Excursions
On Friday afternoon and evening, and Saturday afternoon, you'll have free time to allow you to experience whatever best fits your own interests. Here are some ideas, below. For excursions that require tickets, you will purchase those on your own, separately from the registration fee.
*In the unfortunate event that you may need to cancel your trip, please note the individual cancellation/refund policies for your chosen excursion(s).
The Art Institute
Cost: For out-of-state guests: $25 per adult, $19 for seniors or age 14 up through college students, free for children age 13 and under. (Chicago and Illinois residents have lower rates.)
Hours: 11am-5pm
Advance ticket purchase is required through the Web site.
The Art Institute has one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in the country, largely due to the influence and gifts of Bertha Palmer, wife of Potter Palmer, who established the Palmer House hotel we’re staying in for the weekend. The Art Institute is one of two buildings still in Chicago that was built for the 1893 World’s Fair. Plus, a new exhibition features Egyptian art, which plays a big role in Jocelyn's upcoming 2023 release, The Metropolitan Affair. This museum is only a few blocks from our hotel.
Also see Millennium Park right next to The Art Institute.
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre
Cost: Varies
Date and time: Nightly - check the web site
The Charles Dickens classic is a Chicago tradition at the Goodman's Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. It's a 0.4-mile walk from the hotel, or a very inexpensive taxi/uber ride. This year marks the play's 45th year.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert
Cost: Varies, $49 and higher
Date and time: 7:30pm, Thursday, Dec. 8 OR 1:30pm, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Performance: Hilary Hahn playing Tchaicovsky & Bartok
Length: 1 hour 50 minutes
Order tickets online here.
In honor of Kristof, our violinist/conductor hero who played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Shadows of the White City, it’s only fitting that you have an opportunity to hear the CSO yourselves. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is just a few blocks from our hotel.
*Please note that as of right now, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra requires masks to be worn during performances, but does not require proof of vaccination. For up-to-date policies, please check the Web site directly here.
Christkindlmarket
Cost: FREE
Hours: 11am - 9pm
The German Christmas Market provides a safe outdoor experience in Chicago that is always admission-free. The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – a visit to the market takes all your senses on a journey! Visitors can explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy the unique shopping experience.
This is located at Daley Plaza, just a block away from Macy's and only a few blocks from our hotel.
Driehaus Museum
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, college students with ID $10, children 12 and under free.*
Hours: Friday 11am-6pm. Saturday 10am-5pm. Admission ends one hour before close each day.
Check the Web site for up to date ticket purchasing information. As of right now, advance ticket purchase is still recommended.
*Admission is free if you’re a member of a museum that’s part of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM).
This historic home served as the inspiration for my character Hiram Sloane’s house in Veiled in Smoke. If you’ve read the novel recently, you may recognize many of the characteristics. It's also a fine example of another Gilded Age mansion occupied during the 1890s.
Transportation will be provided here for any who'd like to go on Saturday, Dec. 10, but it's up to you to purchase your own ticket.
Field Museum
Cost: Basic admission for out-of-state adult: $26
Hours: 9am-5pm daily. Last admission at 4pm.
* Admission is free if you’re a member of a museum that’s part of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Travel Passport Program. Admittance Policy: Two adults and up to two children, 17 and under. Proof of valid membership and photo ID are required to receive complimentary basic admission. Special exhibitions, 3D theater tickets, and coat check are not included. You'll have to show your proof and get tickets when you get there, the discount doesn't work when purchasing tickets online.
The Field Museum collection grew out of items on display in the 1893 World’s Fair, aka Columbian Exposition. Of the 65,000 natural and cultural exhibits at the Fair, many later found a permanent home in Chicago at the newly created Field Columbian Museum, named both for the World’s Fair and for Marshall Field, who donated $1 million toward the museum. A docent should be able to tell you how to tell which exhibits on display at the Field Museum today are from the 1893 Fair.
Millennium Park
Cost: FREE
Hours: Anytime
Adjacent to The Art Institute, Millennium Park (0.1 mile from the hotel) is best known for being home to the reflective scultpture "Cloud Gate," aka "The Bean." But Millennium Park boasts much more, including Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden, an award-winning masterpiece of botanical landscaping. Throughout the year, and for every season, native perennials and bulbs give the garden great diversity. In December, you'll also be able to ice skate there.
Museum of Science and Industry
Cost: Adults $21.95, children 3-11 $12.95.*
Hours: 9:30am - 4pm
Purchase tickets online ahead of time here.
Transportation will be provided here for any who'd like to go on Saturday, Dec. 10, but it's up to you to purchase your own ticket.
*Admission is free if you’re a member of a museum that’s part of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Travel Passport Program. Up to two adults and four children under 18 living in the same household get in for free. One adult must be member cardholder. Complimentary general admission only. Must present valid membership card and photo ID at the general ticket counter. Proof of Residence Required.
The Museum of Science & Industry, originally built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1893 World’s Fair. Explore the Wooded Island next to MSI, also constructed for the World’s Fair. During December, you'll get to see the Christmas Around the World exhibit with Christmas trees from dozens of countries.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Cost: Varies
Date and Time: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2pm
Running time: 2 hours (with intermission, might be 2 hours and 30 minutes.)
In Chicago, the Nutcracker Ballet is set at the World's Fair of 1893. You won't find another Nutcracker performance like this one anywhere else.
