Planning a Vacation? Consider Chicago!
Published September 30, 2011 | 
If you want to plan a vacation this fall, without spending an arm and a leg, consider Chicago as your destination. Chicago has a rich history, great shopping, ample tourism, and popular sporting events no matter what professional sport you favor.
Chicago has several awesome tourist areas. Navy Pier (depending on the weather) is great for wearing out the kids. The roller coasters, games and giant Ferris wheel can occupy even the busiest child, but it is fun for adults and teenagers too. Another great family destination, the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are just a short walk away from the pier and offer reasonably-priced entry.
For the dare-devil in your life, taking a trip to the top of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) provides breathtaking views of the Lake Michigan and the surrounding city. If you’re afraid of heights, the shopping on the ground, especially near the Miracle Mile, is sure to delight. A visit to the bean would satisfy the photographer in your life, and it’s worth a visit even if you’re just using a Polaroid. Chicago offers entertainment to keep you busy day and night, no matter your age.
Chicago is a great tourist destination because are activities suitable for the entire family. If you are struggling to plan a vacation around your family, I recommend visiting blogs and websites that provide more information about the area. For example, if you were planning a San Francisco get-away, visiting this San Francisco blog would provide you with unique information. Happy vacationing!
Chicago is Home to Many Famous Museums
Published January 17, 2011 | A big point of visiting Chicago involves its various museums. These museums are some of the most famous ones in the world. They feature many attractions for all people to enjoy.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top museums in the city. The AIC is housed in a building on South Michigan Avenue that was used in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The museum is famous for its massive collection of paintings from many artists. The museum features works from Seurat, Renoir, Van Gogh, El Greco, Cassatt, Grant Wood, Hopper, Monet and even Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Museum of Science and Industry is another famous museum. The MSI is famous for its many interactive exhibits. These include the original Apollo 8 spacecraft, a full size Boeing 727 jet, a large rebuilding of an early twentieth century neighborhood and a massive doll house. The museum is also home to a German U-505 submarine that was captured in World War II.
The Field Museum is a natural history museum in Chicago. This museum is home to a variety of natural history exhibits and touring attractions. The biggest attraction is Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex. This forty-foot long, seven ton dinosaur skeleton is the largest and most complete natural dinosaur skeleton to have ever been found.
The Adler Planetarium is an astronomy museum located off of South Lake Shore Drive. It is home to many different space and astronomy exhibits. The museum is also famous for its massive theaters and its large dome.
One great museum for kids in Chicago is the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. The CCM features a full size replica firehouse and a massive schooner.
The Chicago History Museum is the last museum to visit. This museum at North Clark Street features many artifacts from Chicago’s history. These include many artifacts from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. A passenger car that served people during the 1893 Fair and a full size locomotive are also on display here.
While you’re visiting Chicago, please visit some of the animal shelters in the area. Illinois is a great place and there are many dogs and cats needing new homes.
Grant Park is a Beautiful Place to Visit in Chicago
Published January 17, 2011 | A great place in Chicago for anyone to visit is Grant Park, especially if you can bring your dog to Illinois. This is a large open air park located right off of Lake Michigan. This is a park with many impressive attractions. It is also home to many events each year.
Grant Park, which is named after former American President Ulysses S. Grant, is located on the far eastern end of central Chicago. It is located between South Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. The park is noted for being a great site for people to visit. The park is home to a large number of open lawns for sports and plenty of open meeting areas.
The park is also popular for its proximity to many other Chicago attractions. These include such attractions as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Adler Planetarium.
The Buckingham Fountain is the most notable part of Grant Park. This large fountain operates every summer and has been doing so since 1927. Also, a water show with water coming from the fountain’s many jets can be seen at the top of each hour in a day.
The northwest part of the park is home to Millennium Park. This area of the park features a variety of different sculptures. The most notable attraction is the Cloud Gate sculpture. This sculpture, which is also known as “the Bean,” is a massive sculpture with a fully reflective mirror surface.
The brilliant surroundings and features of the park have made this a popular site for many events every year. The Taste of Chicago, a major local food festival, is held here every summer. Music festivals are held throughout the year as well. These include such festivals as the Chicago Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival. Many special performances at these festivals will take place at the Petrillo Music Shell on the northern part of the park.