Chicago is one of our favorite cities. It always feels like a home away from home, and you always leave wanting more but you are satisfied at the same time. There is literally something for everyone. You can visit fabulous restaurants, stay at gorgeous hotels, enjoy world-class museums or their fabulous aquarium, be entertained by spectacular animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, go to a basketball, football or baseball game, do some intense shopping, and go to fantastic shows at the theater. Or, if you're more of a fitness enthusiast you can go for a jog in their wonderful parks, join in on a volleyball game, or grab a bike and sightsee while getting exercise. You can grab a Segway and tour parts of the city, hang out at the beach on Lake Michigan, take an Architecture tour on the river, or just chill and have a drink. There's something for every taste, and budget! Make sure Chicago is on your list of places to visit this year!
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection.
The entire staff was wonderful but our favorites were Leo and Cleo, their robot attendants. I'm not going to lie, I 'needed' amenities once, sometimes twice, a day, just so that I could open the door and watch them zip down the hallway to deliver towels, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodarent, razors, and other fantastic amenties that are offered at no additional charge. They are the cutest robots ever!To unwind and indulge, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are excellent in their restaurant, the Albert, which serves globally inspired cuisine within a modern open-kitchen atmosphere. It's atmosphere is casual, smart and sleek. The buffet breakfast was excellent... everything you would want a breakfast to be. It was great for a fast meal.
There's more... Take time to relax on their comfy couches in the upstairs lounge to take a calming break from the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule. Exercise in their gym... it's perfect for a great workout. They have free weights, cardio equipment, TRX, boxing, and slam balls! We love their meeting space as well... unique rooms that are comfortable and intimate, even for larger groups. The library room is our favorite, filled with wonderful antique books. 
The staff is the best there is, always asking how we were doing and if there was anything they could do to help us. They were really wonderful. A hotel stay doesn't get much better than this. And all for an insane, low price. It's a no brainer staying here and we can't wait to visit again. When it comes to modern travel, Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is a stroke of genius.
Volare Restaurant.
www.volarerestaurant.com
When I review a restaurant I pay attention to everything literally from soup to nuts. We have reviewed restaurants all around the United States, Mexico, and Caribbean. This restaurant exceeded all of our group's expectations by a mile, and it is now our favorite Italian restaurant (out of hundreds). Here's why: As soon as you enter Volare, the owner/manager, Benny, greets you and welcomes you with open arms. And, when you leave, Benny is right there to thank you and shake your hand. He is not only adorable, but he is personable, so knowledgeable about his business, and sincere. You honestly feel that he cares about you, and that you have become part of his family... he treats everyone on the same, kind level. Blanche, out waitress, was amazing, and you could sense, and appreciate, how much she personally loves the food at Volare by her enthusiasm and recommendations.
On to the food, which was absolutely delectable. We started off with the Pappardelle square noodles (with tomato sauce, basil, and fresh-as-can-be ricotta) and meatballs (OMG, and as the saying goes "just like mamas"), Caesar salad (fresh, light, and crisp), and Shrimp Cocktail (huge shrimp and, again, fresh, delicious cocktail sauce). The hot zeppoles that they put on the table are so addicting and made fresh right on the premises (as is all of their food, including all of their desserts). The bread basket wonderful. Next came our dinner... Chicken Parmesan (absolutely the best we've ever had... it literally melted in your mouth and the sauce bursted with flavor), Shrimp Scampi (to die for), Rigatoni all'Arrabbiata (in a spicy tomato sauce with pancetta and garlic), and Filet Mignon (literally as soft as a piece of butter with unbelievable flavor). We were so full but had to try their homemade (again, all created on site) desserts and ice creams. We decided on the lemon sorbet (wow, so delightful and refreshing), vanilla bean ice cream (awesome), and the most wonderful dessert we've had in a long time... a frozen mascarpone treat topped off with an Oreo crumb crust. I can't stop thinking about it. The portions at Volare are so generous... as a matter of fact, I took half of mine to go and ate the remainder as soon as I entered my hotel room (couldn't wait).
The ambiance at Volare is warm and inviting. There were regulars and newcomers all around us, and we could see why the regulars keep coming back... there's nothing not to love. We tried a few restaurants in Chicago that were highly recommended and we were disappointed. Unfortunately, Volare was our last stop or we would have gone there for one more meal. Last, but not least, the prices are shockingly low for a restaurant of this caliber and quality. You could easily eat here several times a week without breaking the bank. Volare will be visited on every future trip we take to Chicago (at least once, if not more), and we will be recommending them for corporate meetings and family get-togethers as well. Thank you, Benny... you're awesome!!! Next time we're checking out Benny's Chop House, which we heard has the BEST steak in the city!
