5 ways to enjoy Independence Day weekend in Chicago

1) See The Grant Park Orchestra

Want a great mix of music, culture and American pride? On Sunday, July 3^rd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Grant Park Orchestra will be performing a special America themed Independence Celebration which will feature classic patriotic songs.

2) Go to a Cubs vs. White-Sox game

Seeing the Cubs and White-Sox play is one of the best ways to experience America’s pastime. These two teams have one of the longest running rivalries in Major League Baseball and are sure to deliver a great game. Plus, it just doesn’t get much more American than good old-fashioned baseball. This year we’re lucky enough to see both of Chicago’s teams face off on July 3rd.

3) Have a good Laugh

Whether you’re a comedy buff or merely a casual fan, Stand up for America, a comedy event that gathers 13 of Chicago’s best comedians, is a unique way to celebrate the holiday. On July 4^th at 7pm head to the Comedy Sportz Theatre for a reminder of how great freedom of speech is!

4) Enjoy quality family time at a Parade

Going to a parade is truly a great way to make some great family memories. Go check out one of the many parades in the Chicago area taking place on Independence Day.

5) Baby you’re a firework…

Of course, the most obvious item on the list. It’s true though, fireworks and the Fourth of July just go together. Celebrating America’s independence through fireworks has been a tradition since 1776, and should be a staple of your Independence Day celebration. Fortunately there are plenty of firework displays in the Chicago area for you to experience this great American tradition.

Taste of Chicago 2011

There are a lot of factors that come together to give a city its individual personality. The skyline, people, location, culture and countless other attributes combine to create a city’s unique atmosphere. There’s definitely a lot to be said about a city that boasts impressive architecture or is known as a cultural hotspot, but one of the most underrated yet appealing characteristics a city possesses is its food!

Here in Chicago we have a diverse cuisine to be proud of, and it’s not all about pizza!  That’s why Taste of Chicago exists. Taste of Chicago is a food festival where a wide range of restaurants from the city come together to give people a true taste of what the city’s food is really all about.

This year Taste of Chicago begins on June 24^th and goes through July 3^rd, and will take place in Grant Park. Admission to the event is free, although food vendors will be selling special “taste of” items at two dollars or less ensuring that event goers can sample Chicago’s foods without spending too much money. If you want to get the full experience plan on attending multiple days though because a whopping 59 restaurants will be participating this year!

Besides food, Taste of Chicago will be featuring musical acts, to help give a good sound track to your tasting pleasure. Chef demonstrations, family activities including games and crafts, also make up some of the additional non-eating activities during the event.  There will even be a 5K Run so you can burn off some of the calories you are sure to consume during the festival!

Support Our Troops

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and although it is usually characterized by fireworks, overeating, parades and family get-togethers, it’s important to remember what the holiday is really about.

On Independence day we are celebrating the birth of our nation, the anniversary of the creation of the land of the free and the home of the brave!

In honor of the greatest country in the world, we here at Broughton Hotels of Chicago have decided to do our best to help support those who defend it.

Though it’s a small gesture, we believe that sending letters to the troops telling them how much we appreciate and support them can make a big difference. So give our young men and women overseas some love from home. Now through July 8^th  we are collecting letters, cards and pictures to send to our troops.

On our Facebook page you can see an album of people who have already sent their messages! For more information on where to send your mail, check out the Help Support Our Troops tab. 

The Grant Park Music Festival

The Grant Park Music Festival is the nation’s only remaining free, outdoor classical music series, and this summer we’re celebrating its 77th season. Each summer, the Festival is committed to providing free classical music to all of Chicago in its new venue—the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. A visit to the Grant Park Music Festival is an excursion to a world-class park and an unforgettable outing to a one-of-a-kind festival.  With the gorgeous Great Lawn, a comfortable Seating Bowl, membership opportunities and special options for groups there is certainly a spot in the park just right for you to enjoy the beautiful sound of classical music outdoors.

The Grant Park Music Festival offers performances by the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus, as well as special appearances by guest performers from around the world, totaling well over 30 world-class performances every summer. The 2011 Season runs from June 15-August 20. Performances are typically Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 7:30pm.

There are many ways to enjoy a concert in Millennium Park and new “Plan Your Visit” section on their website is designed to help you make the most of your time at the Festival. 

Treat Yourself to a Daycation!

Whether you’re just visiting Chicago for a few days or have lived here your whole life, chances are you haven’t seen all there is to see in this great city. It could be the hassle of planning your day simply seemed too daunting, or that you just don’t know where to look to find the Windy City’s best-kept secrets.

Well, fortunately, Daycations exists to do all of that for you. Each Daycation is centered around a particular neighborhood, allowing for the ultimate one-day adventure! Daycations is a self-guided exploration that maps out an itinerary, yet still empowers “Daycationers” to make choices and act on their impulses.  Truly a one-stop-vacation-shop, a Daycation includes interesting, unique, and local restaurants, retail shops, and architectural, historical, and recreational sights to see.

Explore the retailers, restaurants, and points of interests that are unique to the neighborhood. You won’t find box stores or big chain restaurants in any of our Daycations — only businesses indigenous to that neighborhood. Each Daycation also includes interesting facts and history to add to your knowledge of the area. Simply buy your Daycations, print it off, or put it on your mobile phone.

Daycations is Your Day. Your City. Planned.