Steppenwolf Theatre Company

With year-round programming across three stages, Steppenwolf is a Tony Award-winning Chicago theater known for innovative, artist-driven theatrical productions. Founded by Jeff Perry, Terry Kinney and Gary Sinise in the mid-1970s, the organization evolved from performing in a Highland Park church basement to gaining recognition as the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf is where great acting meets big ideas.

CITY: Chicago

Illinois Art Gallery

The Illinois Art Gallery is the only gallery in Chicago whose purpose it is to exhibit Illinois art.

CITY: Chicago

Steve's Segway Tours

Explore Chicago's lakefront, museums and Millennium Park on a three-hour Segway tour led by guides all year round.

CITY: Chicago

Donny's Skybox Theater

Donny’s Skybox Theatre and the de Maat Studio Theatre are dedicated to presenting productions that are rooted in the crafts of theatrical improvisation and sketch comedy as taught by The Second City Training Center. Alumni, faculty, students, and other members of the extended Second City family unite to develop new voices and points-of-view in a manner that honors the history of the work and seeks to propel it into the future. Donny’s Skybox is a studio environment where both emerging and established artists are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and grow.

CITY: Chicago

Redmoon Theater

Redmoon Theatre was founded in 1989 in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Redmoon has won national acclaim as the country's leading creator of spectacle theatre -- a highly visual and inventive theatre style that embraces the act of transformation through pageantry, puppetry, contraption-type mechanical objects, robust physical movement, and surprising use of scale and special effects. Using this unique visual language, Redmoon transforms streets and stages into places of public celebration, capable of speaking across cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries.

CITY: Chicago

Maneuvers

A Joliet staple for more than 30 years, this LGBT bar features dancing to live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, Maneuvers Diva’s Den drag shows and live entertainment.

CITY: Joliet

Graue Mill and Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mill is the only operating waterwheel gristmill and one of three authenticated underground railroad stations in Illinois.

CITY: Oak Brook

Arabian Knights Farms

Ten-acre horse farm offers hayrides and riding lessons, plus a petting zoo, exotic animals and even a monthly line dancing event.

CITY: Willowbrook

Joe's Be-Bop Cafe and Jazz Emporium

Food and live jazz share equal billing here. Casual, southern-style menu. Live jazz seven nights a week. Jazz orients sounds from swing to down-home blues. Latin jazz to mobtime.

CITY: Chicago

Bike Chicago

Rent a bike and ride along the city's breathtaking Lakefront Trail with a guide from Bike Chicago, or pick up a free map and take your own self-guided tour. The section of the bike path that winds along North Avenue Beach is featured in the dramatic comedy The Break-Up.

CITY: Chicago

Harrison's Restaurant & Brewery

Upscale casual restaurant and micro-brewery featuring an American eclectic menu with a Cajun flair, eight hand-crafted beers, cigar bar, patio and private dining room.

CITY: Orland Park

ComedySportz Theatre - Chicago

ComedySportz is the longest running short-form improv show in Chicago. Now in our 25th year! It's not stand-up comedy about sports...it's improv comedy played as a sport! We're also known for corporate training and corporate entertainment, improv classes and as a great place for any group celebrating a special occasion. If you like great comedy improvisation, visit our theater, the ComedySportz Theatre.

CITY: Chicago

Wicker Park/Bucktown Shopping

The Wicker Park-Bucktown neighborhood is an urban shopping destination that is growing in popularity nation wide. The June 2007 edition of Vanity Fair magazine calls Wicker Park-Bucktown shopping, -- a square mile pulsing with sassy boutiques. Visitors can shop in a gritty neighborhood and find everything from hip resale to boutique chic. The main shopping areas are centered where Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues intersect. Walk north along Damen Avenue to Armitage Avenue to discover some of the hippest boutiques selling the latest trends. Other unique, one-of-a-kind shopping can be found along Milwaukee Avenue south of North Avenue, featuring discount furniture stores, antique furniture shops, trendy clothing boutiques, art galleries and unique gift shops.

CITY: Chicago

South Shore Cultural Center

This beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style cultural center on the lakefront was once an exclusive 1900s country club, and now offers performances that range from classical music to African dance. The Obamas held their wedding reception here.

CITY: Chicago

Block 37

This landmark development on State St. features first-to-Chicago retailers, signature dining and entertainment venues within a five-story atrium. The center has direct access to the CTA Red and Blue Lines as well as Chicago's extensive pedway system.

