Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Western Springs

"With millions of artifacts on display, the Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, and it’s renowned for its research and public education efforts as well as its collections that are just plain cool. Gigantic skeletons will show you the jaw-dropping sizes of dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. The hall of gems will beckon you with wondrous colors and glittering edges."

"Children under 3, K-12 teachers, and active-duty military are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required."

"More than 400,000-square feet of exhibit space fill this gigantic museum, which explores cultures and environments from around the world."

"Shed Aquarium is located on the edge of Lake Michigan and is home to over 30,000 aquatic creatures. Various exhibits showcase marine and freshwater habitats from all over the world, from a Caribbean reef to North America’s very own Great Lakes. Learn all about the diverse diet of a shark or the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation program of sea otters."

"Grab the whole family and come to the Shedd, the world’s largest indoor aquarium that has tons of activities for kids and adults alike. With over 32,000 animals, there is plenty to see. And if your children are between the  ages of 5-12, you can even arrange an overnight adventure filled with animal encounters, activities and a scavenger hunt."

"One of the most popular aquariums in the country, the Shedd houses more than 32,500 creatures from around the world. Highlights …"

"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."

"The only Chicagoans you'll run into at Navy Pier are the employees but out-of-towners and suburbanites seem to love the downtown pier that extends into Lake Michigan. Once used by the military, it's now Chicago's largest tourist attraction. You can just walk up and down the pier, taking in skyline and lake views."

"The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people."

"LoKal is offering all day brunch through delivery, as that was what they were really known for. You can get all your favorites, along with a Mimosa pack or even a 1-Liter whiskey bottle."

"Found in the heart of Wicker Park, Whiskey Business is a spacious, fun and unique Chicago rooftop bar, offering vibes and happenings pretty much every day of the week. Up at the colorful and quirky rooftop terrace you can watch classic movies on the 100” TV’s, party under the stars all weekend, or just enjoy the vibes and sounds of the 80’s and 90’s whenever. The rooftop menu comes filled with over 100 different whiskeys, crafted and seasonal cocktails, an expansive beer list, as well as a wide range of culinary creations."

"The Wicker Park bar features an outdoor curling rink, where bar-goers can test their skills at the winter sport while enjoying an array of seasonal cocktails. Or warm up inside one of the heated, private gingerbread houses decked out with holiday decor and faux fireplaces."

"Midwest Coast Brewing Company was founded by a brother and sister who use the face of their childhood dog, Maverick, as their brand logo. Midwest Coast Brewing Company has 12 taps, including rotating featured brews, like Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a British brown ale loaded with cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel that shows up on their menu during the fall season."

"Based on Navy Pier, this adored non-profit theatre company has done as much as anyone to help keep Chicago on the cultural map over the last 30 years. In short order the theatre has earned three Laurence Olivier Awards, as well as a regional Tony in 2008. Its main aim is to introduce people to the works of William Shakespeare, through school tours, summer plays in parks and productions at its own majestic venue, adding up to 600 performances a year."

"Another way to enjoy some family fun in Chicago is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This might seem like an odd recommendation for a holiday with kids, but the showcases put up at this theater also include several kid-friendly productions. There are special abridged versions of the classic plays for the younger ones and students to enjoy."

"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"

"Chicagoans think Umai is so delicious, that within a few years, a second location opened. At both locations, the menu is large, from sushi and creative sushi rolls to beef tongue grilled over charcoal and of course, the foods of the hour, ramen and poke. If you are looking for something quick and filling, Katsu Kare, pork cutlets or shrimp tempura on Japanese curry over rice is a favorite Japanese college kids and businessmen."

"#umaichicago #japanesefood #eattheworld #chefstalk #foodandwine... Umai restaurant has been in the business for a while having been started by experienced Chef Mai in 2013. It has since then become a crowd favourite joint for the best traditional Japanese foods with a mix of modernity."

"A chic but warm South Loop spot, UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi offers inventive sushi and globally influenced Japanese cuisine for relatively reasonable prices. The full menu is av..."

"Japanese , Raw Bar ,  Sushi"

"The 70+ stores in this upscale shopping center are focused on the luxury lifestyle. The anchor is Bloomingdale’s and retailers include such high end boutiques as Crosell & Co., Galt Toys + Galt Baby, and kate spade new york. Shoppers at 900 North Michigan Shops can get a pre-spree workout at Equinox Fitness Club and a post-shopping fix at Baisi Thai or Allium Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons."

"900 North Michigan Shops is a visually stunning and highly desired shopping destination that resides on the north end of Chicago's vibrant Magnificent Mile with an exclusive tenant mix including Bloomingdale's, Gucci, J.Crew and more."

"This shopping center features more than 450,000 square feet of space and includes many well known, upscale stores like a massive Bloomingdale's, MaxMara, Gucci, Micheal Kors, Kate Spade New York, L'Occitane and J."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roman Boed used under CC BY 2.0. Bloomingdale’s needs little introduction. One of three such sites dotted around the city, the store at 900 North Michigan Avenue is well-placed in downtown Chicago for those looking to pop in while sightseeing or visiting the lake front."