eJourna

Sock Monkey Comes Home to Rockford, Illinois

Tonia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:57 +0000

Sock Monkey Madness

Recently, I took the family to Rockford to visit the Sock Monkey Madness Convention at Midway Village.

Sock Monkeys bring joy to our hearts. They bring out an inexplicable desire to cuddle them and love them. You just want to take every stray Sock Monkey home and give it a place to live.

Before the Sock Monkey Madness convention, I didn’t know that home for Sock Monkeys was Rockford, Illinois. We learned that Rockford once had a thriving knitting industry, and out of that industry came the Rockford Red Heel socks, and ultimately, Sock Monkeys. We also learned, that there are a lot of Sock Monkey lovers around!

The display was a great mix of old and new. The history of the knitting industry which came out of Rockford, Illinois, and stemmed the original Sock Monkey dolls during the the early 1900’s was well documented. The dolls are made from original Rockford Red Heel socks, and have become a very recognizable icon of “Americana.” Sock Monkeys are still collected and loved worldwide. The socks are still sold today as basic work socks and continue to include instructions on making your own Sock Monkey.

Attendees were able to sign up in advance to make their very own Sock Monkey. The two rooms set aside for the work were packed with people when we walked through. Another booth offered a Sock Monkey Tattoo service! For a small fee, visitors could have a “Mom” heart tattoo sewn on their Sock Monkey’s arm, just like in the recent Kia Sorento car commercial.

A large assortment of Sock Monkeys and their wares were also available from a wide range of vendors. Intermingled with the vendor booths were tables full of fabric and crafting supplies where industrious crafters could make outfits and accessories for their Monkeys. It was hard to choose only one memento of the weekend!

The Midway Village Museum was a perfect venue, showing a tie to the history of this Midwest town. The Village represents a typical rural town in Northern Illinois at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The Village’s historical structures include a general store, hardware store, print shop, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, town hall, police station, plumbing shop, bank, hotel, hospital, fire station, church, barber shop, law office, two barns, and four farm houses. If you take a trip to the annual convention, make sure you take time to explore the village while you’re there.

If you love Sock Monkey, or just love some good old fashioned “Americana,” watch for Sock Monkey Madness next year in Rockford, and bring home your very own.

photo by ejourna

Lake Michigan Circle Tour by Motorcycle: An Idea is Born

Ron — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:10 +0000

Author’s note: I’m going on a week-long motorcycle trip in June around Lake Michigan with friends and I’m going to document the preparations leading up to the trip, as well as post daily entries from the road as the trip happens! You can join me by following along.

Preliminary Lake Michigan Circle Tour Route Map

I’ve only been riding a motorcycle for a little over two years. As I’ve gotten more comfortable on my bike, my subconscious has been nagging me to take longer and longer rides. Last year, I got together with a few friends and we did a day-long ride to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. That just served to whet our appetites.

Skipping over winter, in February we attended the Cycle World motorcycle show at the Rosemont Convention Center in Des Plaines, Illinois. This show always gets me geared up and anxious to get back on my motorcycle! While roaming the aisles of new bikes, gear and accessories, my buddy Mike and I started talking about doing a longer trip this year.

A few days and a few phone conversations later, Mike proposed the idea of doing a week long circle tour of Lake Michigan in early to mid June. To say I got a little excited would be an understatement.

The more I thought about it, the more this seemed like the perfect first-time long range motorcycle trip. While we’d cover a lot of miles, we’d never be more than a day’s drive from home base in case something went wrong. We’d also be covering new ground the entire trip and ending up back home in one big loop, as opposed to a “there and back” straight line sort of trip.

We’re still in the early planning stages right now, but we’ve agreed on some basics. First, the trip will take place the second full week of June, the 14^th through the 18^th. The weather should be moderate enough for some great riding during June.

The second thing we’ve agreed on is to stick to county highways, local roads and scenic routes. Riding highways just isn’t as fun. They’re straight and not as scenic. While we’re still working out our final route, the preliminary version promises lots of curvy, meandering roadway running right up against the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on the Michigan portion of the trip.

