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The Golden Ticket

05/22/2012

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

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Celebrate National Bike Month

05/14/2012

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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.

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Staying Power by Mark Loehrke

05/04/2012

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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.

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