Before planning for "Back to School," come to Chicago at the end of summer because the city has saved the best warm-weather activities for last.
Chicago's lakefront will be glowing on July 28 for the 50th (!) Annual Venetian Night. About 30 decorated and well-lit boats will float along the lake during the “Chicago’s Finest Moments” procession, which will be followed by fireworks. Grab a patch of grass at Monroe Harbor and ooo and ah at all the pretty sights!
August 3, 4, 5 is the 50th (!) Annual Gold Coast/River North Art Fair. Take a look at a variety of juried artwork that includes paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass sculptures and photography. Live music, food, and kids’ crafts are also part of this event.
For an even livelier first weekend in August, rock out to Lollapalooza! In addition to performances by Pearl Jam, Muse, and Modest Mouse, there will be art, fashion, food at the music extravaganza! Based on the names of the stages, I would guess the sponsors are AT&T, Bud Light, Adidas, My Space, PlayStation, Citibank and BMI! It's going to be a whirlwind of seven stages of music all day long!
Northalsted Market Days is the Midwest’s largest two-day two-day festival. Now in its 26th year, this festival features arts and crafts vendors, food booths and over 40 musical acts on four stages. Start saving for some shopping because Market Days take place on August 11 and 12.
August 18 and 19 is the 49th Annual Air and Water Show (sorry- no exclamation point until you hit 50!). Over 2 million people will visit our beautiful lakefront for the largest free show of its kind in the country. The best viewing spots are from Oak Street through North Avenue Beach. (Hint-the planes practice on the 17th so come early for a less crowded preview.)
Before the kids are back in school, your last summer homework assignment is to take them to the Radisson for a memorable Chicago vacation!
Showing posts with label chicago hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicago hotels. Show all posts
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
2007 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL
Chicago’s annual blues festival is no cause for sadness—it’s the world’s largest free admission blues festival. Some of the top musical acts in the country will be performing at Grant Park from June 7 through June 10. Since the festivity occurs less than two miles from the Chicago Radisson Hotel Suites during all hours of the day (11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.,) I can take a break from work, enjoy a stroll in the warm weather, and watch enthralling performers. One will be Big Jay McNeely, who is known for his Jump Blues/Rock n’ Roll style in which he completely looses himself in the music as he thrashes around on stage.
There’s going to be six performance venue stages, where various artists will mix it up and take turns performing. On Thursday morning, ‘Boogie Woogie Stomp House’ will play at the 7/11 Route 66 Road House stage. Boogie Woogie is a style of piano jazz associated with the late 30’s and mid 40’s, in which the left hand plays a sturdy bass while the right hand drifts in elegant variations.
On Friday at the U.S. Cellular Front Porch stage, J.W. Williams and the Chi Town Hustlers, will give their hometown a topnotch show as they demonstrate exactly why Chicago is synonymous with the blues.
On Saturday night at the Petrillo Music Shell stage, ‘Magic Slim & The Teardrops’ will be featured. Magic Slim, who stands six-feet tall without his trademark cowboy hat, is known for the electrifying Mississippi-to-Chicago blues style that has influenced modern day artists and rockers.
On Sunday, Lil’ Howlin’ Wolf will help close things up at Gibson Guitars Crossroads. Wolf, who was born Jesse Sanders, began performing at the age of 17. He worked for the City of Chicago Police Department for 45 years and spent the weekends performing with blues greats. He retired over a decade ago, which means he has even more time to perform at festivals.
Almost one million people are expected to turn up for the festival. Hotel rooms are going fast, so be sure to reserve soon. You may wish to take advantage of the Radisson’s Elephant & Castle Package so you can easily get a good meal at your hotel after a long day of partying at the Chicago Blues Festival.
There’s going to be six performance venue stages, where various artists will mix it up and take turns performing. On Thursday morning, ‘Boogie Woogie Stomp House’ will play at the 7/11 Route 66 Road House stage. Boogie Woogie is a style of piano jazz associated with the late 30’s and mid 40’s, in which the left hand plays a sturdy bass while the right hand drifts in elegant variations.
On Friday at the U.S. Cellular Front Porch stage, J.W. Williams and the Chi Town Hustlers, will give their hometown a topnotch show as they demonstrate exactly why Chicago is synonymous with the blues.
On Saturday night at the Petrillo Music Shell stage, ‘Magic Slim & The Teardrops’ will be featured. Magic Slim, who stands six-feet tall without his trademark cowboy hat, is known for the electrifying Mississippi-to-Chicago blues style that has influenced modern day artists and rockers.