And, from their words:
"Volare Ristorante Italiano reflects the look & feel of an old world Italian establishment." Family owned since the beginning, they've proudly called Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood home since 1997. Their food represents traditional Italian cuisine with modern accents. Their goal is to provide an outstanding experience that will keep guests coming back again and again. They offer both contemporary interpretations of classic comfort dishes as well as unique ventures into new areas of Italian cooking.
Rosebud On Rush.
www.rosebudrestaurants.com
Legendary Chicago restaurateur Alex Dana, the founder of the iconic Rosebud Restaurant Group, is beloved by celebrities, politicians, global leaders and the everyman alike. All of his Chicago restaurants retain an authenticity and a high level of quality and service that has become an industry standard. Mr. Dana's younger years were spent working at the restaurant his father ran. “That’s where I learned to work a kitchen, trimming meats, working prep, making steaks” he said, “it was a simple living.” He then purchased a luncheonette and increased his skills. After the success of that first venture, Dana opened The Rosebud, on Chicago’s Taylor Street in Little Italy. Slowly but surely, it became renowned for its delicious, authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh ingredients. Soon, it became a phenomenon—a hotspot for local and visiting celebrities. Mr. Dana has parlayed those early victories into a family of restaurants that has been woven into the very fabric of Chicago. From Carmine’s to Rosebud on Rush, Rosebud Prime to the Rosebud Steakhouse, the Rosebud name has expanded to the suburbs and beyond.
www.volarerestaurant.com
On to the food, which was absolutely delectable. We started off with the Pappardelle square noodles (with tomato sauce, basil, and fresh-as-can-be ricotta) and meatballs (OMG, and as the saying goes "just like mamas"), Caesar salad (fresh, light, and crisp), and Shrimp Cocktail (huge shrimp and, again, fresh, delicious cocktail sauce). The hot zeppoles that they put on the table are so addicting and made fresh right on the premises (as is all of their food, including all of their desserts). The bread basket wonderful. Next came our dinner... Chicken Parmesan (absolutely the best we've ever had... it literally melted in your mouth and the sauce bursted with flavor), Shrimp Scampi (to die for), Rigatoni all'Arrabbiata (in a spicy tomato sauce with pancetta and garlic), and Filet Mignon (literally as soft as a piece of butter with unbelievable flavor). We were so full but had to try their homemade (again, all created on site) desserts and ice creams. We decided on the lemon sorbet (wow, so delightful and refreshing), vanilla bean ice cream (awesome), and the most wonderful dessert we've had in a long time... a frozen mascarpone treat topped off with an Oreo crumb crust. I can't stop thinking about it. The portions at Volare are so generous... as a matter of fact, I took half of mine to go and ate the remainder as soon as I entered my hotel room (couldn't wait).
And, from their words:
"Volare Ristorante Italiano reflects the look & feel of an old world Italian establishment." Family owned since the beginning, they've proudly called Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood home since 1997. Their food represents traditional Italian cuisine with modern accents. Their goal is to provide an outstanding experience that will keep guests coming back again and again. They offer both contemporary interpretations of classic comfort dishes as well as unique ventures into new areas of Italian cooking.
Rosebud On Rush.www.rosebudrestaurants.com
Legendary Chicago restaurateur Alex Dana, the founder of the iconic Rosebud Restaurant Group, is beloved by celebrities, politicians, global leaders and the everyman alike. All of his Chicago restaurants retain an authenticity and a high level of quality and service that has become an industry standard. Mr. Dana's younger years were spent working at the restaurant his father ran. “That’s where I learned to work a kitchen, trimming meats, working prep, making steaks” he said, “it was a simple living.” He then purchased a luncheonette and increased his skills. After the success of that first venture, Dana opened The Rosebud, on Chicago’s Taylor Street in Little Italy. Slowly but surely, it became renowned for its delicious, authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh ingredients. Soon, it became a phenomenon—a hotspot for local and visiting celebrities. Mr. Dana has parlayed those early victories into a family of restaurants that has been woven into the very fabric of Chicago. From Carmine’s to Rosebud on Rush, Rosebud Prime to the Rosebud Steakhouse, the Rosebud name has expanded to the suburbs and beyond.
His food is delicious. His restaurants provide an elegant atmosphere, yet casual and fun at the same time. Rosebud on Rush is our favorite because he renovated a charming brownstone and offers extraordinary meals made with authentic Italian recipes passed down from generation to generation. You can order the same meals over and over again and never tire of them. His steaks, pork, and lamb chops are succulent and juicy, and longtime pasta favorites like their homemade rigatoni in flavorful, tomato vodka sauce are mouth watering. The bolognese is extraordinary! Catering to locals, tourists and movie stars alike, you can't get much closer to the action than Rosebud on Rush. Enjoy two levels of spacious, yet intimate fine dining, the best people watching in the city and the convenience of valet parking. It's fantastic.CityPASS.
