When downtown you now have another concierge desk ready to answer those “where are” and “how do you get there” questions.
Visiting Chicago can be overwhelming without a little concierge help. You know to toss questions at a hotel concierge but when downtown you now have another concierge desk ready to answer those “where are” and “how do you get there” questions.
A new Chicago Visitors Center recently opened at Macy's on State Street
Macy’s on State Street added a terrific Visitor Information Center in June in conjunction with Choose Chicago, the city’s main tourist information bureau.
The Macy’s center has a concierge desk, maps, brochures and interactive kiosks that have dining, attractions and shopping suggestions.
When you stop in the store, ask for directions to the fountain and its main escalators. Then go down to lower level near the candy and food area to find the Visitor Information Center.
The kiosks there will not merely light up with restaurant suggestions for several types of cuisines and tell you how to get to your restaurant of choice by bus, car or walking, it will also print out the directions so you don’t have to write them down. Same goes for attractions such as museums and shopping categories.
Restaurant choices and how to get there are on interactive kiosks
However, you can also check at the desk for savings passes and other information.
Macy’s has the International and Domestic Savings Program that gives a 10 percent discount on most store purchases to visitors from outside the store’s shopping region. Qualifying documentation such as a government issued ID is needed. The Savings Pass can be printed at interactive kiosks or from the concierge desk. BTW, remember on your travels to ask for a Macy’s savings pass when at the company’s other stores.
Watch the inauguration on line or visit the Newseum website.
The Newseum Terrace overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue
Arguably the best place to watch the inaugural parade and zoom in on the ceremonies on Capitol building’s west side, is high up on the Pennsylvania Avenue Parade Route. So think Newseum.
However, the museum’s roof and terrace are already spoken for by more than 500 broadcasters from 21 countries who are already setting up temporary studios and production areas there.
Among the broadcasters anchoring Inauguration Day newscasts from the Newseum are MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow and ABC’s Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos and Barbara Walters.
The Newseum, always a fun and interesting place to visit was designed to do multiple broadcasts.
Inauguration Day entry to the Newseum is already sold out but visitors can stop by the museum earlier in the weekend and put it on the museum list for next time in DC. Its terrace is among the best places to photograph the area.
A couple of alternatives to bucking the crowd in Washington is to catch the action on WGN which broadcasts across the US, your local TV station or the Newseum web site. The swearing-in ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. ET.
More inauguration information and suggested places to visit at Inauguration Weekend.
Imagine running out into the stadium to the roar of the crowd via the players’ tunnel or being allowed up on the exclusive club level.
Fall destinations Series: Part 1 is Green Bay, Wisconsin
Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau stand tall outside the Lambeau Field Stadium in Green Bay.
You don’t have to be a fan of the Green Bay Packers to appreciate the team’s famed Lambeau Field but you arguably should be an admirer of cheese curds and hometown brewers to appreciate this northern Wisconsin town.
Imagine running out into the stadium to the roar of the crowd via the players’ tunnel or being allowed up on the exclusive club level. You get to do both when you take the stadium’s tour. The cost ranges from $8-$11 depending on age and military status.
As a Packers’ tour guide reminded us, Lambeau is up there with Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Boston’s Fenway Park as one of the historic stadiums on sports fans’ want-to-see list. Dedicated Sept. 29, 1957, with the Green Bay-Chicago Bears game, the field was called City Stadium until renamed Sept. 11, 1965 after Curly Lambeau died. It is owned by the City of Green Bay and Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District with shareholders who live all over the world.
Visit Algoma, about half an hour from Green Bay, for its fishing and historic winery.
But the Greater Green Bay Area has enough to see and do to fill out a football weekend or a fall getaway.
Outdoors
Color explodes around this northern Wisconsin area so bring hiking or good walking shoes to enjoy the scenery.
Explore the L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve’s 920 acres of forest and meadows on the Bay’s western shore. The preserve has nine miles of hiking trails beginning at the Interpretive Center.
Bring the fishing gear and head to nearby Algoma, about a 35 minute drive. The fish always seem to be biting here.
