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last updated on October 8, 2007

General Information : learn more about this event

Agenda : learn more about the speakers and schedule for this event

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Directions : discover the best way to get to the hotel

2008 Event Calendar : discover more educational and networking events from NAMIC

Area attractions

While visiting the Windy City you will want to be sure to visit many of the area's local attractions. There's something for everyone in Chicago, whether you want to take in a show, listen to some fabulous Chicago blues, shop 'till you drop, or just explore the city. Check out these links below for more information.

Enjoy some live Blues music at nearby Blue Chicago. This famous club, and its sister club Blue Chicago on Clark, are just a short cab ride away from the Sofitel. These clubs offer a one-night admission fee to both venues so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. For a detailed schedule and admission prices visit www.bluechicago.com.

More live entertainment is just a hop, skip, and a jump away at the House of Blues. This famous venue hosts a variety of national musical acts daily. Check out the House of Blues official website at www.hob.com for a detailed schedule of events. For those of you just interested in entertaining your taste buds, the House of Blues is also home to a restaurant that serves delta-inspired Southern cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information call (312) 923-2000.

If your musical taste is geared more towards jazz, then you won't want to miss Andy's Jazz Club. For 29 years, Andy's has presented the best jazz Chicago has to offer. One of the most respected establishments; historic Andy's offers casual dinning and live jazz on a daily basis, with sets at lunchtime, late afternoon and into the evening. For information on Andy's, visit www.andysjazzclub.com.

The Magnificent Mile. This world-famous shopping area is home to four major shopping centers, fabulous boutiques, and much more.

Check out Chicago's thriving performing arts scene at www.chicagoplays.com.

Catch a bird's eye view of Chicago at the new Hancock Observatory. The spectacular view from the observatory can span 80 miles over four states on a clear day. Since the recent renovation, there are a variety of attractions including an audio sky tour and history wall detailing the rise of the Hancock Building. The observatory is open daily. For more information, please visit www.hancock-observatory.com.

Chicago offers many family-friendly attractions for children of all ages including Amazing Chicago on famous Navy Pier, the American Girl Place, and Shedd Aquarium. Check out the links below for more Chicago family adventures.

Get inspired and explore the great world of science at the Museum of Science and Industry. This fabulous museum is home to a variety of exhibits that appeal to children and adults of all ages. The museum also hosts an OMNIMAX theater that is an attraction of its own. The theater itself is approximately 5 stories tall and seats 342 guests. Seeing a movie at the OMNIMAX is quite an experience. Both the exhibits and movies at the museum change frequently. Check out the museum's web page for more detailed information regarding upcoming attractions.

Take the grand Exploration of Shedd Aquarium. Shedd Aquarium boasts itself as the World's Aquarium. Opened in 1929, it is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. When you visit Shedd, you can experience environments from around the world. The Caribbean Coral Reefs, the Amazon, and the Pacific Rocky Coasts are just some of the exhibits you can explore. The Shedd Aquarium takes you closer to nature in some of the world's richest ecosystems. For more information, please visit the Shedd Aquarium website.

Navy Pier is a showcase of unique theme restaurants, shops, exhibition facilities, and an entertainment area second to none. There is an IMAX theater, skating rink, putt-putt golf, and 150-foot carousel among the many attractions. One of the newer attractions is Amazing Chicago the city's first full-sensory funhouse and maze experience. During this 15-minute walk-through attraction, you'll navigate your way through four thousand square feet of exhilarating mirror mazes and tunnels set in a twisted Chicago landscape. For more information on Navy Pier, visit www.navypier.com.

American Girl Place is the place for girls. Anyone with a daughter or granddaughter has probably heard all about American Girl dolls. They are a unique line of dolls created to represent the diversity of America. The dolls come with a variety of outfits and accessories to appeal to all little girls. The American Girl Place in Chicago is one of only two stores in the world that sell the dolls and their accessories, but it is much more than a store. American Girl Place hosts a variety of special events including tea parties for children and their dolls. There is also a theater with daily performances as well as a café. Children can entertain their imaginations at Chicago's American Girl Place. To make reservations for the theater or café, call (877) 247-5223 or visit their website at www.americangirlplace.com.

For general visitor's information visit www.877chicago.com.

Local restaurants

Chicago offers a tremendous variety of dining choices for everyone. For a listing of Chicago restaurants by type or location visit www.choosechicago.com.

Because there are so many restaurants and so little time, we have added a few of our favorites for you to consider. Check out these restaurants suggested by NAMIC committees and staff.

Lawry's The Prime Rib
100 E. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-5000

Lawry's The Prime Rib is an extraordinary place. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, it is a Chicago treasure housed in the 1890s McCormick Mansion that would become world famous as the Kungsholm Light Opera Theatre. Reopened by Lawry's in 1974, that history is echoed in the restaurant's sweeping spiral staircase and beautiful English manor house setting. Enter and feel invited into a world of generous spaces, comfortable elegance, and warm welcome. Reservations are recommended.

Gibsons Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St.
(corner of Bellevue and Rush)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-8999

Gibsons Steakhouse has been the pinnacle of Gold Coast dining for nearly two decades. Housed in the space made famous by Mr. Kelley's, where Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra performed, and later occupied by '70s and '80s hot spot Sweetwater, Gibsons continues the star-studded tradition with a nightly procession of the famous and powerful. You can trace the history pictorially throughout the restaurant where autographed photographs of athletes, politicians, movie stars, rock stars, entertainers of all kinds, and of course the diehard Gibsons "locals" appear. Reservations recommended.

Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House
1024 N. Rush St.
(between Oak Street and Bellevue)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 640-0999

In February 1997, Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House opened as the seafood companion to the legendary Gibsons Steakhouse. Hugo's adheres to the same principles as its predecessor: huge portions, unbeatable value and quality, and highly accommodating service. Its seafood is often considered the best in Chicago due to its freshness and the chef's preparation. Hugo's receives its fish daily, often in two or three separate deliveries per day. If it's not sold that night, it's not sold at all. Tuna, halibut, salmon, whitefish, oysters, and other seafood items garnish the menu with up to six specials every evening. And if it's steak that you're in the mood for, they feature all of the world-famous Gibsons steaks on their menu as well - it's the best of both worlds.

Chicago Chop House
60 W. Ontario St
Chicago, IL
(312) 787-7100

The Chicago Chop House has long been referred to as "Where the City That Works Eats." It is located in an immaculately restored century-old Victorian brownstone in the popular River North neighborhood. The Chicago Chop House offers the taste of "true Chicago," with mouth-watering, hand-cut USDA Prime aged beef. They also have an extensive wine list that has over 500 selections, including 30 wines by the glass. Among many other various food and wine awards, the Chicago Chop House has received the wine spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1994. Reservations are recommended.

Gino's East of Chicago
633 N. Wells St. (Ontario and Wells streets)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-1124
Fax: (312) 943-9589

In a city known as the "Pizza Capital of the World," the original Gino's East is still the No. 1 pizza restaurant. Customers from near and far return year after year to scribble their names into the wood and stucco walls of the flagship restaurant in downtown Chicago. Gino's is a very casual atmosphere and is considered a family restaurant. There are several locations in Chicago.

Corner Bakery Café
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-9900
Fax: (312) 573-0178

Morning, noon, and night the Corner Bakery Café is great for a yummy sweet anytime. They offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees, as well as a variety of baked goods. There are several locations throughout Chicago.

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