DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO CHICAGO
A weekend in Chicago
For the AJC
Sunday, June 14, 2009
BUDGET
Getting there
Photos courtesy of City of Chicago
The city offers 11 weeks of free dance lessons followed by two hours of live music Thursdays through Sundays.
City of Chicago / GRC
Luxury travelers can spring for an architecture tour of the city that takes place on the Chicago River and feast at Schwa with nine courses for $110.
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One-way rates of $58 are offered nearly every weekend on American, Delta, United — all with frequent nonstop service to O’Hare; AirTran to Midway. Depart Saturdays; return the following Monday or Tuesday.
Stay
Find lodging in the heart of the city for less. Roomorama.com is a peer-to-peer Web platform connecting travelers with local room and apartment rentals. Hosts can confirm availability, rates and PayPal payments. Choices run from private sublet studio apartments to posh condos; roomorama.com.
Eat
Ala Turka for an authentic Turkish evening dining on Oriental carpets and cushions. Belly dancing show Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 9 p.m. Starters from $4.95; mains and kebabs $12.95; alaturkachicago.com, 3134 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-935-6101.
Experience
Through Aug. 23, the 11-week Chicago SummerDance festival features free one-hour professional dance lessons followed by two hours of live music, open dancing on a 4,600-square-foot dance floor; Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.; every Thursday-Saturday, 6-9:30 p.m.; Sunday 4-7 p.m.
MODERATE
Getting there
One-way rates of $114 to Midway or O’Hare valid daily through April 2010; 21-day advance; all airlines.
Stay
The “Summer Playground” package from the Hotel Burnham includes deluxe accommodations, a $25 dining credit, in-room movie and popcorn from $229/night, valid to Sept. 6. The historic, green-certified hotel hosts a complimentary evening wine reception for all guests. Rooms feature robes, pillow menu, Italian linens, honor bar with gourmet goodies; burnhamhotel.com, 1 W. Washington St., 312-782-1111.
Eat
Ingredients from local Midwestern farmers make up the daily menu at stylish Mado. Antipasti plates under $10; Mediterranean-influenced entrees around $20. BYOB allowed, no corkage fee; madorestaurantchicago.com, 1647 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-2340.
Experience
Passengers of the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.’s signature “Hop On, Hop Off” tour receive a souvenir T-shirt, a sample of Garrett Gourmet Popcorn’s famous Chicago mix and a tour stopping at 18 city attractions. All-day tickets (last board 6 p.m.) include a guidebook with more than 30 tips on what to do/see; $29 adults; $17 ages 3 to 11; chicagotrolley.com.
SPLURGE
Getting there
Walk-up, business class rates start at $398 to either airport with all serving airlines.
Stay
The James Hotel’s “Epicurean Weekend” package includes a sommelier-selected bottle of wine, a prix fixe tasting menu for two at David Burke’s Primehouse with private tour of the Himalayan salt-tiled dry aging room and classic breakfast served in-room, from $449 per night for a loft suite (550 square feet); from $289 for a king guest room, two-night minimum stay required, valid to Aug. 31; jameshotels.com, 55 E. Ontario; 312-337-1000.
Eat
Try for a table at swanky Schwa in Wicker Park, where food is art. A nine-course tasting menu is $110; three courses for $55. BYOB, corkage fee $2.50 per person; schwarestaurant.com, 1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466.
Experience
Take a 90-minute architectural tour along the Chicago River or a historical tour on Lake Michigan; $36 adult, $21 ages, under 6 free (space permitting). Includes complimentary Starbucks coffee, soft drinks, muffins, cookies; chicagoline.com.
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