Peter Rabbit likes to visit here at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens.
Visit the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, a delightful 47 acres of rose, shade and seasonal gardens for adults and a terrific place where children will find butterfly and Peter Rabbit gardens and a frog bridge.
Cruise the Fox River to its mouth on the Foxy Lady and see the town from the water.
Indoors
Visit Hinterland, an artisanal brewery. It has $5 tours on Saturdays by appointment that includes two beers but stay to do dinner because, as with the beer, the quality and variety is way better than a typical pub.
Relax at Titletown Brewery because the place is fun, has terrific atmosphere and good, handcrafted beers and burgers. The brewery is in the old C. & N.W.R.R. depot, a historic building designed by Chicago architect Charles S. Frost at the turn of the last century. Titletown also has decent cheese curds.
Do a wine-tasting atCaptain’s Walk Winery in a historic Green Bay house or at its parent location, The von Stiehl Winery in a historic Algoma building. No worries if you don’t know a lot about wines. Both places are delighted to answer questions and both have award winning wines.
Parallel 44 winery grows its grapes on site and has excellent tastings.
To see a vineyard and taste award winning wines drive over to the Parallel 44 Winery in Kewaunee. Owners Steve Johnson and wife Maria Milano have figured out how to grow a mix of varietals that produce excellent wines and survive Green Bay winters.
Learn a little more about the area and the science behind football at the Neville Public Museum. It is fun for youngsters and adults. The museum’s mission not only covers history and science, it also has an art component. Currently on exhibit are some terrific WPA paintings.
Take a train ride around the National Railroad Musuem but also tour the barns and the exhibits.
Just as you don’t have to love football to appreciate Lambeau Field, you don’t have to be a railroad buff to enjoy peeking into old railroad cars. The National Railroad Museum has a Green Bay address but it is on the edge of town that is also considered Ashwaubenon. Save enough time to visit the engines and old cars tucked into barns on the property, tour the museum which currently has an extensive dining car china exhibit and take a ride around the property.
Dining
Green Bay is not just brew-pub food although some of the pubs turn out exceptional meals. Please leave a comment in that section with a recommendation or an experience. With only two days to sample the culinary scene I have only two recommendations.
The best dinner I’ve been lucky enough to eat anywhere in United States was at Three Three Five, a private dining club downtown Green Bay that opens to the public only on Wednesday nights.
Chef Christopher Mangless works on dessert for patrons of Three Three Five
The rest of the time chef Christopher Mangless and his staff are turning out dishes for the club’s patrons, Hollywood celebs and political notables such as former president George W. Bush. When asked how people find out about him, his restaurant and that he caters dinners everywhere, Mangless said “word of mouth.”
He is also known as The Traveling Chef. Wednesday is a farmers market which helps him decide what to serve that night. Even though his dishes, which are small plates, are very creative and beautifully plated, you can identify what you are eating.
I wish he were based in Chicago so I could eat there once a week, or at least, once a month. BTW, Mangless’ cheese curds side dish was among the best I’ve sampled.
The next best cheese curds I’ve eaten was at The Courthouse Pub in Manitowoc, Wisc., a nice detour when coming from Milwaukee or Chicago.
While in Green Bay, also check out Ogan a restaurant on the Fox River. You’ll like the food and the view.
Stay
The Tundra Lodge's waterpark, restaurants and atmosphere work for families visiting Green Bay and its proximity to Lambeau Field works for adults.
With little time to check out the many accommodations available, I opted for Cambria Suites, a business-style hotel that is about a good football field toss from Lambeau. The suite and bathroom were comfortable, modern and clean.
However, families might like The Tundra Lodge which has a North Woods atmosphere and is also near Lambeau. It has regular restaurants, a snack and shop store and an indoor-outdoor waterpark.
When to go
Green Bay’s ski and snow mobile trails are a winter treat. Fox River, the Bay’s waters, and Lake Michigan make the area a good fishing place, spring, summer and fall (unless you want to add ice fishing for winter). Add the leaf color changes in the fall and you may make it a year-round destination. In addition, even if you aren’t into football, Lambeau Field is worth a stop any time of year.
