Cultural Center in Lisle

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.More"

"Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or check out the Navy Pier event calendar for the latest and greatest of what’s going on. Although I haven’t experienced this myself, I just saw that Navy Pier shows outdoor films during the summer months, which would be a really fun thing to do while visiting Chicago."

"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."

"Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago is a non-profit with a mission to share the work of outsiders. The center defines an outsider in the art world as "the work of artists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world, and who instead are motivated by their unique personal vision." Since its inception in 1991, Intuit has become a leader in the field of promoting outsider and intuitive art. The museum's permanent collection, which they began amassing in 2002, has come to include more than 1,1000 works of art."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"

"Chicago's Poetry Foundation is all about the study of poetry. It was the first place in the city of Chicago to focus only on poetry as an art form, which was the dream of Poetry magazine's Harriet Monroe. The foundation's goal is to heighten public and cultural interest in poetry."

"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."

"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."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"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)."

"The Loop is stuffed to the breaking point with quick-service Mediterranean joints, the kind where you can get falafel or shawarma served with just enough vegetables to make you feel semi-good about lunch. Most are perfectly passable, if not altogether exciting. Naf Naf is the exception."

"Choose a pita or bowl; add meats, salads, and garnishes; and finish it off with sauces. What separates it from the competition is the quality — the fluffy bread is baked on site, juicy chicken shawarma comes straight off the spit, and the falafel bear a perfectly crisp exterior."

"Devour lamb, beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and veggie kebabs from this Chinese barbecue joint. Most are priced at just a few bucks so sampling an assortment of skewers won’t break the bank. Order pickup here; delivery is available through third party services."

"There’s no arguing that our city holds top-tier choices to get your grub on. This May we want to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. Of course, there’s more to delicious Asian food than a trip to Chinatown."

"Restaurants Bakeries Albany Park. Upon entering this small but mighty Latin bakery, you'll grab a basket and a pair of tongs from the folks working the counter. Do a lap and plot out your order before opening the pastry cases and helping yourself to pillowy conchas, stuffed churros and colorful, candy-studded cookies—all made fresh daily."

"Markello's Baking Company produces tons of fresh Mexican, Guatemalan and Greek pastries every day.|© EvelynGiggles / Flickr. This bakery has been family-owned and operated since 1982 when Markellos Res decided to start making and selling Greek pastries. By 1991, Markellos was able to expand his namesake Baking Company to its current spot in Albany Park."

"A retractable roof makes this a year-round attraction with plenty of drinks to titillate and an appetizer menu devised by the culinary mind of Chef Paul Virant. Though located on the unlucky 13th floor, as you look out over downtown, Lake Michigan, and Lincoln Park, you’ll feel blessed before the booze even hits your brain."

"Bet you didn't think that Schubas-adjacent Tied House catered to the kids. The beautiful Lakeview restaurant has a dedicated kids' menu that's packed with parent-approved meals like fish and chips, spaghetti three ways, a chicken breast with mashed potatos and mac and cheese with bacon. Finish the meal with a scoop (or two) of birthday cake ice cream."

"Restaurants Japanese Andersonville. Look for the loyal following of Mike-heads: sushi foodies who’ve followed chef “Sushi Mike” from Hama Matsu and San Soo Gab San to this sushi bar in the West Loop. If you try the cooked items, you’re likely not to go back."

"If you think you’ve had the best omakase in Chicago outside of Tanoshii, you might want to think again. Tanoshii’s Sushi Mike is the king of omakase, if we may be so bold. His knack for rolling out off-menu culinary specialties is impressive."

"Japanese , Sushi"