International Museum of Surgical Science

Housed in a historic landmark mansion on the Gold Coast, the collections and exhibits portray the mysteries and milestones that have shaped modern surgical science. Of special interest to those in the medical field, our collection appeals to anyone interested in the history of surgery by means of art, surgical instruments, architecture, and books.

CITY: Chicago

Pritzker Military Library

"The Pritzker Military Library offers books, audiovisuals, prints, regalia, magazines, speakers and online resources concentrating on military history, specifically the role of the Citizen Soldier.

CITY: Chicago

REDKiva Lounge

Only seconds from Randolph Street's "Restaurant Row", REDkiva offers live music in a sleek but comfortable lounge atmosphere. Perfect for after work cocktails, social gatherings or corporate events.

CITY: Chicago

The Unborn - Parkway Drugs

In this supernatural flick, a young woman is haunted by the spirit of her unborn brother who tries to take over her body. Desperate to survive, the woman undergoes an exorcism to prevent her evil sibling from being born.

CITY: Chicago

Bad Teacher - Kol Tuv Kosher Foods

Dumped by her sugar daddy, a foul-mouthed junior high school teacher pursues one of her new well-heeled colleagues, competing for his affections against a popular teacher.

CITY: Chicago

Barbershop and Barbershop 2 - East 79th St. and Exchange St.

The original comedy and its sequel concerns a Chicago man who inherits his father's struggling South Side barbershop, then tries to buy it back from a local loan shark while trying to stave off competition from a barbershop chain when he realizes its importance to the community. Several scenes were shot at the intersection of East 79th and Exchange streets on the South Side of Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Eagle Eye - Rock N Roll McDonald's

Two young strangers are thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman who pushes them into increasingly dangerous situations as she tracks their every move and controls them via technology while they are pursued by the FBI.

CITY: Chicago

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The Art Institute

This classic Chicago teen comedy involves the wise-cracking title character who decides to cut school and see the city with his friends. Their romp around Chicago includes stops at The Art Institute (one of the world's leading art museums that's known for its important collection of French Impressionist paintings), Chicago Board of Trade (the world's oldest futures and options exchange that's housed in a magnificent Art Deco building), and the Sears Tower Skydeck (offering dizzying views of the city from atop one of the world's tallest buildings). The movie's famed Twist and Shout scene was filmed during the city's annual Von Steuben Day Parade.

CITY: Chicago

About Face Theatre

For the past 15 years, this innovative theater has presented original plays that challenge audiences and seek to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity.

CITY: Chicago

National Hellenic Museum

The National Hellenic Museum is the only major museum in the United States dedicated to telling the story of Greek history, culture and arts from ancient times to today. It's mission is to preserve and explore Hellenism and to chronicle the Greek American journey through exhibitions, oral histories, archival collections and education programs. It's purpose is to inspire in people of all backgrounds a curiosity for their own story through a greater connection to Greek history, culture and the arts.

CITY: Chicago

Cinespace Chicago Film Studio

Cinespace Specializes in the development, management and operation of studio facilities. Our space is approximately 1.5 million square feet.

CITY: Chicago

Adventure Stage Chicago

Adventure Stage Chicago creates dynamic and transformative theatre for young audiences that activates the imagination, inspires dialogue and strengthens community among families, educators and artists.

CITY: Chicago

American Blues Theater

Committed to its Ensemble since 1985, American Blues Theater produces stories about working people and partners each production with social and service organizations. As of 2013, ABT Ensemble & Artistic Affiliates have individually received over 120 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Citations, or nominations, 21 After Dark Awards, 2 Pulitzer Prize nominations, an Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe Award, 6 Writers’ Guild Award, 10 Emmy Awards or nominations, 19 Black Theatre Alliance Awards or nominations, and multiple Regional theater awards from NY, Los Angeles, DC, and Florida.

CITY: Chicago

The Artistic Home Theatre

The Artistic Home creates theatre and film that explores and celebrates the truth within us. Through extraordinary acting, we seek to ignite an audience’s imagination, to reach deep into the primal to send tremors through the intellect, to give birth to unforgettable moments by working in an intimate space, to touch audiences who are increasingly distanced from human contact. We readdress the classics and explore new works with passion. We give artists a home where they can shape, develop and strengthen their artistic voice.

