Chicago-Golf Capital of the World!

People may first think of Palm Springs and Arizona when naming top places for golf, but Chicago is home to six superior public golf courses operated by the Chicago Park District, along with many beautiful private golf courses.

Public courses include the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, Jackson Park Golf Course and the South Shore Cultural Center Golf Course. Marovitz is located along Lake Michigan and consists of nine holes situated on rolling fairways and tight greens. Jackson Park is a historic 18-hole golf course. South Shore, a former private club, is one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. The 2,720 yard, par 33 course offers gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

If you want to take a short day trip, some of the best places for golf are located just outside of the city. Harborside International Gulf Course is 16 minutes from downtown and offers two 18-hole championship courses. Cantigny Golf in Wheaton is annually listed as one of the “Top Public Golf Courses in America.” This 27-hole championship venue, with three distinct courses, is open to the public and accepts tee time up to 14 days in advance. Eaglewood Resort, located 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, is one of the most luxurious golf courses in the Midwest. Eaglewood’s 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course offers the perfect outdoor environment for relaxation. Located in Glenview, The Glen Club, which was once home to the Glenview Naval Air Station, has been transformed into an 18-hole nationally acclaimed course.

For information on these clubs, contact me or Cheryl Justak at Golf Now! Chicago.

If you want to practice golf near your hotel in Chicago, just about a mile or so north of the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites at Diversey Harbor is the Diversey Driving Range. If you just want to hit some balls, you’ll find me next to the driving range, playing miniature golf. FORE!

Suites for Sweethearts

Doesn't Valentine’s Day in Chicago makes you feel warm all over? Maybe not, since the temperature isn't even in the double digits, but if you stay at the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites with the one you love, you're guaranteed to defrost.

Imagine getting dolled up in one of the overstuffed suites at the Radisson and then exiting the hotel into a horse-drawn carriage. As you ride through the streets viewing city lights, you might begin to think you are in Paris….if not for the 'Go Bears!' Signs left over from football season.

Have your carriage drop you off at one of my favorite restaurants. Volare offers scrumptious Italian food. Rosebud Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in the city. Pane Caldo serves northern Italian food at it’s finest and boasts a superb wine list. Le Colonial offers it’s wonderful food in a great atmosphere.

If you stay on Satuday, you can view breathtaking fireworks along the Chicago River.

After the fireworks, work off the meal by going out dancing on Rush Street. If you're over 30, check out Syn, go to Level if you're under 30 or pary at Le Passage if age doesn't matter.

Feel like a little live music? The Back Room has jazz and blues, but if you brought your own musical instrument, head over to Andy’s on Hubbard for a bit of a jazz session.

Make sure you pace yourself because many of the bars and clubs are open until 5:00 am on Sunday mornings. When you've finished paryting, return to the Radisson for chilled champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and get some much needed rest.

On Sunday, get those juices flowing at Rockit, my favorite place for brunch. Great Bloody Marys!

Then buy your Valentine a present outside on Michicagn Avenue or go to Bucktown/Wicker Park for unique shopping at stores like Apartment No. 9, Akira and City Soles.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Take Home A Good Yarn from Vacation

Now that it's winter time, it means that folks want to snuggle in with warm clothing and blankets. Come to the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites, stay in one of our cozy suites and visit the Stitching Salon at the Chicago Tourism Center where you'll learn how to make gear that will keep the cold away. During the months of January and February, both beginning and advanced knitters can learn quilting, crocheting, and T-shirt making techniques through free classes and exhibitions from some of the best artists in the country. You'll also have the chance to be part of knitting circles during hands-on classes.

Events taking place include weekly knitting courses and 'Knitflix', a night where guests knit at the movies and have the chance to receive free light-up knitting needles. There's also a lunchbreak knitting circle and a "Family Sip and Stitch" where families can learn the craft together while having tea and cookies.

Visitors can view the Top 10 Handmade Delights featuring Mayan textiles, Mexican prints and African-inspired wooden staffs. They will also see a crocheted sculptural installation by Mike Andrews and handmade hardwood eyeglass frames by Scott Urban.

After a day of stitching and knitting, come back to the Chicago Radisson, cozy up with your creation and settle in with room service!

Details
Winter Delights Stitching Salon
January 2 - February 28 , 2007
Free
Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph Street, Chicago

Up For A Treat? : Chicagoween

September 8, 2006
posted by: Verne
Email: info@chicagohotelandsuites.com

Every city has Halloween, but only the Windy Cindy celebrates Chicagoween, a two-week spookfest during which Daley Plaza is turned into Pumpkin Plaza. Over the last weeks of October, you and your family can come to this haunted village every day and decorate pumpkins, hunt for monsters and listen to creepy tales.

If you’re feeling brave, take a ride on the Haunted ‘L’ and see ghostly sites along the Loop. If you just want be mystified, marvel at the Fountain, which will be fire orange. And if you are up for a spectacular show, watch the Midnight Circus perform. They’re a local troupe of artists and acrobats who specialize in presentations that combine the best elements of Theatre and the Circus. Their special guest this year is Liquid Soul, a musical group that performs an eclectic mix of jazz and urban dance music.

Anytime of the year, a trip to the Richard J. Daley Center is awe-inspiring. The 648-foot, thirty-one story building is considered to be one of Chicago’s architectural highlights and is a must-see for any fan of design. It’s only a mile away from Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites, so you can easily return to a relaxing spot after a scary excursion out.

Details

Chicagoween
October 13-31
Pumpkin (Daley) Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Streets
Free Admission

Take to the Air and Sea this Summer

People are often surprised at how many interesting festivals happen in Chicago every summer. It’s funny because most people think of the snowy Chicago winters – but forget that we have beautiful summers filled with cultural and sports activities. A perennial Chicago favorite is the Annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which is on August 19th and 20th this year (2006). During these two days, Chicago is home to an exciting array of air and sea activities. That’s another thing people forget about Chicago – the beach from Lake Michigan!

Headlining this year are the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Army’s Parachute Team Golden Knights. If you’ve never seen them in person, trust me, there’s nothing like it. Television just can’t give you the full experience of the Blue Angels. When you see how closely they fly in formation and how fast they move – it’s just amazing. The event is the oldest air and water show in the country and the admission is free, so it’s perfect fit for any family vacation – no matter what your budget.

The daredevil and death-defying action is sure to please kids and those who are children-at-heart! The water events kick of at 9 a.m. each morning at North Avenue Beach and run until 4 p.m.. The air show starts at 11 a.m. and also runs until 4 p.m. both days. While the main action takes place at North Avenue Beach it also runs from Fullerton to Oak Streets.

Details
48th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
August 19 -20, 2006
Cost: Free
North Avenue Beach
Great for kids and families!

More information about the 48th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show:

• Chicago City Guide
• AOL City Guide Review (Editors’ Pick)

Blockbuster Summer

Chicago is a great movie town. The Blues Brothers is probably the most recognizable filmed in Chicago, but there are dozens of others. This summer many families are working hard to find an affordable vacation. With the rise in gas prices, the cost of travel by air, sea, and land has gone up too. Local travel is the way to go this summer. One great thing families can do is create their own themed vacation – like movies!

Imagine taking your kids to those places they saw in the movies. That’s why we’ve created the Summer Blockbuster hotel package. It’s a great way for a family to explore Chicago. From the Blues Brothers to the John Hughes films of the 1980s there’s a great movie adventure for everyone. Creative vacations can stretch your dollars and provide lasting memories. Be sure to start by exploring our interactive movie location map!