Chicago Redcap Walking Tours - Take a walking architectual and historical tour of downtown Chicago with Chicago Redcap Tours. These incredibly interesting and informative tours are 2 hours long and ridiculously underpriced! I keep telling Bill Elliott - the owner of Chicago Redcap Tours, and its tour leader extroadinaire - to raise his prices, but he won't hear of it.
House Theatre of Chicago - Go to see an original play put on by Chicago's most innovative and inventive theater company - The House Theatre Company. Ticket prices are ridiculously inexpensive and very easy to come by. When you go, remember to tell Nathan Allen - their brilliant artistic director - that he still owes me a night out.
Architectual Boat Tour - Take an architectual boat tour along the Chicago River with Shoreline Cruises. These tours are wonderful! There are several companies doing architectual river tours in Chicago, but I like Shoreline's tour guides the best. Prices are reasonable (not great), and they have several other boat tours you can also choose from.
Bobby's Bike Hike - Rent bicycles and cruise the beautiful lakefront bike path on your own, or take Bobby's Bike Hike's extremely popular "Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour". How about their new "Obama Bike Tour". I haven't taken the latter yet, but I am really looking forward to it. Prices are reasonable, and their customer service is excellent!
Museum of Science and Industry - A bit far removed from downtown Chicago, but well worth the trip. The Museum of Science and Industry is a wonderful "hands-on" experience. The building itself is magnificent, and the only building remaining from the famous "White City" of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Ask for Freddy Atkins (Facilitator #2) when you get there, and he'll take care of you.
Art Institute of Chicago - I can visit the Impressionists wing of The Art Institute of Chicago over and over, and never get tired of seeing one of the finest collections of Impressionist paintings in the world! I haven't had time to visit the new Modern Art building there yet, but I am eager to do so. The Art Institute is free all summer on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5pm - 9pm (closing), so take advantage of this!
Millennium Park Concerts - Chicagoans have enjoyed FREE concerts in the park since 1935. Now the Grant Park Music Festival is located at the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park (formerly at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park) and there are free classical concerts every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as rehearsals during the week, and Jazz, Music of the World, and Dance performances. Pick up wine and food at Bockwinkle's, and enjoy the free performances.
Cosi - Looking for the best nearby place to have lunch either before or after your tour? Look no further! It's Cosi on the west side of Michigan Ave. just south of Monroe St. If you've never eaten at Cosi, you're in for a real treat. Delicious flat bread sandwiches and fruit smoothies are the specialty. Not sure what to order? Try a "Steve" - that's a Wasabi Roast Beef sandwich on whole grain flat bread (tell them to add cucumbers), a cup of Pollo E Pasta soup (only $1.99 with a sandwich), and a Blueberry/Pomegranate smoothie (your choice of size). Or you could try the wonderful Sesame Ginger Chicken sandwich (still add cucumbers) instead. Please ask for the GM Eddie and tell him that Steve sent you.
Lizzie McNeil's - If your hotel is on the north side of the Chicago River, or you are on your way to or from Bobby's Bike Hike (on North Pier), or on your way to or from a Shoreline river boat tour (on Navy Pier), or you just want a relaxing, scenic place to eat and drink, then outdoor drinks and a meal at Lizzie McNeil's is perfect for you! Lizzie Mcneil's, an authentic Irish Pub, has ample outdoor seating along the Chicago River. Located just east of the Sheraton Hotel (which is just east of Columbus Ave.) and at the south end of McClurg Ct., there's Killian's Red always on special. My choice? A corned beef sandwich on rye (make sure you ask for russian or thousand island dressing), cole slaw, and plenty of pints of Killian's! Plus, Lizzie McNeil's appreciates Steve's Segway Tours customers, and will discount 15% off your bill - but make sure you either have a coupon from us, or let them know.