CITY: Chicago

Signal Ensemble Theatre

Signal Ensemble Theatre uses a deeply collaborative method to produce work never-before-seen in Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Will County Historical Society

Incorporated in 1964, the Will County Historical Society exists to connect people and organizations to the county's rich history. The Society's museum is housed in the original headquarters of the I&M Canal. Built in 1837, the structure played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the Canal and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Changing exhibits highlight the history of Will County and the Canal. The Society's extensive collection includes significant county and canal-related records, including maps, plats, land records, obituaries, photographs, newspapers, receipts, and correspondence.

CITY: Lockport

Czechoslovak Heritage Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Highlights the history and culture of the Czech Republic and Slovakia through authentic folk costumes, lead crystal, chain, ceramics, embroidery, and historical displays. Donations welcome.

CITY: Oak Brook

Ten Thousand Villages

Experience exquisite, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, home decor and gifts from around the world. Invest in education, housing and hope for villages in 33 countries. Each store operates as a cooperative with its own board of directors, and provides vital, fair income to people in developing countries by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories.

CITY: Oak Park

Historic Pleasant Home - Oak Park

Explore the opulent 30-room mansion designed by prominent Prairie School architect Geroge H. Maher

CITY: Oak Park

Lewis University Phillip Lynch Theatre

Watch an array of plays in this intimate theater on the campus of Lewis University. The Phillip Lynch Theatre presents a diverse selection of productions from comedy, to tragedy, and everything in between.

CITY: Romeoville

Chopin Theatre

The Chopin Theatre is a two-stage complex in the heart of Wicker Park that plays host to various theatrical and literary events. Roadworks Productions has been the resident theatre company, producing at least three main stage shows each season.

CITY: Chicago

Sound-Bar

Chicago's hottest upscale nightclub. Ultra-modern design, high-tech environment. Luxurious and stylish.

CITY: Chicago

Loyola University Museum of Art

The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) is located on the Magnificent Mile in Lewis Towers, a historic 1926 Gothic Revival building. The museum, with 25,000 square feet contains eight main exhibition galleries, the William G. and Marilyn M. Simpson Lecture Hall, the Solomon Cordwell Buenz Library of Sacred Art and Architecture, the Museum Shop, the Push Pin Gallery, and the Harlan J. Berk Ltd. Works on Paper Gallery. The mission of the museum is illustrated in the first floor lobby by the Windows of Faith, representing the five major faiths of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

CITY: Chicago

Couples Retreat - O’Hare International Airport

In this comedy, four couples head to a tropical island resort where they end up working on their romantic relationships, despite their best efforts to just have fun.

CITY: Chicago

The Babe - Wrigley Field

The life of legendary baseball star Babe Ruth is the focus of this biopic. The Danville Stadium (home to the present-day Danville Dans college baseball team) was used to portray Fenway Park and Forbes Field in the film. Wrigley Field in Chicago was used to represent all of the other baseball parks featured in the movie. Cubs fans can tell the location just by looking at how the grass is distinctively cut near first and third bases.

CITY: Chicago

Contagion - Chicago Midway Airport

An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.

CITY: Chicago

Wayne's World - Gift Shop, 63rd St. at Pulaski Rd., Chicago

This excellent comedy follows the pursuits of a pair of suburban Aurora slacker friends who have a public access cable show and a penchant for ‘70s rock. The movie was filmed on location in Aurora and Chicago. One of the notable Chicago sites includes a kitschy gift shop with a large Indian statue on its roof.

CITY: Chicago

Brando's Speakeasy

Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando’s Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.

CITY: Chicago

Civic Opera House

The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House. The decorative character of the entire building is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Comedy-tragedy masks and cornucopia of instruments abound as playful ornaments around entrances, inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Jean-Louis-Charles Garnier. The famous painted fire curtain (depicting the parade scene from Aida) and the interior decoration details of the Civic Opera House were created by American artist Jules Guerin in a palette of salmon pinks, roses, olives, golds and bronzes.

CITY: Chicago

Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery

Features rotating, theme-based exhibitions of works created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans. Exhibits are given added dimension through educational activities and tours for all ages.

CITY: Lockport

Gladys Fox Museum

The Gladys Fox Museum is located in the beautifully restored Old Congregational Church, which is the oldest surviving building of its type in Illinois. The building was constructed in 1840 of native limestone on land donated by the Illinois & Michigan.

CITY: Lockport

Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center

Native American Office and Cultural Center. Experience Indigenous cultures through lectures, cultural presentations, educational programs, Save the Bison Project, and the Annual Harvest PowWow. Call for information or visit our website for a calendar of events. Group programs are available upon request.

