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Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois

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Experience the vibrant heart of Chicago with a curated list of must-visit places and activities! 🌆🎉 Uncover the best of the city with #JenTheCounselor’s guide and make the most of your time in Chicago. 🏙️
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Outdoor Activities

 
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This is another wonderful nature observatory that houses a swan family! A great trail walk in the evening.
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
 
Tampier Lake
 
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We have some great farmer's markets here. The one in downtown Tinley Park is open from June - October on Saturday mornings.
Farmers Market
 
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This is a cash only farmer's market and has some great produce!
Orland Park Farmers Market
 
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
 
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
 
Swallow Cliff Woods - Forest Preserves of Cook County
 
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My husband and I got engaged here!
New Buffalo | Michigan
 
Lake Geneva Wisconsin | Visit Lake Geneva WI
 
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This is one of our nature observatories, and in my opinion, the best one in the area. A great activity for the kids!
The Morton Arboretum

Restaurants

 
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
 
Giordano's
 
Morton's The Steakhouse
 
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
 
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
 
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They have great steaks and drinks for a hot summer day! What a great family restaurant!
Weber Grill Restaurant & Academy
 
Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago
 
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This is one of our finest steakhouses in Chicago. My husband and my favorite restaurant! If you are looking for amazing steaks, seafood, and wine, this is the place to be!
Mastro's Steakhouse
 
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This is a Brazilian steakhouse that has servers walking around with skewers filled with amazing different meats. You also get unlimited sides at the salad bar. What an incredible experience!
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
 
Chuck Lager America's Tavern
 
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Hillgrove Tap
Miller's Ale House
 
Hillgrove Tap
 
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They have amazing food, great brews, and even cookie sundaes that are to die for!
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
 
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This hibachi grill has some of the freshest seafood and best quality steaks I have ever had in my life. I am not just saying that either. I have been to hundreds of restaurants, including at least 50 steakhouses, and they by far have the freshest cut...
Fuji Japanese Steak House
 
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The best Chinese in the area!
Mo's Chinese Kitchen | Orland Park & Chicago | Online Order
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Pad Thai :: Best Asian in Tinley Park :: Order Online
 
El Gallo Tapatio II - 13640 Cicero Ave, Crestwood, Illinois
 
Maggiano's Little Italy
 
Francesca's Fortunato
 
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If you haven’t been to Bavette’s, you haven’t experienced steak. They offer one of the greatest steaks in Chicago. Period. And their hidden, underground speakeasy transports you to the 1920s.
Bavette's Steakhouse
 
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If you are in Chicago during the holidays, GO TO CHICAGO CUT. They have one of the greatest steaks in Chicago, and their holiday decor is unmatched.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Other Food & Drinks

 
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This is one of our local coffee shops, located in downtown Tinley Park. They do not only serve coffee, but they also host tea parties, which are the absolute cutest!
Pekoe & Bean
 
Bonefish Grill
 
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
 
Chuck Lager America's Tavern
 
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This bar has great brews and upscale bar food!
Hillgrove Tap
 
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My husband and I go to Bonefish Grill every chance we get. Their romantic ambience, and incredible drinks and seafood really just elevate your entire experience!
Bonefish Grill
 
Buffalo Wild Wings
 
Chuck Lager America's Tavern
 
Hillgrove Tap
 
Miller's Ale House
 
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They have some great treats!!!
Orland Park Bakery
 
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This bakery has some of the best pastries in town. You would be missing out if you did not visit this bakery when you come over here!
Doughs Guys Bakery | Palos Heights IL
 
Beauty and The BAKER
 
The Original Rainbow Cone - Orland Park
 
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
 
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Hands down the best!
Doughs Guys Bakery | Palos Heights IL
 
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
 
Beauty and The BAKER
 
Orland Park Bakery
 
Rubino's Italian Imports
 
Pekoe & Bean
 
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Guinness just opened up their Open Gate Brewery in the West Loop of Chicago, Illinois. It is definitely worth the trip!
Guinness Open Gate Brewery – West Loop

Arts & Entertainment

 
Field Museum
 
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Our iconic Cubbie field is a historical landmark here in Chicago. Even if you aren't a Cubs fan, it is a great experience! We are one of the only stadiums in the nation who have not changed their name.
Wrigley Field
 
Guaranteed Rate Field
 
Soldier Field
 
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This is one of our great zoos in the area.
Brookfield Zoo

Local Favorites

 
Lumina Hair Salon I: Home
 
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I have been a member of Hand & Stone since 2023, and I won’t go anywhere else for massage or facial. Their program is awesome because you get FREE massage or facial with their reward points program. Tell them Jennifer Chicoine recommended you, an...
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
 
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They offer an INCREDIBLE massage!
Heavenly Massage & Spa
 
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My husband, and I truly enjoy going to Barnes & Noble, grabbing a Starbucks, and sitting in their lounge areas to read new books! A low cost, fun experience!
Barnes & Noble
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Near Chicago

 
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Whenever my husband and I have a moment to spare, we spend time in Grand Rapids, MI and stay at Amway Grand Plaza Curio Collection by Hilton. They are our home away from home and have shops, restaurants, bars, and so much more! Run don’t walk to Amwa...
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI by Curio