On Sunday, Lil’ Howlin’ Wolf will help close things up at Gibson Guitars Crossroads. Wolf, who was born Jesse Sanders, began performing at the age of 17. He worked for the City of Chicago Police Department for 45 years and spent the weekends performing with blues greats. He retired over a decade ago, which means he has even more time to perform at festivals.
Almost one million people are expected to turn up for the festival. Hotel rooms are going fast, so be sure to reserve soon. You may wish to take advantage of the Radisson’s Elephant & Castle Package so you can easily get a good meal at your hotel after a long day of partying at the Chicago Blues Festival.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Bus, Trolley, Boat, Bike, Walk…….Segway!
One can see the glorious sights of Chicago in so many ways!
Set sail on an architectural cruise along the Chicago River. Take an hour-long tour of the city's structural highlights on a Wendalla Boats Tour as part of our Architectural Tour Package . If you're onboard for a longer boat ride, take First Lady from Michigan Avenue Bridge, or a Chicago Line Cruise (Starbucks included!) from River East Arts Center for fascinating facts on Chicago and its buildings.
If the kids are on deck, a simple sightseeing cruise may be more fitting . Wendella and Mercury both offer a Lake and River Tour and Sunset Cruises. If you don't want to leave your best friend behind, take one of my favorite cruises, a Canine Cruise that Mercury offers on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. throughout July, August and September. If you've left them all behind and you're up for a fast adventure, the Seadog at Navy Pier is a large yellow speed boat to test your nerves on Lake Michigan.
Boats are very popular in the warmer months, so be sure and call me early to book your cruise reservation!
The Mayor's enthusiasm for bicycling means that this is a bike-friendly town and you'll see bicycles all over the city. One of the best tours is Bobby’s Bike Hike. Located at River East Arts Center, Bobby and his guides will take you to some of best sights of the city. Whether it is checking out the mansions in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park Zoo or Oprah’s house, you will have a fun and informative tour. Bobby also rents bikes for you own leisure time.
The Chicago Trolley/Double-Decker bus tours are another excellent option. For the price of an all day pass ($25.00), board the bus or trolley at key locations and hear wonderful stories about Chicago. If a particular landmark interests you, get off the trolley or bus, explore, and catch the next trolley that comes along.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation, offers wonderful walking and bus tours. A new tour this year is based on the popular book “Devil in the White City” and covers the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition, the last of the nineteenth century's world fairs.
You may remember a bit of other Chicago History concerning a man named Al Capone. The Untouchable Tours offer the highlights (and lowlights) of the gangster/prohibition era. Your guides, Al Dente and “Southside” Craig Alton, will give you the business…
A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device. In other words, FUN! There are currently two different companies to satisfy your Segway needs-- City Segway Tour and Segway Experience of Chicago Check out both sites!
With so many tour options you may not no where to begin. But have no fear, just call me or e-mail me and I will find the best tours for you! See you on the tour!
By Sea
Set sail on an architectural cruise along the Chicago River. Take an hour-long tour of the city's structural highlights on a Wendalla Boats Tour as part of our Architectural Tour Package . If you're onboard for a longer boat ride, take First Lady from Michigan Avenue Bridge, or a Chicago Line Cruise (Starbucks included!) from River East Arts Center for fascinating facts on Chicago and its buildings.
If the kids are on deck, a simple sightseeing cruise may be more fitting . Wendella and Mercury both offer a Lake and River Tour and Sunset Cruises. If you don't want to leave your best friend behind, take one of my favorite cruises, a Canine Cruise that Mercury offers on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. throughout July, August and September. If you've left them all behind and you're up for a fast adventure, the Seadog at Navy Pier is a large yellow speed boat to test your nerves on Lake Michigan.
Boats are very popular in the warmer months, so be sure and call me early to book your cruise reservation!
Pedal-Pushing
The Mayor's enthusiasm for bicycling means that this is a bike-friendly town and you'll see bicycles all over the city. One of the best tours is Bobby’s Bike Hike. Located at River East Arts Center, Bobby and his guides will take you to some of best sights of the city. Whether it is checking out the mansions in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park Zoo or Oprah’s house, you will have a fun and informative tour. Bobby also rents bikes for you own leisure time.
On the Bus
The Chicago Trolley/Double-Decker bus tours are another excellent option. For the price of an all day pass ($25.00), board the bus or trolley at key locations and hear wonderful stories about Chicago. If a particular landmark interests you, get off the trolley or bus, explore, and catch the next trolley that comes along.
Building Up
The Chicago Architecture Foundation, offers wonderful walking and bus tours. A new tour this year is based on the popular book “Devil in the White City” and covers the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition, the last of the nineteenth century's world fairs.
