By Mary Whalen | Senior Member
The 2012 STC Summit will be held just outside of the city of Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. On your Summit trip, you may be able to fit in a downtown Chicago outing. And on your outing, here are some tourist spots you should have on your list of things to do.
One of Chicago's newest and most visited attractions is Millennium Park. The 24.5 acre park, opened in 2004, is located downtown, on Michigan Avenue near the Lake Michigan shoreline. At the park, you can't miss these famous sculptures: 1) Cloud Gate (or, The Bean, as Chicagoans know it), a legume-shaped smooth silver structure and 2) Crown Fountain, two 50-foot high structures made of glass brick where water flows into a plaza covered in black granite. Though you might spend an hour or two roaming and viewing the artwork and garden area, you also might catch a concert in the park or a show in the Harris Theater. For food, you easily can find a Chicago-style hot dog at one of the many food stands, and the Park Grill offers sit-down service and a variety of food options.
Of course, Chicago has some of the most well-known museums in the world. The Art Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum are among the three most popular. All three museums include ongoing collections on display as well as special exhibits that rotate throughout the year. The Adler Planetarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium are family-friendly attractions that never fail to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
The most popular Chicago tourist spot is Navy Pier. Navy Pier offers a great view of the cityscape and Lake Michigan. Other great views you can have are in the stained glass museum or on a walk through the gardens. If you're in a carnival kind of mood, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel or play a round on the minigolf course. When you're ready for something to eat, you can choose from the many food court options or opt for a stand-alone restaurant like The Billy Goat Tavern (subject of the John Belushi Saturday Night Live “Cheezburger, Cheezburger” skit from the seventies), Harry Caray's, or the upscale Riva Restaurant. Either way, you can enjoy your meal while overlooking the city and lake. When you're done, pick up Chicago souvenirs in the many shops.
Off of Navy Pier, you can catch a lake or riverboat tour. Either option is good if you want to relax and enjoy the view. But if you want a tour of the art, design, history, and landscape of the city, an architectural boat tour is the best bet. You will get a narrated trip through the river and canals along downtown streets. Native Chicagoans enjoy and recommend this tour, as it offers insights from experts and delves into the fascinating and little-known details about Chicago's famous skyline.
Two of Chicago's most popular beaches are only a short walk from Navy Pier. At Oak Street Beach, you can enjoy a nice view of the city or catch some rays in the sand. At North Avenue Beach, you can watch the sand volleyball players or enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at the boathouse, overlooking the water. For a sky-high view of the city, head back to North Michigan Avenue and the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center. There you'll be able to enjoy cocktails and view the city and Lake Michigan shoreline from what is arguably the most stunning perspective in town.
The restaurant offerings in Chicago alone might be worth a trip downtown from Rosemont. For seafood, Shaw's Crab House is a favorite. Or if you'd like to get a nice steak while you're in town, you can go to Ruth Chris's Steak House, Morton's, or Gibson's. For a taste of Chicago personality with your food, visit Ed Debevic's diner. And if you want to be sure to get your Chicago pizza fix, you can go to Uno's, Lou Malnati's, Gino's East, or Giordano's.
For most of these downtown destinations, you can take a train from the conference area, then walk or take a short bus or cab ride. And for Navy Pier, there might be trolley or water taxi service available from the train station. If you plan to drive, check ahead at each location for local parking options (though Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry do have paid parking lots onsite).
Before you leave the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, you might want a little more information. Chicago Chapter Host Committee members will be on hand at the Summit Hospitality Table and may be able to advise you on the schedules for the downtown trains and provide further information on restaurants and attractions, as well as what plays or attractions are at Chicago theaters.
