In addition to counseling Radisson guests, I also let staff members know what's happening in Chicago. Below is this month's newsletter.
It’s me again, Verne, the concierge.
This weekend is the Chicago Air and Water Show, presented by Shell (Oil, not Anthony our Director of Front Office Operations). The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army parachute team, the Red Baron Squadron and the Shell (Oil, not Anthony) Extreme Water show are just a few of the highlights up in the sky and along North Avenue Beach.
In the mood for some star-gazing? If you happen to miss Brad Pitt and Angelina Joline around the corner, stop by Macy’s on Friday at noon and see Gwyneth Paltrow introduce a new fragrance by Estee Lauder. Do you watch “Entourage”? Also on Friday, at 9pm, stop by Crobar to help Kevin Dillon celebrate his 42nd b-day. Not satisfied with cable television actors? Beyonce will be at United Center on August 18th, with an after party at Alhambra. (Have you been there yet? It’s like Sadaam’s Palace all over again…only more over the top.
How about getting away from the lakefront crowds and all the paparazzi and stop by Ravinia to see the Gypsy Kings. Stop by Fox and Obel, get some food, pack a basket and head out on the train for a relaxing evening under the stars.
Ok, whoever else has dogs, head over to The Chopping Block up on Lincoln Avenue for dog biscuit baking class on Sunday, the 19th at noon. Learn how to make treats for your pooch. The $20.00 proceeds benefit ARFhouse Chicago.
Or head over to Oz Park for “Fun and Games Day for Young Professionals”. Compete for prizes in Frisbee, golf, basketball, 16-inch softball or a bean bag toss. Includes a post game visit to Gamekeepers.
Anyone remember 'The Four Tops'? They will be in concert at the Pritzker Pavilion at 7pm on the 19th.
Speaking of the 19th, I will be leaving on a jet plane for New York City to attend a Les Clefs d’Or conference. The purpose of these conferences is very beneficial to both myself as a concierge and the hotel. We have three days of business meetings (and they are business, as we are required to wear business suits), part of which is an educational symposia. It also promotes travel and tourism in general. The networking aspect is immeasurable, as we are also a sales and marketing tool for our respective hotels. We also meet other partners in the hospitality industry such as Hertz, Federal Express, GoConcierge and many others.
Until next time…
Verne
Friday, August 17, 2007
Get Me Some Education!
Northwestern University. Loyola University. DePaul University. University of Chicago. University of Illinois, Chicago Campus. Lake Forest College.
The east and west coasts have nothing on Chicago when it concerns education. Chicago and the surrounding area have some of the best colleges and universities in the country and all are within a short distance of the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites!
Many of the schools (Northwestern, Loyola, and DePaul) even have satellite campuses that you can walk to from the hotel , while the others are a short train ride away.
Northwestern University's main campus, just north of the city, boasts a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Some of the more famous alumni out of Northwestern include Noah Wyle, Patricia Neal, Cloris Leachman and Warren Beatty.
DePaul University’s main campus, located in the very popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, is home of the Blue Demons basketball team, once coached by the legendary Ray Meyer. DePaul also has an excellent law school.
The University of Chicago is in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. Hyde Park is not only home to the University, but also home to many fine museums such as The Museum of Science and Industry, The Smart Museum of Art and the DuSable Museum. Hyde Park also has the Frederick C. Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The University, founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1890, is affiliated with 79 Nobel Prize laureates.
University of Illinois, Chicago Campus is close to Greek Town and Little Italy. It is the largest university in the Chicago area with over 25,000 students and 15 colleges. It also has the nation’s largest medical school.
Lake Forest College, located in the lush setting of this north shore suburb, truly has a beautiful campus. Its 107-acre campus is just a few short blocks to Lake Michigan. Billed as Chicago’s National Liberal Arts College, Lake Forest College celebrates 150 years in October. Designer Nate Berkus is one of their alumni.