The third thing we agreed on was that we’ll be staying in motels/hotels. Initially I proposed that we camp instead. This would save a lot of money, but it meant that we’d also have to carry more gear (tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food), be a little more limited in where we could stay, and would be a lot less comfortable. Hey, I’m 42 and I’ve got a bad knee, comfort matters to an old man! Ultimately, we decided in favor of hotels. With four to six of us, we figure we’ll cut costs by splitting the hotel bill. We’ll also have comfortable beds, showers and bathrooms. Always a good thing!

In my next post I’ll talk about the motorcycle I’m planning on riding for this 1,000+ mile week-long trip. Hint: It’s not a touring bike. I hope you’ll tag along for the ride!

Elvis Presley’s Style Showcased at Graceland Fashion Exhibit

Ron — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:30 +0000

Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

The year-long celebration of Elvis Presley’s 75th Birthday kicked into high gear on March 1 with the grand opening of “Elvis Presley: Fashion King,” at Graceland. The exhibit is the first of its kind at Elvis’ home in Memphis, and explores fashion trends ushered in by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

“Elvis Presley: Fashion King” showcases everything from the king’s handmade shirts and casual suits to his flashy jewelry and shoes, giving visitors a first-hand look at how rock ‘n’ roll royalty dressed. Visitors will see the evolution of Elvis’ outfits, from an artist’s sketch to the final product, and how these custom creations were made. The exhibit provides visitors with the feeling that they are peeking into Elvis’ personal closet. There are casual suits, top coats, hats, scarves, more than 50 shirts and many accessories, including a custom necklace featuring more than 220 diamonds and a 11.5-carat diamond solitaire ring.

“Elvis Presley: Fashion King” will be open through March of 2012. It is one of three new exhibits to open at Graceland in 2010, allowing visitors to the National Historic Landmark the opportunity to explore the various sides of Elvis’ life, from his trend-setting style to his simple upbringing.

A special exhibit opened on Elvis’ 75th birthday on January 8, 2010, chronicling key portions of Elvis’ life before he became an international singing sensation. Starting with his birth in 1935, the exhibit “From Tupelo to Memphis,” follows the future King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s path through high school graduation and his life as a delivery truck driver, prior to the launch of his music career. The exhibit gives fans a glimpse at rarely seen artifacts, such as photos of Elvis from his childhood, report cards and one of Elvis’ first pay stubs as a delivery truck driver before making his first recording at Sun Studio on July 5, 1954.

Also opening as part of the year-long birthday celebration is a special exhibit featuring Elvis’ iconic stage costumes from 1969–1977. This exhibit charts the evolution of the design of Elvis’ stage wear, popularized during his Las Vegas engagements and concert tours. Inspired by Elvis’ great interest in karate, simple wool gabardine suits were engineered with tunic-style tops and long, karate-style belts knotted to one side with the ends dangling from the hip. More than 20 of these costumes, now considered works of art, will be on display throughout 2010 in this special exhibit, which is included as part of the ticketed VIP Tour of Graceland.

In addition to these new exhibits, visitors can tour the Graceland mansion and 14-acre property, where they can follow in Elvis’ footsteps as they enjoy an audio-guided tour featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie. This is where Elvis lived, relaxed and spent time with his friends and family. The Graceland Mansion tour includes Elvis’ living room, music room, parents’ bedroom, dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and the famous Jungle Room.

Graceland is open for daily tours year round. During the spring and summer seasons, hours of operation are Monday — Saturday: 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM. There are three ticket options to tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland with the VIP Tour, the Platinum Tour or Mansion Tour.

For more information about making travel plans for Memphis & Graceland, visit Elvis.com or call to make reservations.

Photo by Pictophile

Warren County, Ohio — A Mom’s Family Vacation Paradise

Ron — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:40 +0000

Question: What kind of vacation does mom really want this spring?

What kind of vacation does mom really want this spring? According to a new poll by WhyMomsRule.com 36% of moms want a “good value for the money,” 29% want “a place that keeps the whole family entertained” and 25% “an economical destination that offers a variety of affordable accommodations/activities.”

Firehawk at Kings Island Theme Park, Warren County, Ohio

Answer: Warren County, Ohio’s Largest Playground is the answer for family fun! With more to do in a 30 mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio and more than 40 convenient and affordable hotels, it’s no wonder so many moms choose Warren County for their next family vacation.

