Just a quick update regarding plans for TAFRU 2011 - Chicago.
First of all, I want to thank Meg DeZutti and Jeanne Okrasinski for volunteering their assistance in helping plan TAFRU 2011. The three of us have been tossing around some ideas for TAFRU and as plans are confirmed I will be sharing them here.
Right now our priority is finding a hotel to accommodate our group. I started contacting hotels back in September and quickly discovered two things.
1. Hotels in Chicago book quickly.
2. Hotels in downtown Chicago are pricey.
Okay, I knew that downtown Chicago hotels were pricey, but I was hoping I could find us an awesome group rate. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, so it was on to Plan B which appears to be working out much better as we have found a hotel out by O'Hare that can not only accommodate our group, but can do so for a good rate. It is also a much better location for any family that happens to be flying in for the event as they provide shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and back. Downtown Chicago hotels don't provide that service, so this is a huge bonus in my book.
As soon as we have the hotel confirmed, information will be posted and a link to the hotel provided so families can make their reservations.
In the meantime, I want to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
What To See and Do in Chicago - #8
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.
I'll admit, this is something I've yet to do on my visits to Chicago, but have wanted to do for a very long time. Hopping on one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses seems like a great way to see the city.
You can choose from a variety of tours:
- The Signature Tour covers 13 miles of Chicago's downtown and loop area. It is a single day ticket that allows you to ride for the full two hours or hop off to do some sightseeing on your own and re-board later than same day to continue the tour.
- Maybe you would rather see a smaller section of the city. The North Neighborhood tour will take you to places like Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. Or maybe you would be more interested in seeing Chinatown or stopping by Oprah's Store on the West Neighborhood tour. Of course there is also the Museum of Science and Industry on the South Neighborhood tour.
- If you're going to be in Chicago for a few days and want to take your time seeing all the sites, the Explore Chicago tour is probably what you need. You can jump on the bus or trolley and take a ride to one of the museums, stop for some shopping or a nice lunch with friends or family. You have 3 full days explore Chicago while sitting back and enjoying the scenic view of Chicago from one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses.
For more information about the tours, visit the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. website here.
I'll admit, this is something I've yet to do on my visits to Chicago, but have wanted to do for a very long time. Hopping on one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses seems like a great way to see the city.
You can choose from a variety of tours:
- The Signature Tour covers 13 miles of Chicago's downtown and loop area. It is a single day ticket that allows you to ride for the full two hours or hop off to do some sightseeing on your own and re-board later than same day to continue the tour.
- Maybe you would rather see a smaller section of the city. The North Neighborhood tour will take you to places like Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. Or maybe you would be more interested in seeing Chinatown or stopping by Oprah's Store on the West Neighborhood tour. Of course there is also the Museum of Science and Industry on the South Neighborhood tour.
- If you're going to be in Chicago for a few days and want to take your time seeing all the sites, the Explore Chicago tour is probably what you need. You can jump on the bus or trolley and take a ride to one of the museums, stop for some shopping or a nice lunch with friends or family. You have 3 full days explore Chicago while sitting back and enjoying the scenic view of Chicago from one of the Trolley's or Double Decker buses.
For more information about the tours, visit the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. website here.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
What to See and Do in Chicago - #7
Yes I'm way behind on posting about family fun things to do in Chicago. First it was our family fun trip to California and then our family fun trip to Chicago. Actually, the trip to Chicago was also about planning TAFRU, but I always love the opportunity to head into the city. Still, my time away meant time away from a lot of things, including posting here.
Now onto more things to do in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
I realize that not everyone is interested in history and even more are probably not interested in Chicago's history, but for you history buffs out there, this one may be worth the trip.
The museum takes care of, shows and interrupts over 22 million authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history in both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include - Chicago: Crossroad of America, Sensing Chicago, The Dioramas, and Treasures.
Current temporary exhibits on display are - I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot, My Chinatown, Lincoln at 200, and Lincoln Park Block by Block.
To see descriptions of these displays, click here.
The museum also hold various events during the year such as tours, films, lectures and seminars.
Now onto more things to do in Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
I realize that not everyone is interested in history and even more are probably not interested in Chicago's history, but for you history buffs out there, this one may be worth the trip.
The museum takes care of, shows and interrupts over 22 million authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history in both permanent and temporary exhibits.
Permanent exhibits include - Chicago: Crossroad of America, Sensing Chicago, The Dioramas, and Treasures.
Current temporary exhibits on display are - I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot, My Chinatown, Lincoln at 200, and Lincoln Park Block by Block.