CITY: Oak Brook

Ernest Hemingway Museum and Birthplace

The museum displays rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings and other memorabilia. The Birthplace Home features some original furniture and belongings of the Hemingway family.

CITY: Oak Park

Oak Park Arts District

A unique collection of galleries, boutiques and restaurants on Harrison Street from Austin Blvd. to Elmwood Ave. in Oak Park, Illinois. Find one of a kind apparel, art, jewelry, beads and home accessories. Have a meal or a snack or specialty coffee drinks at the Buzz Café, or a meal and a cocktail at Trattoria 225. Dance and exercise studios, healing arts businesses, and hair salons are among the district's offerings. The nine blocks feature painted artist benches and public art throughout. Convenient to the Austin Blvd. exit from the Eisenhower Expressway, the Austin stop on the CTA Blue Line and Stop 17 on the Free Shuttle. Gallery hours vary -- call or check website for more information.

CITY: Oak Park

Moraine Valley Fine & Performing Arts Ctr John and Angeline Oremus

The FPAC presents quality cultural programs and popular entertainment in the 600-seat Dorothy Menker Theater, 150-seat Oremus Theater and the Robert F DeCaprio art gallery.

CITY: Palos Hills

Jane Addams Hull House Museum

Visit two restored original buildings from Chicago's first settlement house. Exhibits and educational programs depict the life and work of courageous social worker and Illinois native Jane Addams.

CITY: Chicago

Reggies

The Music Hount has live music nightly with no cover, full menu offering unique woodgire sandwiches, full bar with over 50 beers, 17 HDtvs, and music memorabilia. The Rick Club is an all ages venue. Shows and covers vary, check website for listings. Ask about our 80 passenger rock bus.

CITY: Chicago

The Blues Brothers- South Shore Cultural Center

In this comedy classic set in Chicago, the Blues Brothers are on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic home where they were raised by putting together their old blues band for a fundraising concert. One of the most memorable scenes is a car chase that ends with the pair crashing their Bluesmobile into Chicago's Daley Center. Although the interiors for the Blues Brothers' concert were shot at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, the exterior is actually Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center, a beautifully restored historic landmark that offers arts programs.

CITY: Chicago

The Informant! - Federal Building

The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza

CITY: Chicago

The Break-Up - Riviera Theatre

This comedy concerns a couple who decides to break up, despite the fact that neither of them is willing to move out of the Chicago condo they share. Numerous film locations around the city include the bike path that winds along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach, the funky Fireside Bowl in the Logan Square neighborhood, the Riviera Theatre in Uptown (site of some of the hippest concerts in Chicago) and historic Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs baseball team, in Wrigleyville.

CITY: Chicago

The Vow - Millennium Park Cloud Gate

A newlywed couple is involved in a car crash that sends the wife into a coma. Once she awakens with severe memory loss, her husband finds that he has to win her heart all over again.

CITY: Chicago

Transformers 3 - Hotel 71

This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.

CITY: Chicago

Circle Theatre of Oak Park

Circle Theatre is an artist-based company whose mission is to produce exciting and innovative theatre accessible to our widely diversified suburban and city audience. Through variety-filled seasons including drama, comedy, musicals, and new works, Circle Theatre challenges, entertains, and educates audiences and artists of all ages.

CITY: Oak Park

Bead In Hand

An incredible selection of beads and beading supplies in a charming shop with knowledgeable staff. Everything for the beginner to the expert -- new and vintage beads, charms, chain, wire, findings, stringing materials and books. Beaded jewelry repair. Special events include birthday parties, celebrations for adults, classes, and activities for youth groups. Visit website for details.

CITY: Oak Park

Cinemark Imax Theatre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Cinemark Imax experience is a 5-story tall, 7-story wide version of educational and recreational film subjects of both 2-D and 3-D.

CITY: Woodridge

Calumet City Historical Society

Come discover Calumet City's fascinating heritage and history.

CITY: Calumet City

National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

The NIASHF is a museum and educational institution whose mission is to preserving honorable values through sports by honoring and promoting the history and heritage of Italian Americans who have made significant contributions to sports and society.

CITY: Chicago

Notebaert Nature Museum

Located in Lincoln Park, the Nature Museum engages visitors in new ways to connect with and preserve the natural world through a unique indoor/outdoor experience.