As the home of Kings Island, Great Wolf Lodge, The Beach Waterpark and Ozone Zipline Adventures, Warren County is the ultimate family getaway — not far away. Located between Cincinnati and Dayton, Warren County has a number of spring getaway packages that are sure to make mom (and the kids) smile.

Find these and more special offers, plus discount attraction tickets, coupons and more when you visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com.

The Triple Twist Package at Great Wolf Lodge, Kings Island
This month, Great Wolf Lodge Kings Island introduced its latest thrilling waterslide attraction, The Triple Twist. Prepare yourself for a five-story waterslide featuring a drop into a huge funnel followed by twists and turns and two more funnels. Rates from $309.95 per night on selected dates. Valid March 19 — April 30, 2010. Valid on all suites. Mention promotion code TRIPLE.

Package includes:
• 2 Souvenir Sipper Cups, 2 Soda Refills, 2 T-shirts, and 1 Drawstring Backpack per stay
• Includes waterpark passes for your entire stay

Great Wolf Lodge Kings Island, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, OH (800) 913‑9653

$199 Kings Island Getaway
Take your family on a Kings Island Getaway complete with 4 tickets to Kings Island and a 1-night stay at the Kings Island Resort & Conference Center. Available Package Dates include: Weekends April 17 — May 23, daily June 1 — 15, weekends June 18 — 26. To book this package, you must call the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center at (800) 727‑3050 and use the code KIN1.

Kings Island Resort & Conference Center, 5691 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH (800) 727‑3050

$20.00 Restaurant Gift Card at the Holiday Inn Express Franklin
Book a room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Franklin, Ohio, and receive a $20 gift certificate to Applebee’s, Bob Evans, Max & Erma’s, or Cazadores Mexican Restaurant. You must identify the restaurant you would like a gift certificate to upon booking. Please call hotel directly to book this package rate (937) 746‑1094. Offer good on standard rooms only. Blackout dates may apply. Valid from 01/01/2010 — 12/31/2010.

Holiday Inn Franklin, 851 Commerce Center Dr. Franklin, OH 45005 (937) 746‑1094.

About Warren County and the WCCVB:
Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio.

The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization with the mission to drive tourism and overnight visitation to Warren County. Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County. The 6.4 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $917 million and 11,029 tourism-related jobs.

For additional information, visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com or call 800–433-1072.

Photo by Warren County CVB

Amtrak Connects to National Parks with a New Web Site

Tonia — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:49 +0000

Amtrak to Parks website

Amtrak introduced a new Web site designed to show travelers how convenient it is to travel by train to visit the country’s national parks.

With the theme “Parks in Your Backyard,” Amtraktoparks.com allows users to see the nearest Amtrak route to featured national park sites, each of which can be reached using public transportation from an Amtrak station.

Amtraktoparks.com offers a trip wizard which allows users to customize their search based on geographic location and personal interests — Monuments/Memorials, Revolutionary History or Water Activities to name a few.

Information on accommodations such camping sites and hotels is also provided. Once the user selects a national park, information on the park as well as which Amtrak route provides service to that park is shown. The site provides a direct link to Amtrak.com, allowing users to book rail travel.

Initially, the featured national parks include Glacier, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Everglades, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Rocky Mountain and 50 others located along the Northeast Corridor and in the nation’s capital.

These parks were selected due to their proximity to an Amtrak route. There are plans to add more national parks to the site. Eight routes are currently highlighted on the site. They are:

Acela Express (Washington — New York — Boston)
Northeast Regional (Virginia Beach — Richmond — Washington — New York — Boston)
Silver Service (New York — Miami), Palmetto (New York — Savannah)
Empire Builder (Chicago — St. Paul — Portland/Seattle)
San Joaquins (Bakersfield — Sacramento — Oakland)
California Zephyr (Chicago — Denver — San Francisco Bay Area)
Southwest Chief (Chicago — Albuquerque — Los Angeles)

“This new website brings together two of America’s favorite pastimes — traveling by train and visiting national parks,” said Emmett Fremaux, Amtrak’s vice president of marketing and product development. “With more than 500 Amtrak stops in 46 states and the District of Columbia, a national park is as close as your backyard.”

