See Chicago on a different means of transportation and try one of Steve’s Segway Tours. Educated guides offer tours of Chicago during the morning, afternoon and evening. Specialty tours include the Architecture Tour, River/North Tour, North Tour, Haunted Chicago, and Fireworks Tours. Private Tours also available. Already over Segways? Try one of Trikke Chicago’s trikkes. Trikes are three-wheeled carving vehicles with handlebars attached that stem from the base. Fitness Trikkes are body–powered vehicles and Electric Trikkes have motors. Trike Chicago offers both trike rentals and tours.

Steve’s Segway Tours and Trikke Chicago are located on the far East end of Upper Randolph (down the ramp) on the lower concourse of Harbor Point Tower. Prices vary. 

The faint smell of grilling, the sound of kids splashing in the pool and sundresses can only mean one things; summer has arrived. With Memorial Day weekend being the start of summer, visitors don’t have the opportunity to head to their neighbors this weekend to grill but Chicago has even more to offer.

The city is hosting their annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday honoring all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense to serve out country. State street from Lake Street to Van Buren. Free. Noon.

The Pritzker Military Library is offering free admission and activities all day on Monday.  Guests can view the library’s collection and enjoy board games and chess, drop–in oral histories, special rare books and artifacts exhibits, Citizen Soldier program video marathon, and afternoon walking tours of Grant Park military statues. Free. 10am–2pm. 104 S. Michigan, 312.374.9333.

Lifeguards are on duty at all of Chicago’s swimming beaches. Bring the family to Oak or Ohio Street Beaches and watch the kids splash around while adults can soak up the sun. Free.

What’s more American than a baseball game, a hot dog and a rivalry? The Chicago Cubs play the Chicago White Sox in the Crosstown Classic at U.S. Cellular Field. 6:10pm. 333 W. 35th, 312.674.1000.

Feel like sticking to that Memorial Day classic? Go to Rudy’s for one of their original burgers. Bonus: No prep work or clean up like there is in your backyard! 69 E. Madison, 312.332.8111.

Cirque Shanghai: Dragon’s Thunder (600 E. Grand, 800.745.3000) returns to Navy Pier again this year. The production includes, “The Chinese Flex Bar,” the heart-stopping “Gravity Swings” and the awesome sounds of the traditional Chinese “Dragon Drums.” The troupe “Imperial Thunder” returns again this year and performs with five motorcyclists riding at break-neck speeds within a steel globe. Guests enjoy the great outdoors in the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, regardless of weather. The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.

Performances are as follows:  Fri., 2pm, 7pm and 9pm; Sat., 2pm, 6pm and 8pm; Sun., 2pm, 4pm and 8pm; Mon., 2pm and 4pm; Wed., 2pm, 6pm and 8pm; Thurs., 2pm and 8pm. Tickets range from $15.50–$29.50. For more information visit NavyPier.com/cirqueshanghai.

Explore Chicago old-fashioned red and green trolleys or double decker buses Chicago Trolley. Guests can explore downtown and different neighborhoods while experiencing the Signature Tour, or they can opt for the Hop On, Hop Off Tour, where they can board at 13 different stops. Guests looking to explore areas outside of downtown can attend the neighborhood tours. The North Neighborhood Tour brings guests to Lincoln Park Zoo, The Blue Man Group and Wrigley Field. Guests can enjoy ethnic areas on the West Neighborhood Tour where they experience Chinatown, Little Italy and Greektown. The South Neighborhood Tour brings guests to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Tours begin at Millennium Park east of Michigan Avenue on the south curb of Randolph Street. Tickets good for three days of rides. Adults, $45; Seniors/Military, $36; Kids (3–12), $15. Call 773.648.5000 or visit ChicagoTrolley.com. 

Wolff’s Flea Market is great for the environment and keeps with the concepts of reusing, recycling and repurposing. Treasures are found and created from cast-offs and lovable rust. Open every Sunday, this family owned and operated business has been filling the parking lot at All State Arena in Rosemont since 1991. Enjoy the weather as you stroll though the aisles of the clean, outdoor flea market destination.

On a typical day, 700 vendors offer an infinite variety of wares including antiques, collectibles, Chicago souvenirs, home décor, gardening supplies, plants, fresh produce, gourmet food, furniture, art, books, sports memorabilia, electronics, vinyl, dollar items, clothing, new merchandise, resale and more.

Adults, $2; Seniors and kids (6–12), $1. Free Parking. 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont, IL, 847.524.9590. Refer to wolffs.com for a complete schedule. 

Tucked away in Bucktown, Ada Street (1664 N. Ada, 312.697.7069) is a hidden Chicago gem. Housed on the quiet street, those passing by would not know it's there unless they are looking for it. Guests enter a long dark hallway upon walking in. There is a private dining room to the right, perfect for intimate celebratory events. Upon entering the "wine library," guests are seated at small tables or the bar. An enclosed courtyard extends out of the back, allowing the sun (or stars) to shine on the tables outside.

Mixologists pour delectable cocktails from behind the bar. Vodka drinkers will like Mine Is Yours, a combination of Tito's, Combier, lime, house grenadine, Bitter Truth EXR Liqueur and egg white to make it just a bit frothy. Gin drinkers will enjoy Bramble On, a combination of Broker's, lemon, raspberry preserves and mint (pictured). Guests that prefer darker beverages will enjoy Bloodbuzz Ohio, a mixture of Rittenhouse rye, Graham's 6 Grapes port, lemon, egg white, old fashioned bitters. Wine lover will revel in their extensive selection. 

