Cultural Center in Clarendon Hills

"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."

"If you are wondering what to see in Chicago with kids, I would highly recommend the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. This is a landmark in Chicago and while there are several other things to do at the Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel should be on every tourist’s list. The wheel is 200-feet high and offers an incredible 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the exciting pier."

"Now open This unique museum, dedicated to work by self-taught artists, has reopened to the public. Intuit has taken several new precautions, including directional signage, reduced touch points, and enhanced sanitation. They’ve even re-installed their exhibition Outsider Art: The Collection of Victor F. Keen to increase spacing and allow more distancing."

"Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art features a large number of artworks presenting intuitive and outsider art. They have been featuring various artworks since 1991. Their world-class exhibitions give an opportunity for the public to explore this kind of art."

"The Poetry Foundation Library is another attraction that you can’t find anywhere else in Illinois. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else in the US. There are only a handful of poetry libraries in the entire world, but the good news is that the Chicago version is one of the best."

"We love this sophisticated home of Poetry magazine for its underplayed elegance and hushed presence among bustling River North. It’s not shouting, “Look at me!. ” in any way or trying to be the biggest or tallest; it’s just quietly doing its job."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"Locals still tell friends to meet them at “Jimmy’s” the name of the the bar’s former owner (Jimmy Wilson died in 1999). Regardless, this tried and true dive bar has provided a meeting point for generations of college students, professors, and Hyde Park residents. Pitchers of beer are popular here as are the burgers."

"The Publican has become a part of the fabric of Fulton Market highlighting farm-to-table fare long before it was a culinary catch-phrase. Among the first to open in the uncharted meatpacking district in 2008, its star has not dimmed. Driven by seasonality with menus shifting constantly, you can always count on some of the best bread in the city fresh from the restaurant's own bakery."

"You can be lulled into porky bliss by all the salty-sour-sausagey delights here, but don’t ignore the pristine oysters, clams, and crudo. If you are lucky, the soft-shell crab sandwich will show up as a special.L Mon–Sat (3:30–5:30 p.m.), D nightly."

"With its all-white, retro-futuristic decor and reasonable prices, Friends Sushi encourages diners to enjoy sushi at any time, not just for special occasions. Yet the quality of fis..."

"Circle back toward the river, making a quick stop inside Macy’s State Street which is designated as a National Historic Landmark thanks to magnificent touches that make it feel more like a museum than a department store. Of note are the Great Clocks which weigh seven tonnes each, granite pillars that are the second-tallest of their type in the world, and the ornate Tiffany Ceiling which was painstakingly designed from 1.6 million pieces of hand-fired iridescent glass."

"Further down Randolph is Macy's on State Street, another stunning landmark building boasting seven floor of retail space and great dining options. Across the way, Block 37 is a five-story modern urban mall boasting its own gourmet food hall Latinicity and new Dine-in AMC Movie Theatre."

"3162 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 281-6111 www.hisstuffchicago.com. His Stuff offers attire for men who are in touch with their inner fashionisto. The clothing in this boutique can be gaudy, or casual, but they will never be outdated."

"The original design was by the legendary firm of Burnham & Root from the 1880s and an interior lobby renovation was then executed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. This early skyscraper is notable not only for its architectural pedigree, but also for being the oldest surviving high-rise in Chicago. Take a tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and get a glimpse of the landmark’s 11th-floor architects’ library."

"Before even visiting Chicago I knew about the famous stairs of the Rookery Building. If you want to take a picture of them (from the bottom) you’ll need to go on a tour of the building. Since the whole building is amazing, it’s well worth the admission…plus it goes to a good cause."

"It’s a beautiful and generous view of the Chicago River from the outdoor rooftop deck at London House Chicago, situated right in the bend of the river overlooking the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s downtown and its waterway. The patio is expansive, with a trellised bar to boot. The menu ranges from herbed Baked Goat Cheese and Crêpe Sushi with smoked salmon to mezze plates, steaks, burgers, and more."

"You don't really get the feeling for how majestic this place is until you get out on the terrace on the 22nd floor. Most people clock the LondonHouse Chicago's standard hotel bar one floor below, but head upstairs to this space, and you feel you're stepping out into the sky with some of the city's iconic buildings as your backdrop."

"Glance toward the horizon on LondonHouse Chicago's downtown rooftop restaurant and bar and you'll instantly be met with sweeping views of the Chicago River and all of the iconic architecture that lines it. For best results, we recommend venturing up at night to soak in the city's twinkling skyline."

"After spending time abroad, Art and Chelsea Jackson decided to offer their own interpretation of classic English fare with this British-inspired pub. Enjoy several savory “royal” pies, from steak and ale (with beef stew and shallots) to mushroom and kale (in white wine and parmesan sauce). Other choices are just as comforting, too: Try the bangers and mash, rarebit mac and cheese, or curry chips."

"Specializing in savory “Royal Pies,” Pleasant House Pub is the place for a hearty midday meal. The British-inspired restaurant’s signature buttery pastries are filled with beef stew, chicken stew, mushroom and kale, or a blend of veggies. Other menu standouts include Scotch eggs, a terrific burger, and fish and chips on Fridays."

"Imagine a proper London pub plopped in the middle of a growing Chicago neighborhood, and you've got Pleasant House. The rustic-chic tavern on the outer edges of Pilsen has fast become a destination for savory pie and beer fans. Pleasant House built its reputation on its sky-high savory royal pies."