 Hailed as “Chicago’s Best Tour,” Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co.’s Signature Tour takes passengers into the heart of the city, connecting guests to key attractions, landmarks and shopping districts as knowledgeable guides pass along fun and educational facts along the way. The popular Hop on, Hop off Tour allows riders to get off and on as often as they would like throughout the day to explore the city at their leisure. “We like to show our passengers the special details and Chicago’s best-kept secrets, so that both locals and visitors will learn something new every time they hop on one of our vehicles,” says Chicago Trolley Co. Vice President, John Curran. “The tour ticket easily pays for itself as our guests take advantage of the many special offers from our partners.” Tickets include a valuable coupon book packed with free samples and over $100 in savings from Chicago’s famous Garrett’s Popcorn, Hershey’s chocolate, and more. Board at any of the 14 stops, including Willis Tower, Museum Campus, and Navy Pier between 9am-5pm. Adults $29, seniors $24, children $17. 773/648-5000, www.ChicagoTrolley.com.Photo credit: Marian Kraus
 Get acquainted with the Windy City while celebrating National Bike Month with Bike and Roll Chicago. In addition to carrying a variety of rentals from traditional cruisers and comfort bikes, to kid’s bikes, tandems and tagalongs, Bike and Roll offers a selection of action-packed biking tours to choose from. Peddle your way along 8-miles of Chicago’s stunning lakefront from Grant Park to Lincoln Park with the 3-hour Lincoln Park Bike Tour, and take in spectacular views of Lake Michigan, our amazing skyline and attractions including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, and more. Or travel off the beaten path with the Friendly Neighborhoods Bike Tour. The easy riding 9.5-mile trek covers some of the city’s most luxurious and historical areas including the Gold Coast, Old Town and Streeterville. Bike tours depart daily from Millennium Park (239 E. Randolph) and Navy Pier (600 E. Grand). Bikesare always available for rental and include free locks, riding maps and helmets. For more information visit www.bikechicago.com or call 312/729-1000.
 With the National Restaurant Show in town, it’s perfectly understandable that many visitors will be scouring the neighborhoods and haunting hostess stands this week in search of an indelible experience at some of the hottest new spots. But Chicago was a happening restaurant scene long before the latest trendy places started garnering so much notice. So perhaps instead of trying to fight the crowds at the latest hip additions, maybe this is a good time to revisit the old-school places that have served as that scene’s foundation for decades or more.
The Berghoff (1898)
The undisputed king of the city’s historic dining firmament.
17 W. Adams Street; 312/427-3170.
The Walnut Room (1907)
A must-stop for visitors around the holidays – when the handsome formal dining room inside of the Macy’s flagship store is arranged around the gargantuan Great Tree and the line of tradition-seekers stretches far out the door – this Chicago classic also happens to be a wonderful spot to check out during the far less hectic 11-month “off-season” as well.
111 N. State Street; 312/781-3125.
Italian Village (1927)
Three distinct Italian experiences under one historic roof (pictured above).
71 W. Monroe Street; 312/332-7005.
Cape Code Room (1933)
Once upon a time, if you were staying at the ritzy Drake Hotel overlooking Lake Shore Drive, there was no question about where you’d be getting your evening meal; these days, if it’s a classic New England-style seafood spread you’re after, there still isn’t.
140 E. Walton Place; 312/787-2200.
Billy Goat Tavern (1934)
This subterranean outlet of the “cheezborger” mini-chain only dates back to 1964, but that has been more than enough time for it to ensconce itself in the collective lore of some of the city’s most colorful characters.
430 N. Michigan Avenue; 312/222-1525.
Gene and Georgetti (1941)
In a meat-and-potatoes town, the classic Chicago steakhouse.
500 N. Franklin Street; 312/527-3718.
Artist’s Café (1961)
It seems only fitting that the street level space of a historically significant, egalitarian gem like the Fine Arts Building would be occupied by a similarly historic and artsy gathering place for musicians, painters, businessmen and passersby to linger over a three-egg omelet or a rich chocolate malted.
412 S. Michigan Avenue; 312/939-7855.
Su Casa (1963)
While the huddled masses wait out the 90-minute queues for a taste of Chicago deep-dish a couple of blocks over, those looking to avoid the crowds can instead opt for some straightforward Mexican fare from the same longtime proprietors of those famous pizza palaces.
49 E. Ontario Street; 312/943-4041.
Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen (1964)
The Everyman granddaddy of Chicago lunch counters.
1141 S. Jefferson Street; 312/939-2855.
Chicago Brauhaus (1965)
This traditional German beer hall has been the unofficial centerpiece of the Lincoln Square neighborhood for more than four decades.
