Last Updated:
1/23/24
Chicago, IL
Below is a list of the best places I would visit on a trip to this location. My picks fit my personality and interest. Everyone has a different interest so you may not like everything I listed which is fine. If you like a place, I recommend saving it to Google Maps for a future trip down the road. I made sure to include the address or GPS to make it easier to find. You can find out more about me in the "About Me" section to see if we share common interests.
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Breakfast
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Pumpkin Pancakes (seasonal special): Signature Batter Blended with Fresh Pumpkin, Topped with Cinnamon Praline Butter and Fresh Spices $19.00
Signature Berry Bliss Pancakes: Berry Mascarpone Filling, Fresh Berries, Vanilla Cream Anglaise, and Blackberry Coulis $19.00
Butcher Block Sizzlin' Skillet: Hash Browns, Cheddar/Jack Cheese, Two Eggs, Ham, Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Chicken Sausage, and Bacon $20.00
Fried Chicken and Biscuits: Oven Baked Biscuits, Fried Buttermilk Chicken, Homemade Pork Sausage Gravy Served with Two Eggs and Hash Browns $20.00
Chocolate Banana Bread French Toast: White/Dark Chocolate Chips with Sliced Bananas on Top $19.00
Hours
Daily 7 am - 2 pm
Order Online: Yes
Ann Sather Restaurant
909 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Southern Decadence Eggs Benedict: Poached Eggs Over Sausage Patties and Hot Biscuits Topped with Country Sausage Gravy $15.50
Two Swedish Pancakes with Two Swedish Meatballs: $14.25
Two Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: $4.50
Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce: $13.25
Sunrise Breakfast Wrap: Grilled Chorizo, Bell Peppers, Onion, Egg, and Cheddar Cheese, Served with Homemade Salsa $15.45
Hours
Daily 7 am - 3 pm
Order Online: Yes
Activities
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was opened in 1930 and is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. The aquarium is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and has over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species.
The exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium are organized into several galleries, including the Amazon Rising exhibit, which features animals from the Amazon River basin, and the Wild Reef exhibit, which showcases the diverse marine life of coral reefs. The aquarium is also home to a variety of aquatic mammals, including dolphins, beluga whales, and sea otters.
Featured Animals
Blacktip Reef Sharks
Sea Otter
Rockhopper Penguin
California Sea Lion
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
Giant Pacific Octopus
Cost Range in April (depends on expected crowd)
General Admission - $35.70 to $41.45
1200 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours (3.26.23)
Daily 9 am - 6 pm
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a natural history museum located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded in 1893 and houses over 40 million specimens and artifacts, making it one of the largest natural history museums in the world.
The museum's exhibits cover a range of subjects, including anthropology, biology, geology, and paleontology. Some of the most famous exhibits include the Sue exhibit, which features the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered, and the Underground Adventure exhibit, which allows visitors to explore the world of soil and insects.
In addition to its exhibits, the Field Museum also conducts scientific research and conservation efforts to preserve endangered species and ecosystems. The museum offers educational programs and resources for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and online educational materials. The Field Museum is committed to promoting understanding and appreciation of the natural world through its exhibits, research, and educational programs.
Must See
The fossil skeleton of SUE, a 40-foot-long and 90-percent-complete Tyrannosaurus rex
Recovered cargo from a trading vessel that sank in the Java Sea during the 12th or 13th century
Ceremonial jade objects used in Neolithic burials
The oldest human-made gold objects, known as the Varna treasure, created over 6,000 years ago
A 97.45-carat imperial topaz, the largest owned by any museum in the world
A 4,000-year-old royal boat that belonged to Pharaoh Senwosret III
All-Access Pass Cost (basic admission, 3D movie, three ticketed exhibits)
Out-of-State Adult $42
Side Note Basic Admission (bare bones) $29
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours
Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, public zoo located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded in 1868 and covers 35 acres, featuring over 1,000 animals from around the world.
The zoo is divided into several areas, including the Regenstein African Journey, which features animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras, and the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, which includes interactive exhibits for kids and small animals like meerkats and sloths. The zoo also has exhibits dedicated to primates, big cats, and birds.
Featured Animals
American Black Bear
White-cheeked Gibbon
Harbor Seal
Eastern Black Rhinoceros
Japanese Macaque
Polar Bear
African Lion
Cost
FREE FREE FREE FREE
2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours
Daily 10 am - 5 pm
Wrigley Field
It is the home field of the Chicago Cubs, a Major League Baseball team. The stadium opened in 1914 and is known for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall and manually operated scoreboard.
Wrigley Field has undergone several renovations over the years but still maintains much of its original charm and historic character. It has a seating capacity of approximately 41,000 and has hosted many important baseball games and events, including multiple World Series championships.
In addition to baseball games, Wrigley Field hosts concerts and other events throughout the year, including the popular summer concert series, featuring major music acts. The stadium is in the heart of the Wrigleyville neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and many bars and restaurants. Wrigley Field is an iconic landmark and a must-see destination for baseball fans and visitors to Chicago.