Ada Street serves a number of small plates for guests to share. The crispy Lamb Scrumpets, served with minted malt vinegar, are delicious. Guests that enjoy seafood should try the Salmon Tartare and the mouth-watering Seared Diver Scallop. Save room for dessert! Ada Street serves brioche Donuts with port wine carmel and Chocolate with tuscan olive oil, sea salt and toast.  

Shen Yun is the first company to present classical Chinese dance to the world on a large scale. Based in New York, it has taken the globe by storm, performing in over 100 cities.

From May 10-12, Shen Yun returns to Chicago with four performances at Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph)

Through dance and music, Shen Yun brings to life ancient myths, legends, and historical stories. Bi–lingual emcees introduce each act in both Chinese and English.

Find out why artists and theatergoers around the world are calling Shen Yun "breathtaking," "mesmerizing," "a miracle," and "inspiring."

Tickets are $63–$203. Performances run Fri. May 10, 7:30; Sat. May 11, 2pm and 8pm; and Sun. May 12, 2pm. Info hotline 800.515.3468 and 800.775.2000 for tickets or visit BroadwayInChicago.com.


In keeping with Asian culture, be sure to go to Tamarind (614 S. Wabash, 312.379.0970) for dinner. The menu covers most of Asia, including Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese entrees.

 

Chicago welcomes moms and their families to celebrate Mother's Day. Whether your mom is young or is a grandmother, there are things for moms of all ages to enjoy. 

Set sail on the distinguished Odyssey (600 E. Grand, 888.957.2320) or the festive Spirit of Chicago (600 E. Grand, 888.957.2324) while enjoying breathtaking views of the shoreline and eating delectable food. Moms will be treated to a rose and complimentary glass of champagne or a mimosa. Tickets for the Odyssey Mother’s Day Cruise start at $64.90. Boarding times are 9:30am, 1:30pm, 5:30pm. Tickets for the Spirit of Chicago Mother’s Day Cruise start at $59.90. Boarding times are at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 6pm. Reservations are required for both.

Chicago has a wide assortment of activates for families on Mother’s Day. Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin teams with the House of Blues (329 N. Dearborn, 312.923.2000) for a new twist on their legendary Gospel Brunch. Performances are at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm. Adults, $40; Kids (6–12), $25.

Does Mom have a little bit of Ireland in her blood? She will like the Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet at Emerald Loop (216 N. Wabash, 312.263.0200). The buffet features both Irish and American fare and runs from 9am–1pm. $9.95 with $6 bloody marys and mimosas.

Brazzaz (539 N. Dearborn, 312.595.9000) will also be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch. Take mom to dine one of Chicago’s finest Brazilian steakhouses. $38.50, 11am–3pm. 

After eating, take the family on a walk through Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark, 312.742.2000). The zoo has had several new additions in the last five months. The Moholi Bushbaby was just born in January and two Sichuan takins were born in February and March. Free.

Can’t quite afford to give Mom a Picasso on Mother’s Day? Then give her the next best thing, take her to see Picasso and Chicago, featuring more than 250 of the master’s works, closes at the Art Institute of Chicago. 10:30am–5pm. Adults, $18; children (under 14), FREE. 111 S. Michigan, 312.443.3600. 

Take Mom shopping down Michigan Avenue and State Street. She will enjoy browsing department stores like Macy’s (111 N. State, 312.781.1000) and Bloomingdales (900 N. Michigan, 312.440.4460).

Cap off her special day by taking her to see Hershey Felder’s The Pianist of Willesden Lane at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N Halstead, 312.988.9000).  The touching play is about a young Jewish pianist, Lisa Jura, who grew up in Vienna and dreamed of playing in Musikverein concert hall. When Lisa is sent to London to avoid the Nazis, her world is turned upside down and she turns to her love of music for comfort and pursues her dream. It is based on a true story and stars Lisa Jura’s daughter, Mona Golabek. Performance at 3pm, $49. 

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over the French in the state of Puebla in 1852. Today, Chicago has many celebrations of its own being such a culturally diverse city. Start your Saturday at the Cinco De May Parade on Cermak from Wood to Kedzie. The festivities begin at noon. A great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a traditional Mexican meal is Su Casa Mexican Restaurant (49 E. Ontario, 312.943.4041). Su Casa offers a number of appetizers, salads, fajitas and traditional Mexican fare. Their lunch menu contains scaled down portions perfect for a mid-day meal any weekday. Su Casa also offers a number of desserts, including their very own flan. Make sure to order a margarita to get into the spirit of the day!  Patron’s Hacienda (316 W. Erie, 312.642.2400) is another good spot to get some traditional Mexican food. Patron’s has a number or appetizers to snack on before entrées arrive and the restaurant is known for its tacos. Guests will want to sip their signature drinks including the La Tamarita Margarita, a spicy twist on the classic drink.

Su Casa Mexican Restaurant is open Sun.–Thurs., 11am–12am; Fri.–Sat., 11am–1am. Patron’s Hacienda is open Sun.–Fri., 5pm–12pm; Sat., 5pm–10pm.

Oklahoma! opens tomorrow at the Lyric Opera of Chicago (20 N. Wacker, 312.332.2244). The musical is based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs and takes place at the turn of the 20th century. Audience members follow a high-spirited rivalry between farmers and cowboys in this touching and gripping story about falling in love, dreams and nightmares, and the promise and exuberance of a new land on the verge of statehood.

Tickets range from $42–$153. Performances are Fri.–Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2pm; Wed., 2pm and 7:30pm. Additional show times include 8pm, Thurs., May 9; 7:30pm, Thurs., May 16; 2pm Sat., May 11 and 2pm, Sat., May 18.

In sticking with the turn of the century theme, stop at Lloyds (1 S. Wacker, 312.407.6900) for dinner before the show. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired restaurant offers an extensive wine list and a number of delicious entrées.