If you were going to purchase only one attraction package, this is the one to get. This is the very essence of why they do what they do.When Mike Gallagher and Mike Morey started CityPASS in 1997, they knew they didn’t want to offer just another discounted attraction ticket—they wanted to offer more. They wanted to create a product that would not only save money, but also save time, while offering a rich, memorable experience at several attractions, not just one. And out of this partnership between two guys who’d spent much of their respective careers working at, with, or around attractions, CityPASS was born.
At CityPASS, they think your time at the attraction—whether it’s an aquarium, observatory, theme park or museum—allows you to get connected to the people you’re traveling with, as well as to history or art or nature. By design, CityPASS gives you ample time—9 days—to enjoy a destination, eliminating the need to rush frantically from attraction to attraction to get your money’s worth.
They really do want you to “leave with more than you came with”—whether that’s more money to spend on other parts of your vacation (or to save), more time to spend with the people you’re traveling with (or yourself), an enriched vacation experience, or some combination of all of those things. The concept remains as vital and relevant today as it did back then, as they recognize the increasing value that experiences bring to all of our lives.
Twenty years later and still family-owned and operated, CityPASS now has 12 cities and 78 attractions, has sold 17 million CityPASS ticket books, and has a customer recommendation rating of 98%. “Leave with more than you came with” is firmly entrenched in the minds of the now 45 amazing staff that work for the company, headquartered in the small mountain town of Victor, Idaho, on the west slope of the Teton Mountains.
Chicago's City Pass.
See Chicago's top attractions, handpicked and packaged together at a significant savings. Adult tickets are $99.75, Children are $84.75. Skip the ticket line and head straight to the fun with CityPASS. Experience the best of Chicago with CityPASS. You’ll get VIP admission to the most iconic attractions in the city, hand-picked and packaged into one convenient ticket booklet at a big savings. And skipping ticket lines means you’ll have more time to enjoy the Chicagoan experience—from the city’s famous landmarks and beautiful architecture to the amazing food and warm Midwestern hospitality. Admissions included are:
1. Shedd Aquarium - Priority Entry
2. Skydeck Chicago - Fast Pass
3. The Field Museum - VIP Entry
4. Museum of Science and Industry OR 360 Chicago -
Express Entry
Express Entry
5. Adler Planetarium - VIP Entry OR Art Institute of Chicago - Fast Pass
www.citypass.com/chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo.
www.lpzoo.org
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the continent and it's a fantastic place for tourists and locals to spend their time, especially when the weather's nice and you want to enjoy the outdoors. What's crazy is that the zoo is free to the public any day of the week. Just walk through the gates and enjoy your time there. The species at Lincoln Park Zoo connect visitors with amazing animals and wild places around the globe. Every animal at the zoo receives world-class care and regular enrichment to encourage natural behaviors.
There are over 200 different species of animals represented, with new arrivals coming continuously. The zoo is home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians; thousands of fish & insects. Many of their guests are rare and endangered. There’s always something new to see and learn at this zoo and its many exhibits. Whether you like stately giraffes, the slow-moving sloth or slick gray seals, you’ll find them all in Lincoln Park.
There are lots of events going on at the zoo, every day, with so much to see and do. There are fun and educational programs for children and adults, like Garden Tours and Sing Alongs. Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about Puerto Rican parrots! From live feedings of the birds to polar bear training, check out upcoming programs and daily activities on their calendar.
www.citypass.com/chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo.
www.lpzoo.org
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the continent and it's a fantastic place for tourists and locals to spend their time, especially when the weather's nice and you want to enjoy the outdoors. What's crazy is that the zoo is free to the public any day of the week. Just walk through the gates and enjoy your time there. The species at Lincoln Park Zoo connect visitors with amazing animals and wild places around the globe. Every animal at the zoo receives world-class care and regular enrichment to encourage natural behaviors.There are over 200 different species of animals represented, with new arrivals coming continuously. The zoo is home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians; thousands of fish & insects. Many of their guests are rare and endangered. There’s always something new to see and learn at this zoo and its many exhibits. Whether you like stately giraffes, the slow-moving sloth or slick gray seals, you’ll find them all in Lincoln Park.
The Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in all of North America. Originally constructed in 1879 and then rebuilt in 1969, the Kovler Seal Pool is one of the oldest and most popular of the Lincoln Park Zoo exhibits. Built in 1912, the Kovler Lion House stands as a handsome historic landmark in the heart of zoo grounds. And Cafe Brauer is housed inside of a landmark building from 1908.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a fantastic place to hold private events, and even weddings. The atmopshere is so peaceful and it's beautiful. The bridge along the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk provides stunning views of the skyline behind the South Pond.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is also home to one of the largest zoo conservation programs in the country.The animals receive world-class care and treatment. Their enclosures are meant to mimic their natural habitats. There are five primary centers and programs, each with its own research staff, support staff and funding, including the Population Management Center (PMC), Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, and the Urban Wildlife Institute.