Chicago Things to Do Tips by Marisola

French in Chicago! Fantastique!

Interested in the French language and culture??? Then you MUST stop at the Alliance Francaise in Chicago. This is a wonderful place that promotes everything French! They have French Events every month: French Art, French Cooking, French Wine, French Language, French People, French Films, French Concerts, French Classes... It's all here! No matter what your age or level of proficiency, you will be welcome here! Be sure to check it out!

Address: 810 N Dearborn St

Directions: Two entrances: Chicago and Dearborn

Phone: 312-337-1070

Largest Arena in USA!

Opened in 1994, the United Center is the largest arena in the USA! With over 200 events every year, you can come here to see a great concert or a fun sports event.

If you're a sports fan, you may want to come see the World Champion Chicago Bulls Basketball, or the Stanley Cup Hockey Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks. Both teams have over 80 games per year!

Check their calendar for upcoming concerts. They have had many major concerts here, such as Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, the Who, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Tom Petty, U2, Rush, etc.

Address: 1901 W. Madison St.

Directions: One mile west of Chicago's Loop and I-90/94 Kennedy Expressway, and four blocks North of I-290 Eisenhower Expressway at Damen Ave. (Exit 28A).

Phone: 312-455-4500

Website: http://www.unitedcenter.com/

Christmas Trees from Around the World! Museum of Science and Industry Review

I've been to the Museum of Science and Industry many, many times. They have many great exhibits, although my favorite exhibit has always been the Christmas Trees from around the world. As you enter the museum, there is a gorgeous grand 45-foot tree lit up in the middle of the room. From there you can make the rounds of all of the other beautiful trees from around the world. Beginning in November and lasting until Christmas, it's so popular that they have it here every year! Everyone loves it!

Address: 57th and Lake Shore Drive

Directions: From downtown, take Lake Shore Drive South to 57th St.

Phone: (773) 684-1414

Website: http://www.msichicago.org/

Garfield Park Conservatory

Take a walk through paths of plants and flowers of all kinds at any time of year through the six different greenhouses of the Garfield Park Conservatory. Beautiful displays of plants and flowers are here with small waterfalls and pools with goldfish. Open daily at 9am. Free admission and parking. See my Travelogue for more photos!

Address: 300 North Central Park Ave., Chicago 60624

Directions: Just 10 minutes west of downtown Chicago.

Phone: (312) 746-5100

Website: http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/

Oldest Zoo in the United States! And free, too! Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos Review

One of the most beautiful zoos as well! The Lincoln Park Zoo is set upon a wonderful park and gardens which makes it so picturesque. I have seen many couples come here to take wedding photos, because the gardens are so beautiful!

The animals are an addition to this lovely atmosphere! Open every day, it is one of the most popular zoos in the world! They have around 2,000 animals here, too! No matter which animals you are able to see, it's a wonderful walk on a nice day in Chicago!

Address: 2001 North Clark Street · Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: 312-742-2000

Website: http://www.lpzoo.com/

Sit or Stroll in Millenium Park Millennium Park Review

Absolutely beautiful park in Chicago with lots of things to do for everyone! You can walk around the gardens, see some modern art, have lunch, or just sit and watch the people pass by. There is also a lot of grass, in the sun or in the shade, so you can lie down for a siesta or read a book. When the weather is warm, there are also two fountains of water to splash in, and a dipping area to soak your feet. You can bring a lunch, or there is also a nice outdoor cafe and restaurant here called "The Park Grill," which I would recommend. Many nice concerts and performances are held here at the Pritzker Pavilion, so be sure to check their schedule. In winter, there's ice skating and snow! Come and see! >>See my travelogue for more pics!

Address: Randolph St & Michigan Ave

Directions: This park extends from Randolph along Michigan Ave. to the Art Institute and Grant Park, so take your pick for where you'd like to begin!

Website: http://www.millenniumpark.org/

Premier Art Museum in the US! Art Institute Review

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the Premier art museums in the US. It is an absolutely beautiful museum, filled with treasures! Best known for it's collections of Impressionist and American art, you're sure to find your own favorites. Stroll through and gaze at the wonderful collections. You will surely be impressed! Although I've been there many many times, I still haven't seen everything!

My favorites at the museum include paintings by Caillebotte (Paris Street), Seurat, Picasso, VanGogh, Renoir and Monet. I also love the "American (stained glass) Windows" of Marc Chagall, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms (downstairs), which are like little dollhouse rooms decorated in different time periods.

Check the website for upcoming exhibits at the Art Institute. They are always superbe!
Past exhibits I've seen include Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, VanGogh & Gaughin, Degas
and Monet. They have all been fabulous!

Also, if you're interested in studying art, they also have a School of the Art Institute -- Walt Disney went there!

After your visit, don't forget to hit the gift shop. Something artistic will make a nice souvenir from your trip!

Address: 111 S Michigan Avenue

Directions: East Loop, on Grant Park

Phone: 312-443-3600

Website: http://www.artic.edu

Beautiful Stained Glass Windows! Museums Review

While you're walking along Navy Pier, walk through the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. It's free admittance and never crowded. Walk at your own pace. The windows are beautiful! The first museum of it's kind in the U.S., with windows of many different themes. It's an interesting museum and a nice walk!

Address: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, Chicago

Directions: Enter the Navy Pier Building and keep walking, or walk outside to the end of Navy Pier and enter.

Phone: 312-595-5024

Website: http://www.navypier.com

This Play is Hilarious!!! Don't miss it!!! Theater & Music Review

From the moment it began, I was laughing! "Menopause, the Musical" is hysterical! The songs they sing are all popular, familiar tunes, but when you listen to the lyrics, you see how they've changed them to make you laugh. It's so funny! You must see it!! You won't be disappointed! Womens' night out is a wonderful time! Guys, don't be afraid -- you'll love it too! Everyone will enjoy this play! It's impossible not to laugh! It's a riot!

Address: 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 60614-2314

Directions: If you have a chance to catch this musical, you won't regret it. Check the website for dates/times and other listings.

Phone: 773-935-6100

Website: http://www.apollochicago.com

Make a Wish! Grant Park - Buckingham Fountain Review

Take a walk through Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain, between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive. Take some beautiful photos here. While patterned on the fountain in Versailles, it is twice as big! The fountains run May through September. They vary in levels higher and lower at different times, and if you stand on the windy side, you will catch a nice shower! Lights up at night, too! Don't forget to throw in a penny and make a wish!

Address: 500 S Lake Shore Dr

Directions: East of the Loop

Phone: 312-742-7529

Website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/