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During your Chicago vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is just across from Robie House. Did someone say chapel? This is false modesty, even for a Rockefeller. When the university first opened its doors, the students sang the following ditty:John D. Rockefeller, wonderful man is heGives all his spare change to the U of C.John D. was a generous patron, indeed. He founded the university (in cooperation with the American Baptist Society), built the magnificent minicathedral that now bears his name, and shelled out an additional $35 million in donations to the institution over the course of his lifetime. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, an architect known for his ecclesiastical buildings -- including Cadet Chapel at West Point and New York City's St. Thomas Church -- the Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1928.In keeping with the rest of the campus, which is patterned after Oxford, it is reminiscent of English Gothic structures but was built from limestone and with modern construction techniques. Its most outstanding features are the circular stained-glass window high above the main altar (the windows, in general, are among the largest of any church or cathedral anywhere) and the world's second-largest carillon, which was donated by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1932 in memory of his mother, Laura. The chapel's organ is nearly as impressive, with four manuals, 126 stops, and more than 10,000 pipes.Choir concerts, carillon performances, and other musical programs are presented throughout the year, usually for a small donation. The building is open to the public; in-depth tours can be arranged through the university's Office of Special Events at tel. 773/702-9636. Tours of the carillon are done during the academic year; call the office to find out times. Allow a half-hour.
Chicago Architecture Center
Chicago's architecture is one of the city's main claims to fame, and a quick swing through this center will help you understand why. Run by the well-regarded Chicago Architecture Foundation, it's conveniently located across the street from the Art Institute. Still trying to figure out the difference between Prairie School and postmodern? Stop in here for a quick lesson. Exhibits include a scale model of downtown Chicago, profiles of the people and buildings that shaped the city's look, and a searchable database with pictures and information on many of Chicago's best-known skyscrapers. "Architecture ambassadors" are on hand to provide information on tours run by the foundation. Two galleries feature changing exhibits about ongoing Chicago design projects -- so you can see firsthand how local architecture continues to evolve. There's also an excellent gift shop filled with architecture-focused books, decorative accessories, and gifts. Allow a half-hour, more if you want to browse in the store.
Shoreline Sightseeing
Shoreline schedules 30-minute lake cruises every half-hour from its three dock locations: the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Shoreline has also gotten in on the popularity of architecture tours by offering its own version, narrated by an architectural guide (with higher prices than their regular tours). A water taxi also runs every half-hour from Navy Pier to both the Sears Tower and the Shedd Aquarium. One-way tickets for the water taxi are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children under 12; all-day passes cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Hotel Allegro - a Kimpton Hotel
Centrally located in the heart of the downtown area of Chicago. The Hotel Allegro is located 18 miles from O'Hare International Airport and 12 miles away from Midway Airport. Located in the downtown "Loop" area, Allegro is within walking distance of the business district, Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. shopping, museums, the theater district, nightlife and world-renowned dining establishments. The hotel also has quick access to public transportation, which can be used to easily reach O'Hare ...
Marriott Chicago O'Hare
Please note the Chicago Marriott O'Hare is a smoke-free facility with the exception of the Firehouse Tavern! All guest rooms and suites are non-smoking accommodations. * Located just minutes from O'Hare International Airport and fifteen miles from downtown Chicago, the Chicago Marriott O'Hare is one of the few Chicago hotels that provides a location both close to the airport and easily accessible to the heart of the city. The American Management Association headquarters is adjacent with ...
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