2023 Wrigley Field Tours Info
Length of Tour: 75 to 90 Minutes
Cost: $30 per person
The Do Offer Non-Gameday Tours (best one) & Gameday Tours
What You See On Non-Gameday Tour
Seating Bowl
Bleachers
Outfield Ivy
Press Box
Visiting Clubhouse
Dugout
Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Book Tour Online
Food
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Fried Chicken: Served with Honey Butter & Corn Muffins - 2 Pieces $11.95 or 4 Pieces $20.95
Pimento Mac 'N Cheese (side): With Wisconsin Cheddar & Breadcrumbs $5.95
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Sandwich $12.45
Fried Chicken & Waffles (Sat/Sun 10 am - 3 pm): Fried Chicken Strips, Corn Cake Waffle, Local Maple Syrup, Honey Butter $14.95
Bang! Bang! Honey Butter Pie: Honey Pie with Salted Brown Butter Crumble Slice $5.95
Hours
Monday Closed
Tues to Thurs 11 am - 9 pm
Friday 11 am - 10 pm
Saturday 10 am - 10 pm
Sunday 10 am - 9 pm
Order Online: Yes
Flight of The Dips (8 sauces) $11.45
First Slice Pie Cafe
5357 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Sample of the Pie Flavors
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
French Silk Pie
Michigan Sour Cherry Pie
Balsamic Raspberry Pear Pie
Chocolate Mint Pie
Traditional Apple Pie
Hours
Mon to Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Order Online: Yes
Slice $4.75 Mini Pie $9 or Full Pie Range Between $28 to $35
Places to Stay
FYI: The hotel prices are estimated and will most likely fluctuate since I looked them up on their website. I will keep them updated the best I can every three months. I look for the cheapest available room, usually a queen bed. I typically look at book rates two months in advance and in the middle of the month to get average rates. Reminder: It is an ESTIMATE
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Located within Walking Distance of the Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, and First Ascent Block 37
From their Website: "Find your place in the Windy City at the charismatic Virgin Hotels Chicago. Go beyond the expected and uncover a hotel just as curious as you are."
Food/Drinks Options: Miss Ricky's (Scratch-Made Italian), and Wildberry Pancakes (nearby)
Who is this for: Art/Theater Lovers, Park Walkers, RiverWalk Explorers, & Wall Climbers
203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King Room in June 23' - $320.00
King Room in June 24' - $281.00
Chicago Athletic Association
Located within Walking Distance of the Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, and Museum of Illusions
From their Website: "Boutique hotel is housed within a Venetian Gothic 1893 building that sports modern amenities infused with grand historic details, lauded restaurants, ballrooms with jaw-dropping Lake Michigan views, and cozy pubs where libations and conversation flow freely."
Food/Drinks Options: Cindy's (Classic Comfort Food & Cocktails), and Cherry Circle Room (Chicago Steakhouse), and Shake Shack (on-site)
Who is this for: Art/Theater Lovers, Park Walkers, Padded Wallets, & People with Imagination
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
Queen Room in June 23' - $383.00
Queen Room in June 24' - $377.00
21 and up fun
Marz Community Brewing Company
3630 S Iron St, Chicago, IL 60609
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU
Sour Bridgeporter: Wild Porter with Blackberries & Elderberries | 6.0% ABV
Bubbly Kriek: Black Berliner Weiss with Cherries | 4.0% ABV
Cryoflayer: Triple Dry Hopped Double IPA | 8.88% ABV
Floridaweiss #3: Wild Ale with Cherry, Lime & Pineapple | 6.0% ABV
Citra! Citra! Citra!: Triple Dry Hopped Double IPA | 8.8% ABV
Churros Y Chocolate: Milk Stout with Cinnamon and Cocoa Nibs
Hours (1.17.24)
Mon to Thu 4 pm - 11 pm
Friday 4 pm - Midnight
Saturday Noon-Midnight
Sunday Noon - 8 pm
Food Menu: Taco Sublime
Revolution Brewing
3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU
Cross of Gold: Golden Ale | 4.8% ABV
Cold Time: American Lager | 4.9% ABV
Hazy Hero: IPA - New England Hazy | 7.3% ABV
Freedom Lemonade: Sour - Fruited | 4.5% ABV
Death By Currants: Double Oatmeal Stout | 14.1% ABV
Paddy Wagon: Stout - Irish Dry | 5.2% ABV
Hours
Mon & Tues Closed
Weds & Thurs 2 pm - 9 pm
Friday 2 pm - 10 pm
Saturday Noon - 10 pm
Sunday Noon - 6 pm
Food Menu: Yes
Again these are just few of my picks that fit my personality and interest. If you feel that I left one-off that may interest me or other people, message me on Facebook about the location. I value a person's opinion and never just discard the information. Always looking forward to learning about new places to add to my Google Map. ~ Shawn
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The Summary in Activities Uses OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com