CITY: Chicago

Floating World Gallery

The best Japanese art gallery probably in the world outside of Japan. Elias Martin's knowledge and passion will educate you and amaze you. A must see in Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Ocean's Eleven - Emmit's Irish Pub

An all-star cast recreates the 60s Rat Pack flick about a charismatic thief who assembles a team of elite criminals to help him pull off the most elaborate Las Vegas casino heist in history. Chicago film locations include Emmit's Irish Pub, a great neighborhood bar with loads of authentic Chicago atmosphere in the West Loop area.

CITY: Chicago

Running Scared - Downtown Chicago L tracks

Two Chicago cops work to bring down a drug kingpin before they retire and head off to sunny Key West to open a bar together. The climax of the movie takes place in the Thompson Center. One of the movie's most memorable scenes is a car chase that takes place on the city's El (elevated) train tracks.

CITY: Chicago

Source Code - Illinois Institute of Technology

In this non-stop action thriller, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot wakes up in the body of another man and discovers that he’s become part of a mission to find a bomber on a Chicago commuter train.

CITY: Chicago

The Weather Man - Millennium Park

A loved and loathed Chicago weatherman must decide if he should pursue his career in New York City or stay put with his dysfunctional family. Location sites include the ice rink at Millennium Park (which doubles as one of the city's biggest alfresco dining patios during the summer months).

CITY: Chicago

Prodigy Glassworks, Inc.

Prodigy Glassworks is in the heart of the Oak Park Art's District at 207 Harrison St. Stop in to watch daily glass blowing demonstrations and to see our beautiful gallery offering unique hand-blown and fused pieces made by local artists. Classes are available weekly for adults and children ages 12+. Beginner classes offered Tuesdays from 6pm–9pm: $150/person, and Saturdays from 10am–1 pm: $150/person. Make your own paperweight Mondays and Thursdays from 12pm-5pm. Paperweights take approximately 30 minutes: $25 each for ages 12+. Call ahead to schedule at (708) 445-8000 or email us at info@prodigyglassworks.net. For a full list of class offerings see our website.

CITY: Oak Park

Art Gecko, Ltd.

Located in the Oak Park Arts District, we feature contemporary folk art, found object art and fine crafts created primarily with vintage, re-used, reworked, recycled and reclaimed materials. You will find truly unique, eco-friendly, "green" art and artful objects for yourself or for gift giving created by Lisa Nordstrom and other intriguing artists. Visit our website for current exhibits and special events.

CITY: Oak Park

Moraine Valley Fine & Performing Arts Center Dorothy Menker Theater

Founded in 1967, MVCC offers a variety of educational programs and services to residents of the southwest suburban area. This includes customized training solutions.

CITY: Palos Hills

Facets Multimedia

Facets Multimedia screens a diverse assortment of films, including the latest from Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and the former Soviet Union.

CITY: Chicago

David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Chicago's Fine Art Museum. Located on the University of Chicago Campus, the Smart Museum houses a collection of over 7,500 objects, spanning 5,000 years of artistic creation.

CITY: Chicago

Marina City

This complex, designed by Bertrand Goldberg, includes two corncob-shaped residential towers perched along the Chicago River. Designed to be a “city within a city,” Marina City includes a restaurant, theatre, bowling alley, and a marina for 700 small craft.

CITY: Chicago

Crown Hall

Located on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, S.R. Crown Hall is widely regarded as Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece, and is one of the most architecturally significant buildings of the 20th century Modernist Movement.

CITY: Chicago

Harold Washington Library Center

The creation of Harold Washington Library Center is a product of a widely publicized architectural competition. Designed by Tom Beeby, the red brick, granite, and glass composition uses traditional design motifs to establish itself as a civic structure. A two-story battered granite base supports a five-story brick body punctuated by five arches along State Street and three facing Congress and Van Buren. The Harold Washington Library Center is a hybrid design that reflects the conflicting architectural ideas that characterized the late 1980s.

CITY: Chicago

Public Enemies - Biograph Theater

The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.

CITY: Chicago

Batman Begins - Lower Wacker Drive

The dark superhero returns in this larger-than-life adventure flick about how Bruce Wayne became Batman. The thrilling Batmobile chase scenes were shot on the maze of streets that make up lower Wacker Drive.

CITY: Chicago

Transformers 3 - Trump Hotel

This latest high-tech “Transformers “ installment involves a race between the Autobots and Decepticons to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon. Highlights include amazing scenes of downtown Chicago being destroyed by the battling robots.

CITY: Chicago

The Dark Knight - Old Brach's Candy Factory

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

CITY: Chicago

The Dilemma - The Green Mill

A man wrestles with the dilemma of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife is having an affair.

