Athenaeum Theatre

The Athenaeum hosts theatrical and dance performances throughout the year.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Factory Tour

On the factory tour hear a brief history of Long Grove's candy kitchen, see chocolates being produced and sample gourmet chocolates before visiting the Factory Store.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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

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

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

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

The Streets of Woodfield

A lifestyle and entertainment center offering streetside shopping and dining in a suburban setting. A vibrant shopping alternative including Carson Pirie Scott, AMC-Loews Theater, GameWorks, Laugh Out Loud Improve Theater, and some of Chicago's top restaurants. Store, restaurant, and theater hours vary.

CITY: Schaumburg

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Guests can view, and even dine, in our unique winery barrel aging rooms. Each location is responsible for barrel aging several varietals ranging from delicate Malbecs to sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignons.

CITY: Wheeling

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

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

Chicago Slaughter

The Chicago Slaughter is a member of the Indoor Football League, which has teams in over 25 cities nationwide. Come see an exciting game and cheer on your team! Headed by Coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael and William "The Refrigerator" Perry, former Chicago Bears.

CITY: Hoffman Estates

Mickey Finn's Brewery

Mickey Finn's Brewery is a landmark casual social gathering place famous for handcrafted beer. Since opening in 1993 as Lake County's first brewpub, Mickey Finn's has won a trophy case full of national and international awards for their beer. The menu offers a variety of items including burgers, pizza, fish n' chips, and buffalo wings. Also enjoy seasonal outdoor dining, a huge banquet facility, carry-out food and beer, live entertainment on weekends and a diverse clientele.

CITY: Libertyville

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

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

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

North Shore Distillery

Visit the first craft distillery in Illinois, where award-winning vodkas, gins, liqueurs and more are handcrafted. See the still and learn how spirits are made in a truly unique setting. Tasting room is open on Fridays from 4 to 8 and Saturdays from 1 to 6. Distillery tours are offered on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 4 p.m.

CITY: Lake Bluff

ThunderHawk Golf Club

This public golf facility, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. This 18-hole, par 72 c golf course is nestled on 241 acres of beautiful forest, marsh and prairie. This is the first public course in the United States to achieve Audubon Signature Sanctuary certification. Banquet facilities to accommodate a wide range of group sizes from small private outings to a full-course tournament. Golfers can spot bluebirds while playing one of the hottest courses in the Chicago area.

CITY: Beach Park

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

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

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

Adobo Grill Old Town

Adobo Grill, one of the top Mexican restaurants in the city, is best known for table-side guacamole, margaritas and a collection of over 80 tequilas.

CITY: Chicago

Downtown Itasca

Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.

CITY: Roselle

eSkape

This 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex includes 36 lanes of bowling, a multi-level leaser tag arena, indoor batting cages, an arcade, nightclub and the Grillworks Restaurant.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

Tour Black Chicago

This city tour travels in luxury coaches and highlights African-American social, cultural and historical events.

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

Sears Centre Arena

A new 11,000 seat arena located in Hoffman Estates featuring world-class entertainment including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. Home of the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football (IFL) and Chicago KICK Indoor Soccer (MISL).

CITY: Hoffman Estates

Hotel Indigo Chicago Northwest

The area's only boutique style hotel. 192 rooms, 3 suites.

CITY: Palatine

Trackside Waukegan

Trackside Waukegan offers a casual, comfortable setting to wager on horse racing from around the world, broadcast on 250 television monitors. Watch and bet on races in the Finish Line Restaurant and Lounge, Grandstand Bar, Teletheater or Backstretch Deli.

CITY: Waukegan

Chicago at Sunset Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

The setting sun gives way to the city's nightly light show as each building begins to shine. For two hours you'll be treated to what's been called the world's most beautiful skyline.

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

Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant

Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Ramada Inn Lake Shore

Designed for business and leisure travelers. Clean, comfortable, and large rooms with a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline from the shore of Lake Michigan.

CITY: Chicago

Aon Center

The city’s second-tallest building, located at 200 E. Randolph St., rises 82 floors. Interestingly, the structure was first clad entirely in marble, but the slabs turned out to be too thin and were later replaced with thicker slabs of white granite.

