What comes to mind when you think of ‘CHICAGO’? Do you visualize breathtaking skylines along Lake Michigan, “L” trains and a bustling Michigan Ave? Famous public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan or President Barack Obama? Iconic sports teams such as the Bears or Cubs? Perhaps dubious historical figures like the gangster Al Capone? Or maybe you think of its colorful political landscape?

While it’s true that all of those things are a part of Chicago, the city has numerous other treasures that can be explored during your free time while attending the 2010 AATOD National Conference.

Chicago is a city deeply rooted in history, cultural diversity and architectural richness. The best way to experience this is by visiting some of its many distinctive neighborhoods. With “L” trains, metra trains, buses and taxis easily accessible near the Hilton Chicago—the site of the Conference—you won’t have any trouble traveling to most areas. The Hilton Chicago itself is located in an area just south of the Loop, which has many interesting sites just within walking distance. In the most immediate area by the hotel, soak in lively blues music across the street at the Buddy Guys Legends club or eat at one of the several mouth watering restaurants and be entertained at the Jazz Showcase in the nearby Printers Row neighborhood.

The Loop is named for the center part of downtown in which elevated “L” train tracks encircle the area above. A stroll down historic State Street provides for affordable shopping opportunities and for visiting several landmark buildings, including the beautiful Harold Washington Library and the Chicago Theater, with its famous six stories high vertical C-H-I-C-A-G-O marquee. The Ford Center for the Performing Arts, the Cadillac Palace Theater, the Bank of America Theater and the Goodman Theater all are a part of Broadway in Chicago.

Michigan Avenue and the Lakefront lie just east of the Loop. For those brand new to the city, one of the best places to visit is the Chicago Cultural Center, which is a place where you can enjoy free art exhibitions, musical performances and special lectures every day of the year. Nearby the Cultural Center is the Art Institute, a magnificent museum where an endless number of art collections are on display, including the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The historic Grant Park and newer Millennium Park, both stretching from Michigan Avenue to the Lake Front are excellent places to sit and relax or take a stroll.

Just to the south is the Museum Campus, which lay the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. North Michigan Avenue, which includes the area known as the Magnificent Mile, is dominated by high end shops, luxury hotels and fancy restaurants.

Other sites and attractions in this area include the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, and the John Hancock Center, which is the 6th tallest building in the country. Check out wonderful views of the city from its open sky deck on the 94th floor. The hip River North neighborhood, just northwest of the Loop, is an area known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants and nightclubs for tourists to enjoy. One of the more popular neighborhoods north of downtown is Lincoln Park. It is one of the more affluent areas in Chicago with its elegant homes and mansions and trendy establishments. Its namesake park, the largest park in Chicago, is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of only three free admission zoos in the country and the Chicago History Museum.

Farther north in the Lakeview neighborhood, is the Boystown area which is considered the heart of Chicago ’s LGBT community. The Center on Halstead is the Midwest ’s largest community and cultural center serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

And though it will not be baseball season in late October, you would be wise to check out the historic Wrigley Field ballpark, home of the Chicago Cubs. For other entertainment, drop in to see the Blue Man Group, the hilarious, vaudeville performance troupe that is having an open-ended run at the Briar Street Theater.

In the West Loop area, you will find the tallest building in North America, the Willis (Sears) Tower. Take in breathtaking views of Chicago from its 103rd floor sky deck. Parts of the near West Side have been transformed into a neighborhood characterized by lofts, boutiques and restaurants. One of the highlights of this area to see is Harpo Studios, home of the Oprah Winfrey Show, which is near the neighborhood known as Greek Town. Other notable attractions on Chicago’s west side include the United Center (home of the Bulls and Blackhawks) and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum which is in the Little Italy neighborhood.

A hidden treasure on Chicago ’s west side is the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest conservatories in the United States. Further south west, is the colorful Pilsen neighborhood, home to the largest Mexican- American community in the Midwest as well as the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Not to be outdone, Chicago’s south side is steeped in rich history and has plenty of attractions. One of them is the charming China Town area with plenty of specialty shops and ethnic restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Not far from China Town is U.S.

Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox baseball team. One of the more diverse and unique neighborhoods in Chicago is the Hyde Park-South Kenwood, home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Some of the lesser known treasures in this community include the Oriental Institute, which documents the history and culture of the Middle East, the Osaka Japanese Garden, a beautiful nature sanctuary in Jackson Park, the iconic Robie House, and the Du Sable Museum of African American History. And of course, S. Kenwood is the home of President Barack Obama.

As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Chicago in between being enlightened by the research and ideas presented at the Conference!

Submitted by Tamika Whitehead, 2010 AATOD National Conference Hospitality Chair