CHICAGO -- For most, mentioning Chicago conjures up mental pictures of Michael Jordan soaring through the air in his black and red basketball uniform, leading the Bulls to yet another victory.
But as any visitor to the Windy City is likely to discover, there is much more to this place than its impressive basketball legacy.
Chicago offers its visitors all the energy and bustle of a major city, combined with the beauty of Lake Michigan. Although the list of things to do and see is quite extensive, SN has compiled a guide that may help conference attendees explore the town.
EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. (312) 595-7437. More than 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops and restaurants on Lake Michigan. It is also home to a children's museum, Imax theater, ferris wheel, carousel and more.
5th Annual Chicago Silver Images Film Festival. Various locations. (773) 881-6940. Call for locations and listings.
John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive. (312) 939-2438. World's largest indoor aquarium. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sears Tower Skydeck Observatory, 223 South Wacker Drive. (312) 875-9696. Every day 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 Lake Shore Drive. (312) 322-0995.
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Congress Pkwy. Daily evening light shows.
MUSEUMS/EXHIBITIONS
Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 443-3600. Through May 10: Baule: African Art/Western Eyes Open. Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt Road at Lakeshore Drive. (312) 922-9410. Temporary exhibit: Assignment Rescue: The Story of Varian Fry. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street at Lakeshore Drive. (773) 684-1414. Open weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660. Cindy Sherman Retrospective and other exhibits. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MUSIC
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000. May 4: Basically Baroque series. May 6: Corporate Night. Call ahead for times and tickets.
Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Dr. "The Phantom of the Opera." (312) 332-2244.
SPORTS
Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field. (312) 831-CUBS for tickets. May 5 and 6: At home against Houston.
THEATER
Second City, "The Best of Second City," 1616 N. Wells. (312) 664-1456. Monday Nights 8:30. A compilation of the renowned comedy troupe's best sketches. Call for details.
Ivanhoe Theatre, "Hellcab," 750 W. Wellington. (312) 975-7171. Showtimes Friday and Saturday 10 p.m.; Sunday 8 p.m. This comedy, in its fourth year, looks at a day in the life of a Chicago cab driver.
Steppenwolf Theatre, "The Man Who Came to Dinner," 1650 N. Halstead St. (312) 335-1650 for showtimes and tickets.
Mercury Theatre, "Jensen Magic" May 5 and 6. Show of illusions, magic and audience participation. Call for showtimes. (773) 325-1700.
"Shear Madness at Blackstone Hotel," 636 S. Michigan Ave. Showtimes everyday except Tuesday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Comedy where the audience participates in solving a murder.
