside to China Town south of the loop and lots of places in between.

It takes close to two hours but while on the bus you also get movie shots on a TV monitor and background information from very knowledgeable guides.

Combine Millennium Park with a lunch break

You’d never guess that any eyesore once used by the Illinois Central Railroad could be turned into the gorgeous 24 plus- acre park of gardens, walkways, remarkable sculptures, fountains, art work and public concert spaces that is Millennium Park.

The park stretches along Michigan Avenue from Randolph Street on the North to Monroe Parkway on the South. But what first catches the eye is the interesting stainless steel ribbon-like top of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry. Its lawn is covered by an artistic sound grid.

Stroll the park to see the Lurie Gardens, the sculptures by Chaikaia Booker in the Boeing galleries section of the park (up now through April 2018, the 50-foot high towers of the Crown Fountain desiged by Jaume Plensa (the towers have changing faces of Chicago residents and the tower spits water into a wading area and the park’s famed Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean.

A 66-foot long elliptical sculpture by Anish Kapoor, The Bean is where visitors go to take selfies. Chicago’s clouds and skyline are beautifully reflected on the Bean’s polished stainless steel surface.

The Bean is a popular selfie site in Millennium Park. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Leave the park by way of the Nichols Bridgeway, a long pedestrian bridge going from the park up to the Renzo Piano restaurant and the Bluhm Family Terrace in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing. The restaurant, named for the architect Renzo Piano who designed the Modern Wing and the Bridgeway, is a terrific lunch spot with a view of the city. But you need a reservation.

If you haven’t snagged one go out onto the Terrace to snap photos and go back down to the park where you might be able to get a table at the Park Grill below the Bean.

Enjoy Chicago’s music scene

If you like blues, jazz or folk, find out who is at The House of Blues, Andy’s, Green Mill or The Hideout. For classical programs check Orchestra Hall, the Civic Opera House and the Harris Theatre. Also look up the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park, host of the Blues Fest, for free concerts.

Indulge in a short but wonderful “staycation”

Lots of hotels downtown Chicago have a workout room however few have the space for a good-sized pool and a great spa. Stay and book a spa treatment at the upscale, Oriental influenced Peninsula Hotel overlooking Chicago’s Magnifenct (shopping) Mile on North Michigan Avenue and swim in its half-Olymic length pool. You can also order drinks and lunch there.

Or stay at The Langham, a five star hotel on the Chicago River with British roots. Aside from a fine lap pool and spa, the hotel is known for its traditional tea, good services and spacious rooms. Located in a former Mies van der Rohe skyscraper on Wabash Avenue, the hotel is also well situated for downtown and Magnificent Mile exploration. When reserving ask about the room’s views.

Chicago really is a terrific destination even for a few days. Enjoy!

Five family activities in Chicago for spring break

See weird specimens in a new, behind the scenes exhibit at the Field Museum Photo by Jodie Jacobs — See weird specimens in a new, behind the scenes exhibit at the Field Museum. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

The kids are saying yea, no school for a week. But what’s a parent to do when there is more to plan for than a weekend outing?

From a tomb and T Rex to penguins and planets, the Museum Campus has lots to keep families fascinated for an entire day.

Penguin antics also make visitors chuckle at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Lego is a hit at the Museum of Science and Industry and at the Legoland Discovery Center in west suburban Schaumburg.

The Centennial Wheel and musical play equipment are awesome at Navy Pier. Check them out and enjoy.

Explore Chicago’s Museum Campus

Youngsters don’t all like the same things but on Chicago’s Museum Campus at the south east end of the downtown, you can probably satisfy two different interests if you plan carefully.

Children fascinated by mummies, dinosaurs and native American tribal life will love the Field Museum while adults will likely want to detour over to its gem exhibit.

Anyone who likes penguins or pretty much anything live that moves through water will want to stop at the Shedd Aquarium across from The Field.