So stay at The Radisson when you are here looking for higher education, or visiting someone at one of the schools for parent’s weekend, Little Sis or Bro weekend, or any occasion.
Until next time, remember, stay in school!
The east and west coasts have nothing on Chicago when it concerns education. Chicago and the surrounding area have some of the best colleges and universities in the country and all are within a short distance of the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites!
Many of the schools (Northwestern, Loyola, and DePaul) even have satellite campuses that you can walk to from the hotel , while the others are a short train ride away.
Northwestern University's main campus, just north of the city, boasts a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Some of the more famous alumni out of Northwestern include Noah Wyle, Patricia Neal, Cloris Leachman and Warren Beatty.
DePaul University’s main campus, located in the very popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, is home of the Blue Demons basketball team, once coached by the legendary Ray Meyer. DePaul also has an excellent law school.
The University of Chicago is in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. Hyde Park is not only home to the University, but also home to many fine museums such as The Museum of Science and Industry, The Smart Museum of Art and the DuSable Museum. Hyde Park also has the Frederick C. Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The University, founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1890, is affiliated with 79 Nobel Prize laureates.
University of Illinois, Chicago Campus is close to Greek Town and Little Italy. It is the largest university in the Chicago area with over 25,000 students and 15 colleges. It also has the nation’s largest medical school.
Lake Forest College, located in the lush setting of this north shore suburb, truly has a beautiful campus. Its 107-acre campus is just a few short blocks to Lake Michigan. Billed as Chicago’s National Liberal Arts College, Lake Forest College celebrates 150 years in October. Designer Nate Berkus is one of their alumni.
So stay at The Radisson when you are here looking for higher education, or visiting someone at one of the schools for parent’s weekend, Little Sis or Bro weekend, or any occasion.
Until next time, remember, stay in school!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Summer’s Not Over Yet!
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!
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!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Things I Love About Chicago
Chicago shoreline: Home to nine separate harbors, Lake Michigan is popular for both pleasure boating and fishing
Drawbridges: Life has its up and downs and so does Chicago as there are over 40 moveable bridges on the 156 mile long Chicago River.
Michigan Avenue Bridge: Designed by architects Edward Bennett and Hugh Young, this became a prototype for other Chicago style bascule bridges.
Grant Park : Chicago’s “front yard” was created in 1835 and has grown to include Millennium Park, a fashionable area that Forbes has declared as having the hottest zip code in the country.
Buckingham Fountain: The centerpiece of Grant Park is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden. Every hour there’s a water show at the fountain and at night the display includes lights and music. As a child ,my parents would drive us to see the magnificent light show while we were in our pajamas.
Navy Pier: One of Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction, with shops, restaurants, boats and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Navy Pier is located just a half block east of the hotel is Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile and near the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites.
Chicago Water Tower: Completed in 1869, it is one of the few buildings to survive the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and it still provides fresh water to residents.
Chicago Skyline: A wonder to the eyes! Ever-changing, with its incredible variety of buildings that each with have a unique style and history. The diversity of industry and inhabitants in Chicago shine through in the buildings throughout the city.
Drawbridges: Life has its up and downs and so does Chicago as there are over 40 moveable bridges on the 156 mile long Chicago River.
Michigan Avenue Bridge: Designed by architects Edward Bennett and Hugh Young, this became a prototype for other Chicago style bascule bridges.
Grant Park : Chicago’s “front yard” was created in 1835 and has grown to include Millennium Park, a fashionable area that Forbes has declared as having the hottest zip code in the country.
Buckingham Fountain: The centerpiece of Grant Park is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden. Every hour there’s a water show at the fountain and at night the display includes lights and music. As a child ,my parents would drive us to see the magnificent light show while we were in our pajamas.
Navy Pier: One of Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction, with shops, restaurants, boats and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Navy Pier is located just a half block east of the hotel is Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile and near the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites.