CITY: Chicago

Roscoe’s

A long-time Boystown favorite, Roscoe’s features live events (including live band karaoke on Monday nights and Sin Thursdays with burlesque performers), a huge dance floor and a sidewalk cafe that serves a full menu in the summer months.

CITY: Chicago

Northwestern University Walking Tours

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a renowned educational institution rich in history and architecture. More than 150 historically significant and interesting sites on campus are featured in various 30-minute walking tours.

CITY: Evanston

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

Illinois Beach State Park

Stretching leisurely for 6 1/2 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan, this 4160-acre park is recognized for its geological structure, unique flora, spectacular beauty and recreational opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, biking,

CITY: Zion

Downtown Arlington Heights Shopping & Entertainment District

Diverse collection of charming local shops and major retailers. Outstanding restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment, all within walking distance.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Mexican Folklore Dance Company of Chicago

As Chicago's oldest Mexican dance institution, MFDC has received countless recognitions and awards, performed for three presidents and represented Mexico in the 1994 USA World Cup opening ceremony, as well as numerous national television performances, most recently at the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards. MFDC's performances reflect Mexico's rich history which shapes its traditional arts, culture, and values. The historical periods revealed in the dances include pre-Columbian indigenous times, the Spanish Colonial Period, the Struggle for Independence and the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

CITY: Chicago

Avenues at The Peninsula

Awarded Four Stars from Chicago magazine, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, Avenues serves contemporary cuisine. A discriminating wine list and meticulous service round out the Avenues experience, making it one of Chicago's greatest dining triumphs.

CITY: Chicago

IO Theater

Home of the best long-form improv comedy in Chicago, iO offers two theatre spaces with performances by some of the best comedians around.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Detours

Experience history and culture through educated commentary and multimedia on iPads while exploring stories and places even locals don't know about. Highly trained guides share forgotten stories from the past on regularly scheduled tours.

CITY: Chicago

Wilder Park Conservatory

A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.

CITY: Elmhurst

Citadel Theatre

Citadel Theatre is dedicated to producing inspiring theatre by bringing together gifted professionals from all the theatrical disciplines to create exciting, compelling work of the highest caliber.

CITY: Lake Forest

Long Grove Historic Village

Long Grove is home to over 80 specialty shops and restaurants, set within historic buildings, cobblestone walks and colorful gardens. Visitors find unusual gift stores, art galleries, antiques, upscale clothing and diverse food and dining options.

CITY: Long Grove

Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago is the city's leading presenter of contemporary dance, showcasing artists of regional, national and international acclaim.

CITY: Chicago

Bloomingdales

The Chicago flagship store features six levels of merchandise, home furnishings, shoes, and cosmetics. Stop by the Visitors Center on level one for information and in-store promotions.

CITY: Chicago

Richard J. Daley Center & Plaza

This powerful, 31-story tower was designed by Jacques Brownson (b. 1923) of C. F. Murphy Associates. Composed of three massive structural bays, each an unprecedented 87-feet wide and nearly 48-feet deep, and supported by warren trusses at every floor, the building achieves incredible structural integrity and interior flexibility. The exterior wall plane consists of 12-foot-high windows with amber-tinted glass and 6-foot-high panels of self-weathering Cor-Ten steel, which has aged to a rich brown color. The large public plaza features a 50-foot-tall Cor-Ten sculpture of 1967 by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), gifted by him to the city of Chicago. The Daley Center plaza is one in a line of three important public plazas in the heart of the Loop (see also the Federal Center and Chase Bank Plaza). Photo courtesy of AIA Chicago, Wes Urschel. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Chicago

Blackthorn Grille

The Blackthorn Grille is a traditional Irish Pub focusing on gourmet meals and a wide selection of top-quality wines and beers. You will find the finest quality in every detail at the Blackthorn Grille. From our Executive Chef to the tenured bar staff, we have created the ideal atmosphere to enjoy a meal or share a bit of drink.

CITY: Lake Villa

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

We offer a cozy setting for dining, an impressive bar, as well as our own selection of delicious micro-brews made on-site. Our restaurant features a huge variety of menu choices. Banquet rooms available.