Do a two-for-one getaway
Cruise the Fox River to its mouth and see Green Bay from the water on the Foxy Lady.
Tie a visit to Green Bay with a vacation in Door County. Green Bay is at the foot of the peninsula so it is about 10 to 20 minutes from The Door depending on your destination.
Take in a show, a museum, an interesting tour, some shopping and admire the sculptures in Millennium Park. They are all downtown Chicago.
Chicago is a perfect spring break destination whether living out of town or in the city.
Chicago's skyline is picture perfect from the Museum Campus
Take in a show, a museum, an interesting tour, some shopping and admire the sculptures in Millennium Park. They are all downtown Chicago.
Shows
Jersey Boys returns to the Bank of America theatre April 5 Fela will be at the Oriental Theatre March 27-April 8
Museums
The Museum Campus, sticking out into Lake Michigan from Lake Shore Drive between 12th and 14th Streets, is among the best places to snap photos of the city’s skyline. But be sure to save time for at least one of its museums: The Field, Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium.
They reward visitors with fascinating exhibits year round. However, they are gearing up for Spring vacationers with either new exhibits or extended hours to see all their special exhibits.
At the Adler, Undiscovered Worlds, a show about finding real planets and stars beyond the Earth’s solar system, opens early March in time for Spring vacation.
Because the Shedd, situated between the Adler and the Field, draws crowds during school holidays, the museum has extended hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 26-March 30 and April 1-April 6. Longer hours mean fitting in Jellies, Wild Reef and an Oceanarium show.
Families visiting Chicago often head to the Field to see dinosaurs. But Spring break time means also fitting in two temporary exhibits that just opened: Opening the Vaults: Mummies and Genghis Khan.
Tours
Trolley tours are fine for getting around because you get background info from tour guides. However, if looking for something special consider an architectural Chicago River boat cruise and a movie site tour.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours typically do not start until the end of April. But you should be able to book a cruise on Wendella and Chicago Tours.
The Wendella cruises start at the base of the Wrigley Building below the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Chicago Tour cruises start at Navy Pier.
The Chicago Film Tour is a fun way to see parts of Chicago you might not get to such as Wrigley Field in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The tours start and end on Clark Street between Ontario and Ohio, a perfect spot for people who love Portillo’s Chicago Dogs and their Italian beef.
Shopping
Out-of-towners enjoy browsing the shops along North Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Lincoln Park. Visit Magnificent Mile the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association’s website to pick out some specific shopping and dining destinations.
Whatever other places you choose, you should stop in Garrett’s Popcorn Store in the 600 block of Michigan Ave. If shopping at Macy’s at State and Randolph (Marshall Field’s former flagship store) follow the nose across the street to Garrett’s next to the Oriental Theatre.
Speaking of food (similar to chocolate, in Chicago popcorn is considered a food), families coming to town typically want to try a pizza parlor. Everyone has a favorite so arguments abound. but two places that make many lists for the good deep dish stuff that Chicago is known for are Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s.
Millennium Park
Bordering Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, Millennium Park draws thousand of tourists who want to see “Cloud Gate,” better known as “The Bean.” They also check out the Frank Gehry sculpture top to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Crown Fountains which spit water late spring and summer.
Visitors flock to Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, in Millennium Park
Insider Tips
If staying in town for a few days, it may pay to obtain a CityPASS. You will be paying about half what you would to individually visit the Shedd, Field, Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly Sears), the Adler or Art Institute of Chicago and either the Museum of Science and Industry or the John Hancock Observatory. In addition, the pass means not having to stand in line to purchase tickets.
If tired when walking the “Mag Mile” take a bus back south on Michigan Avenue. Most buses you see go downtown. You can also catch a bus on State Street south to the Museum Campus. Bus drivers do not have change so have some singles and quarters handy.
You don’t have to leave town without trying Garrett’s because the company has stands at the Metra trains’ Ogilvie Center and O’Hare Airport.
Second in series on Spring vacation destinations is Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Warm weather welcomed visitors to Chicago even though the calendar said it was only the second weekend in April.