“Passenger rail and national parks have rolled through history in tandem since the 1880s,” said Dean Reeder, National Tourism Director of the National Park Service. “By facilitating visitor access to the many wondrous experiences available in many of our nation’s parks, Amtrak helps us advance the values of sustainable tourism.”

In addition to the highlighted Amtrak routes, seven other routes are also included so users may see other Amtrak routes that offer service to stations near national parks. Those routes are:

Capitol Limited (Washington — Pittsburgh — Chicago)
City of New Orleans (Chicago — Memphis — New Orleans)
Coast Starlight (Seattle — Portland — Los Angeles)
Crescent (New York — Washington — Atlanta — New Orleans)
Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston — Albany — Chicago)
Texas Eagle (Chicago — St. Louis — Dallas — Los Angeles)
Sunset Limited (New Orleans — Houston — Los Angeles)

Under the Find a Park function, users may view a complete list of national parks that are accessible by train. Another link provides details on special fares and Amtrak Vacations packages which include rail travel, hotel accommodations and tour tickets.

Continental Ditching Free Food In Economy Class

Ron — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:40 +0000

On Monday, March 15, 2010, Continental Airlines announced it would discontinue offering free meals in economy class on most of its U.S., Canadian and certain Latin American routes.

The airline will continue to offer complimentary food in the economy cabin on all intercontinental and certain other international routes, and on long-haul domestic routes over six hours.

Jim Compton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Continental stated “Our traditional free-food model has served us well for many years, but we need to change to reflect today’s market and customer preferences.”

Instead, Continental will be offering “a variety of high quality, healthy food choices for purchase in economy class,” according to a statement released Monday.

Menu choices and pricing are currently in development and will be announced prior to implementation. Continental stated that they will offer food and snack selections that are appropriate for the length of the flight and the time of day. Traditional non-alcoholic beverages and accompanying snacks like pretzels will continue to be complimentary on every Continental flight.

World War II Flight Nurses Exhibit Now Open at National Museum of the United States Air Force

Tonia — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:00:47 +0000

National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio

A new exhibit focused on flight nurses during World War II opened March 3 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The Winged Angels: U.S. Army Air Forces Flight Nurses in World War II exhibit, located in the museum’s Air Power Gallery, tells the story of the 500 Army nurses who served as members of 31 medical air evacuation transport squadrons during the war. It highlights such women as 2nd Lt. Elsie S. Ott, 1st Lt. Suella Bernard, 1st Lt. Aleda E. Lutz and 1st Lt. Mary L. Hawkins.

“From World War II to the present, an amazing and interesting history illustrates the courage, professionalism and dedication of our nursing personnel and a legacy that endures today,” said Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Siniscalchi, Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force Development and Nursing Services. “Our superb flight nurses, technicians and critical care air transport teams have rightfully earned the title ‘Angels of the Battlefield.’”

The exhibit includes several interesting artifacts, such as an original flight nurse blue uniform and all four variations of the flight nurse wings. Also on display are the uniform of Lt. Bernard, who was the only nurse known to have participated in a glider combat mission during WWII, and a flight jacket that belonged to Lt. Hawkins, who received the Distinguishing Flying Cross for her life-saving efforts caring for 24 patients after surviving a crash-landing in a C-47.

“These flight nurses were really part of a revolution in military medical care,” said Terry Aitken, the museum’s senior curator. “The introduction of flight nurses and air evacuation made it possible to save more lives than ever before, and this exhibit allows us to share the rich story of these brave women with our visitors. The flight nurses who served during World War II established a standard that continues today.”

The opening of Winged Angels at the start of Women’s History Month gives museum visitors another chance to see the contributions women have made to the Air Force over the years. Other museum exhibits focused specifically on women include the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) exhibit in the Air Power Gallery and a tribute dedicated to flight nurse Mary Spivak, which will be part of the renovated Korean War exhibit area.

About the National Museum of the United States Air Force

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking are free.

