More Favorites

Last month I wrote about my favorite bicycle tour.
This month, let's talk Segways! What you ask are Segways? They are two wheeled vehicles that whoosh you along as if you were George Jetson. Even the Chicago Police Department has Segways!
My favorite Segway Tour is Absolutely Segway. The tours can be the Museum Campus, Art and Architecture and Fireworks.
Timmie Cortina, the owner of the company always updates the concierge on availablity and any other fun fact we might need to know. She is a true friend to the concierge community.
Segways are a fun and great way to see Chicago!

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Chicago Favorites

Now that we have had a taste of Spring, I want to start writing about some of my favorite activities to do in Chicago.
My first "favorite" is Bobby's Bike Hike.
Chicago was voted one of the best bicycle cities in the country. One of the best bicyle tour/rental companies is Bobby's Bike Hike.
Not only do they rent bikes, but the tours are fantastic!
Started by Arkansas native Jeremy Lewno, in honor of his late father Bobby, Jeremy's company offers several different tours throughout the day, and for all riding levels. (Hey I did it!)
You can tell when the tours come through by all the participants ringing their bike bells!
Whether riding along the lakefront, through the "tony" Gold Coast neighborhood, or taking the Obama Tour, Bobby's Bike Hike is fun, informational (but not boring!) and a must do while visiting Chicago!

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On Stage

Well, the time has finally come! "Billy Elliott the Musical" is arriving in Chicago on March 18th, for what we hope will be a very long run!
"Celia, The Life and Music of Celia Cruz" will be playing for a few days as well.
A little later in the month, "Beauty and the Beast" comes back to Chicago.

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Priority Club-It's a good thing!

Well, now that we are a member of IHG, you can gets points for your stay with us!
From earning hotel stays to airline miles, Priority Club points never expire and no blackout dates for reward nights!
For more information, see one of front desk agents or visit www.priorityclub.com

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Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is here!
One of the best ways to experience some of our fantastic restaurants without breaking the bank.
3 course Prix Fixe meals ($22.00 for lunch, $32.00 for dinner)
Running February 19th-28th, check out the participating restaurants at www.eatitupchicago.com
Bon Appetite!

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A New Beginning

We at the Avenue hotel Chicago are very excited. As of January 4, 2010, we will be known as the Avenue Crowne Plaza.
You will continue to get the great service you expect from our boutique style hotel, but will gain all the Crowne Plaza amenities!
Crowne Plaza is a division of IHG, the hotel company with the largest number of rooms in the world. This includes, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Staybridge, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and Candlewood.
IHG has a long history with Les Clefs d'Or, one of the concierge associations to which I belong. It's current President is Robert Watson, Willard Intercontinental Washington D.C.
The other concierge association to which I belong, is the Chicago Hotel Concierge Association.
The CHCA is one of the oldest in the US, and believe you me, it is definitely an honor and a plus to belong to this local association.
The mentoring and friendship of this organization is one of the finest I have experienced.
Being an active member in your local community is the greatest feeling, to know you belong.
So at the next hotel you are a guest, in addition to the gold keys, remember the best concierge started as a member of the local association, as they are always learning, always networking, and always looking for the best...for you, the guest.

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On your own

In my previous post, I wrote of different tours available in the city.
Since that time, I went on the Sculptours tour myself! It was fantastic!
I, who knows nothing about art, really enjoyed myself, and learned so much from my docent Carolyn!
It was a wonderful way to spend a morning!
Now, what about those of you that don’t really want to take a tour? Some of you perhaps would like to explore the city on your own.
For that, I would recommend the Brown Line train.
This train Line runs around the Loop continues past the Merchandise Mart (a must for those that are into anything HGTV).
After the Chicago Avenue stop, the train winds through Old Town to Sedgwick (stop by Twin Anchors, for the best ribs. This is also where “Return to Me” with David Duchovney and Minnie Driver was filmed.
Once past Sedgwick, it’s onto Armitage, a great shopping area with one of a kind stores you won’t find on Michigan Avenue. Armitage is also home to the world famous Charlie Trotter restaurant.
Next stop, Fullerton, home of DePaul University. (this stop is also a Red Line stop)
Continuing north, the next major stop is Belmont. Need a tattoo? This is the stop!
Another great shopping stop is Southport. Southport also has some great restaurants (Tango Sur) and a wonderful old theatre that shows an array of films not shown at your local Cineplex. (Mercury Theatre)
Let’s skip a few stops up to Western. Lincoln Square is the neighborhood, food is the main game!
You will notice you are now at street level with beautiful new stations, and quaint neighborhoods as you travel.
The last stop on the Brown Line is Kimball. Near Northeastern University, WTTW, out local PBS station, and so much more!
I just barely scratched the surface, so call me for more details!
All this for just $2.25!
What a way to go!

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