CITY: Chicago

Bobby's Bike Hike Obama Tour

Enjoy a gorgeous ride through the historic Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods. Your guide will take you to all of President Obama's favorite Chicago places, including the University of Chicago campus and the first family's residence.

CITY: Chicago

The Playground Theater

When you think about Chicago you think Improv Comedy. And when Chicago improvisers think improv they think The Playground Theater. The Playground is the Chicago Improvisers improv theater. This performer run comedy club features the best in Chicago improv and sketch comedy. With shows 7 nights a week, The Playground is a perfect place to start your night with a friends and a laugh.

CITY: Chicago

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

On historic Bluff Street along the waterway downtown Joliet, the park features free summer concerts, lush grounds, outdoor bandshell and indoor theatre. Office: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and Wednesdays 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.

CITY: Joliet

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago's architectural showplace for the lively and visual arts. Daily programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing, visual and literary arts are presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affiars. See the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. It was initially built for dual purposes. It was the city's central library and a monument dedicated to the Civil War's Grand Army of the Republic. Since 1977 the building has housed cultural entities that included galleries, an auditorium, and the city's office of cultural affairs. The building architects are Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

CITY: Chicago

Chicagoland Speedway Camping

Choose from 4 unique camping options at Chicagoland Speedway! Benefits include: FREE newspaper delivery, payment plan options, free tram services around the facility, and non-stop entertainment.

CITY: Joliet

Oak Park Conservatory

Discover this botanical gem that includes fern, tropical and desert greenhouses. Special floral displays are presented in winter and spring. The Tropical Room boasts birds, and a bridged lagoon with fish and turtles. A display conservatory with three show houses, fern and floral room.

CITY: Oak Park

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown

Located two blocks from Magnificent Mile shopping, this reasonably priced hotel offers spacious two-room suites. Navy Pier and the John Hancock Center are also nearby, along with plenty of restaurants.

CITY: Chicago

Shoreline Sightseeing

A Shoreline Architecture Tour is a fascinating way to explore Chicago’s past and present. Shoreline’s Skyline Lake Tours offer breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, while the Fireworks Cruise provides a front-row seat for Navy Pier’s spectacular fireworks displays.

CITY: Chicago

Wacky Pirate Cruise

Kids (2-10) swashbuckle with Buccaneer Bob aboard Chicago’s only Wacky Pirate Cruise. During the 60-minute lake and river sightseeing boat ride, little buccaneers receive their own pirate bandana; learn how to tie nautical knots; are “knighted” by Buccaneer Bob with their own pirate name and tattoo and “captured” by mom and dad in great family photos. It’s a one-of-a-kind cruise aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline.

CITY: Chicago

pH Comedy Theater

pH is a comedy theater in Chicago that has been putting on original comedic work since 2002. pH shows are a fully participatory experience and you will leave most every show having had a hand in its outcome. pH also strives to be an affordable alternative for your entertainment dollar, with most shows falling around $10 per ticket.

CITY: Chicago

Odeum Sports and Expo Center

DuPage's largest sports and exposition facility, includes a 5,500-seat arena, meeting rooms for up to 5,000, food service from casual buffets to elegant sit-down dinners.

CITY: Villa Park

Blackbird Restaurant

Voted one of Chicago's top 5 restaurants by Gourmet Magazine and has received 3.5 stars from the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times. Home to Chef Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004.

CITY: Chicago

MetroWalkz Self-Guided Walking Tours

Our numerous self-guided walking tours with easy-to-use maps and insider narratives make sightseeing a breeze. Current tours include Loop Architecture, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Museum Campus, Grant Park, Chinatown, Old Town, Gold Coast and the West Loop.

CITY: Chicago

Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory

Lord and Burnham designed this historic greenhouse featuring a tropical house, cacti room, show house and outdoor gardens.

CITY: Joliet

Haunted Trails - Burbank

The Burbank outpost of this year round family entertainment center features hundreds of games, rides, miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages.

CITY: Burbank

Victory Gardens Biograph Theater

Located in the famed Biograph Theater, one of Chicago's most celebrated historic landmarks, Victory Gardens Theater was the recipient of the 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Victory Gardens is dedicated to presenting the work of great contemporary playwrights.

CITY: Chicago

American Sightseeing / Gray Line Tours

Offers sightseeing tours in more than 150 destinations on six continents and is widely recognized as the world's leader in sightseeing tours, ground transportation, charter service, airport transfers, and convention services.

CITY: Chicago

Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops that span an array of artistic genres.The school features a main stage where concerts are held year round, along with a great shop that sells music and instruments.

CITY: Chicago

Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place

An intimate 549-seat performance space presenting contemporary plays and musicals as well as classics from Broadway and beyond.

CITY: Chicago

Balmoral Park Race Track

View live harness racing, along with simulcast harness and thoroughbred racing, at this newly remodeled, rustic racing venue. Club Dining Room, VIP room, Casual Grandstand or Stable Suite Packages and luxurious private Sulky Suites available. Complimentary admission to Grandstand and Group Discounts. Events for 15-3,000 guests all year long with a stable of options including: Balmoral Club Dining Room (Buffets & Ala Carte), VIP room.

CITY: Crete

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra

The 75-member orchestra is the largest performing arts organization in the Chicago Southland providing professional, orchestral music of beauty and excellence. The IPO performs at Lincoln-Way North High School,19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort and Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Avenue, Frankfort.

CITY: Park Forest

Combined Lake and River Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

The Combined Lake and River Tour offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago, with breathtaking views of the magnificent skyline and an up-close perspective from the Chicago River.

CITY: Chicago

Inn at Lincoln Park

This European-style boutique hotel features 71 guest rooms and three suites. Located on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, the Inn is within walking distance of hip shops, bars and restaurants, and close to Boystown.

CITY: Chicago

Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge - Lombard

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Lucky Strike Lanes is America's premier bowling lounge. The cozy artistic atmosphere features 18 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, customizable multi-screen video system, exclusive VIP & event room facilities, and unforgettable cuisine!

CITY: Lombard

The Promenade Bolingbrook

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Visit this new lifestyle center where trees and sky meet shops and cafes. Anchored by Macy's and Bass Pro Shops, The Promenade features a great mix of retail and restaurants, including Coach and the Gordon Biersch Brewery. There's something for everyone!

CITY: Bolingbrook

Windy City Thunderbolts

The Windy City ThunderBolts baseball brings affordable family entertainment all summer long at Standard Bank Stadium. 2007 & 2008 Frontier League Champions! Call to reserve groups or parties today!

CITY: Crestwood

Goodman Theatre

The Goodman Theatre is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, winning international renown for the quality of productions, the depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs.

CITY: Chicago

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Opened in 1908, this landmark building was the vision of celebrated landscape architect Jens Jensen. The eight exhibit halls feature plants from around the world.

CITY: Chicago

Lyric Opera Of Chicago

Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the world’s great opera companies. It is renowned internationally for its artistic excellence and financial strength. Founded in 1954, since its earliest years Lyric has distinguished itself by presenting the finest international singers, directors, and designers in classic and less-familiar operatic repertoire and in world-premiere productions. Opera performances are from September through March.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Savvy Tours

Chicago Savvy Tours specializes in architectural and historical tours of Chicago, and offers a variety of services for both private and group tours.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

More than 150 singers make up this chorus that presents choral, cabaret and musical theater all rolled into one. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus performs at various venues and special events throughout the city.

CITY: Chicago

Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center

The Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace is a beautiful, unique and versatile facility that combines ideal location, functionality and elegance to make it one of Chicagoland's finest facilities for business and entertainment. 971-seat proscenium style live theater featuring musicals, comedy, hollywood personalities and dinner theatre. Banquets for 2,500. 40,000 square feet of trade show space. Conveniently located to the airports.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Riverside Walking Tours

Take a walk through Riverside's history by spending the afternoon with the Frederick Law Olmsted Society, your guide to learning more about the village's unique community and landscape design. Riverside was designed in 1869 by famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.

CITY: Riverside

Forest View Farms

Trail rides, hayrides, pony parties, petting zoo, corporate, convention, private picnic, party & cookout facilities. Horse-drawn vehicles for all occasions. Horse sales, boarding, lessons and tack shop.

CITY: Tinley Park

The Black Ensemble Theater

The Black Ensemble Theater is a dynamic organization described as a local cornerstone, a national treasure and an international success. It has launched over 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists since its inception. Annually 50,000 patrons experience its musical theater and it has become one of the most prominant African-American theater companies in the nation.

CITY: Chicago

York Theatre

Enjoy first run films in a renovated 1924 Spanish-style movie theater with five auditoriums all equipped with Dolby digital sound. Baby Barton Pipe Organ is played on Friday and Saturday nights.

