Chicago Highlights - July 2010
Celebrating Chicago!
It’s July and Chicago’s summertime fun is in full stride. This month, we have some ideas for you to enjoy the fabulous Chicago views, experience the wonder of dinosaurs in new ways, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden in a new light. Also, the Taste of Chicago is winding down, but festival season is at its best this month. We’ve highlighted just a few. Read on
Reach New Heights
Chicago’s skyline is one of the most beautiful of all cities. You can view the skyline from a boat on Lake Michigan, as well as many spots on the ground, such as Lincoln Park, but in this month’s newsletter, we’re going to focus on looking from the top down, and all around. For the most expansive views, take an elevator up to the higher floors of one of Chicago’s skyscrapers. The two most common sites for viewing the city and beyond include the Hancock Observatory and Willis Tower Skydeck.
Let’s start with the 100-story John Hancock Center, probably Chicago’s most famous building. This building is located on the Magnificent Mile at 875 N. Michigan Avenue. Here are some facts to get you started:
- Visit the Hancock Observatory and you'll be whisked up by the fastest elevator in North America to the 94th floor. The Observatory includes a self-paced headphone audio tour narrated by our favorite "friend" David Schwimmer, as well as talking telescopes, interactive kiosks, photo ops and Chicago's only open-air viewing area. For a gourmet coffee and a bite to eat, check out the new Lavazza Espression Café, a European style café featuring Italian Lavazza coffees, sandwiches, salads, breakfast and pastries.
- For a fine dining experience with a spectacular view, make reservations at the Signature Room at the 95th. The floor-to-ceiling windows on the 95th floor provide a 360° view of the city. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch, you can have a special celebration any time of day.
- Another option, perhaps for a perfect sunset, head up one more floor for a cocktail at the Signature Lounge at the 96th. Try a Magnificent Mile Manhattan or a Bubble Gum Martini. The Lounge also serves appetizers and sweets.
- Admission to the Hancock Observatory is included with the Go Chicago Card, which represents a $15 savings. The Go Chicago Card also entitles you to skip the ticket line!
Next, we'll take a look at Willis Tower, the tallest building in the western hemisphere. Willis Tower, known as "Sears Tower" from the time it was built in 1973 until it was renamed in 2009, is located at 233 S. Wacker Drive.
- We're still having trouble calling the Sears Tower "Willis Tower", but the main attraction in the building is still known as the Skydeck. This observation deck, on the Tower's 103rd floor, allows you to see for 40-50 miles, well beyond Chicago's city limits. There are telescopes, information kiosks, interactive exhibits, and even a special "knee high" display for kids.
- For the most unique experience, you will want to check out the Sky Ledge, where you can step out onto a glass enclosure, looking directly below your feet to the sights below.
- Admission to the Skydeck and the Sky Ledge is included with the Go Chicago Card, which represents a $16 savings. The Go Chicago Card also entitles you to skip the ticket line!
At Navy Pier, there are two ways to "reach new heights" and witness the
beauty of Chicago and its lakefront. First, how about a rotation on the
150-foot Ferris Wheel? This Ferris wheel was modeled after the
original Ferris wheel at Chicago's 1893 World Expo and offers a
leisurely 7-minute ride for $6. A free ride on the Navy Pier Ferris
wheel is included with your
Go Chicago Card!
The second option at Navy Pier is on its
Aeroballoon. Rise 35 stories into the sky and take in the
spectacular view of the city and lakefront. Don't fret, the balloon is
always tethered to the ground. The cost for this 8-10 minute ride
straight up and straight down is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and
under. The Aeroballoon operates May through September.
In addition to these tourist attractions, there are a number of
restaurants and hotels with great venues for enjoying the city views.
Here are just a few:
- C-View Lounge at Affinia Hotel - Featuring both an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace on the rooftop of this 29-floor hotel, C-View offers cocktails in a relaxing environment and lite fare selections from its C-House restaurant.
- Cité Restaurant at Lake Point Tower - On the top floor (70th) of Lake Point Tower, Cité Restaurant offers a 360° view of Chicago, fine dining and top-notch service.
- Sixteen Restaurant at Trump Tower - Located, you guessed it, on the 16th floor of Trump Tower, Sixteen offers a wonderful view down the Chicago River from its 30-foot floor to ceiling windows. Here you can enjoy exceptionally fine dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- The Roof Lounge at the Wit Hotel - Located on the 27th floor of this hotel, The Roof Lounge offers small bites, cocktails and wine, as well as telescopes, live music and fire pits.
Dinosaurs in Chicago
There are some amazing dinosaurs coming to town and you can see them at Allstate Arena July 28 through August 1. “Walking with the Dinosaurs” is a theatrical arena show that has been thrilling international audiences for over 3 years. You will experience the evolution of dinosaurs through life-sized animated creatures, as well as the history of the world. You’ll see ten species of dinosaur, including the popular Stegosaurus, the flying Ornithocheirus, the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the largest in the show, the Brachiosaurus. The reviews tell us this is an exciting, yet educational, wonder for children and adults.
Allstate Arena is located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, very close to O'Hare Airport. For tickets, go to Ticketmaster.