4732 N. Lincoln Avenue; 773/784-4444.
 While the very word “antique” may cause the go-getters of the iPhone set to recoil in horror, others are inspired to hearken back to a simpler, more meaningful time. Those are the kind of folks one can expect to run across this weekend during the Merchandise Mart International Antique Fair, running April 27-30. The Mart makes for an ideal host for this 15th annual event, as this 1931 architectural gem is itself a grand old testament to the bygone days of Chicago. More than 120 premier international dealers of fine arts and antiques are set to participate in this event. Located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. 800/677-6278.
For diehard antique lovers, the Fair will be just the tip of the iceberg in a part of town known for great dealers. Wander the Antiques Row area immediately surrounding the Mart to come across even more great finds at places like the Asian House of Chicago (159 W. Kinzie; 312/527-4848) and the Antiquarians Building (159 W. Kinzie; 312/527-0533).
 The Chicago Improv Festival (CIF), the largest and most prestigious improv festival in the world comprised of 75 ensembles from 14 cities and countries performing at eight venues in seven days, is sure to provide hundreds of reasons to grin, giggle, and outright guffaw from April 23 through April 29.
Themed “Celebrating the Art of Play,” this year’s festival will once again delight audiences with some of the most respected names in improv. Must-see acts include, The Playboys (Susan Messing, Rachel Mason and Kate Duffy), Dominizuelan (A Latina group featuring Wendy Mateo and Lorena Diaz), Border Patrol (a young combo from Washington & Canada), and Almost ATLANTA (A powerhouse group featuring T.J. Jagodowski, Noah Gregoropoulos, Rebecca Sohn and more).
Performances take place at the Athenaeum Theatre, Annoyance Theatre, ComedySportz Chicago, i.O. Theater, The Second City Skybox, among other venues. All tickets are $5-$20. For more information and a full slate of performances and show times, call 773/472-3492 or visit www.chicagoimprovfestival.org
 St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only time that Chicagoans think green. As the plants and trees emerge from their winter hibernation around this time of year and the warmth of spring returns, it’s time once again to recognize Earth Day on April 22. The purpose of this annual observance may be to raise awareness of environmental issues and call attention to ways that we can take better care of our planet and its precious resources, but while that explanation may sound rather academic and boring, actually getting out and celebrating those ideals and putting them into practice needn’t be boring in the least. Here are a few “green” possibilities. Start with getting around town. In honor of Earth Day, skip the cab or the bus and opt for a little pedal power instead. Biking is probably one of the most enjoyable ways to practice environmental responsibility – not to mention one of the best ways to see and enjoy this incredibly bike-friendly city. At the various outlets of Bike and Roll Chicago all over town (including 239 E. Randolph; 312/540-1700), visitors can rent an eco-friendly two-wheeler and hit the wonderful lakefront path for a great day of exploration. There are plenty of available rentals from which to choose as well at Bobby’s Bike Hike (465 N. McClurg; 312/915-0995), where riders can opt for either a day of independent riding or a guided bike tour of the many sights and scenes around the city. One great place to take a bike this month is up the lakefront to Fullerton Avenue for a stop at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon; 773/755-5100), where the new exhibit Bikes! The Green Revolution arrives just in time for Earth Day.With an emphasis on Chicago’s own bike culture, visitors will learn more about one of the most sustainable forms of transportation known to man. Another possible biking destination requires a healthy ride along the southern portion of the lakefront path, a peaceful and less crowded journey that will wrap up at the massive Museum of Science and Industry for the seasonal re-opening of the fascinating Smart Home: Green + Wired (57th Street and Lake Shore; 773/684-1414). This full three-story eco-friendly home outside of the museum’s main buildings features re-used and refurbished furniture and décor, state-of-the-art energy systems, and the latest high-tech home gadgets. Cap your Earth Day explorations with a ride back north to downtown for an eco-friendly meal at one of the city’s hottest casual eateries, Chef Rick Bayless’ Mexican street food joint Xoco (449 N. Clark; 312/334-3688). From the LEED-certified building design to the chef’s insistence on locally grown and sourced ingredients, this is one good meal that an environmentally responsible diner can feel good about.
 The Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys makes its much–anticipated return to Chicago to play the Bank of America Theatre for nine weeks, from April 5 through June 2, 2012. “We are thrilled to bring Jersey Boys home, not a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask, ‘When are you bringing Jersey Boys back?’ We can’t wait to treat our audiences to the show where everyone leaves smiling” says Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago. Jersey Boys tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time, creating their own sound and selling 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty. The Bank of America Theatre is located at 18 W. Monroe. Tickets range from $35-$100 and can be purchased at all Broadway in Chicago Box Offices, by calling 800/775-2000, the BIC ticket kiosk at Water Tower Place, and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
 Thanks to the oft fickle arrival of warmth and blooming (though not this year), Chicago may not always come up on lists of likely spring break destinations. But even if our official beach season is still months away, families looking for outings and activities beyond the typical surf and sand may find that the bigger problem with a spring break trip to Chicago has more to do with duration than meteorology – one week is just not enough time to pack in everything this city has to offer.