Photo by OZinOH

Turn your iPod Nano into an Underwater Camera

Tonia — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:00:58 +0000

Capture Waterproof Case for iPod Nano

H2O Audio introduces the Capture Waterproof Case, a clever kit that turns the iPod nano 5th generation into an underwater camera. Plug in a pair of H2O’s waterproof headphones to enjoy underwater listening too – maybe even swim with sharks while listening to the Jaws music.

Whether showering, swimming, diving or surfing, users can listen to their favorite music or imitate Jacques Cousteau, capturing the sights and sounds of the deep. The Capture features H2O’s unique waterproof technology and is 100% waterproof to depths of up to 12 feet, allowing water enthusiasts to make use of all the iPod nano features in, around, and under water.

One of the Capture’s niftiest functions is that it enables the iPod to capture high-quality video footage even while submerged, thanks to its polished polycarbonate lens, so you can shoot from the action, not the waterline. Other nano functions which are still accessible from the sea bed include playing footage, music, videos and games, thanks to H2O Audio’s patented Commander scroll wheel technology which enables full control of the iPod click wheel while underwater.

Bundled with many neat additional features the Capture is compact (6x2x1”), incredibly lightweight at just 3.6 ounces, and durable with polycarbonate construction to protect the iPod against drops, impacts and scratches. Perfectly portable, the case comes with a sports armband and detachable belt clip.

Capture Waterproof Case for iPod nano with video (5th Gen) available on Amazon priced from $79.99.

In search of Missouri’s ‘Best’ — From Cheeseburgers to Scenic Drives

Tonia — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:00:46 +0000

What constitutes “the best?” Well, like a lot of things, it depends on whom you ask. So, the Missouri Division of Tourism recently conducted an informal Facebook poll where they asked their fans to tell them where to find things like “the best” of everything, from best cheeseburgers to best scenic drives.

As expected, there were a variety of answers, which shows the diversity of Missouri’s offerings. So if one of the following spots is something you’d like to check out, hop in the car and take a drive. Missouri is beautiful, no matter what time of year it is, and you just might find “the best” Missouri has to offer.

Blueberry Hill, St. Louis, Missouri

The Missouri Division of Tourism’s Facebook fans seemed to have a variety of opinions about which of the Show-Me State’s eateries offers the best cheeseburger, but Blueberry Hill, in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis earned a couple of mentions. Famous Dave’s, which has locations in Branson, Kansas City and St. Joseph, also earned a nomination for having the best burger, as did the Tater Patch in Rolla.

Looking around Missouri, you may also be interested in the burgers at Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub, in Jefferson City and Billy Gail’s Café, on Route 265 in Branson. (While Billy Gail’s is said to serve up a mean burger, the restaurant was, in 2009, honored by a regional magazine for having the best breakfast in the entire 417 area code. The pancakes there are literally fall-off-the-plate huge.)

Missouri is also famous for its breweries, from Anheuser-Busch InBev, in St. Louis, to Schlafly Beer, in Maplewood, to Boulevard Brewing Company, in Kansas City. Our Facebook fans also suggested Springfield Brewing Company, in Springfield and Prison Brews, in Jefferson City. If you’re traveling in southeast Missouri, don’t forget about Crown Valley Brewing and Distilling Company, outside of Ste. Genevieve.

If wine is more to your liking, Missouri has plenty of brands you might consider “the best” and there’s no shortage of opportunities to taste the state’s wine, thanks to its five wine trails: the Missouri River Wine Trail, the Hermann Wine Trail, the Route Du Vin, the Ozark Mountain Region Wine Trail, and the Missouri Weinstrasse. For a map of these trails, log onto www.MissouriWine.org, select the “Wine Trails” link and then open the map in the drop-down menu.

If you like the eating and drinking establishments Missouri Facebook fans have directed you so far, you might also check out Shakespeare’s Pizza, in The District (and near the University of Missouri Campus) in downtown Columbia, or The Pear Tree, a fine-dining restaurant in Bevier. Fan favorites include the steaks and prime rib dinners.

Looking for a relaxing getaway, Facebook fans suggested Lake Springfield Park, and Mark Twain State Park, Stoutsville, which offers scenic views of Mark Twain Lake. And if you’re interested in a relaxing drive, one recommendation is to try Highway 14 from Ava to West Plains, particularly in the fall.