If you can't make it to Walking with the Dinosaurs, you'll want to take your dinosaur-enthusiasts to the Field Museum, where there are new attractions waiting for you. Since 2000, the Field Museum has been home to Sue, the largest, most complete t. Rex skeleton in the world. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Sue's unveiling, on May 26 the Field Museum opened its newest dinosaur exhibit, "Sue Escapes". Here's what you'll experience:
- RoboSUE – The t. Rex Experience. At this interactive exhibit, you'll come face-to-face with a life-sized dinosaur.
- Waking the t. Rex 3D: The Story of Sue. At this 3D movie, you'll learn about the discovery of Sue and facts we have uncovered about her since that time.
Another new event at the Field Museum is a series of sleepovers with Sue! Created especially for families with kids aged 6-12, "Dozin' with the Dinos" provides a fun-filled evening with special activities, workshops, a self-guided tour, bedtime stories and more. Snacks and a continental breakfast will be served. The final dates for this event are August 6 and October 8 and there are several packages to choose from. Enjoy your own Night at the Museum!!
An Evening at the Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to spend the day, but becomes a new experience at night. Take a leisurely stroll through the Garden and follow one of the bridges to Evening Island for a perfect sunset or to enjoy Lights on Evening Island, a unique experience in the summer. The Garden Café and the Garden Grille are both open each evening until 9pm.
In addition to these options, here’s the weekly schedule of ongoing nighttime summer events:
- Mondays at 7pm – Carillon Bell Concerts on Evening Island.
- Tuesdays at 6pm – Music on the Esplanade, local musicians on the Botanic front lawn; assorted musical genres.
- Select Wednesdays at 5:30 and 6:30pm – Dancin' Sprouts, entertainment for the kids.
- Thursdays at 6pm – Hot Summer Nights, professional dance instructors will teach a few moves, or you can just listen to the music; diverse international genres.
- Mondays through Thursdays – Evening Yoga Classes with Northwest Yoga. Classes begin at 5:15, 6:00 or 7:00pm, depending on day of week.
On select dates, families will enjoy Nature Nights. These special events are geared toward families with children aged 4-10. Bring a picnic dinner, take a tram ride, enjoy s’mores at the campfire and learn something new about what’s growing at the Garden. Remaining dates for the 2010 season are July 10 & 24, August 14 & 28, September 11 & 25 and October 9, each with a unique theme. The cost is $23 per child; you can register online.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is located in Glencoe, north of downtown Chicago.
It’s Festival Time!
July brings the peak of festival season to Chicago. The warm summer days are prime for live music, tastes of the city's ethnicity, arts & crafts, family fun and overall good times.
Check out Chicago Traveler's Festival Page for a listing; here, we'll highlight just a few.
July 9 & 10 -
Old St.
Pat's World's Largest Block Party
This adult-only festival is one of the biggest you'll ever see. Lots of
music, food and fun will be in store for you from 5:30 – 10:30pm each
day. Admission is $40 in advance ($45 at the door), which includes five
free drinks. On Friday, see Barenaked Ladies with Kris Allen, Angel
Taylor and Jeffrey David. On Saturday, see Spoon, White Rabbits, Chris
Mills and Adam Fitz. This party features celebrity bartenders from
6-8:30pm and some great raffles. Located in the near west neighborhood
of Chicago, the entrance gate is at W. Madison and N. Desplaines
Streets.
July 9 – 11 -
Irish
American Heritage Festival
This festival is held on Chicago's northwest side on Knox Avenue near
Wilson Avenue. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Irish Fest with an
endless list of bands on multiple stages, cultural programs, special
children's activities, Irish and American cuisine, Irish dance
performances, arts, crafts and Irish imports for sale and much, much
more. The Sham-Rock Competition will find the next "Irish Idols" in both
children and adult categories. Each year, this festival draws about
15,000 people.
July 10 & 11 -
Rock Around the Block
This festival is held in the Lakeview neighborhood on Lincoln Avenue at
Belmont. It will feature thirty bands on three stages, arts and crafts,
local foods, family entertainment and street performers. WXRT radio
station has named Rock Around the Block one of the best musical events
in Chicago. Expected attendance is around 40,000.
July 17 & 18 -
Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
This festival is held in the Sheffield neighborhood, just west of
Lincoln Park. The 42nd edition of the Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
will offer self-guided tours of over 90 gardens within the Sheffield
neighborhood, guided architectural tours, multiple bands, and of course
food & drink. For kids, head to the 2200 block of Kenmore where Kids
Corner will feature a moon walk, a petting zoo, pony rides, face
painting, children's activities and special entertainment.
July 24 & 25 -
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Once a small neighborhood gathering in the heart of Lincoln Park, this
festival has become one of the biggest in the city, with expected
attendance at around 50,000. The main event here is the music, with five
stages hosting over 40 bands. There will be about 350 vendors, including
both food and crafts. The kids' area will include family-friendly
entertainment, arts & crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides and more.
July 31 & August 1 -
Summer on Southport
This festival is held in Wrigleyville on N. Southport at Waveland, near
Wrigley Field. At this festival, you'll enjoy lots of good food and
entertainment, as well as an upscale art show. This event will also
feature the 8th Annual Children's Festival and the Sunday Gospel Brunch.
For many other July events, see our Chicago Events Calendar.
Chicago Highlights is a publication of Chicago Traveler. For more issues, see the Chicago Highlights Archive.