Budding astronomers and space explorer wannabes will want to go to the Adler Planetarium that’s further down the museum campus’ arm.

Families might be able to take in some of two places but really shouldn’t try to do all three museums on the same day.

Tip: While on the museum campus walk past the aquarium towards the planetarium .then turn around and look at the city. This is where journalists take photos of the skyline and TV broadcasters go for a super camera op of Chicago’s skyline. Your photo will look like you are out in a boat on Lake Michigan because you are on a peninsula.

Put on your minor’s hat or thinking cap at the Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry south of downtown should satisfy all interests from its coal mine experience, Lego exhibit and futuristic thinking room to Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, the Great Train Story’s model railroads and the Mirror Maze.

Tip: On April 8 and 9 and April 15, you can also see special Robotics week events.

You play at Navy Pier

Ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

Navy Pier, a 3,300 foot long entertainment pier jutting into Lake Michigan from Illinois Street east of the Mag Mile is home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, a Ferris-type ride called the Centennial Wheel that is almost 200 feet high and ethnic festivals in its Crystal Garden.

Tip: There is also an IMAX Theater so check out its film schedule. Plus do ‘Impulse: An Interactive Art Exhibit,’ in the Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier, now through May 21. It’s a light and sound experience where visitors can try out seesaws and other play equipment that produce different tones and colors when activated.

Watch animals play at the zoo

Stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo to see two new, polar opposite, animal habitats: South African penguins in their cozy cove (It’s not icy) and Arctic polar bears in a coldly comfortable place.

Tip: The zoo and its Lincoln Park environment are fun places to spend a day so plan on eating at Park Place Café which has Mexican, Italian dishes and burgers or if warm enough, the roof top Café at Wild Things above the Wild Things gift store. .

Discover what can be done with Legos

From things to ride, play with and see in 4D to Star Wars episodes to experience, there is an entire Lego world at the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Entry and experiences are ticketed so plan ahead because tickets are timed to prevent overcrowding, particularly during winter and spring vacation breaks.

Tip: Online tickets save money so check it out at Tickets.

Sunday Lollapalooza tickets sale

Special tickets to Lollapalooza are already sold out. However, general admission tickets to Grant Park for Sunday, Aug 6, 2017 went on sale this morning (Wednesday, March 22) at 10 a.m. Concert goers can catch performances on 8 stages from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Among Sunday’s features are Arcade Fire, Justice and Zeds Dead. For the full concert lineup see Lineup. For Sunday tickets go to Lollapalooza tickets.

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in 2017 City of Chicago Photo — Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park in 2017
City of Chicago Photo

Parks and Recreation, not the sitcom

From Cubs Spring Training to spring festivals, Chicago area parks and gardens are celebrating the season with fun shows and events

Celebrate the World Series Cubs at Garfield Park conservatory's Spring Training show. Chicago Park District photo — Celebrate the World Series Cubs at Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Training show. Chicago Park District photo

Cubs Spring Training

Mesa isn’t the only place to find Cubs logos and icons. The Chicago Park District’ has turned its historic Garfield Park Conservatory’s Show House into a celebration of baseball and the World Series Champions for its annual Spring Flower Show.

This year the theme is Spring Training. Visitors will see Wrigley Field’s marquee, bleachers, ivy-covered wall and a huge World Series trophy. The “Spring Training” show even includes an icon scavenger hunt.

Opened February 18, the show continues through May 14, 2017. Garfield Park Conservatory is at 300 N. Central. For more information visit Garfield Park Conservatory or call (312) 746-5100.

Orchid Show

You can still wander among thousands of gorgeous orchids at Chicago Botanic Garden. The annual Orchid Show continues through March 26, 2017. The Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., east of Edens Expressway, Glencoe. Admission is free. Non-member parking is $25 per car. For more information visit CBG and call (847) 835-5440

Chicago Flower and Garden Show

You can find inspiration for your garden whether it’s a handkerchief-sized patch, a walkway or a personal hide-away at Chicago’s annual Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, March 18-26, 2017. The theme is Chicago Neighborhoods. There are 20 gardens to walk around including some with water features and others with sculptures. In addition the show has seminars, a market section, workshops and family activities.