To see descriptions of these displays, click here.
The museum also hold various events during the year such as tours, films, lectures and seminars.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What to See and Do In Chicago - #6
Chicago Children's Museum
When the Chicago public schools cut funding, the Jr. League of Chicago stepped up to the plate and in 1982 the Express-Ways Children's Museum was created. Originally located in the Chicago Public Library, they moved to their current location at Navy Pier in 1995. It has since become one of Chicago's top cultural attractions and the second most visited children's museum in the country.
The Chicago Children's Museum in primarily for kids birth thru 5th grade, although older children and adults find the children's museum to be fun and entertaining as well.
For more information about exhibits, programs, hours and admission, please visit their website.
When the Chicago public schools cut funding, the Jr. League of Chicago stepped up to the plate and in 1982 the Express-Ways Children's Museum was created. Originally located in the Chicago Public Library, they moved to their current location at Navy Pier in 1995. It has since become one of Chicago's top cultural attractions and the second most visited children's museum in the country.
The Chicago Children's Museum in primarily for kids birth thru 5th grade, although older children and adults find the children's museum to be fun and entertaining as well.
For more information about exhibits, programs, hours and admission, please visit their website.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What to See and Do In Chicago - #5
Buckingham Fountain
Located at Columbus Dr. and Congress Pkwy., this is one of the largest fountains in the world.
For 20 minutes, every hour on the hour, beginning at 8 a.m. from April - October, the fountain begins its spectacular display as it shoots water 150 feet into the air accompanied by a music and light show.
In my opinion, a must see when visiting Chicago.
Located at Columbus Dr. and Congress Pkwy., this is one of the largest fountains in the world.
For 20 minutes, every hour on the hour, beginning at 8 a.m. from April - October, the fountain begins its spectacular display as it shoots water 150 feet into the air accompanied by a music and light show.
In my opinion, a must see when visiting Chicago.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
What to See and Do In Chicago - #4
My plan was to post "What to See and Do In Chicago" on Mondays, but yesterday just wasn't a great day in our house and our Ethiopian princess hasn't been feeling well and needed a lot of cuddle time. However, it's now quiet so on to #4.
Brookfield Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. But that's not all you'll find at the Brookfield Zoo.
Tropic World will introduce you to the spider monkeys from South America or the white cheeked gibbons from Asia.
How about a visit to Great Bear Wilderness to see the Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf or Bison?
If you enjoy winged creatures you can visit the Butterfly exhibit, Perching Bird House or Feathers and Scales.
This is just a small sampling of the exhibits available at Brookfield Zoo.
Just a short drive from downtown Chicago or on Metra's Burlington Northern Line which stops just two blocks from the zoo.
There really is a lot to see and do at the Brookfield Zoo, so check out their website for more information.
Brookfield Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. But that's not all you'll find at the Brookfield Zoo.
Tropic World will introduce you to the spider monkeys from South America or the white cheeked gibbons from Asia.
How about a visit to Great Bear Wilderness to see the Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf or Bison?
If you enjoy winged creatures you can visit the Butterfly exhibit, Perching Bird House or Feathers and Scales.
This is just a small sampling of the exhibits available at Brookfield Zoo.
Just a short drive from downtown Chicago or on Metra's Burlington Northern Line which stops just two blocks from the zoo.
There really is a lot to see and do at the Brookfield Zoo, so check out their website for more information.
Monday, September 13, 2010
What to See and Do In Chicago - #3
For those of you who like to be really active while seeing the sights, this one may be of interest.
Bike and Roll
How about a bike tour of Chicago. There are many to choose from.
- The Amazing Lakefront Bike Tour
- Friendly Neighborhoods Electric Bike Tour
- Chicago River and Parks Tour
- The Presidential Tour
- Bikes at Night Electric Bike Tour
You can rent adult bikes, children's bikes, pull behind kid trailers, hand cycles, tandem bikes, quadcycles, etc.
There are many locations throughout the Chicago area, so finding a bike rental location shouldn't be a problem.
For more information, visit Bike and Roll and get ready to ride.
Bike and Roll
How about a bike tour of Chicago. There are many to choose from.
- The Amazing Lakefront Bike Tour
- Friendly Neighborhoods Electric Bike Tour
- Chicago River and Parks Tour
- The Presidential Tour
- Bikes at Night Electric Bike Tour
You can rent adult bikes, children's bikes, pull behind kid trailers, hand cycles, tandem bikes, quadcycles, etc.
There are many locations throughout the Chicago area, so finding a bike rental location shouldn't be a problem.
For more information, visit Bike and Roll and get ready to ride.
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