Couples were downing salads and sandwiches on the Park Grill patio at the edge of Millennium Park.
Visitors head up the paths in Millennium Park to see its Frank Gehry sculptured roof of the Pritztker Pavilion and Cloud Gate. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
Youngsters were dashing up the park’s steps for a closer look at Cloud Gate, known as The Bean and the wild Frank Gehry sculptural roof of the Pritzker Pavilion
About 20 miles north, visitors kept pouring into the Chicago Botanic Garden by bike, SUV and on foot.
Spring had finally come to Chicago.
April and May are fine times to make Chicago a vacation destination. Paths along Lake
Michigan are not yet crammed with beach-goers. The Magnificent Mile of North Michigan Avenue isn’t jammed with shoppers and lookers. The theater and symphony seasons are still in full swing. Museums don’t have lines out the door.
Spring has come to Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
And about a half hour drive north, colorful blossoms line the Chicago Botanic Garden entrance, paths and surprise visitors around every corner.
As a convention city, Chicago is blessed with more than 100,000 hotel rooms so finding one that meets budget, style and location specifications is usually easy.
Hotels with special stay and play packages usually list their current deals at
Parking in Chicago is pricy so look for a package that includes parking.
A recent check of hotel deals listed W Chicago Lakeshore which is convenient to Navy Pier, the Amalfi Hotel which is convenient to North Michigan Avenue shopping and the Hyatt Regency which is near Millennium Park.
What to do:
Check the Chicago Symphony Orchestra schedule. Symphony Center is across Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
There is always something special to see at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
See “Kings, Queens and Courtiers: Art in Early Renaissance France” at the Art Institute of Chicago through May 30, 2011.
The exhibit ends with a work by Leonardo da Vinci and his studio.
While there, be sure to explore the galleries either side of the special exhibit’s Regenstein hallways to see fine Whistlers and works of other famed artists.
Also take the elevator from the modern wing upstairs to the rooftop patio. Visitors can snap a great view of Millennium Park and the skyhline even if they aren’t eating in the adjacent restaurant.
The Art Institute's rooftop patio is a great place to look down onto Millennium Park and take in the skyline. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
Go over to the Merchandise Mart on the Chicago River, a few blocks west of Michigan Avenue. The main floor has showrooms open to the public with great home decorating ideas. If at the Mart April 29 through May 2 see Art Chicago, an international fair that showcases contemporary and modern works.
Take a Chicago River Architectural Tour. Spring is the start of the boat tour season and Chicago is known as an architectural destination. Several organizations and companies offer good tours.
Drive north to Glencoe on I94 to Lake Cook Road and turn east for half a mile to the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Spring blooms such as Dutch Crocus, surprise walkers around every curve and path at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
Spring is a fun time to explore its paths. Just about every turn uncovers another bulb opening or another plot of color. Take paths through the Japanese Islands and other islands to watch birds returning north and see trees beginning to bloom.
Stop in the Circle Garden to see colorful foxglove set against artistic fountain sprays and see what’s blooming in the English Garden and in the vegetable gardens.
Even though the weather is fine for walking outdoors, save time to visit the greenhouses to see cute topiaries and find out what is blooming indoors.
Fort Worth is a town where a cattle drive, fine art and a nearby botanic garden add up to a fun and different vacation
First in the Spring blooms vacation destination series is Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth Texas is a fun "Western" town. Photo from Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau
Think cattle drive. Think arts festival and art museums. Think acres of roses, poppies, irises and azaleas. Yes, these wildly disparate attractions can fit into a single vacation – if the vacation is in Fort Worth, Texas.
If you time the trip to coincide with the annual Fort Worth Arts Festival, this year April 14-17, you catch the city’s downtown “happening” of juried fine art show, street performers and concerts that fill nine blocks of downtown Main Street.
Even if the festival date doesn’t work, still put art on the agenda because the Amon Carter and Kimball Museums are worth the short drive over to the Fort Worth Cultural District.
