Best Zoo in Countryside

"The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free family-friendly Chicago attraction and home to hundreds of animals, birds, plants and endangered species from around the globe. Visitors can explore animal exhibits and houses such as the Flamingo Habitat, the Nature Boardwalk, the McCormick Bird House, the Helen Brach Primate House and the Kovler Sea Lion Pool. The venue also serves as a conservation science and research center, and hosts educational programs and workshops that are open to the public."

"Nestled in Lincoln Park, this 35-acre zoo is an urban refuge for creatures from around the world. Admission is free (although you do have to pay if you want to ride the train or the endangered species carousel), so you can explore the many animal exhibits to your heart’s content. The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to over 1,100 animals, representing around 200 distinct species."

"Lincoln Park Zoo has one of the most extensive zoo-based conservation and science programs in the US, and pledges to take the best care of its animal residents. Spend the day with black rhinos, zebra, sloths and the delightfully named Allen’s Swamp Monkey – all for the price of zero dollars."

"A Metra train ride out to the suburb of Brookfield, this zoo is in 216 acres of green parkland and boasts more than 450 species. The Brookfield Zoo made waves when it opened in 1934 as it pioneered the use of moats and ditches instead of cages, and was also the first in America to have giant pandas. One of the most recent additions is the Great Bear Wilderness, letting you get within inches of North Americas mightiest carnivores."

"An alternative to Lincoln Park is Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, located in the nearby western suburb of (you guessed it) Brookfield. Brookfield Zoo is spread out over 200 acres and offers larger, cage-less exhibits such as Tropic World, a massive indoor habitat with three distinct environments, filled with primates from around the globe. 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, Ill., 708-688-8000."

"Spend the day among more than 2,000 animals at this gigantic zoo. The highlights? First, there's the 7½-acre Great Bear Wilderness…"

"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."

"The Regenstein Center for African Apes is also part or rather an extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo, where the visitors can come close to the apes, chimpanzees and the gorillas that have found their home there. It is home to some of the endangered species of western lowland gorillas as well as chimpanzees and exists to provide with the most realistic looking environment for them to live in comfortably. Location: 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USATimings: 10 AM to 5 PMEntry Fees : –"

"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."

"Burgers: Stand in line for Au Cheval, or visit its siblings at Small Cheval if that griddled Sysco patty is a must. But explore the the essential burger map for more variety such as Mini Mott and Red Hot Ranch’s sublime burger for under $6. Coffee: Chicago is home to an exciting and diverse local coffee scene that’s free of the stereotypical pretension too often associated with the industry."

"Besides their long list of unique beers and expansive menu, they claim their spot on the list of Chicago's best for their bar food. With only five items on this limited-time menu, each bite — especially the Fried Kennebecs — is worth the hike up north."

"Fulton Market , West Loop"

"Renowned for her 100% organic, vegan, and raw cuisine, Karyn Calabrese turns up the heart with her latest addition to the fold: Karyn’s Raw. Still offering a menu of organic vegan and vegetarian dishes, the restaurant serves conscious comfort raw food such as house-made empanadas, chunky nachos, peanut Asian style noodles, crêpes, mouthwatering vegan tiramisu, and more. Diners can enjoy a range of organic wines and beer with their meals and kick back on a Sunday with a long, lazy brunch."

"The Four Seasons' Chicago upholds the chain's reputation for luxury and service and staff makes your visit an effortless experience. After a hotel-wide transformation, the limestone and glass building is home to spacious fully-appointed guest rooms as well as one-and-two bedroom suites and two-and-three bedroom apartment units (plus excellent views of the skyline and Lake Michigan). The hotel is family-friendly, with an indoor pool and visits from the Ice Cream Man."

"Serene and intimate, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago provides a personal escape to relax and rejuvenate. Experience the spa’s traditional and innovative treatments such as a Harmony massage for couples, an Ayurvedic scalp massage or a Perles de Caviar facial to refresh and reinvigorate. Combining natural ingredients with the nurturing care of expert therapists the spa welcomes you on a journey of beauty and wellbeing."

"Just steps away from the luxury shopping, dining and entertainment on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, this downtown Chicago hotel features skyline city views, an on-site restaurant and lavish s..."

"From the second you arrive in the lobby of The Peninsula Spa, you’ll be transported. Natural wood interiors and raku-style tiles evoke an Asian oasis, while your prime location on the Magnificent Mile is reiterated by a spectacular view from the glass-enclosed pool. Before or after a treatment, guests can gaze dreamily at the skyline; with premium snack and glass of port."

"The Spa Peninsula by ESPA earns a place on the list for their luxury treatment named Peninsula Haven. This is a 4.5 hour treatment which includes an Uplifting Mint Experience, Espa Intensive Facial and a Reflex Zone foot massage. It's a mint-inspired treatment that combines aromatherapy with energetic massage and includes a tailored facial for $630."

"The Peninsula Spa sits on the 19th and 20th floor of the Peninsula Hotel. This gem of a spa offers a blend of both modern and enduring Eastern treatments. We’re talking holistic Asian and Ayurvedic as well as modern result-driven massages and aromatherapy."

"Translated as "My Friend Gabi," this Lincoln Park bistro and steakhouse is a delightful find for expertly prepared French cuisine. Expect traditional dishes such as steak frites, Roasted chicken grand-mere onion soup au gratin and escargots with garlic-herb butter, plus plenty of fresh seafood and seasonal Plats Du Jour. The French know their way around a dessert menu and Mon Ami Gabi does not disappoint with classic profiteroles with housemade fudge, creme brulee and chocolate mousse."

"We went to Mon Ami Gabi for Restaurant Week last year and absolutely loved it. Amazing french bread, delicious entrees and escargot so good we almost placed a 2nd order. If you like french food and a classy dining experience, this place is a must!"

"This Michael Mina-run brasserie may be inside the luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel, but that doesn’t make it a stuffy affair. Just keep an eye out for the “Chariot de Rosé”—a roving bar cart of rosé hand-picked by the somms. Diners are a mix of done-up travelers and foodies looking for a quiet, civilized meal (though they’re as amped as twenty-somethings at a taco truck to tuck into Michael Mina's classic French preparations)."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."

"Three floors above the lobby of the swank Waldorf Astoria is restaurateur Michael Mina's ode to 1920s-era Paris. Classic Parisian bistro fare (escargot, steak frites, duck breast) gets a contemporary spin. Foie gras comes as parfait with preserved cherries and cornichons."