If you’re looking for “the best” in sweet treats around Missouri, you’ll likely hear plenty of debates about chocolates, cakes, cookies, pies and ice cream. In the interest of fairness, it’s probably best for you to figure out for yourself which is best (just don’t tell your dentist).

Central Dairy, in Jefferson City, where a variety of flavors can be heaped on to your cone, in your dish or complement that massive banana split.
Café 37, West Plains, which features a mammoth brownie trifle, a generous bread pudding, classic turtle cheesecake and chocolate layer cake.
The Blue Owl, Kimmswick, home of fresh-baked pies, cakes, cheesecakes, pastries and candies.
Main Street Bakery and Café, Cuba, which is famous for its peanut coffee cake and filled doughnuts.
Charmed Cakes and Fine Desserts, in St. Robert, where the focus is on a variety of cake truffles, with flavors ranging from chocolate and coconut to red velvet and chocolate cherry chip.
Oooey Gooey Chocolates, Excelsior Springs, where you’ll find a variety of cakes, cookies, signature creations and things described simply as “gooey items.”
Joe’s Bakery and Deli, Washington, where the carrot cake is tempting and you’ll feel like eating at least two pieces of gooey butter cake. (While you’re in Washington, check out the homemade fudge and turtles at The Fudge Shoppe or the toppings on the pie at Cowan’s Café, home of the mile-high pie.)

But Missouri doesn’t just have some of “the best” food and drinks you’ll find anywhere. The state is home to a variety of unique, fun and educational attractions, as well as special events. So, whether you’re interested in the presidential history you’ll find at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, in Independence; a jaunt down Historic Route 66, which spans from St. Louis to Joplin; or you simply want to listen to a great yarn at an event like the Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival, you’re sure to find it in Missouri.

To find out more on a Missouri destination that’s close to home but far from ordinary, or to order a 2010 Missouri Travel Guide, log onto www.VisitMO.com or call 800–519-4800.

Photo by mockstar

Chicago Gets Top Billing as Popular Destination for Theater Lovers

Tonia — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:45:27 +0000

Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

From storefront theaters in the neighborhoods and Tony-award winning regional companies to major Broadway shows, Chicago is known throughout the world for its extensive selection of critically-acclaimed theater. On any given day, visitors can venture out into Chicago’s diverse communities for a production at one of the city’s many off-Loop theater companies or see a musical in the bustling historic downtown theater district.

With more than 250 theater companies, 115 performance venues with 5 million tickets sold annually, and 800 productions a year, Chicago’s reputation for quality, innovation and a broad range of theatrical offerings make it a premier destination for theater lovers of all ages and tastes. In recognition of its prominent position in the theater community, Chicago was selected as the first stop on the national tour of Billy Elliot the Musical, beginning March 18 at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre.

For more information about Chicago theater in neighborhoods throughout the city, visit www.explorechicago.org.

Award-Winning Theater

Four Chicago theaters have received the prestigious Regional Tony Award, more than any other city in the nation:

Chicago Shakespeare Theater – The plays of Shakespeare form the core of this company’s productions and are complemented by other dramatic works, from traditional classical theater to new classics.
The Goodman Theatre – Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater produces both classic and contemporary works, giving voice to a wide range of artists and visions.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company – Created by a collective of actors including John Malkovich and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf is committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights.
Victory Gardens Theater –This mid-sized professional theater company, one of the country’s most respected, is dedicated solely to producing new plays.

Among numerous other accolades, two Pulitzer Prizes have been awarded to plays generated in Chicago – Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County (Steppenwolf Theatre) and Lynne Nottage’s Ruined (The Goodman Theatre).

A record number of New York productions have had a strong Chicago influence. Plays that premiered in Chicago by Chicago playwrights and went on to enjoy successful Broadway runs include, among many others, A Steady Rain by Keith Huff and Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts.

Theater in the Neighborhoods

A thriving resident theater community is at the heart of Chicago theater. Located throughout the city’s many eclectic neighborhoods, some companies have their own venues while others perform in nontraditional spaces. Many are ensemble-based. They offer a wide variety of theatrical experiences from new plays and original musicals to adaptations and revivals.

