Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Downers Grove Township

"The Titanosaur Máximo greets you as soon as you step inside the Field Museum. Start by taking a selfie with the biggest creature to walk the Earth. Then continue your exploration by going through the museum galleries."

"The Field Museum of Natural History traces its own history to the Columbian Exposition of 1893. The museum’s present structure was built in 1921 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places."

"We walked to the Field Museum from the RV park we were staying at and had a couple of hours to explore. We love how the museum pass gives us the opportunity to do this!. Since we get in for free."

"Watch sharks feed, sea otters swim, stingray glide, and dolphins play at Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Although not strictly a museum, Shedd Aquarium is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, along with the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium — so think of it more as a living museum filled with exotic aquatic life. The views are spectacular, stretching across Lake Michigan."

"Grab the whole family and come to the Shedd, the world’s largest indoor aquarium that has tons of activities for kids and adults alike. With over 32,000 animals, there is plenty to see. And if your children are between the  ages of 5-12, you can even arrange an overnight adventure filled with animal encounters, activities and a scavenger hunt."

"The Shedd offers plenty of free days throughout the remainder of the year. January 16-20 February 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 June 15, 16, 22, 23"

"Located at 800 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611 is one of the most popular places in Chi-Town for residents and visitors, chances are high that you’ve been to Navy Pier a few times. Don’t discard it when you’re looking for ways to keep the Chicago children active. There’s plenty to do here, and as often as you may visit, there’s always something new to see."

"Navy Pier combines everything you could ever hope for in an area of a city you're visiting, and it has placed it right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are shops, places to eat, boat tours, mini golf and a Ferris wheel. You might also find the Children's Museum of interest if you're there with family."

"Try as I might, I haven’t found a place to top this one no matter which of the best places to eat in Chicago we dine at. Mortal and Pestle is a classic, hipstery, modern-looking restaurant with big windows perfect for people watching. Last time I was there, I felt comfortable seated in the window seats watching the world go by."

"I’ll admit, I haven’t been here yet – but I keep hearing that it’s amazing!. The menu looks super inventive, too. Where else can you find Alaskan King Crab Benedict and Fois Gras + Eggs with truffles?"

"My boyfriend and I particularly enjoyed Fado Irish Pub, simply for the atmosphere (and of course the drinks). My favorite part was actually listening to Aaron Wilhoft perform live on Friday nights. If he happens to not be there when you visit Chicago, you can see what you missed on his website."

"This park is a 119-acre, man-made peninsula with excellent spots for fishing and walking paths. This urban nature sanctuary has prairie grasslands, a five-acre pond and walking paths for wildlife watching. Northerly Island is also home to 12th Street Beach and Huntington Bank Pavilion."

"You can walk through this unique museum for free any day of the year, or give their suggested donation of $5."

"There's more than shopping at Water Tower Place, an eight-level shopping center located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile. In addition to 104 stores, there are myriad dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. Shops like a massive Lego Store, Macy's, Forever 21 and Sephora share space with foodlife, which features 14 kitchens serving food made from scratch daily."

"Featuring the largest number of stores exclusive to Chicago, Water Tower Place changed the face of Windy City shopping when it opened in 1975. Shifting attention from State Street to North Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place Mall is a unique high-energy urban shopping experience. The stunning eight-level atrium features Macy’s as its headline store, with more than a hundred other shops for your perusal."

"Water Tower Place is located in the vicinity of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Sports Museum, universities, and a spacious park. The mall got its name after a nearby water tower was built in 1869. It is located in a nine-story skyscraper that was opened in 1976."

"You can mix and match a wide variety of Nigerian stews, starches, meats, fish, and mollusks at Iyanze – a staple of Uptown’s West African food scene. The food at this restaurant in Uptown is prepared from scratch daily and served cafeteria-style. Get whatever looks good to you that day, and a couple of extra scoops in case you can’t make a decision."

"Restaurants Italian West Loop. Named for both of his grandmothers and combining elements of Italian and Croatian cooking, Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's Rose Mary brings seasonal dishes to a cozy Fulton Market space lined with hanging plants. Flamm describes the menu as "Adriatic drinking food," packed with heart dishes like Gnocchi with beef cheek pašticada (a wine-soaking process) and pork ribs served with a cabbage and yogurt relish."

"Chef Joe Flamm serves what he calls “Adriatic drinking food” at Rose Mary, which is the cuisine we didn’t know we needed until right now. Croatian and Italian influences abound in dishes like tortellini djuvec, which mingles the pasta shape you know with the Balkan rice dish you may not. As for that drinking we mentioned: take your pick from a trio of spritzes, spirit-free cocktails, or a cold, refreshing Italian or Croatian beer."

"Joe Flamm’s dream is finally here, as the the former Spiaggia chef and Top Chef winner opened his first restaurant alongside the owners of flashy West Loop steakhouse BLVD. Flamm merges his prowess of handmade Italian pastas with Croatian techniques blending Old and New Worlds to creating something unique. Reservations are recommended because this might the most difficult table in town."

"LaSalle St.Architects: Daniel Burnham & John Root/Frank Lloyd Wright. On the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972, The Rookery is located in Chicago’s downtown Financial District. It was constructed during a transitional period in architectural history, using both load-bearing masonry and a skeletal frame, which are distinguishing elements of the Chicago School of Architecture."

"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."

"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."