EMBARK ON A CHICAGO URBAN ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

Great Ideas for Both Visitors and Residents to Explore and Rediscover the City

Throw a bathing suit in your backpack, slip on your cargo pants, get out the safari hat and become a Chicago urban adventurer this summer!

Whether you are a new or frequent visitor or a tourist in your own town, discover all the city has to offer as an
internationally-known culinary destination, a waterfront oasis, a leader in greening, a tapestry of multicultural neighborhoods, the Blues Capital of the World, and a jazz lover’s paradise.

Choose from seven different themes with more than 200 insider ideas and suggestions designed for visitors, residents, and families. Plan a day trip or stay longer;
organize a group expedition or create a self-guided tour. Head out to Farmers Markets, Wicker Park, lakefront beaches, Garfield Park Conservatory, Mexican-American communities, and the Annual Blues and Jazz Festivals in Grant Park.

“Chicago: A Great Urban Adventure gives visitors and residents a roadmap for exploring one of the premier cities in the world for summer entertainment,” said
Dorothy Coyle, Director, Chicago Office of Tourism. “To encourage everyone to get out and find new experiences or revisit favorite destinations, we have selected seven different themes for this campaign filled with events and activities that represent the best of Chicago. We hope the public will use them as a starting point and create their own adventures all summer long.”

Start your adventure at Urban Adventures Headquarters located at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor information Center. 77 E. Randolph Street.  Meet with an Urban Ranger representative to develop your day’s itinerary and find out the latest adventure tips and
recommendations.  Participate in mini-adventures, which can be completed in 30 minutes or less to receive a special Urban Adventures prize.

Urban Adventures Headquarters at the Visitor Center is open daily: Monday-Thursday, 8am-7pm; Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; and Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Draw on the following Great Urban Adventures for inspiration; then set off on a voyage all your
own. Many suggested events, attractions, and destinations are kid-friendly and free. Visit www.summerinchicago.com for all the
details.

· Culinary - Savor masterpieces at five-diamond restaurants or chow down on Chicago favorites like hot dogs and pizza. Forage in Farmers Markets, including
the acclaimed Green City Market, and search for exotic spices and special treats at ethnic grocery stores
and bakeries.

· Wicker Park - Immerse yourself in an eclectic neighborhood packed with Victorian architecture, contemporary art galleries and studios, one-of-a-kind fashions, cutting-edge restaurants, coffeehouses,
and sizzling nightlife.

· Lakefront - For sun, fun and surf that is always free and open to the public, choose from 33 Lake Michigan beaches, 19 miles of bike paths, walking trails, bird
sanctuaries, volleyball games, driving ranges, and golf courses.

· Green Chicago - Find out why Chicago is one of the top green cities in the nation. Get unusual flora and greening ideas at the Garfield Park Conservatory, tour the Center for Green Technology, sample organic appetizers and spirits at an earth-conscious cafe, and shop for garments and accessories made from sustainable and recycled materials.


Mexican-American Culture - Soak up Mexican-American art and culture in the thriving communities of Pilsen and Little Village. Start at the National Museum of Mexican Art, the nation’s premier Latino museum. Venture into other neighborhoods for music and dance performances, poetry readings, and both traditional and contemporary
food.

· Blues - Celebrate the 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 5-8, with performances by Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, and B.B King, before hitting the clubs, restaurants, and other historic haunts that make Chicago the Blues Capital of the World all summer
long.

· Jazz - Head to the lakefront for a moveable feast of jazz at the 30th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, August 28-31, featuring Sonny Rollins, Kenny Burrell, Ornette Coleman, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Then join a Poetry Slam, dine at a live jazz brunch, and scour the rows of
cds at the legendary Jazz Record Mart.

Chicago: A Great Urban Adventure, presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism, offers ideas for exploring and rediscovering Chicago this summer. The Chicago Office
of Tourism is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and providing innovative visitor programs and services.

Visitors and Chicagoans entertaining out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations, and receive trip-planning assistance by calling 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246) or
visiting www.cityofchicago.org/tourism. In addition to the Visitor Information Center at the Cultural Center, brochures and information are also available at the Visitor Information Center at Chicago Water Works,
163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue. For those calling from outside the United States, Mexico, and Canada, call 1-312-201-8847. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294. 
###