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Festival

Taste of Chicago

This amazing 10 day festival is celebrated the week around the fourth of July. Chicago’s Grant Park becomes an arena for celebrations of Chicago’s culinary specialties. Admission to the grounds is free but food and beverages are sold by tickets only. Rows of tents are set up and there are kid’s booth and activity stands set up for further entertainment. Live performances take place with popular singers and entertainers wooing the audiences. This festival starts at the end of June and ends after the fourth of July.

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Overview & visitor information

Taste of Chicago

This amazing 10 day festival is celebrated the week around the fourth of July. Chicago’s Grant Park becomes an arena for celebrations of Chicago’s culinary specialties. Admission to the grounds is free but food and beverages are sold by tickets only. Rows of tents are set up and there are kid’s booth and activity stands set up for further entertainment. Live performances take place with popular singers and entertainers wooing the audiences. This festival starts at the end of June and ends after the fourth of July.

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Winter Celebration in Lights

Activity

All through the first week of January, interactive events take place in the Elizabeth Mores Genus Children’s Garden. Beautiful plants can be viewed in the largest glass greenhouse in the US, along with holiday lights that celebrate the continuation of winter. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue. Call (312) 746-5100 for more information.

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Around the Coyote Winter Festival

Activity

Works of over 400 artists, including art performances, are on view at the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, during the first week of February. This event is sponsored by the resident artists. Call (312) 744-2400 for more information

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Auto Show

Activity

An auto show that’s seen 101 editions continues to delight Chicagoans with its rich and varied collection of contemporary cars. Hundreds of the latest production cars and trucks are showcased here. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lakeshore Drive, for two weeks in the middle of February. Call (312) 791-7000 for more information.

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Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

Activity

Teams come out to compete at building a machine that takes an allotted number of steps (20 or more) to complete a certain task. The machine designed should use the most complex process to complete a simple task. This event is hosted by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Located at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, in the middle of February. Call (312) 527-1000 for more information.

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Chicago Bike Show

Activity

Check out the annual bike show where bike manufacturers and bike clubs come together in one location. Located at the Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, usually held at the end of March. Call (312) 595-PIER for more information.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Activity

The entire Irish community of Chicago turns out in large numbers to join the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Visitors to the city cannot help but be drawn to the festivities and join in the fun at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For the past 40 years, the Chicago River has turned green in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The parade begins at noon on Dearborn Street, between Wacker and Van Buren, then down the State Street Mall. Held on March 17. Call (312) 744-3315 for more information.

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Comedy Festival

Activity

Laughter is indeed the best medicine as you will get to know when you experience loads of it at the Comedy Festival held in the last weekend in May. Comedians from all over the world make you laugh till your sides ache, as they entertain you with improv, stand-up and sketches. This festival concurrently goes on at several venues including the Vic Theater, Chicago Theatre and the Apollo Theater. Call (847) 304-6624 for more information.

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Memorial Day Parade

Activity

A special day is set aside to honor the country’s veterans. The festivities begin with a ceremony at the Logan Memorial (Grant Park, Michigan and 9th St.) at 11 AM. Then follows the parade, which commences at noon on Columbus Drive, between Balbo and Monroe Streets. Call (312) 744-5648 for more information.

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Chicago Summerfest

Activity

An enjoyment extravaganza, this festival, at Lincoln Park, said to be the world’s largest music festival, is a two day event with live music, art shows, food and drinks. Multiple stages are set up and a carnival atmosphere brings joy to all. It is known to draw in around 25,000 Chicagoans every year. Address: 2200 N. Clark. 12-9PM Date: 21st and 22nd Time: 12 am-9pm

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Pearl Fest

Activity

This is a free event and includes food, fun for all age groups, live musical entertainment and a sidewalk café. There is also a talent show featuring national as well as local talent. Address: 45th-47th Streets & Greenwood Ave. Date: June 8, 2008 Time: 11am-10pm

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Chicago Architecture Foundation

Museum

Chicago's architecture is unparalleled. As the grand avenues of Paris are exemplary of the nineteenth century, and the canals of Venice of the Renaissance, so do the skyscrapers and neoclassical monuments represent modernity. The Chicago Architecture Foundation works to advance knowledge and public interest in architecture and design.

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Chicago Cultural Center

Building

The Chicago Cultural Center was built between 1893 and 1897 as a public library. It is built in the Neoclassical style, with touches from the Italian Renaissance. When the new Harold Washington Library was built in 1991, it was converted into a cultural center. The Cultural Center is also renowned for its intricate and ornamental details, including white Carrara marble staircases, delicate mosaics, glass, stone, and mother of pearl adornments, and vaulted ceilings. There are two large domes on the third floor, including one made of Tiffany-stained glass.

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Fine Arts Building

Building

The Fine Arts Building, also known as the Studebaker Building, was built in 1885 for the Studebaker company by architect Solon S. Beman. It is a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Studebaker soon vacated the building, and it was renovated into a hub of fine arts. As the name would suggest, it is filled with offices, art galleries, lofts, recording studios, and shops, nearly all related to the world of art.