Touch it Up
You may remember a bit of other Chicago History concerning a man named Al Capone. The Untouchable Tours offer the highlights (and lowlights) of the gangster/prohibition era. Your guides, Al Dente and “Southside” Craig Alton, will give you the business…
By Segway...What the heck is a Segway?
A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device. In other words, FUN! There are currently two different companies to satisfy your Segway needs-- City Segway Tour and Segway Experience of Chicago Check out both sites!
I'll Lead the Way!
With so many tour options you may not no where to begin. But have no fear, just call me or e-mail me and I will find the best tours for you! See you on the tour!
Friday, April 6, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
What Does a Concierge do?
Beyond offering guests a friendly greeting and tips on the area, a concierge follows ancient tradition by aiming to fulfill any guest requests that are legally, ethically and morally feasible.
The word "concierge" is derived form the French term "comte des cierges" meaning "keeper of the candles." Keepers were required to stay abreast on all the events going on in the palace and maintain candles for them. As the years progressed, the person occupying this role was the gatekeeper, or keeper of the key, responsible for greeting guests and attending to their needs.
At the beginning of the 20th century, European hotels employed concierges to keep track of their guests' needs. They began meeting and networking in order to improve their services and eventually developed Les Clefs d’Or, the international association of professional hotel concierges.
As a member of Les Clefs d'Or, I wear a gold key on my lapel. The gold key signifies that the wearer is a professionally trained concierge who has built up the skills and contacts to open doors for guests throughout the city.
Not all concierges are members of Les Clefs d’Or. We must obtain five years experience as concierges, acquire sponsors, and pass rigorous testing. I am the only Les Clefs d’Or concierge in the Radisson chain in the U.S. But don’t worry... I'll still let you in on where you can find the best hot dog in Chicago!
The word "concierge" is derived form the French term "comte des cierges" meaning "keeper of the candles." Keepers were required to stay abreast on all the events going on in the palace and maintain candles for them. As the years progressed, the person occupying this role was the gatekeeper, or keeper of the key, responsible for greeting guests and attending to their needs.
At the beginning of the 20th century, European hotels employed concierges to keep track of their guests' needs. They began meeting and networking in order to improve their services and eventually developed Les Clefs d’Or, the international association of professional hotel concierges.
As a member of Les Clefs d'Or, I wear a gold key on my lapel. The gold key signifies that the wearer is a professionally trained concierge who has built up the skills and contacts to open doors for guests throughout the city.
Not all concierges are members of Les Clefs d’Or. We must obtain five years experience as concierges, acquire sponsors, and pass rigorous testing. I am the only Les Clefs d’Or concierge in the Radisson chain in the U.S. But don’t worry... I'll still let you in on where you can find the best hot dog in Chicago!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
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!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Chicago River Goes Green on St. Patrick's Day
Due to Chicago's thriving Irish-American community, tourists always enjoy spending St. Patrick's Day in a city that celebrates the holiday with bagpipes, stepdancing and the crowning of "Chicago's Fairest Colleen." However, the most compelling reason to come to Chicago and stay at the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites on March 17 is to see the Chicago River turn Emerald Green due to the magic of a closely guarded secret forumula.
On March 16, come to the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites and you can get an early start at celebrating the holiday at nearby pubs restaurants and still get up in time to witness the transformation of the Chicago River. At 10:45 in the morning on March 17, crowds will gather at the upper bridges at Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive and watch as the River Dyeing Crew unleashes an orange dye into the water which turns the water bright green.
Legend has at that this tradition began over 40 years ago when Stephen Bailey, Business Manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union, was making plans for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and noticed a plumber whose clothing was splotched with fluorescent green spots. Upon hearing that the plumber had been using the dye to detect waste leaks in the Chicago River, Bailey had the idea of turning the whole river green for St. Patrick’s Day.
The first time that the transformation took place, in 1962, over 100 pounds of were used and the Chicago River stayed green for a week. Over the years the formula was down and it was found that 25 pounds of dye would keep the Chicago River for one day.
In 1966, the chemical dye used to color the waters was changed to a vegetable based dye at the request of environmenalits. About 40 pounds of this dye is used to keep the river green for the day.
Chicago claims to be the only city that has the capability of changing its waters green. After you've witnessed this St. Patrick's Day miracle, watch the parade at noon, then come back to the Chicago Hotel and Suites and have some 'bangers in blankets' or 'Guinness Irish Stew' at Elephant and Castle Pub, located in the hotel.
On March 16, come to the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites and you can get an early start at celebrating the holiday at nearby pubs restaurants and still get up in time to witness the transformation of the Chicago River. At 10:45 in the morning on March 17, crowds will gather at the upper bridges at Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive and watch as the River Dyeing Crew unleashes an orange dye into the water which turns the water bright green.
