The Chicago Traveler

The Bank of America Winter Wonder Fest is back at Navy Pier.  You can enjoy refreshments, ice skating, rides and other activities.
Prices – Activity Wristband Pricing – This year prices are Basic Activity Wristband $12.00 per person (includes all rides & activities except ice-skating) – Premium Wristband $16.00 per person (includes ice skating).  There is also a parking special.  Family Free Parking Pack – Purchase your “Family Free Parking Pack” which includes 4 premium wristbands and Free Parking for one low price! $57.00 — (valid only Dec. 7-11 and Dec. 14-18), Includes 4 Premium wristbands and Free parking! $64.00 — …read more

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• After enjoying cocktails at Plan B, hop on a bus for a tour of four allegedly haunted bars as part of Boo & Brew. (Oct 30)
• Traverse the Trails of Terror, a half-mile of wooded trails in Peterson Park filled with creepy characters. Not suitable for small children. (ends Oct 31)
• ‘The Fear’ at Navy Pier is a tented, outdoor haunted house aimed at teens and adults, featuring zombies, werewolves, vampires, and more. (ends Nov 2)
• The Halloween Bash at Murphy’s Bleachers includes food, drinks, live music, a costume contest, and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit the North Side Housing …read more

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Tomorrow, the United States will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. There are several fireworks displays all across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs:
• At Navy Pier, the Fourth of July Fireworks are a ten-minute display accompanied with inspirational music. (9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.)
• Partygoers will meet at Lumen before buses will take them to the DayRa Fourth of July Boat Cruise, a three-hour cruise with dancing, cocktails, food, and a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. After the display, an after-party will be held at Lumen. ($75-$95, …read more

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Navy Pier is a major tourist attraction in Chicago, offering a multitude of activities, including shopping, live music, virtual rides, restaurants, and cruises. You can even take in a bit of theatrical culture at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
This non-profit, professional theatre company was founded in 1986, when it performed on the roof of the Red Lion Pub. In 1999, it moved to its current two-venue facility at Navy Pier, which includes the 500-seat Jentes Family Auditorium (where the audience sits around three sides of the stage) and the 200-seat Carl & Marilynn Thoma Theater (a black box space).
I’m a big …read more

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The Sears Tower may no longer be officially considered the tallest building in the world, but that hasn’t stopped Chicago from building and reaching higher. The Chicago Spire is a skyscraper currently under construction that, when completed in 2011, will be 2,000 feet tall (610 m) with 150 floors. It will be the second-tallest building in the world, the tallest free-standing structure in North America, and the tallest all-residential building on the planet.
The skyscraper is being constructed in Streeterville, just west of Navy Pier. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava imagined a smoke spiral coming from a campfire when he designed the …read more

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I love ice cream. Which is probably obvious from these love handles of mine. But I love it even more when it’s free!
Ben & Jerry’s has been holding its promotional Free Cone Day for a few years now as a way of thanking their customers. This year, the ice cream gurus are celebrating their 30th birthday across the globe, and you’re invited to the party. Today is your opportunity to get a FREE scoop of ice cream at participating outlets.
For a list of participating “Scoop Shops” in Illinois, click here. Did I mention FREE?
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Casual Chin

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• There are three little words that every woman wants to hear: “wine, cheese, chocolate.” Go all out, and buy your beloved a $96 glass of bubbly. Eno will be serving Dom Perignon Rose 1996 by the glass. If your date is not beloved but “beliked,” try the glasses of 1997 Terra Valentine Cabernet for $25 each. (4:00 p.m. – 12 midnight, menu prices) (map) (link)
• What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day cruise? Odyssey Cruises will provide you …read more

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• These are the last few days to take part in the Chicago Originals Restaurant Week Celebration. A select number of restaurants offer two- or three-course dinners specially priced at $20.08 in honor of the New Year. For a list of participating businesses, head to http://www.chicagooriginals.com/ (ends Feb 3)
• Brrrr… It’s cold out there, which is perfect weather for Chicago’s newest attraction, Paintings Below Zero. A brilliantly colored ice wall that is nearly 100 feet long (30 m) and over 10 feet tall (3 m) is the largest and perhaps most stunning work from Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. (Feb 1-29)
• …read more

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The Wheel of Fortune is coming to Chicago! Pat and Vanna will be taping three weeks’ worth of shows this March, but you have to act FAST if you want to be a part of the live studio audience.Shows will be taped March 7, 8, and 9 at Navy Pier. The scheduled theme weeks include Family Style, College Week, and Going to the Game.
These episodes will be aired nationally in May. Click here for more information. Ticket request forms must be postmarked by February 2, 2008. Don’t miss out!

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• Can you shake your booty to a Latin beat? Club 720 holds a weekly salsa competition where winners advance to the finals in the hopes of earning the $2500 cash prize. (runs through Feb 15)
• Those handsome Chicago calendar firemen will be hitting the town again, this time at Crobar. They’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures (slightly more clothed this time), and even giving out kisses from a kissing booth. Have a favorite month? Vote for the handsomest hero as the men compete for the title of “Chicago’s Hottest Fireman.” Actor Daniel Sunjata of the FX show “Rescue …read more

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