Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Ogden Dunes

"Arranged on the University of Chicago grounds in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum of Art was considered as an establishment where researchers could examine expressions of the human experience and foster displays. Today, it’s available to general society (affirmation is in every case free) and is home to the school’s assortment of compelling artwork and artifacts, including parchments and ceramics from China just as contemporary works by any semblance of Kerry James Marshall and Andy Warhol. Investigate shows committed to rambling establishments and neighborhood craftsmanship developments prior to sitting down in the gallery’s yard mold garden."

"Plan ahead to pack a few stops in the surrounding area of this museum. You could explore the beautiful campus setting (University of Chicago in the leafy Hyde Park neighborhood) as well as other Museum Campus South attractions — like DuSable Museum of African American History — with budget-friendly admission prices. At the Smart Museum, everything is free."

"Why we love it: Serving pies since 1949 (although this location opened in ’65), Vito and Nick’s is a Chicago tradition. The cracker-thin, tavern-style crust is loaded up with rich red sauce, gooey mozzarella and fennel-flecked sausage chunks; test the limits with a few more toppings—we like mushroom, pepper, onion and black olives on ours. For the complete experience, stop by to sip an ice-cold Old Style in the dining room while catching a glimpse of the Bears or Sox game on TV."

"For many South Siders, Vito & Nick’s is the epitome of Chicago with its crispy thin-crust pizza (known as tavern-style or “party cut”). Frosty mugs of beer make the square-cut slices taste better in a dining room that looks like a classic ‘70s-style basement. They’ve been around for 100 years, and they don’t skimp on the toppings."

"Yes, deep dish is the type of pizza that Chicago is known for. But much like how Queen’s “We Will Rock You” was originally a B-side to “We Are The Champions”, Chicago’s legendary cracker-style thin crust can’t be ignored. And that’s what you’ll find at Vito and Nick’s in Ashburn."

"All airy and light, with exposed brick and local art, nana is a locally sourced, feel-good brunch spot in the heart of White Sox country. The family-owned restaurant works closely with area farmers to develop its organic, Latin-influenced menu full of overstuffed empanadas, po'boys, and, the stand out, baked chilaquiles topped with poblano cream and two eggs, any style."

"This organic, sustainable Bridgeport eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They feature everything from a fresh veggie burger to a cubano pulled pork sandwich to pan-seared salmon and BBQ braised pork. Their food is sourced directly from farmers and orchards in the Midwest, including 9 in the greater Chicago area."

"The team behind Nana strives for perfection by maintaining a sustainable, local and organic menu. What they serve is high-quality and delicious food. While not a completely vegetarian restaurant, the avocado fries and tofu scramble have us commending the commitment to perfection."

"Located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Marquette Park is the largest park on the southwest side totaling 323 acres. In addition to two gymnasiums, an auditorium, woodshop, Martin Luther King, Jr. kiosk and multi-purpose rooms, it's also home to one of the most affordable 9-hole golf courses in the city. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a community garden, rose garden, prairie and 500 newly planted trees."

"Chicago Lawn is home to this huge 323-acre park, featuring two gymnasiums, an auditorium, four sports fields, a nine-hole golf course, fishing area, running paths, and a community garden. Don’t miss seeing the rose garden, prairie, and lagoon. A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture and an Art Deco Darius and Girenas Memorial are worth viewing as well."

"The Parrot Cage, steps from the picturesque South Shore Beach, is run by one of the most highly acclaimed culinary schools in the country. Students from Chicago’s Washburne Culinary Institute use the restaurant to hone their skills in the kitchen, where they create highly rated modern American cuisine. The Parrot Cage is housed inside the landmark South Shore Cultural Center that provides a refined setting for your waterfront meal."

"Of the numerous buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed around Chicago, none is more famous or influential than Robie House. Because its horizontal lines resembled the flat landscape of the Midwestern prairie, the style became known as the Prairie style. Inside are 174 stained-glass windows and doors, which you'll see on the hour-long tours (frequency varies by season, but there's usually at least one tour per hour). Advance tickets are highly recommended."

"Named one of the 10 most significant buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects, the 9,000-square-foot Robie…"

"A southside brewery that edges so far down, it’s hardly considered urban territory, Open Outcry is an unexpected oasis in this part of the city, encouraging you to quench your thirst in their garage-style taproom. Featuring a flight inspired by the colors of the original Rainbow Cone—Palmer House IPA, Strawberry Imperial Stout, Orange Milkshake IPA, Pistachio Brown Ale—Open Outcry promises that you can’t go wrong with any of their signature brews. And their blissful beer garden with yellow accents is the go-to lounge for the summer!"

"Since the 1930s, this Bridgeport bar has been serving beer and shots to a customer base that fawns over this low-ceilinged space. Current ownership, the Badauskas family, took over the bar the 1950s. This charming corner bar even has an open mic for musicians."

"With over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats, the White Sox stadium is a good spot to capture your ice cream cone, the crowd, AND the field in one shot. Unless you’re going for the 3lb ice cream sundae in a batting helmet… you’re probably gonna need two hands for that."