Legend has at that this tradition began over 40 years ago when Stephen Bailey, Business Manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union, was making plans for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and noticed a plumber whose clothing was splotched with fluorescent green spots. Upon hearing that the plumber had been using the dye to detect waste leaks in the Chicago River, Bailey had the idea of turning the whole river green for St. Patrick’s Day.
The first time that the transformation took place, in 1962, over 100 pounds of were used and the Chicago River stayed green for a week. Over the years the formula was down and it was found that 25 pounds of dye would keep the Chicago River for one day.
In 1966, the chemical dye used to color the waters was changed to a vegetable based dye at the request of environmenalits. About 40 pounds of this dye is used to keep the river green for the day.
Chicago claims to be the only city that has the capability of changing its waters green. After you've witnessed this St. Patrick's Day miracle, watch the parade at noon, then come back to the Chicago Hotel and Suites and have some 'bangers in blankets' or 'Guinness Irish Stew' at Elephant and Castle Pub, located in the hotel.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Family-Friendly Chicago
I'm always asked to make recommendations for good places to go with kids. Chicago is a very family-friendly vacation destination, and many people are surprised by that. Here are some of my recommendations for sites to see with your children.
CHILD-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS: Bubba Gump’s Seafood, Buca di Beppo, Carson's Ribs, Cheesecake Factory, Ed Debevic’s, Gino's East Pizza, Giordano’s, Grand Lux Café, Hard Rock Café, Maggiano’s, and Rainforest Café.
AMERICAN GIRL PLACE: 111 E. Chicago Avenue
World-famous dolls and accessories, high tea are all part of the fun for children 7 and up and their families.
BLUE CHICAGO
536 N. Clark
Authentic Chicago Blues club where children are welcom on the weekends when accompanied by a parent.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Located on Navy Pier, only one mile from the Radisson Chicago Hotel & Suites. Hands-on fun for children aged 3-12. Exhibits, toys, games and mazes will keep children’s interest as they learn.
DAVE AND BUSTERS
1030 N. Clark
Fun for the whole family until 10 PM featuring skeeball, arcade, pinball, shuffleboard and virtual reality games as well as dining.
ESPN ZONE
64 E. Ohio
Cheer on your favorite sports team in the bar and restaurant, and let your kids (7 and up) enjoy the arcade and virtual reality games.
LANDMARKS/MUSEUMS
Chicago is famous for beautiful parks and monuments such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, and Buckingham Fountain. Families will enjoy visiting one of Chicago’s many fabulous museums.
LUCKY STRIKE BOWLING ALLEY
322 E. Illinois
This Hollywood import has state of The art bowling lanes, 22 big screen plasmas. Under 21 until 9 PM.
NAVY PIER
Navy Pier, only one mile from the Radisson Chicago Hotel & Suites, features a Ferris wheel, the Children's Museum, IMAX Theatre, shopping, dining, virtual reality rides, seasonal boat tours and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
CHILD-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS: Bubba Gump’s Seafood, Buca di Beppo, Carson's Ribs, Cheesecake Factory, Ed Debevic’s, Gino's East Pizza, Giordano’s, Grand Lux Café, Hard Rock Café, Maggiano’s, and Rainforest Café.
AMERICAN GIRL PLACE: 111 E. Chicago Avenue
World-famous dolls and accessories, high tea are all part of the fun for children 7 and up and their families.
BLUE CHICAGO
536 N. Clark
Authentic Chicago Blues club where children are welcom on the weekends when accompanied by a parent.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Located on Navy Pier, only one mile from the Radisson Chicago Hotel & Suites. Hands-on fun for children aged 3-12. Exhibits, toys, games and mazes will keep children’s interest as they learn.
DAVE AND BUSTERS
1030 N. Clark
Fun for the whole family until 10 PM featuring skeeball, arcade, pinball, shuffleboard and virtual reality games as well as dining.
ESPN ZONE
64 E. Ohio
Cheer on your favorite sports team in the bar and restaurant, and let your kids (7 and up) enjoy the arcade and virtual reality games.
LANDMARKS/MUSEUMS
Chicago is famous for beautiful parks and monuments such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, and Buckingham Fountain. Families will enjoy visiting one of Chicago’s many fabulous museums.
LUCKY STRIKE BOWLING ALLEY
322 E. Illinois
This Hollywood import has state of The art bowling lanes, 22 big screen plasmas. Under 21 until 9 PM.
NAVY PIER
Navy Pier, only one mile from the Radisson Chicago Hotel & Suites, features a Ferris wheel, the Children's Museum, IMAX Theatre, shopping, dining, virtual reality rides, seasonal boat tours and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
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