YOUR SPOUSE won a trip to Chicago and appointed you as trip planner. You have many questions, and as a longtime resident of Chicago,
I'd like to think I've got some answers.
Stay at the Hotel Intercontinental, about midway between the attractions. Many sights are in or near the downtown, so "cab
it." Fares won't be high, and they'll also prevent searching for a parking space. First order of business: Purchase a CityPass
( http://www.citypass.com/) for discount admissions to five Chicago sites for $59, and keep it with you.
DAY ONE: MUSEUMS Take a cab to the Field Museum, and use your CityPass for admission. One of the exhibits traces the history of the Aztec
civilization. There's an extra charge for some exhibits.
From the Field Museum, a short walk will put you at the Adler Planetarium, with a 13-foot sundial at its entrance. This was
the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Again, don't forget your CityPass. A sculpture explains the many shapes of
galaxies. The planetarium also has three telescopes, so you can view the skyline. Staff will assist you with stargazing and
show you how to use the solar telescopes. Even on cloudy evenings, the telescopes allow beautiful views of the skyline. Grab a light lunch at Galileo's Café before leaving the Planetarium, then walk along the lakefront to the Shedd Aquarium—another
occasion for your CityPass. The aquarium houses whales, dolphins, and many species of fish.
That's enough for one day. Take a cab to Ron of Japan, at 230 E. Ontario St., where you can watch your waiter prepare dinner
at your table.
DAY TWO: MAGNIFICENT MILE After a good night's sleep and a relaxing breakfast, you're ready to go again. Stroll up Michigan Avenue from Wacker Drive
to Oak Street: an area called the Magnificent Mile. As you cross the river, you'll see the lake on your right, and along the
river is the new River East area, with outdoor cafés, art galleries, and condos.
The Mag Mile is known for a wide range of shops. Take slow strolls through the exquisite side streets of the New East Side,
Streeterville, River North, and Gold Coast neighborhoods, and window shop, picking up a trinket or two. Depending on the season,
you'll see a light festival, a tulip festival, or the Gardens of the Magnificent Mile event.
Continuing north, you'll pass the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), showcasing current photography, sculpture, video, and
film.
Several blocks up Michigan Avenue is the John Hancock Observatory, or "Big John." Need I say CityPass? Head to the top floor
of the observatory and see massive Lake Michigan. Have a cocktail or dine at the Signature Room on the 95th floor. Reservations
are recommended.
DAY THREE: A DAY AT THE BEACH The next day, don your bathing suit and casual shorts or slacks. Cab it to North Avenue Beach—Chicago's busiest beach between
Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can rent chairs, volleyball equipment, and even bikes, and you'll see many people using the
bike path.
Walk south (Lake Michigan will be on your left), and you'll reach the famous Oak Street Beach. Throw your towel on the sand
and relax for the afternoon: swimming, people-watching, reading, sleeping (with lots of sunblock on), or just plain talking.
Watch how long you bake. Looking a lobster in the eye will be difficult, and you're already thinking of dinner!
Take a cab to the hotel and change into dinner clothes. Might I suggest Buca di Beppo at 521 N. Rush St.? If you're into night
life, live music at The Backroom is fun. Reservations are required: http://www.backroomchicago.com/reservations.php. Here, when you listen to live music, everyone has a seat, and your feet have a rest.
DAY FOUR: ART INSTITUTE/SEARS TOWER/MILLENNIUM PARK Grab a cab for the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum has two bronze lions that flank its Michigan Avenue entry stairs.
See originals by Monet, Manet, Wyeth, Van Gogh, Degas, and more. This is a spectacular museum!
In the morning, take a cab to the famous Sears Tower Skydeck. Your CityPass will get you a discount. The tallest building
in North America, the Sears Tower has 110 floors and stands at 1,450 feet. On the top floor is a sky deck, where, on a clear
day, you can see 40 miles and into Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
Take a cab back to the new Millennium Park. There is an audio tour available ( http://www.antennaaudio.com/millenniumpark.shtml). You must see the famous "Cloud Gate" (the "bean" sculpture), the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with its Great Lawn, and the Lurie
Garden.
From Millennium Park, you're not far from Lake Shore Drive, where you can take a bus or a cab to the Museum of Science and
Industry, Hyde Park. Use your CityPass.
And from here I'll turn you loose. There's so much more of Chicago to enjoy.
ANNE C. NOWLIN, BSN, is a freelance writer in Colorado Springs, CO.
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