Things to See and Do
This list is just to give a few ideas, as there are many more things than we
could possibly list in the area!
Suburban Activities
Brookfield Zoo - Open year-round, the
Brookfield Zoo
features indoor exhibits such as the Seven Seas Dolphinarium, several Tropic
Worlds, and many different buildings with birds, reptiles, marsupials, and
much more.
Chicago Botanic Garden - Located on Lake-Cook Rd in Glencoe, the
Gardens
are also actually open year-round, but if the cold makes you wary, there are
several greenhouses that can be toured, and the gift shop and cafe are
wonderful.
Chicago Indoor Racing - A brand new
indoor kart racing facility
in Buffalo Grove for ages 18 and up.
Putting Edge Indoor Glow-in-the-Dark
Mini Golf - Just a few miles north of the Northbrook Hilton,
Putting
Edge in
Lincolnshire will let you play mini golf no matter what the weather!
Regal Cinemas - Also just a few miles
north of the Northbrook Hilton, this movie theater in Lincolnshire has 20
regular screens and one IMAX screen. Check
show times.
Suburban Shopping
Malls -
Woodfield Mall
in Schaumburg is one of the nation's largest shopping centers. And
IKEA,
the famous Swedish home furnishings superstore, is also in Schaumburg and
offers design and comfort at really low prices! Two of the other nicer area
malls include
Northbrook Court and
Hawthorn Center.
Antiques and Specialty Shops - The historic and charming village of Long
Grove has over 80 specialty shops and restaurants in its
quaint downtown area,
all independently owned. Among the shops are Amberland, which
specializes in jewelry and crafts from Latvia. Also, the
Wheeling Sale Barn Square
is located minutes from the Northbrook Hilton. This small complex of about
nine unique shops features antiques.
Downtown Chicago
There are so many things to see and do in Chicago! World famous
architecture, museums and attractions, upscale shopping, a huge variety of
dining options, not to mention sports, performing arts, and so much more!
To get you started, visit these sites.
For reference, the Northbrook Hilton is
located about 10 miles from O'Hare Airport and about 20 miles from downtown
Chicago. Consult the front desk for information about using public
transportation (Metra trains) or driving to get downtown.
General Information
CityofChicago.org - Exploring Chicago
Chicago Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Metromix Dining and
Entertainment Guide
Of Special Note, if You Like Museums
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of a
few selected venues for the "Rembrandt's Journey: Painter, Draftsman,
Etcher" exhibit. With more than 200 works from all periods of his long
career-- approximately 20 paintings, 30 drawings, and 150 prints drawn from
major collections here and abroad-- this is the first American exhibition to
explore Rembrandt's astonishing range and variety as a brilliant etcher seen
in the context of his paintings and drawings. Runs from February 14 to May
9, 2004 only. Tickets can be
booked online.
Another favorite is the
Museum Campus,
a lakefront park connecting three of Chicago's institutions... The Shedd
Aquarium (see sharks at the Wild Reef!), Adler Planetarium (see the new
Alien Encounters show!), and Field Museum (see Sue the T. Rex and Egyptian
mummies!).
And also worthy of a mention is the
Museum of Science and
Industry, featuring the well-known likes of the Coal Mine,
U-505 Submarine, Chick Hatchery, Fairy Castle, as well as new exhibits!
