Visiting Chicago and Northern Illinois

Chicago travelers are winners whether you are a White Sox or Cubs fan. Along with Baseball, spring and summer bring long awaited warm weather to the Windy City - Did you know there are 15 miles of beautiful sandy beaches right in Chicago, on Lake Michigan? Strolling along Michigan Avenue's magnificent mile, on a warm sunny spring day, defines magnificent. Record numbers of travelers pass through Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the world's busiest. Chi-Town visitors will find world class restaurants, shopping and entertainment, and the city's vibrant nightlife is renowned for comedy and blues venues. Remember, Chicago's passion for baseball is split between two home teams, be forewarned; when talking baseball, residents love their favored teams.

The Chicago White Sox play at the US Cellular Field, formerly Comisky Park, on Chicago's south-side. The 2010 regular season begins in April and extents through October. May 15th the While Sox host the Family Field Day and Garage Sale. True fans will not want to miss this event. Spend time out on the field, get your picture at home plate and tour the dugouts. The garage sell features unique White Sox's memorabilia, including bats, baseballs, game-used jerseys and equipment – a great opportunity to get that unexpected fathers day, birthday, or Christmas gift.

Wrigley Field is home for the Chicago Cubs who also open regular season in April. Wrigley field is one of the oldest ballparks in the country and a great place to take family and friends for a game. The best bet is to use public transportation, which is very convenient, to avoid congested and expensive parking. Better yet, the Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, is walking distance to the ballpark – plan to spend the night and enjoy other sites in the city.

Mayor Daley's Kids and Kites Festival is May 1st, and welcomes the entire family. Kids can create, decorate and fly their own kite, which will be provided, with the help of master kite designers. Not just kites, however, there are lots of children's activities to enjoy. There is a big kite candy drop, entertainment, crafts, face painting and kid's can even decorate their own refrigerator magnet. Make a weekend of the festival and stay at one of the three Best Western Hotels near downtown and the park.

The 42nd Annual Spring Games for Chicago's special Olympics are held May 4th through 7th, with the opening ceremonies on the 4th featuring the parade of athlete with the over 2700 participating competitors. Come cheer on these heart warming athletes as they give it their all and have the time of their lives. Events will be held at Eckersall Stadium, the opening ceremonies are at Soldier Field.

Two of Chicago's favorite events happen in June - The Chicago Blues Festival and Ribfest Chicago. The Blues Festival is the city's largest music festival, and also the world's largest free blues festival. Held in Grant Park on the lake shore, the festival features three days of performances on five stages. The 2010 Festival is June 11th through the 13th. Ribfest Chicago 2010 will also be held over the same time, in Northcenter. In addition to BBQ masters cooking over 65,000 lbs of ribs, 2010 will feature a sanctioned rib eating contest. Ribfest is also recognized as one of the top Indie music festivals. Take your pick from two amazing music festivals. The Best Western Grant Park Hotel is just across the street from the Blues Festival as a convenient option for weekend lodging.

Chicago and Northern Illinois Hotel Map