Sights, Sea
One of the most welcome harbingers of spring in Chicago every year is the return of tour and commuter boats to the waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, including the familiar sightseeing vessels and water taxis run by 78-year-old Wendella Sightseeing. This spring, the venerable tour company will begin cruising from a brand new dock on the river at the base of the soaring Trump International Hotel and Tower (401 N. Wabash), offering its popular architectural tours and water taxi routes from a convenient new port. Call 312/337-1446 for schedule and ticket information.
Up in the Air
Of course, looking up from the water is only one way to appreciate Chicago’s grand architecture – you can also look down from the clouds with an elevator ride up to the John Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan; 888/875-VIEW) or Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (233 S. Wacker; 312/875-9696).
Expedition Chicago
Spring break doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little education. Of course, education is a lot more fun when it’s hands-on and epic in scale like it is on the Museum Campus. Check out the creatures of the deep at the Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore; 312/939-2438) or explore ancient civilizations and much more at the Field Museum of Natural History (1400 S. Lake Shore; 312/922-9410). Out at the Adler Planetarium (1300 S. Lake Shore; 312/922-7827), meanwhile, visitors can experience virtual collisions between the orbital debris of the past fifty years in the new Space Junk 3D show. Finally, a few miles south of the Campus, complete your museum tour with a stop at the massive Museum of Science and Industry (57th and Lake Shore; 773/684-1414), where they’re testing scientific hypotheses in the most entertaining ways possible in the new MythBusters exhibit.
All Over Town
Another upshot to the arrival of spring in Chicago is the ability to get out and traverse the city without having to be enclosed in a fully sealed and heated conveyance. In other words, expect plenty of company in the open-air trolleys and double-decker sightseeing buses run by Chicago Trolley (773/648-5000), which offers convenient hop-on/hop-off service throughout downtown. For a DIY outdoor alternative, try a self-guided, pedal-powered tour of the city and its magnificent lakefront with a rental from one of the many outlets of Bike and Roll Chicago (239 E. Randolph; 312/540-1700).
Family-Friendly Fun and Fuel
Fuel up for a big day with breakfast or lunch at YOLK (1120 S. Michigan; 312/789-9655, 355 E. Ohio Street; 312/822-9655, 747 N. Wells; 312/787-2277) or enjoy a meal among the trees, waterfalls and wildlife of the Rainforest Café (605 N. Clark; 312/787-1501).
Finally, no quest for warmth and excitement in Chicago would be complete without a little time on Navy Pier (600 E. Grand; 312/595-7437). In addition to the usual assortment of rides and attractions, the Pier is hosting Swing into Spring through April 15, featuring a town square setup with live music and storybook performances, as well as visits from the Easter Bunny.
 The brilliant minds behind the international hit Menopause The Musical® have done it again – this time with the hilarious and insightful new musical sensation, Motherhood the Musical®,debuting this week at the Royal George Theatre. Motherhood the Musical is a four-woman show from author and songwriter Sue Fabisch, that follows the humorous and loving journey of Amy, a soon-to-be first-time mom; Barb, an over-worked, underpaid, stressed-out mother of five; Brooke, a lawyer who works too much and barely sees her kids; and Tasha, a single mom struggling to balance work, family and a divorce. The 20-song musical hailed as “Engaging, hilarious, and touching!” by Variety, includes the hilarious Billboard Top 10 comedy hit, “The Kids Are Finally Asleep;” the rousing call-to-shoppers, “Costco Queen;” and the tender ballad, “I’m Danny’s Mom.” Opening March 30th at the Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halstead. Performances are Wed-Thu at 7:30pm, Fri at 8pm, Sat at 2pm & 8pm, and Sun at 2pm & 5:30pm. Tickets range from $48-$65, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800/982-2787 or at the Royal George Theatre box office.
 Here in his home base of Chicago, everyone knows Rick Bayless as the creator of and driving force behind three of the city’s most in-demand eateries – Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Xoco, a Mexican trifecta that generates lines of hungry hopefuls on several streets in the River North neighborhood every day. Outside of Illinois, meanwhile, foodies all over the world know him as the tour guide for Mexico: One Plate at a Time on PBS and the winner of the Bravo competition Top Chef Masters. What nobody knows Bayless as – for now, at least – is a stage actor. But that’s set to change this week when he teams up with one of the city’s most imaginative theatrical troupes in the Lookingglass Theater production Rick Bayless in Cascabel, starring the celebrity chef as the singing, dancing and, yes, cooking main character. With a love story and acrobats and on-stage food preparation (ticket prices include the full meal from the play), this unusual stew of sights, sounds and tastes is unlike anything that’s been attempted in a Chicago theater. Will it work? As anyone who has tasted the man’s cooking can attest, it’s tough to bet against Bayless. March 24 through April 22 at Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Avenue. Call 312/337-0665 for ticket information and availability.
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