Spring is a beautiful time to visit Chicago. On May 21st the Chicago Mayfest heralds the beginning of the festival season and the anticipation of summer.
Southwest Airlines Flies Into Chicago’s Midway Airport
Take advantage of the no-fee bag allowance offered by Southwest Airlines; only one or two bags are necessary for a short getaway. To get the best bargain available, book the “Wanna Get Away” flight into Chicago’s Midway Airport, six miles closer to downtown than O’ Hare Airport.
Look for Go Express, located inside the airport ground transportation area. Travelers are transported to downtown hotels for a reasonable fee. The one-way fare to La Quinta Inns & Suites in the Chicago Loop is $16.
The Orange Line of the CTA 'L' (Elevated) also goes directly to the downtown Loop, stopping 1-2 short blocks from the La Quinta. Fare is $2.25 one way or $14 for an unlimited three day pass.
Stay at the newly opened Downtown La Quinta Inns and Suites
The new downtown location has nine floors, 241 rooms and 22 suites. Save 35% on rates booked 14 days in advance.
The décor reflects the slogan “Wake up on the Bright Side,” with a recurring bright sun theme appearing throughout guest rooms, lobby and community rooms. Amenities include free Bright Side Breakfast ™, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free local calls, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Pets are welcome.
Bright Side Breakfast Offered at All La Quinta Inns
According to the casinos-singapore.com website, the popular breakfast area at Downtown La Quinta offers make-your-own fresh waffles, yogurt, hot and cold cereal, bread and muffins, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels and all-you-can-drink coffee, milk and juice. Cheery attendants keep food items supplied and assist guests with special needs.
La Quintas Inn & Suites
One South Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 558-1020
Walk to Pizano’s Pizza - Voted the #1 Thin Crust Pizza in Chicago
Located at 321 State St at Chestnut, Pizano’s original location is seven or eight short blocks from La Quinta and well worth the walk.
The family-style restaurant features mouth-watering thin butter-crust pizza, plus deep-dish pizzas, homemade pastas and sauces from recipes passed down for generations. Servers tell it like it is, helping customers make the best choices. When asked to describe the gluten-free pizza, a server said he wouldn’t personally recommend it, explaining that the “crust” is made of sausage. (312)751-1766
Favorite Nearby Shopping Haunts
Reno attorney Robin Wright was delighted that some of her regular shopping haunts, Nordstrom Rack, Filene’s Basement, Loehmann’s and T. J. Maxx were all located only a four - five block jog toward Lake Michigan from La Quinta.
Dine in the Heart of Gold Coast at Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse
Located at 1028 N Rush Street, the landmark Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse embodies the big city dining experience with flavorful steaks and chops, fresh fish flown in daily and an extensive wine list. Steaks are aged 35 days and cooked in infra-red broilers, achieving a thin charred crust sealing in natural beef juices.
First-time guests should be aware that side dishes, including the velvety creamed spinach, can serve three people. When it comes to Gibson’s gigantic desserts, averaging $14 each, eight to ten people can be served. Favorites are Chocolate Mousse Pie and Macadamia Turtle Pie. (312) 266-8999
Chicago Food Planet Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
For a not-to-be-missed experience, book one or both of the tours led by Chicago Food Planet, voted the #1 Activity in Chicago by TripAdvisor. Experience rich history and delicious samples on a 3-hour food tasting and cultural walking tour of Chicago's liveliest neighborhoods.
The Near North tour conducts a culinary journey through Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park neighborhoods with tasting at authentic mom-and-pop restaurants off the beaten path.
The Bucktown/ Wicker Park tour, referred to as a hidden foodie paradise, winds past historic mansions and visits offbeat venues.
Tours operate at lunch-time. Advance purchase required. Cost - $42. (800) 979-3370
Bus, Boat and Special Interest Tours
Numerous tours reveal stunning Chicago sights. American Sightseeing Chicago, operating chartered buses, has a ticket office in the Palmer House Hilton at 27 East Monroe St. (800) 621-4153
Hit Broadway Musical Billy Elliot in Extended Run
The Tony award winning play is appearing in its first post-Broadway production at the Ford Center/ Oriental Theatre. (800) 775-2000. Tickets $30 - $100.
Or, catch tomorrow’s Saturday Night Live stars today, at The Second City playhouse. This comedy improv venue has attracted crowds for over 40 years.1616 N. Wells St. (312) 337-4027. Tickets $14 - $25
These are only a few of the possibilities to enjoy on a spring getaway to Chicago. Keep an eye open for talk show host Oprah Winfrey, as many of these spots are also her favorite haunts.
Gurnee Illinois for Family Getaway Near Chicago
Gurnee is in northern Illinois, about 35 miles north of Chicago. The city, which is just a few miles south of the Wisconsin border is a convenient getaway for families from the Chicago area. Six Flags Great America theme park is a family oriented amusement park that provides hours of entertainment. Gurnee Mills Mall is a outlet shopping mall with shops and entertainment for the family. Key Lime Cove is an exciting new water park across the highway from Six Flags.
Six Flags Great America
This amusement park features thrill rides and colorful attractions for family. New in 2008 is the Dark Knight, a ride that plunges riders into the dark for a thrilling adventure. Six Flags in Gurnee is open from spring until fall, closing for the winter months. The final weekend for the season is Fright Fest, the scary Halloween weekend adventure. Six Flags is on the southeast intersection of I-94 and Grand Avenue. The Dark Knight New Ride at Six Flags Gurnee, IL
Gurnee Mills Shopping Mall
This mall offers outlet shopping, food courts, movie theaters to keep the entire family busy for the day. According to the Mills website, Gurnee Mills, with over 200 stores, attracts 23 million shoppers every year. Wear comfortable shoes, because there is a lot of walking. Gurnee Mills is located at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Route 132 (Grand Avenue) on the northwest side.
KeyLime Cove Hotel and Waterpark
Key Lime Cove is a tropical style water park that opened in 2008. Called a water resort paradise, the cove is inspired by warm tropical breezes and a laid back island lifestyle. This family resort provides a great leisure environment year around. Waterpark features a Tsunami Washout Wave Pool, giant body slides, giant tube slides, Toukie's Tower, Hurricane's Vortex, KeyLime Creek Lazy River, KeyLime Grotto whirlpool spa, Lil'Limers Play Pond kiddie pool and an activity pool. Paradise spa is a tropical spa experience offering facials, massages and body treatments. Restaurants are on the premises. KeyLime Cove is a tropical adventure within an hour from the City of Chicago. This waterpark is on the northeast intersection of I-94 and Grand Avenue, right across the highway from Six Flags. 1-877-360-0403.
Gurnee Hotels
Country Inn and Suites by Carlson. Country Inn is a pet friendly hotel with an indoor swimming pool and wi-fi. Features include business center, free high speed wireless Internet and complimentary breakfast. 5420 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031. 1-847-625-9700.
Hawthorne Suites Golf Resort is in Wadsworth, which neighbors Gurnee. Amenities include indoor swimming pool, hot tub exercise room, tennis courts, driving range, 18 hole golf course, restaurant, hot breakfast buffet, high speed Internet and cable with HBO. 4601 York House Road, Wadsworth, IL 1-847-596-8936.