The show is upstairs in festival Hall A and B. Tickets are $5 children, $15 weekdays and $17 weekends. Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Ave. For more information visit Flower Show.

Maple Syrup Festival at NPV

Watch the magic that turns sap tapped from a maple tree into maple syrup at the North Park village Nature center March 25, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Park Village Nature Center. A free event, the festival also includes crafts, storytelling and music. North Park Village Nature center is at 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. For more information visit NPV or call (312) 744-5472.

How to feel a bit Irish this weekend and next

“Faith and Begorrah,” it seems everyone is already in an Irish mood.

Restaurants, grocery stores and neighborhoods are taking the phrase “Go Green” seriously now through St. Patrick’s Day March 17.

Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day by turning the Chicago River green. City of Chicago photo — Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by turning the Chicago River green. City of Chicago photo

Here are just a few of the places in and around Chicago where you might hear céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) and Irish music, see Irish dancers and feel you ought to be wearing something green.

The Suburbs

Walk into any Hackney’s, a 76-year-old family run restaurant and pub this week to see how leprechauns expressed the family’s Irish roots and pride. The menu has lots of choices including the famed Hackney Burger but during the weeks leading up to St. Pat’s Day you might want to go for the corned beef, straight up or in a Reuben.

For Irish music with your grocery shopping check out the Sunset Foods stores in the northern suburbs. Irish dancers will be at Sunset’s five store on March 5. They will be in Libertyville at 10:30 a.m., Lake Forest at 11:45 a.m., Highland Park at 1 p.m., Northbrook at 2 p.m. and Long Grove at 3 p.m.

Chicago

The city has several St. Patrick’s Day parades but your first stops should be on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Greening the River

The Chicago River at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Driver will be turned green when vegetable dye is poured in at 9 a.m.

Downtown Parade

The city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has bagpipers, bands, dancers and dignitaries step off at noon from Grant Park at Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe Drives.

Irish Festival

Lots of folks go over to the Irish American Heritage Center at 4626 N. Knox Ave. after the parade for an all afternoon-evening party. Tickets: $12-$15 adults; free for children 12 & under. The festival continues on Sunday.

Neighborhood Parades on March 12

South Side Irish Parade http://www.southsideirishparade.org/
Time is noon from Western Avenue between 103rd St. & 115th St.

Northwest Side Irish Parade
Time is noon from Onahan School at 6634 W. Raven St.

It is maple syrup time

You don’t have to go to Vermont to hike around maple trees and learn about that yummy syrup folks love to pour on their pancakes and French toast.

Lake County Forest Preserves District Environmental Educator Jennifer Berlinghof is tapping a sugar maple tree for liquid sap to make into maple syrup. Photo by Jodie Jacobs

The Lake County Forest Preserves District holds Maple Syrup Hikes the second, third and fourth weekends in March.

The hikes are a chance to learn about the trees’ plumbing that makes late February and early March the best time in our area for collecting sap.

Actually, the sap is already running up Lake County’s sugar maple trees.

LCFPD Environmental Educator Jennifer Berlinghof has been out at Ryerson with her drill, hammer, spigot and pail to tap a few mature, sugar maples. She said the sap which is very watery has to be processed.

“It takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. It takes a lot of boiling,” Berlinghof said.

She pointed out that the resulting maple syrup becomes a tiny taste treat given to people on the March hikes.

Hikes are every half hour from noon to 2 p.m. starting at the Ryerson Woods Welcome Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield, but preregistration is necessary.

Cost is $6. Children age 3 and under, free. To register and get more details call (847) 968-3113 or visit LCFPD.