CITY: Schaumburg

Zanies Comedy Club - Vernon Hills

Popular comedians perform at Zanies, providing an evening of laughter and fun. The "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the suburbs laugh with the same great talent.

CITY: Vernon Hills

Performing Arts Chicago

Performing Arts Chicago is dedicated to the presentation of new work by local, national and international artists.

CITY: Chicago

Beverly Art Center

Located in Chicago's historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the Beverly Art Center is a multidisciplinary, cultural center offering classes in art, music, dance, and theater. Offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and performing art.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Park District

Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.

CITY: Chicago

Diversey River Bowl

Diversey River Bowl features a phenomenal light show, great sound system, video arcade and bowling fun. Open lanes every night.

CITY: Chicago

The Plaza Shopping Center

The Plaza has upheld the position as a cornerstone of the community for 50 years. The Plaza offers a family-focused selection of merchandise with emphasis on fashion, quality and value.

CITY: Chicago

Carson Pirie Scott & Company

Carson Pirie Scott & Company’s former flagship store, designed by Louis H. Sullivan (1856-1924) was also built in stages, beginning in 1899, 1903, augmented by an addition by D. H. Burnham & Co. in 1906, and ending with a 1961 addition by Holabird and Root. Although Carson’s wide windows and narrow piers are expressive of the internal steel frame, the building is more famous for its exquisite ornament by Sullivan. The embellished storefronts, newly restored decorative cornice, and ornate columns capitals on the interior all bear Sullivan’s personal style of ornament. It was both named a Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register in 1970. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 Great Places in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Chicago

Volo Bog State Natural Area

Just 45 minutes northwest of Chicago is a state natural area featuring the state's only quaking bog with an open water center. Volo Bog State Natural Area was created when the melting of glaciers pushed deep into the ground 12,000 years ago.

CITY: Ingleside

Lombard Town Centre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy unique shopping and dining in Historic Downtown Lombard and the beautiful Lilacia Park. Special events for all ages throughout the year. Free parking.

CITY: Lombard

Music of the Baroque

Music of the Baroque performs classical pieces in venues around Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

Lakeview Baseball Club

Groups of any size can rent this rooftop club space across from Wrigley Field. It's a great place to catch a bird's-eye view of a Cubs baseball game and enjoy a meal.

CITY: Chicago

Kenwood Neighborhood

Located along Lake Michigan on the South Side of the City of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the 77 well-defined Chicago community areas. Kenwood was part of Hyde Park Township, which was annexed by the City of Chicago in 1889. Kenwood was once one of the most elite neighborhoods in Chicago and contains some of the largest homes in the city. It includes two Chicago Landmark districts, Kenwood and North Kenwood. Burnham Park runs along Kenwood's lakefront. A large part of the southern part of this region is in the Hyde Park-Kenwood Historic District. In recent years, the neighborhood has received national attention as the home of United States President Barack Obama.

CITY: Chicago

JBar at the James Hotel

Get your night started at our lounge, JBar. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, JBar offers signature cocktails in a modern environment. The James is a new hotel group that effortlessly blends a sense of modern, residential comfort with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional service.

CITY: Chicago

Big Star

This stylin’ roadhouse serves up organic tacos and tostadas, along with small batch whiskey and tequilas, under the watchful eye of James Beard Award-winning executive chef, Paul Kahan.

CITY: Chicago

Rainbow Falls Water Park

A tropical paradise waterpark. Three giant water slides, tot pool, vortex pool, drop slide, three-story funhouse with plunge pool. concessions, picnic areas, locker rooms with family changing areas. Daily admission and season passes. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Merrick Rose Garden

This public park exhibits 100 varieties of roses, with historic Centennial Fountain as the garden's focal point.

CITY: Evanston

Westin Chicago Northwest

The Westin Chicago Northwest is a premier meeting place with 60,000 sq.ft. of function space. For your next conference, banquet, or executive retreat, choose from 31 flexible rooms equipped with state-of-the-art-technology and comfortable furnishings.

CITY: Itasca

Bonner Farm

Get into the swing of spring at Bonner Heritage Farm! Enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, crafts and demonstrations. Wagon rides, farm animals, food and entertainment round out the afternoon. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Bonner farmhouse.

