Mentioned by MommyPoppins
When Kids Get in Free at 30 Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks
"The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round."
"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"
"There's more than shopping at Water Tower Place, an eight-level shopping center located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile. In addition to 104 stores, there are myriad dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. Shops like a massive Lego Store, Macy's, Forever 21 and Sephora share space with foodlife, which features 14 kitchens serving food made from scratch daily."
"Featuring the largest number of stores exclusive to Chicago, Water Tower Place changed the face of Windy City shopping when it opened in 1975. Shifting attention from State Street to North Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place Mall is a unique high-energy urban shopping experience. The stunning eight-level atrium features Macy’s as its headline store, with more than a hundred other shops for your perusal."
"It was very popular during the ‘80s and locals are still loyal to it. It is easy on the eye, with lawns and trees, and brick walls. Nowadays, it still attracts people and offers plenty of parking space, with security, and convenient shopping."
"The Roman Catholic Parish on West Adam Street is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This church is considered a cornerstone of Irish Culture in Chicago, where God’s grace is demonstrated- amidst the bustle. It is also an important landmark that preserves history."
"Address: 700 W Adams StSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pmA/C: YesCost: $1,500.00Parishioner?. NoTime for photos after: 20 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. Yes, they suggest you reach out to a priest you think of first."
"A National Historic Landmark, this South Loop church suffered a devastating fire in 1900, so the congregation hired architects Howard Van Doren Shaw and Frederic Clay Bartlett to rebuild the building in the then-popular Arts and Crafts style. Over the years, the church welcomed many famous Chicago families including the Pullmans, Blackstones, and Armours. Open Saturday, October, 19, from 10 a.m."
"If your ideal vision of a Chinatown eatery is small, authentic, and here to knock your socks off with one signature dish, look no further than Xi’an Cuisine. The décor is sparse, the drinks are BYOB, and the TVs are always on. This all matters very little though when the flavors are so big."
"For an upscale and elegant dim sum experience, no place in the city rivals the Shanghai Terrace, perched on the top of the Peninsula Chicago Hotel. With an emphasis on Cantonese dishes, the dim sum menu features delicate plates with high-end ingredients such as dumplings with lobster and black truffle, bean curd rolls with scallop and fresh rice crepes. The Terrace also offers Peking duck prepared three ways – roasted and sliced according to tradition, cooked in a Chinese green mustard soup and finally, mixed with braised noodles."
"With an emphasis on Cantonese dishes, the dim sum menu features delicate plates with high-end ingredients such as dumplings with lobster and black truffle, bean curd rolls with scallop and fresh rice crepes. The Terrace also offers Peking duck prepared three ways – roasted and sliced according to tradition, cooked in a Chinese green mustard soup and finally, mixed with braised noodles. The interior is sophisticated, with Chinese silkscreens and elegant furniture, but the cozy outside terrace is the jewel in the crown."
"Shanghai Terrace is a top-voted principal Chinese Restaurant in Chicago according to Zagat Survey. The restaurant in the premises of hotel ensures to provide and serve freshly made Cantonese sandwiches aboard the 1930s supper club décor, or out on The Terrace with spectacular skyline views and beverages. Diners can measure into the enchanting surroundings of this restaurant and savor identifying cookery, always honored together with the AAA Four Diamond Award."
"Although fairly new to the North Shore, this downtown Evanston spot has quickly become a favorite. We love their Pan-Fried Chicken and Cabbage Potstickers and the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, but I also encourage you to look in the “Shang’s Authentic Flavors” section, where you’ll find the Sichuan Fish Casserole (sea bass and napa cabbage in a Sichuan peppercorn broth), Tomato Stir-Fried with Egg (real comfort food!), and Northern-Style Peking Pork Chop with Sweet & Sour Glaze."