SUE'S "WHAT'S HAPPENING!" IN CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND - SPECIAL CHICAGO TOURS!
HERE'S WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND!
We'll, here in Chicago, it's Crosstown Classic Weekend II. Each year, our Cubs and our White Sox play each other in two separate three-game series, on set at Wrigley Field on the North Side, the second set at U.S. Cellular Field down south. The Cubs won the first series 2 games to 1 - let's see how both teams fare the second time around. All three games this weekend - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - are afternoon contests.
I travel often with my husband to various cities throughout the U.S. and have always found the history behind those cities to be very intriguing, which got me to thinking about our hometown right here in Chicago. I've lived here my entire life, which is a pretty long time, and realized I haven't taken one single tour this great City has to offer. What intriguing tours am I missing out on, I wondered? I decided to check into it and thought I'd share a few with you.
When others find out I live in Chicago, I'm surprised to find those who still believe we're a "gangster" city. Well, there's a two-hour bus tour, narrated by actors in gangster wear, which takes you past some of the most famous gangster spots.
Two of those are the St. Valentine's Day Massacre site, at 2122 N. Clark Street, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. On Valentines Day, 1929, five members of the Al Capone Gang shot six from Bugs Moran gangsters. Another is the historic Biograph Theatre, where John Dillinger was murdered (he was betrayed by the infamous Lady in Red, on July 22, 1934).
The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for the kids. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Untouchable Tours at 773-881-1195 located at 600 N. Clark.
To see the city as it really is, and perhaps from a different view, try the water tours by Wendella Sightseeing Boats, 400 N. Michigan Avenue, 312-337-1446. From the Chicago waterways, learn about the city's history and architecture. This is a narrated, 90 minute tour, which also takes you through the Chicago Harbor Lock. Some pretty exciting stuff! Cost ranges from $20-$22 but only $11 for those 11 and under. While you're at, check-out their other tours as well.
I've been told that not only is this city rich in culture and history but also has it's fill of ghosts as well - not to mention John Dillinger & Al Capone. So, if you're adventuresome like me, you'll want to go on the Chicago Hauntings Tour, which features locations that have been written about in Ursula Bielski's "Chicago Haunts" book series. Some of the spots you'll visit are the Hull House, the Iroquois Theatre, Death Alley, Rosehill Cemetery and Robinson Woods, just to name a few. These bus tours last about 3 hours, are $28 per person and pick-up is at 610 N. Clark (Clark & Ontario). Reservations are recommended, 888-446-7891.
Well, I'm off to begin my touring of this city and will definitely start with the Chicago Hauntings.
Hey, what are YOU doing this weekend around Chicago? Let us know, and we'll be sure to pass your ideas along!
DEAN'S TEAM "WHAT'S HAPPENING!" REPORTER,
SUE MOSS