CITY: Elmhurst

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Handcrafted Wine. Modern Casual Dining. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant opened in 2005 in Orland Park, a south suburb of Chicago. The concept was unique. They created a signature menu with a selection of dishes designed to pair perfectly with their own Cooper’s Hawk wines, made in their own private winery. With sophisticated food and exceptional wines, the concept was born.The Cooper’s Hawk concept includes four distinct components: an upscale casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, and Napa-style tasting room and retail gift store…all under one roof. Each Cooper’s Hawk location is distinctive in layout and décor, but carries the same warmth and elegance that guests have come to expect.

CITY: Orland Park

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Experience Cooper's Hawk... a modern, casual restaurant with a menu created with their own handcrafted wines in mind. Start in their Napa-style tasting room, where you can view their wineries and sample the winemaker's latest creations. Shop in the gift store for unique food or wine-related gifts.

CITY: Burr Ridge

Goose Island Brewpub - Wrigleyville

Chicago's best known brewpub, brewing fine beer with passion since 1988. Lively atmosphere, perfect for all celebrations and family outings.

CITY: Chicago

Main Street Promenade Naperville

Whether you are visiting for work or pleasure, Naperville has something to fit your taste. Come and experience big city styles with small town smiles! Discover the charming shops and distinctive restaurants along our tree-lined streets. Stroll the Riverwalk and enjoy the many pieces of public art, fountains and covered bridges.

CITY: Naperville

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Willow Springs

Forest preserve nature center designed to educate the public about the importance of wildlife and our environment.

CITY: Willow Springs

Athenaeum Theatre

The Athenaeum hosts theatrical and dance performances throughout the year.

CITY: Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Art

One of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) offers exhibitions of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945. The MCA documents contemporary visual culture through painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, and performance. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the MCA boasts a gift store, bookstore, restaurant, 300-seat theater, and a terraced sculpture garden with a great view of Lake Michigan. The MCA aspires to engage a broad and diverse audience, create a sense of community and be a place for contemplation, stimulation, and discussion about contemporary art and culture.

CITY: Chicago

Hershey's Chicago

This engaging retail experience features the full line of Hershey's products, as well as one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs Be entertained by the singing baker at the bake shoppe, offering cupcakes, cookies and brownies all topped with Hershey's products.

CITY: Chicago

Noble Horse Carriage Ride

Let Noble Horse make your day or evening special. See the city from a lovely antique horse carriage ride. Noble Horse Carriages are available at 2 locations: Michigan Avenue: 820 N. Michigan Avenue, the corner of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue and Old Town: 1410 N. Orleans Street, the corner of Schiller and Orleans.

CITY: Chicago

Mercury's Urban Adventure Cruise

Board this 90-minute river and lakefront cruise, complete with live commentary detailing over 50 downtown Chicago buildings and bridges. Cruises depart daily, May through October.

CITY: Chicago

Hot Tix

Conveniently located in the Loop and along the Magnificent Mile, Hot Tix theater geniuses offer half price theater tickets up to six days in advance. View this week's list of 1/2 price shows at HotTix.org.

CITY: Chicago

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours

EagleRider is the largest motorcycle rental and tour company in the world. Rent a Harley Davidson for a day or a week and experience the open road!

CITY: Countryside

Naper Settlement - Outdoor History Museum

Chicagoland's only 19th Century Village with historic homes, shops, a chaple, fort and one-room schoolhouse in a 13-acre park-like setting with costumed villagers, exhibits and more.

CITY: Naperville

Brunswick Zone - Naperville

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.

CITY: Naperville

Aloft Bolingbrook

Aloft Bolingbrook is a sassy, savvy, hip, trendy hotel located at The Promenade Bolingbrook. Mix & mingle with friends at the WXYZ lounge, stay and play at our indoor pool or fitness center, and breeze into an Aloft room featuring custom amenities.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Chicago Opera Theater

This opera company specializes in a unique repertoire that focuses on works from the 17th, 18th and 20th centuries, performed beautifully in a small venue.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago's internationally acclaimed professional theater dedicated to presenting the works of William Shakespeare.

CITY: Chicago

U.S. Cellular Field

President-elect Barack Obama is an avowed fan of the Chicago White Sox, and is often seen wearing a White Sox baseball cap. U.S. Cellular features an exploding scoreboard, an old-time facade, complete with arches and over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats.

CITY: Chicago

Diversey River Bowl

Find open bowling every night, rock music, a light show and a restaurant.

CITY: Chicago

Green Mill

This Art Deco-style jazz club in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood has a storied speakeasy past from the days of prohibition. Sit back and listen to some of the best jazz and cabaret music in the city at this elegant club that served as one of the locations for the hit film, High Fidelity. The Green Mill was patterned after Clark Monroe's Uptown House in Harlem (as it was during the 40's). Uniquely comfortable to all audiences, the magic of the Mill is that the audience co-mingles in its mutual respect for the music.