Chicago Water Tower: Completed in 1869, it is one of the few buildings to survive the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and it still provides fresh water to residents.
Chicago Skyline: A wonder to the eyes! Ever-changing, with its incredible variety of buildings that each with have a unique style and history. The diversity of industry and inhabitants in Chicago shine through in the buildings throughout the city.
Friday, June 22, 2007
TASTE OF CHICAGO 2007
Take a vacation to Chicago but give your taste buds a workout by coming and sampling foods from seventy area restaurants during the free, ten-day ‘Taste of Chicago’ festival in Grant Park from June 29-July 8. Go through colorful tents that house outdoor kitchens and try candy, ice cream, Polish and Italian food from shops and restaurants such as JR Dessert Bakery, Polka Sausage and Deli, Chicago Celebration Company and Bobtail Ice Cream Company. For respite from the festivity, visit the Gourmet Pavilion where each day an upscale restaurant will be serving cuisine. If all the scrumptious offerings inspire you to make your own creations, get some tips by visiting Dominick’s Cooking Corner where chefs will offer tips and lessons.
If you need some time to digest all the food , listen to top-notch music at the Petrillo Music Station. This year, there will be performances by Kenny Rogers, John Mayer, Soul Asylum and Los Lonely Boys. Between acts, attend the Kenny Rogers Look-Alike contest, Macy’s Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular and a screening of Walk the Line.
Unique venues will be set up throughout Grant Park such as the Family Village where there’ll be a teddy bear clinic, a cheesecake decorating table, chess lessons, family bingo and dinosaur activities. At Fun Time Stage, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Unit, the Children’s Dance Theatre Chicago, African dancers and Chi-Town cheerleaders. The International Pavillion is the site of global arts such as Mexican Paper Cutting, Italian mask-making and a harper digeridoo workshop.
To get rid of those extra calories, join in the Bally Total Fitness Race to Taste 5k Run & 2-Mile Walk on July 1 at 8:30 a.m. Participants receive a Dri-Fit event t-shirt, a one-month free membership to Bally Total Fitness and one strip of Taste food tickets. If you’d rather laugh it off instead, attend the ComedySportz Theatre where two Improv teams will compete to provide the most humor.
After a day of consumption, get a good night’s rest or let the party continue the party by heading back to the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites, which is less then two miles from Grant Park and in the heart of Magnificent Mile where all the after hours celebrating during 'Taste of Chicago' will be taking place.
Delight Your Ears (and Eyes) Too…
If you need some time to digest all the food , listen to top-notch music at the Petrillo Music Station. This year, there will be performances by Kenny Rogers, John Mayer, Soul Asylum and Los Lonely Boys. Between acts, attend the Kenny Rogers Look-Alike contest, Macy’s Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular and a screening of Walk the Line.
Suit Your Personal Taste
Unique venues will be set up throughout Grant Park such as the Family Village where there’ll be a teddy bear clinic, a cheesecake decorating table, chess lessons, family bingo and dinosaur activities. At Fun Time Stage, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Unit, the Children’s Dance Theatre Chicago, African dancers and Chi-Town cheerleaders. The International Pavillion is the site of global arts such as Mexican Paper Cutting, Italian mask-making and a harper digeridoo workshop.
Burn it all off…
To get rid of those extra calories, join in the Bally Total Fitness Race to Taste 5k Run & 2-Mile Walk on July 1 at 8:30 a.m. Participants receive a Dri-Fit event t-shirt, a one-month free membership to Bally Total Fitness and one strip of Taste food tickets. If you’d rather laugh it off instead, attend the ComedySportz Theatre where two Improv teams will compete to provide the most humor.
Rest on a Full Stomach…
After a day of consumption, get a good night’s rest or let the party continue the party by heading back to the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites, which is less then two miles from Grant Park and in the heart of Magnificent Mile where all the after hours celebrating during 'Taste of Chicago' will be taking place.
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!
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