Chicago is the vibrant metropolis and a world-class city of unsurpassed beauty, attracting visitors from around the world. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is home to the Blues, sports teams, an internationally renowned symphony orchestra, and spectacular live theater.
Wed, 7 Jul 2010

Sales manager Christine Quinn poses with our new Open Bookshelf. It’s our version of take-a-book/leave-a-book
We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with local nonprofit, Open Books! This Chicago social venture has been helping to spread literacy throughout the city since 2006. In just that short time, Open books has developed several different community outreach programs and opened its own self-operated book store. By engaging local businesses and committed volunteers, Open books has been able to serve more than 4,000 students in Chicago Public Schools and other under-served areas. One-on-one reading buddies, creative writing field trips, ‘virtual’ mentoring and literacy related wordshops are just some of the ways that Open Books has been able to make a marked difference in young people’s lives.
Today is the debut of our brand new Open Books “Open Bookshelf”. This new take-a-book/leave-a-book program provides travelers the opportunity to further relax while enjoying their stay at our hotel. We invite our guests to grab an interesting read from the book shelf and make themselves cozy while sitting on our outside sun deck, in the comfort of their bed, or anywhere they wish to enjoy the company of a good book. And don’t worry if you don’t finish it all in one sitting. Feel free to take home the book and the memories of a great visit to Chicago.
To complement our Open Bookshelf program we are also implementing our very own book drive. Starting today, guests can bring in any gently used books they would like to donate. All books for all ages and all reading interests are welcomed. Open Books collects the used books to re-sell in their very own book store that benefits all of their literacy programs. It’s a great and easy way to share the gift of reading. Best of all, any guest who makes a book donation to the book drive will receive 250 bonus Best Western Rewards points that can be accrued for free night stays, travel cards and retail gift cards.
For more information about Open Books check out their website at Open-Books.org
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rivernorth
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Wed, 16 Jun 2010
This month, I didn’t have to go far to find some great food. I went just across the street to Portillo’s Hot Dogs. This Chicago chain has been serving great Chicago Style hot dogs and italian beefs since 1963. Today I tried their delicious Chicago hot dog, which as some of you know, is topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers and a pickle spear. But no ketchup! If that doesn’t get your appetite fired up, they also have really great burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pastas and my personal favorite; baby back ribs. Wash it all down with their famous chocolate cake shake. Its as tasty as it sounds.
But the best part of Portillo’s Hot Dogs is its excellent value. It’s one of the few places in Chicago that offer a fun and unique dining experience without breaking the bank. You can take the whole family there and not have to worry about blowing your budget. Everything on the menu is under $7.00! A true Chicago rarity. So if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or somewhere that will please your family’s palate, stop in to Portillo’s Hot Dogs!

Enjoying a Chicago style hot dog
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rivernorth
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Thu, 3 Jun 2010

Now that Memorial Day is over, we can finally say SUMMER IS HERE!!! And not a moment too soon. Of course, the start of summer in Chicago can only mean one thing: Chicago Festivals! This year, all the favorites make their return. Kicking it off is the Gospel Music Fest June 5th and 6th, followed by the Blues Music Fest June 11th- 13th. Markings its 30th anniversary is the one and only Taste of Chicago from June 25th to July 4th; the world’s largest outdoor food festival. With more than 50 Chicago restaurants, dozens of music performances each day, and loads of children’s activities it’s sure to keep the whole family busy. If all the Maxwell Street Polish Sausages and slices of Eli’s Cheesecake leave you feeling a little weighed down, stop by Millenium Park on Saturday mornings for workouts on the Great Lawn or head to Grant Park Thursday through Sunday for the Summer Dance festival.
If you really want to make the most of the Chicago’s beautiful summer weather, be sure to take in a baseball game or two at either Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field. Or save yourself time and head to one of the always exciting Cross-Town Classics June 11th - 13th and 25th -27th. In August don’t forget to look up as Chicago’s Air and Water show takes to the beaches of Lake Michigan. But the quintessential Chicago summer experience is ending your fun-filled day by catching Navy Pier’s bi-weekly fireworks over one of the greatest skylines in the world. With all the things going on this summer, there’s no better place to be than downtown Chicago!
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Mon, 15 Feb 2010
As part of our Social Consciousness Program, our employees drop off old newspapers to our community neighbor The Anti-Cruelty Society. Anti-Cruelty reuses these newspapers in both the cat and dog adoption rooms.
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