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Garfield Park Conservatory Beneath
glass-domed roofs, flora from around the world thrives in spacious
greenhouses. Information panels give the lowdown as you stroll through
the conservatory’s six indoor areas that include a Children’s Garden and
the Sweet House (containing plants such as cacao, sugar cane, etc). Chicago Botanic Garden About
25 miles (40 km) north of Chicago, this attraction comprises 385 acres
(155 ha) of natural habitats and beautifully landscaped gardens. Some of
the most popular are the romantic Rose Garden, the tranquil
island-based Japanese Garden, and the charming English Walled Garden.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Historic Pullman District This
industrial town was conceived in the 1880s by railroad magnate George
Pullman for his workers. The planned utopia had apartments, shops, a
hospital, and a hotel, but failed after a strike in 1894, when a
decrease in wages made rents unaffordable. Visitor Center
Church window, Historic Pullman District
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) In
1940, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe planned the campus of this new
university. He also designed around 20 of the buildings, which
demonstrate his design philosophies. Stop by the on-campus visitor
center for information and docent-guided or self-guided tours.
IIT
Sheridan Road This
lakefront road’s low speed limit is perfect for gawping at the
palatial, architecturally diverse homes that line it as you drive north
to Evanston and beyond. Art buffs might like to stop at the Evanston Art
Center at Harley Clarke House – one of the oldest and largest community
visual art centers in Illinois. Evanston Art CenterBronzeville A
bronze memorial at Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and 35th Street honors
the journey many African-Americans made to this neighborhood as they
fled the oppression of the South in the early 20th century. Nearby,
sidewalk plaques celebrate local luminaries. Chicago’s answer to Harlem
offers jazz and blues in its clubs, graceful mansions aplenty, and lots
of fine soul food. Baha’i Temple This
exquisite white structure is one of eight temples of the Baha’i faith
worldwide. Its nine doors symbolize how people can come to God from any
direction. At night, spotlights enhance its ethereal beauty.
Baha’i Temple
Historic Long Grove Thanks
to strict regulations, the 19th-century heritage of this quaint town 30
miles (48 km) northwest of Chicago has been preserved. The candy-filled
Long Grove Confectionery store is a local institution. Annual events
include the popular Chocolate Festival. At Route 83 & Old Route 53 Visitor Center 1 847 634 0888 Open Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, 11am–5pm Sun
Brookfield Zoo Over
5,900 animals live together in themed, naturalistic environments at
this popular zoo. Zones include Tropic World, where thunderstorms occur
regularly (you stay dry) and Habitat Africa, whose new Forest exhibit
has shy okapi and a recreated African village. In Be A Bird House, see
what kind of bird you’d be on a machine that measures your flapping
ability. 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield Metra station: Hollywood Open 10am–5pm daily 1 708 485 2200 Adm. (2 and under, free) DA
Evanston Just
north of Chicago, this dynamic suburb brims with acclaimed restaurants,
galleries, and independent shops. Northwestern University’s Mary and
Leigh Block Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden is well worth a visit, as
is the historic Grosse Point Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston
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