CITY: Chicago

UP Comedy

UP Comedy Club presents an eclectic mix of comedy seven days a week featuring the best in Chicago stand-up, sketch and improv comedy. The club also features a full service kitchen and bar with a no drink minimum.

CITY: Chicago

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill

Since 1985 Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill has been giving the Wrigleyville area a place to go for much more than just a drink. We have 6-12 foot big screens and over 30 TV's to see your all of your favorite sports teams in glorious HD! Upstairs we have a full indoor sports complex with batting cages, trampoline basketball, electronic football, basketball, ski simulator, golf, Skee ball, virtual driving games, air hockey and much much more. We have a full menu that includes Burgers, Pizza, Salads and a bunch of Appetizers. We even have an outdoor patio for those beautiful Chicago summer days. Come and visit us here at Sluggers and we promise you will not be bored!

CITY: Chicago

Bronzeville Children's Museum

First and only African American children's museum in the country for children ages 3-9. Interactive exhibits, unique programs. Focus on culture, history and contributions of African Americans.

CITY: Chicago

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Architect Frank Gehry designed this spectacular outdoor concert venue in Millennium Park that is home to the Grant Park Music Festival, along with other free concerts and events.

CITY: Chicago

The Second City's de Maat Studio Theater

Named for the late improvising guru Martin de Maat, this 49-seat theater is dedicated to presenting productions that are rooted in the crafts of theatrical improvisation and sketch comedy as taught by The Second City Training Center.

CITY: Chicago

Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens

The Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor arts program that places sculptures in the village square, along charming residental streets, and in the Flossmoor Sculpture and Garden Park.

CITY: Flossmoor

Heart of Oak Park Walking Tour

See the evolution of architecture, from early Victorian to Art Deco, on this self-guided tour. Combination tickets include admission to Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace and Museum, and Pleasant Home.

CITY: Oak Park

Charnley-Persky House Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan designed this Gold Coast residence, now the home of the Society of Architectural Historians. Open for tours.

CITY: Chicago

Merle Reskin Theatre

1325 seat proscenium theatre provides performance space for the nearly 200 public performances of the DePaul Theatre School.

CITY: Chicago

Hyde Park Neighborhood

Barack Obama lived in the Hyde Park neighborhood during the late 1980s, when he worked as a community organizer. For the inside scoop on Hyde Park, tour the area with a local volunteer from Chicago Greeter, a free service offered by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

CITY: Chicago

American Girl Cafe

Chicago’s American Girl Cafe is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. For reservations and seating times, call toll-free 877-247-5223.

CITY: Chicago

Wrigley Building

Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.

CITY: Chicago

Elmhurst City Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Choose from a large variety of restaurants from fine dining to casual fare. Catch a movie or browse our wonderful shops.

CITY: Elmhurst

Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie School of Architecture Historic District

Guided and self-guided tours of historical district containing the greatest concentration of Wright-designed structures. A virtual outdoor museum of architectural history in America.

CITY: Oak Park

Rocket Ice Arena

Come feel the thrill of the chill at the Rocket Ice Arena, offering programs for all ages and ability levels in figure skating and hockey.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Howl at the Moon

It's a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano, rock 'n' roll show. It's part concert, part piano bar and all centered around audience participation.

CITY: Chicago

National Shrine of St. Therese

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The National Shrine of St. Therese sits peacefully on a 50-acre estate owned and operated by the Carmelites. The Shrine is home to the most wonderful collection of relics, personal effects and memorabilia of Therese, "the little flower," outside of France. Religious shop/bookstore.

CITY: Darien

Oak Park Festival Theatre

Oak Park Festival Theatre presents its 35th year of professional productions. Its season opens indoors in the National Historic Landmark, Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue. Then the company moves outdoors to Austin Gardens, adjacent to downtown Oak Park. With Shakespearian classics, witty drawing room mysteries, and farces, plus moving contemporary plays, Festival Theatre pleases audiences -- indoors and out. See our website, or call (708) 445-4440.

CITY: Oak Park

Theater on the Lake

Set in a red brick building beneath the towering trees of Lincoln Park, Theater on the Lake offers a great view of Lake Michigan and low ticket prices.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Located on the Chicago River with butcher and dry-aging room in-house, experience Chicago Cut specializing in steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list.

CITY: Chicago