Amon Carter is known for its collections of iconic Western artists Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. Its current special exhibition , Hudson River School: Nature and the American vision, goes through June19. on Carter 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 738-1933
Go for the Art Festival or the Amon Carter Museum's Remingtons and Russells, , Fort Worth is an arts destination. Fort Worth CVB photo
The Kimball Art Museum has a small but choice collection ranging from European to African art but also brings major exhibits to town. Coming are Picasso and Braque May 29-Aug. 21, 2011 and Caravaggio and his followers in Rome, Oct. 16, 2011-Jan. 8, 2012
Kimbell Art Museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 332-8451
To walk through a sea of color, save time for a half-day excursion to Clark Gardens Botanical Park, about 40 minutes west of Fort Worth off US Highway 180. Begun as an extensive private garden by Max and Billie Clark in 1972, 143 acres were opened to the public in 2000.
Celebrate spring amongst the roses at Clark Gardens Botanical Park west of Fort Worth. Photo by Jodie Jacobs
Spring is prime time at Clark Gardens. Gorgeous double ruffle pink poppies and azaleas are blooming now to mid April. Roses and irises will be at their peak mid April to early May.
Clark Gardens Botanical Park, 567 Maddux Road, Weatherford, Texas, 76088, 940-682-4856.
If you go: Fort Worth has a wide choice of accommodations from hotels to B&Bs and luxury to budget.
For a top full-service downtown hotel check out the Fort Worth Omni.
More suggestions of places to stay and things to do at FortWorth.com
Sometimes the smart travel idea is not a city destination but a special museum experience
You can get up close and relatively personal with penguins at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. By registering before visiting the aquarium, guests can sit with and even pet some of these cute aquatic creatures.
Shedd Vice President of animal collections and training Ken Ramirez answers guest questions while trainer Lana Vanagasem quietly talks to a Magellanic Penguin
The program began midsummer 2010 as a training aid, according to Ken Ramirez, executive vice president of animal collections and training.
“We want them to be accustomed to strangers,” Ramirez said. He explained that the penguins saw their trainers daily but not their veterinarians.
The surprise to strangers is that the encounter room is warm, not wear-the-coat cold. Visitors are told that the Shedd’s penguins come from moderate climes.
On a recent Penguin Encounter, marine mammal trainers Lana Vanagasem and Maris Muzzy brought up two 14 month-old Magellanic Penguins. Named for Ferdinand Magellan, the penguins typically are found around Argentina and Chile.
Shedd trainer Maris Muzzy and her Magellanic Penguin are both curious about the guests at the other end of the room
Born and being raised at the Shedd, these two penguins started out a bit shy. “They are wary of potential predators,” Ramirez said. But he added that they are also naturally curious.
To protect from sharp beaks curiously exploring our feet we donned high black rubber boots. We were also told the penguins were used to watches but were attracted to shiny, dangling objects so other jewelry was best kept away from a penguin’s reach.
When the penguins seemed comfortable with strangers in the room, the trainers moved the birds from their laps to an Astroturf type of floor covering that was scattered with colorful toys.
The penguins seemed more interested in their guests than their toys
Just as good as watching the birds check out the playthings and our benches, was the chance to pet them. Visitors don’t touch the penguins until the trainers hold them and give the OK.
The “penguin encounter” lasted about 30 minutes, not counting hand-washing and boot preparation or instruction time which added another half hour. Our group would gladly have spent more up close time but it was an experience we won’t forget.
To add to the experience, some of us went downstairs where the penguins swim and hang out behind a glass enclosure.
Extend the penguin experience by enjoying them in their Shedd habitat
Opposite the real thing is a wall with pictures and identification of what kind of penguins are at the Shedd.
We did not have any children in our group but if we did they probably would have enjoyed the penguin costumes they could have put on opposite the enclosure.
Penguin costumes hang opposite the habitat, ready to be tried out by humans
Penguin Encounter switches from daily to weekends and holidays after Labor Day. Cost is $25 a person. Children must be at least age 4 to attend and ages 4-10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to register call 312-692-3355 and visit Shedd Aquarium Extraordinary. The Shedd Aquarium is on the Museum Campus opposite Soldier Field at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