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Sears (Willis) Tower

Town

Until the completion of the new World Trade Center in New York City, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States, standing 442m (527m to the spire). It was built between 1969 and 1973 as headquarters for the Sears corporation, formerly the largest retailer in the world.

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Adler Planetarium

Building

The Adler Planetarium was built in 1930 by philanthropist Max Adler and is part of Chicago's Museum Campus. It was the first modern planetarium in the western hemisphere. Though it has since become a little dated, there is still a lot to see here.

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Buckingham Fountain

Park

One of the world’s largest fountains, the Buckingham Fountain is located in the middle of Grant Park. It was a gift to the city from Kate Sturges Buckingham, in memory of her brother Clarence Buckingham. The Beaux-Arts-style design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology make this one of America’s finest fountains. The fountain runs during warm-weather months with a light and water display from 9:00pm to 10:00pm.

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Field Museum

Museum

Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History was founded in 1893 during the Colombian Exhibition. It was moved to its current location in 1921 and is named for Marshall Field, the museum's first benefactor and retail giant Marshall Field. The magnificent Classical Revival building is located along Lakeshore Drive in Chicago's Museum Campus, along with the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.

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Grant Park

Park

Located between the Loop and Lake Michigan, Grant Park is known as Chicago's front yard. It covers 319 acres. The park was built after the 1871 Great Chicago Fire on landfill and the 1893 Columbian Exhibition was held here. It is named for former president/Civil War general and Chicago-area native Ulysses S. Grant. The recently completed Millennium Park is at the northwest corner of the park, and acts as a gateway.

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Millennium Park

Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's newest attractions. The 24.5 acre park was built between 1997 and 2004 over what had been a rail yard. Today it receives more than 4,000,000 guests annually and is a treasured part of Chicago. Many consider it the most important municipal project since the Colombian Exhibition ended in 1893.

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Everest

This restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the nation. It is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. The moment you enter this restaurant, you get transported back to an era of old-fashioned French aristocracy of the 1920’s. In contrast is the strikingly modern and impressive view of Chicago, courtesy the full-wall windows on the western side of the restaurant. Said to give the finest total dining experience, the restaurant also has a rather impressive wine list.

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Grand Café Lux

When the grandeur and luxury of European cafes blends with the practicalities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, what you get is the ultimate in fine dining experience. Café Grand Lux is an unusual eating place where global cuisine is served in elegant yet relaxed surroundings. Savor flavors from a wide and varied selection ranging from Thai, Malaysian and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties. A hallmark of the Grand Lux experience is the on-site bakery where your chosen dessert whether it be Molten Chocolate Cake or warm Rustic apple pie, will be baked to order.

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Shanghai Terrace 

This is an award winning restaurant where guests can enjoy a four, eight or fifteen course meal. It includes spas as well as guest rooms. Cuisine: Chinese Address: 108 East Superior Street (at North Michigan Avenue) Chicago, Illinois 60611 -2508, USA Phone: (312) 337 2888 Website: www.chicago.peninsula.com

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Signature Room

Located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower, this restaurant gives guests a breathtaking view of the magnificent mile. It also includes extraordinary food and beverages.

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Alinea

Foodies will not want to miss this unique dining experience. Chef Grant Achatz has used gastronomy to create one of the world's best restaurants. Each meal consists of twenty fixed miniature courses, each with its own fanciful presentation. The Black Truffle Explosion is legendary. If you have the money -- it'll set you back around $200 per diner -- definitely check it out. Alinea pushes the limits of what food can be.

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Atwood Café

Located right in the heart of Chicago’s Central business District, this restaurant offers a cozy intimacy. Enjoy dining in the vibrant dining room with a view of the bustling Chicago streets. Cuisine: American – serves contemporary American “comfort foods.” Address: 1 W. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 Phone: (312) 368-1900 Website:www.atwoodcafe.com

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Bon Apetito!

Cuisine: Italian Address: 2600 Navy Blvd Intersection of Patriot and Navy,Glenview, IL 60026 Phone: (847) 724-8400 www.bestitalianusa.com

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Bravo Cucina Italiana

In the heart of Glenview sits Bravo Cucina. A very spacious restaurant with a lot of seating. The high ceilings and well decorated walls give the feel of a Roman ruin. Classic Italian food is served here. Their signature dish, Pasta Bravo, comprises of rigatoni tossed with wood-grilled chicken and mushrooms in a roasted red pepper cream sauce.

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Catch 35

Known as one of Chicago’s premier seafood restaurants it has been given a perfect rating from Chicago’s top food critics and magazines. It has a deep range of seafood selections and an elegant and classy atmosphere. Its location close to the Theatre District is an added advantage.

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Petterino’s

Ideally located in the theatre district, just round the corner from the Ford theatre and adjacent to the Goodman theatre, it is hugely popular with theatre afficiandos looking for a good meal before the show. Dark wood booths create an old world look. With an elegant atmosphere and variety of dishes, what you have is a winner!