Professional theater companies that produce their own seasons include:

A Red Orchid Theatre (Old Town) – Presents new plays from all over the world and revives insightful works from the past.
Black Ensemble Theater (Uptown) – Stages original musicals that highlight the history of African Americans while reaching out to a cross-cultural audience.
Court Theatre (Hyde Park) – Professional theater on the campus of the University of Chicago that focuses on classic theatrical works.
Redmoon Theater (West Loop) – Creates theatrical spectacles that transform streets, stages, and architectural landmarks into places of public celebration.
TimeLine Theatre Company (Lakeview) – Dedicated to presenting stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.

Itinerant theater companies that perform in various spaces throughout the city include:

BackStage Theatre Company – Ensemble of theater artists dedicated to the exploration of family.
Congo Square Theater Company – Multicultural theater spawned from the African Diaspora as well as other world cultures.
Infamous Commonwealth Theatre – Productions illuminate diverse perspectives around one topic each season.
Shattered Globe Theatre – Presents classic drama as well as U.S. and world premieres inspired by the story of “everyman.”
Teatro Vista – Committed to sharing and celebrating the riches of Latino culture by presenting the work of cutting-edge Latino playwrights.
TUTA Theatre Chicago – Ensemble that promotes the work of European playwrights, employing radical stagings of both modern and classical texts.

The Second City & Comedy in Chicago

Chicago’s tradition of improv-based sketch comedy is legendary due in large part to The Second City, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. A Chicago landmark and a national treasure, it offers the best in Chicago comedy showcasing the city’s brightest talent every night of the week. The Second City has launched the careers of such comic greats as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner and many others. Other comedy clubs, venues and companies include:

I.O. (Improv Olympics)
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy
Neo-Futurists, Annoyance Theatre
Lakeshore Theater
ComedySportz

Chicago Theater District and Downtown Theaters

Brightly lit marquees in the Loop along Dearborn and Randolph Streets mark an area spanning four city blocks where magnificently restored theaters comprise the city’s famed downtown Theater District. See the best of Broadway hit productions at a variety of commercial theaters:

Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre
Cadillac Palace Theater
Bank of America Theatre (formerly the Shubert Theatre)
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place

Chicago theater goers frequently have the chance to see pre-Broadway engagements at these venues. Productions that have debuted in Chicago before heading to Broadway include Spamalot, Mamma Mia!, The Producers, and most recently, The Addams Family.

Broadway in Chicago offers Historic Theatre Tours that go behind the scenes, providing details about the theaters’ restoration and the cutting edge technologies required for complex theatrical productions. Check out www.broadwayinchicago.com to find out about tours and current and upcoming shows.

Productions featuring top-caliber talent can also be found at:

The Chicago Theatre
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Merle Reskin Theatre
Lookinglass Theatre Company

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Downtown Theaters

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Theaters — the Storefront Theater and the Studio Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center — offer downtown audiences an off-Loop theater experience with an exciting look at the vibrant emerging theater companies that call Chicago home.

An anchor of the downtown theater district, the Storefront Theater presents productions by Chicago theater companies such as:

Caffeine Theatre
Silent Theatre Company
The Hypocrites

The Studio Theater Incubator Series supports the creation of new work by emerging Chicago theater companies including:

Dog and Pony Theatre Company
LiveWire Chicago Theatre

Children’s Theater

Families can enjoy a lively theater scene in Chicago. Check out:

Adventure Stage Chicago
Chicago Kids Company
Emerald City Theatre
Blair Thomas & Co.
Chicago Children’s Theatre

Half-Priced and Discounted Tickets

Start your discovery of Chicago theater with a visit to Hot Tix (Chicago Tourism Center, 72 E. Randolph St. and Chicago Waterworks Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson, or online at www.hottix.org for a large selection of half-priced tickets ranging from Broadway shows to productions in neighborhoods throughout the city. In addition, the League of Chicago Theatres
provides information about discounted tickets (www.chicagoplays.com).

Visitor Services

The Chicago Office of Tourism (@explorechicago) provides a seven-day-a-week Twitter Concierge Service offering advice and suggestions about the city. Visitor service representatives answer questions and provide information with a focus on free and discounted events and activities in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.

Photo by eJourna