For an evening out, consider booking tickets at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and plan to spend an evening at Navy Pier. The renowned theater will be presenting the North American premier of Nell Gwynn, the 2016 Olivier Award Winner for Best New Comedy. The romantic comedy is set in 17th century London and should set the stage for a fine Chicago evening.
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Also during the day, Navy Pier offers shopping, public art, Chicago tours and more. Once on Navy Pier, take a boat ride to see the city from Lake Michigan. Remember, it will be colder on the lake. If you want to stay toasty, consider a dinner cruise on the Odyssey. Book a window table and relax as the sparkling skyline passes by while you eat.
Another popular destination is Museum Campus, which lies on the lakefront between McCormick Place and the bean. This pedestrian-friendly area includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. It’s also a great place to see the Chicago skyline.
At the Field Museum, attendees may expect to see Sue, the largest, most extensive Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen ever found, in the museum’s lobby. But be warned, Sue has been moved upstairs to make room for Maximo the Titanosaur, the skeletal cast of the largest dinosaur species ever discovered. Also check out the temporary exhibit on Antarctic dinosaurs.
The Food
Chicagoans like food, and the city offers myriad restaurants worth experiencing, including food from different ethnicities and in varying price ranges. A quick Internet search for restaurants will likely point you to a noteworthy restaurant within a 15-minute walk of downtown. If you do go to Millennium Park, consider visiting Giordano’s in the Prudential Center at 130 E. Randolph St. for Chicago-style pizza.
If you make it to the Art Institute, consider eating a meal there. Restaurants are open for lunch every day and for dinner on Thursdays. Terzo Piano is headed by award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and features authentic Italian ingredients and local, organic and sustainable foods. The Museum Café is family friendly and filled with tasty and healthy foods, including salads, soups, stir fries and more.
Whether your preference is Great Lakes and gardens, architecture and dinosaurs, dinner and theater, or people watching, Chicago will deliver. We welcome you to the City of the Big Shoulders.
Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.