About 45–60 minutes from the reception venue. Toll routes can be avoided via “No Tolls” in GPS, or use EZPass if preferred. 🏙️ Iconic City Experiences Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile: Famous shopping district with shops, restaurants, and city landmarks Millennium Park: See The Bean, Buckingham Fountain, stroll the park, and take skyline photos. Navy Pier: Shops, lake views, and Flyover Chicago Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower aka Sears Tower); it’s famous for The Ledge 360 CHICAGO (John Hancock Center); observation decks, plus the Tilt experience 🎨 Museums Field Museum Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Shedd Aquarium Art Institute of Chicago Adler Planetarium 🛶 Tours Chicago Architecture Center: Architecture boat tours along the Chicago River. 👻 Ghost & Haunted Tours Chicago Gangsters & Ghosts Tour 🎭 Chicago Theater Drunk Shakespeare The Second City Chicago Shakespeare Theater Broadway in Chicago: at theaters like CIBC or Cadillac Palace
Classic Chicago Eats Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, Giordano’s Tavern style pizza: Zarella Italian Beef: Johnnie’s Italian Beef, Al's Italian Beef Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Portillo’s, Gene & Jude’s Billy Goat Tavern: Iconic downtown/Loop location, famous for burgers and history River North The Smith: American classics, casual and reliable Beatrix: Fresh, healthy, casual dining Quartino Ristorante: My dad’s favorite! Italian small plates Planta Queen: Trendy plant-based options West Loop/Fulton Market Au Cheval: Famous burgers; no reservations, be prepared for a 1–3 hour wait (small Au Cheval has no wait) The Publican Time Out Market: Food hall Kuma’s Corner: Burgers Siena Tavern: Italian-American Greektown Greek Islands Restaurant: Classic Greek cuisine, great for family-style dining Chinatown: market style and many great restaurants and ice cream! Snacks Garrett Popcorn: Chicago-style caramel & cheese mix Stan’s Donuts: Classic Chicago-style donuts
Parking in Chicago can be challenging, especially near River North, West Loop, and the Loop. Street spots are limited and garages can be expensive. Use the ParkChicago app for street parking—pay meters and see availability. Save money and guarantee a spot by reserving in advance with apps like: SpotHero – Book discounted parking spots in garages or lots ahead of time. ParkWhiz – Compare prices and reserve convenient parking before you arrive. Plan ahead to avoid stress and extra costs.
Schaumburg, IL is very close to the Seville in Streamwood, IL. About 5–6 miles away, and the drive typically takes around 10–12 minutes by car depending on traffic and route. 🛍️ Shopping & Dining Woodfield Mall – 300+ shops and restaurants Streets of Woodfield – Outdoor boutiques, dining, and seasonal events Restaurants (places we’ve tried): Wildfire – Classic steakhouse with chops, seafood, and sides P.F. Chang’s – Asian-inspired favorites Uncle Julio’s – Tex-Mex in a lively setting The Cheesecake Factory – Extensive menu with desserts Maggiano’s Little Italy – Classic Italian dishes Seasons 52 – Seasonal New American cuisine with wine list Morton’s The Steakhouse – Upscale steakhouse Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe – Breakfast and brunch favorite Village Tavern & Grill – Casual bar & grill Fat Rosie's – Mexican-style taco and Tequila bar ⚾ Sports & Games Mastermind Escape Games – Popular interactive escape rooms for groups Topgolf
Travel time from your reception venue, the Seville in Streamwood, to South Barrington is about 14 minutes by car under normal traffic, covering roughly 6 miles. 🛍️ Shopping & Dining South Barrington Arboretum – open-air lifestyle center with a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant – contemporary American cuisine with in-house wines Ruth’s Chris Steak House – classic steakhouse fare Pinstripes – Italian-American food with bowling and bocce for a fun experience Hampton Social – coastal-inspired menu with cocktails and outdoor patio
Is about 22 miles from reception venue. Typically takes around 30–35 minutes. It can be a great stop on your way back to Ohio! Toll routes can be avoided via “No Tolls” in GPS, or use EZPass if preferred.
🛍️ Shopping Oakbrook Center: Outdoor mall with 160+ shops/dining 🍽️ Restaurants (places we’ve tried) Wildfire: Classic steakhouse Seasons 52: New American cuisine Beatrix: New American dishes Pour House: Casual American bar & grill Lazy Dog: Big selection with comfort food The Cheesecake Factory: Extensive menu and desserts Gibsons Steakhouse: Sam's mom favorite! Upscale steakhouse Fogo de Chão: Brazilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat options Maggiano’s: Classic Italian dishes Fat Rosies: Mexican casual dining Labriola: Bakery-café and Italian fare Alter Brewing: Local brewery with food options Blackberry Market: Casual food hall and coffee Jeni’s Ice Cream: Must-try dessert spot 🎮 Entertainment Puttshack: Interactive mini-golf with tech features Wonderverse: Immersive art and digital experiences Immersive Gamebox: VR and interactive games Activate Games: Arcade and gaming fun for all ages Escape Game Oakbrook: Themed escape rooms
Our hometown! It’s about 26–30 minutes from the Seville in Streamwood by car. 🍽️ Restaurants Pita Pita: Mediterranean (my sister's favorite!) JT’s Porch: Casual local bar Glen Prairie: American cuisine Stan’s Donuts: Famous donuts and pastries Honey Berry Café: Fresh breakfast, brunch, and coffee Lou Malnati’s: Iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza Portillo’s: Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and more Frankie’s Deli: Sandwiches and deli classics First Watch: Breakfast and brunch GroundLevel 105: Modern American cuisine (our Favorite!) Rebel Kitchen and Bar: Creative cocktails and comfort food Bricks Wood Fired Pizza: Personal pizzas and casual Italian fare Babcock’s Grove House: Classic American burgers 🛍️ Shopping Yorktown Center – shopping, dining, and an AMC dine-in theater Local boutiques and specialty shops throughout downtown Lombard Fun & Activities: Lilacia Park – beautiful gardens, especially during Lilac Time Festival Great Western Trail – walking and biking paths