CITY: Chicago

Alderman Exhibitions

Alderman Exhibitions is a contemporary art gallery featuring emerging and established artists offering photography, painting, sculpture and editions.

CITY: Chicago

Gene Siskel Film Center

Two pristine move theaters with state-of-the-art capabilities located in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Sunlit cafe overlooking State Street.

CITY: Chicago

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company – “think theatre”

Since 1996, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's passion for the power of great theatrical language has enriched Chicago's world-class theatre scene. Masterful acting and directing by the company's ensemble of professional artists showcases the wit and wisdom of the world's great playwrights. Photo: cast of Remy Bumppo's production of George Bernard Shaw's You Never Can Tell.

CITY: Chicago

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

This unusual complex served as Wright's private residence and studio from 1889-1909. Here he raised his 6 children. He designed 25 buildings in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.

CITY: Oak Park

Wonder Works

Wonder Works is 6,400 square feet of fun, a place of creative play for kids birth to age eight. Located in Oak Park, Illinois at 6445 West North Avenue, the children's museum helps kids, their parents and caregivers unleash their imaginations through art, performance, design, building and more.

CITY: Oak Park

Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge

This gay and lesbian Oak Park lounge features a dance floor, martini bar and a menu of small plates. Catch live DJs, drag shows and dancers on the weekends.

CITY: Oak Park

Lakeshore Theater

Formerly known as The Broadway Theatre, this 340 seat house is being renovated from a former movie theater.

CITY: Chicago

Irish American Heritage Center

The Irish American Heritage Center provides community events, a historic museum, musical programs, an Irish history library and a place for Irish Chicagoans to gather to celebrate their heritage.

CITY: Chicago

Harris Theater for Music and Dance

The Harris Theater continues to host the most diverse offerings of any venue in Chicago, featuring the city's world-renowned music and dance institutions, as well as acclaimed national and international companies.

CITY: Chicago

Sports Corner

Sports Center is a three floor sports bar located across the street from Wrigley Field featuring outdoor roof deck and 2nd floor Al fresco dining.

CITY: Chicago

Sin Bin - Lincoln Park Zoo

This teen coming-of-age comedy centers around a high school senior who loans out his van, called the Sin Bin, to friends as a place to bring dates and serve as an apartment on wheels.

CITY: Chicago

The Dark Knight - Navy Pier

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

CITY: Chicago

The Dark Knight - Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime in this sequel, as he sets out to rid the streets of the remaining criminal organizations that curse the city. He makes progress until finding himself as prey to a reign of chaos set free by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

CITY: Chicago

The Fugitive - Hilton Chicago

This crime thriller involves an eminent surgeon who is wrongly accused of murdering his wife and is pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal. The film was shot around the city, including scenes at the majestic Hilton Chicago (which was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1927), downtown Daley Plaza (the site of numerous outdoor events year round, ranging from Pumpkin Plaza in October to Christkindlmarket during the holidays), the L train (named for the elevated tracks that encircle the city) and even a foot chase through a parade.

CITY: Chicago

The Call Bar

This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.

CITY: Chicago

Country Club Hills Amphitheater Theater

Our beautiful new Country Club Hills Amphitheater Theater is an intimate, 2000-seat venue that combines stylish, modern architecture and state-of-the-art audio and video technology with the same kind of rustic, community charm that our city is famous for.

CITY: Country Club Hills

Source Code - Orland Park Metra Station

In this non-stop action thriller, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot wakes up in the body of another man and discovers that he’s become part of a mission to find a bomber on a Chicago commuter train.

CITY: Orland Park

Civic Center Authority Visitor Center

The Bedford Park Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is full of information and literature of exciting things to do and see throughout the Heritage Corridor. The Visitor Center provides National Heritage Corridor promotional literature and I&M Canal related resources to the public. It is operated by the Civic Center Authority in partnership with Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Village of Willow Springs. The Center is staffed by volunteers recruited and managed by the Civic Center Authority. Open Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

CITY: Bedford Park

The Wild Hare

Calling itself the reggae capital of America is no stretch for The Wild Hare. Seven nights a week, the stage at the back of the room gets vibrant with local, national and international-caliber bands.

CITY: Chicago

The Riviera Theatre

One of Chicago's oldest concert venues still hosts national headliners, up-and-coming acts, and even the occasional movie, including The Break-Up.

CITY: Chicago

Stranger Than Fiction - Daley Plaza

This flick focuses on an IRS auditor who suddenly finds himself the subject of narration that only he can hear. Chicago movie locations include the East Campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), located just south of the Loop near Greektown; and downtown Daley Plaza, home to a huge outdoor Picasso sculpture.

CITY: Chicago

Fred Claus - Michigan Ave Storefronts

Fred Claus lived his entire life in his brother's shadow. Fred tried, but could hardly live up to the example set by the younger Nicholas, who was a saint. Nicholas grew up to be the model of generosity, while Fred became the opposite: a fast-talking repo man who is jealous, sad and broke. Eventually Fred's bad behavior sends him to jail. His only option is to turn to his brother. Over Mrs. Claus' objections, Nicholas agrees to help his brother on one condition: that he come to the North Pole and earn the money he needs by working in Santa's Toy Shop. Features Starbucks, Clark and Hubbard Streets.

CITY: Chicago

High Fidelity - Double Door

Chicago record store owner takes stock of his life and loves as he ponders middle age while still in his 30s. Several Chicago movie locations include Wicker Park's Double Door (a hip venue that has hosted everyone from up-and-coming alternative bands to the Rolling Stones) and the legendary Green Mill jazz club in Uptown (a former speakeasy that was frequented by gangsters back in the day).

CITY: Chicago

Big Chicks

This friendly bar in the Uptown neighborhood caters to a lesbian and gay clientele. Try Big Chicks’ next-door restaurant, Tweet, for a delish breakfast, lunch or brunch made with organic ingredients.

CITY: Chicago

Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center

Now in its 35th season, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is the largest performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland - providing professional orchestral music of beauty and excellence to the region. The IPO’s repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical masterpieces, to world premieres and modern favorites.

CITY: Frankfort

"Much Ado About Nothing" at Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artists presents Shakespeare's classic comedy of courtship.

CITY: Joliet

Will County Historical Society

Incorporated in 1964, the Will County Historical Society exists to connect people and organizations to the county's rich history. The Society's museum is housed in the original headquarters of the I&M Canal. Built in 1837, the structure played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the Canal and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Changing exhibits highlight the history of Will County and the Canal. The Society's extensive collection includes significant county and canal-related records, including maps, plats, land records, obituaries, photographs, newspapers, receipts, and correspondence.

CITY: Lockport

Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District

Take a guided or self-guided tour of this historic district that contains the world's greatest concentration of Wright-designed structures built in the Prairie School of Architecture style. Tours are offered daily.

CITY: Oak Park

Clarke House Museum

Built in 1836, Clarke House is Chicago's oldest home.

CITY: Chicago

Oriental Institute Museum

World-famous collection of artifacts from the ancient Middle East, including a recreation of an Assyrian palace and a 17-ft.-tall statue of King Tut.

CITY: Chicago

Sensing Chicago at the Chicago History Museum

Make the new Chicago History Museum your family's number-one destination for fun. There's always something new at the Museum to inspire imagination and satisfy young curiosities. Our exhibition Sensing Chicago invites children of all ages to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. Visit the gallery to: Ride a high-wheel bicycle down a wood-paved street Hear the Great Chicago Fire. Catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park. Discover history through your nose with our Smell Map. Be a Chicago-style hot dog. Create an oversized postcard of your favorite sights to post on the gallery wall or e-mail to a friend. Let your senses guide you to other exciting galleries in the Museum! The Museum makes it fun for families to explore our exhibitions. In addition to our highly acclaimed children’s gallery, families are invited to participate in our History a la Cart interactive gallery stations.

CITY: Chicago

Fred Claus - Upper Illinois Ave

Fred Claus lived his entire life in his brother's shadow. Fred tried, but could hardly live up to the example set by the younger Nicholas, who was a saint. Nicholas grew up to be the model of generosity, while Fred became the opposite: a fast-talking repo man who is jealous, sad and broke. Eventually Fred's bad behavior sends him to jail. His only option is to turn to his brother. Over Mrs. Claus' objections, Nicholas agrees to help his brother on one condition: that he come to the North Pole and earn the money he needs by working in Santa's Toy Shop. Features Starbucks, Clark and Hubbard Streets.

CITY: Chicago

Nothing Like The Holidays - Millennium Park

A Puerto Rican family living in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood faces what may be their last Christmas together.

CITY: Chicago

SPIN Nightclub

This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.

CITY: Chicago

Public Enemies - Joliet Prison

The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.

CITY: Joliet

Ernest Hemingway Museum

Explore displays featuring rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings, and other memorabilia. Enjoy videos documenting the author's life and work. Bookshop on site.

CITY: Oak Park