CITY: Lindenhurst

Oak Park Visitors Center

Stop by the Visitors Center for an audio walking tour, maps, books, souvenirs and unique gifts. Tickets are available for Hemingway's Birthplace Home and Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, Historic Pleasant Home and the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.

CITY: Oak Park

Atcher Island Water Park

All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!

CITY: Schaumburg

Mies van der Rohe Society Tours

The Illinois Institute of Technology's Mies van der Rhoe Society offers dynamic tours of its architecturallly significant campus. Architects Mies, Koolhaas and Jahn are all represented here.

CITY: Chicago

Chocolate at the Pen

On Friday and Saturday evenings the Peninsula Chicago hotel presents a decadent chocolate buffet in its lobby. Reservations are recommended.

CITY: Chicago

Ralph Lauren

This stunning flagship store features the designer’s complete lines of All-American fashions for men and women, home furnishings and the swank RL restaurant.

CITY: Chicago

Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago-Lombard/Oak Brook

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 262, two-room suite hotel with breath-taking indoor 10-story tropical atrium. Suites include living room, bedroom, wet bar, refrigerator, sofa bed, cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening beverages.

CITY: Lombard

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Wood Dale is located in the Chancellory Business Park near I-290 & Thorndale Ave. (9 miles from O'Hare Airport and 35 miles from Midway) and offers 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a restaurant, a lounge, and more.

CITY: Wood Dale

Avec

Located in the West Loop neighborhood, the cedar-lined dining room is as rustic as the menu. With seasonal menus that include sharable choices, they also have a cheese cave with a collection of artisan cheeses from Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

CITY: Chicago

Gurnee Antique Center

One of Chicagoland's largest antique malls offering exceptional service and top quality antique merchandise. The spacious 24,000 square foot building is home to 200 dealers featuring a range of items that are truly antiques. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers by bringing them top quality, authentic 18th, 19th and early 20th century antiques. Conveniently located off I-94 and Grand Avenue in Gurnee with an array of restaurants and hotels close by.

CITY: Gurnee

Greenbelt Cultural Center

Nestled within the native landscape of Greenbelt Forest Preserve, the Center and its outdoor amphitheater can be rented for meetings, conferences, classes, weddings, showers, receptions or family reunions.

CITY: North Chicago

Ram Restaurant and Brewhouse

THE RAM OFFERS A CASUAL DININGATMOSPHERE, INCLUDING A BREWHOUSE WITH ADJOINING BAR/LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT AREAS. LIVELY ENVIRONMENT ACCOMPANIED BY GREAT HOUSE-BREWED BEERS AND DAILY FOOD SPECIALS.

CITY: Rosemont

Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park

Sculpture from around the world is on display from sunrise to sunset at this park located in Schaumburg's Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.

CITY: Schaumburg

Lynfred Winery & Tasting Room

Welcome to Lynfred Winery Wheeling, a satellite location for Illinois' oldest and largest, continually-operating winery. Since 1979, Lynfred Winery has been offering guests with great wine, food and lodging. We offer wine tastings, flights, and bottles every day of the week. We have received numerous awards for our wine, and we have countless events that go on throughout the year at the winery. We also have a variety of gift and gourmet food items.

CITY: Wheeling

Dave & Buster's

There's no place quite like it! From hand-crafted tables and world class pocket billiards to the vast array of games in the Million Dollar Midway, D&B will provide one of the most unique entertainment outings you'll ever experience.

CITY: Addison

Science Storms at the Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago presents Science Storms, an unprecedented and dramatic permanent exhibit in the Allstate Court that reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena—tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. Inside the 24,000-square-foot exhibit, you’ll investigate the basic scientific principles responsible for nature’s biggest wonders while you get a hands-on, up-close look at these wonders themselves. Science Storms puts you in the middle of the action and lets you search for answers as to how and why things happen in nature.

CITY: Chicago

Oak Brook Sports Core

269-acre sports facility that offers upscale banquets, weddings, corporate picnics, golf and polo outings for 250-400 people. Tents can be added for larger groups.

CITY: Oak Brook