Chicagois a tottlin’ town and you will have lots of opportunities to toddle through some pretty special places when you join Interlude for a fantastic three days of theater, history, shopping and MORE!! The food experiences alone are amazing!
This sojourn allows you to experience the wonderful Old World traditions prevalent in many of the establishments of Greektown. The fluidity of the Greek language is still heard in the neighborhood and adds such authenticity and flavor. The luncheon experience at Santorini’s is like a mini-trip to Greece. From the white stucco walls adorned with copper pots and flower arrangements to the attentive wait-staff and the savory smells - Η ζωή είναι καλή (Life is good). A MUST at Santorini’s is their Saganaki – flaming and fabulous. Save room for dessert – I recommend the Galaktobouriko – hard to say OR spell but delectable. You’ll thank me.
This adventure includes a stop at the charmingly authentic Long Grove Village, which offers more than 60 distinctive shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in homes and businesses that date from the 1800s. As you meander down the cobblestone walks that wind through the historic downtown you’ll be treated to lush gardens and many scenic views- great photo ops!! Here you are free to indulge your tastes with a diverse selection of food and bakery products, cafés, and fine eating establishments. I guarantee delightfully different food experiences and enough historic content to satisfy the non-shopper.
Currently the buildings in the crossroads area are marked with plaques identifying the original owners and recognizing their importance to Long Grove’s history. All the village landmarks in the historic district have been carefully guarded as the town evolved into a unique destination just waiting for visitors like you. You will enjoy shopping in the former blacksmiths, grist mills, and dairies that now house a myriad of intriguingly interesting shops. As you stroll through this treasure of earlyAmericana, keep an eye open for the one-room schools, early taverns, and general and specialty stores currently hosting contemporary shops and restaurants. A truly awesome shopping and photographic experience awaits – just one more stimulating adventure with Interlude.
A visit to Cuneo will linger with you forever. It is truly one of my very favorite places relatively close to home. The grandeur 
of the architecture, the lushness of the gardens, the almost sacred feeling of the chapel and the stained glass is wondrous. Meandering through the mansion one feels oddly comfortable amid the elegance. It is one of the places that must be experienced – and the effects will linger with you forever. I can only hope that your experience there is similar to mine. Among the treasures held within is the Cuneo family collection of fine antiques, paintings by world-famous artists, tapestries, sculptures, silver, and porcelain. You may just depart on sensory overload – I did.
On your free day, I strongly suggest the Driehaus Museum for a total immersion into the Gilded Age-era of decorative arts, design, and architecture. The Gilded Age was an era defined by men of industry and commerce. These titans of business immortalized their positions as America’s new aristocracy by erecting opulent residences that emulated the palaces of old Europe. Today, the Samuel M.NickersonMansion, now the Driehaus Museum, survives as a reminder of the elite character of this special time. Once known as Nickerson’s Marble Palace, you will tour the resplendently restored mansion, still one of the grandest residential buildings representing nineteenth-century Chicago. All three floors and a view the servants’ quarters are available to see. A truly lovely reward to all your senses – you’ll enjoy magnificent interiors and a fine collection of both decorative and fine arts from the private collection. Relatively new to the Chicago area, this Museum is a rare gem and well worth your time.
Of course there is also the Genghis Khan exhibit at theFieldMuseumand countless sightseeing opportunities as well. And…some free time to pick what interests you most.
Theater in Chicago is always a great experience and once the show has been chosen we’ll make that known to you. Now really, what could be better than the Palmer House to lay down your weary heads after experiencing Chicago Your Way!! Please check out the full itinerary and make your reservation early because this trip is sure to be a sell-out and for heaven’s sake DO NOT forget your camera!!
City Break: Chicago (click here for itinerary)
July 6-8, 2012 (3 days, 2 nights)
Eadie – Interlude blog team
•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us •Share your Interlude stories and photos on this blog •Sign up for our email newsletter •RSS this blog