Transportation will be provided to the Lyric Opera House for the 2pm performance on Satruday, Dec. 10, but you'll need to purchase your own ticket ahead of time here. Get yours fast- single tickets go on sale August 1!
Dining Options
Around the hotel, you’ll find several options that you’re likely already familiar with, such as Chipotle, Subway, Jimmy Johns, Chick-Fil-A, etc. Here are some other ideas to consider:
The Berghoff, 17 W. Adams St.
This German restaurant has a history that goes back to 1893 when Herman Berghoff set up a stand in the Midway Plaisance. The restaurant has been 100% family-owned ever since! In addition to German fare, it also offers American foods and has several gluten-free options. It’s only 0.2 miles from the hotel.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 410 North Michigan Ave.
Award-winning deep dish pizza, very reasonably priced, with gluten free options. There are several locations, but the 410 Michigan Ave. is walkable from the hotel. Find the menu here.
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub, 226 S Wabash Ave.
Another highly-rated dining option, only 0.1 mile from hotel. Sandwiches, entrees, ribs, pizza. Exchequer was once a speakeasy that Al Capone may have frequented. Famous for its ribs and deep-dish pizza.
Italian Village Restaurants, 71 W. Monroe St.
Established in 1927, this is the oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago--and they want it to feel that way. The ambiance is designed to evoke Tuscany at the turn of the century. It's proximity to our hotel (0.2 mile) makes this a great choice for those looking for an experience. The dessert menu alone is tempting.
Flo & Santo’s Pizza and Pierogi, 1310 South Wabash Ave.
Inspired by a real Polish and Italian couple who immigrated to Chicago, this restaurant offers a variety of classic Italian and Polish dishes along with specialty pizzas. There are some gluten-free options, but the owner points out that they have a smaller kitchen and there may be some cross-contamination.
Giordano’s, multiple locations
Another fabulous deep dish pizzeria with lots of Chicago locations. I don’t see any GF options on this menu, though. Also, I think the Rush Street or Navy Pier locations have the best ambiance. But the pizza is delicious everywhere.
With these pizza places, you could also order delivery and eat in your hotel room if you are completely zonked and prefer a night in.
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 South Michigan Ave.
A refined dining experience in an old firehouse. If you're looking for a high-end meal in a historic location, this will fit the bill. Take a look at the menu here. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is 1.4 miles from our hotel and close to the Field Museum.
Portillo's Hot Dogs, multiple locations, including Clark and Ontario (near the Driehaus Museum)
It's inexpensive, charming ambiance, fast, and you'll get to eat a famous Chicago hot dog, which has roots in the World's Fair. (The menu also offers Italian Beef sandwiches, pasta, and more. See it here.)
The Walnut Room, 7th Floor of Macy's on State Street
Before Macy's was Macy's, it was Marshall Field's, the famous department store that had been thriving since the 1893 World's Fair. It was the first department store to offer a restaurant, and you can still order a chicken pot pie from their 1890 recipe there today. During December, the Christmas tree takes center stage in The Walnut Room. It's decorated differently every year.
I recommend dining here for lunch on Friday. You'll get to select your preference about this on the registration form.
Coffee/Tea Shops
If you're looking for a place to unwind with a cup of good coffee or tea, you have many options from which to choose. Of course you'll find Starbucks everywhere, including inside our hotel and around the corner from it. But here are some other ideas to consider:
Intelligentsia Coffee Millennium Park, 53 E. Randolph St.
You'll find this one on most (if not all) "Best Coffeeshops in the Loop" lists. Priced a little higher than average with the quality to match, this place would appeal to the true coffee afficionado. It's between Macy's and the Chicago Cutural Center, so would be on your way back from the Riverwalk.
Dollop Coffee Company, multiple locations
Offering fresh coffee drinks and fresh bread/pastries, you'll find this shop in a few convenient locations. Closest to the hotel is 55 West Monroe Street, just a couple of blocks west. The 150 North Michigan Ave location is just outside Millennium Park, and 343 South Dearborn St. would be on your way to the Harold Washington Library Center.
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea Millennium Park, 12 South Michigan Ave. (First Floor of Chicago Athletic Association)
Open from 7am-3pm Monday through Friday, and 7am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. This location, 0.2. mile from Palmer House, is tucked into the first floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, across from Millennium Park. Take a look at the ethically-sourced coffee and tea menu here.
Goddess and the Baker, 33 South Wabash Ave.
Fun atmosphere with sandwiches, salads, specialty coffees, and sweets. Here’s the menu for the Wabash location. Open Monday- Saturday: 8am-4pm, and Sunday: 8am-3pm. This place is 0.1 mile from the hotel, and close to Millennium Park.
HERO Coffee Bar - Printer's Row, 439 South Dearborn St.
This coffee company gives back to charities. A half-mile from the hotel, it's right next to the Harold Washington Library Center, so if you're headed to the library, swing by for a cup of joe while you're at it. Or vice versa.
Russian Tea Time, 77 E. Adams St.
For anyone who wants to take a break from sightseeing and just relax one afternoon with a traditional Russian tea service, make a reservation at Russian Tea Time, which is 0.1 mile from the hotel. Go with a friend and share a samovar pot of tea. This place is in high-demand, so I’d recommend making a reservation early. Here’s the tea menu.
For more detailed information about the trip, see these pages: