Secret Things To Do In Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, lies on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. The Windy City is known for its architecture, pizza, shopping, history, politics and world-famous tourist attractions. Few people haven't heard of Wrigley Field, the Willis Tower, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, but Chicago has many wild and wonderful "secret" spots that make any trip there an urban adventure.

Goin' to the Chapel

Of the many varied and interesting churches in Chicago, the First United Methodist Church's Chicago Temple is the oldest established congregation in Chicago. It has been in the same location on Washington Street since 1837 and has the highest place of worship in the world with the Sky Chapel, donated by the Walgreen family. Chicago Temple's architecture is a mixture of French Gothic, stained glass and skyscraper, and was the tallest building in Chicago in 1924, before the Sears Tower and the Trump International Hotel and Tower. Attend mass, tour the church or walk by and admire the architecture and grandeur of the building at this memorable Chicago church.

Wild for Wine

Wine bars, cigar bars, dive bars--Chicago has them all, plus a winery and meadery. Learn the secrets of mead and wine making in the Windy City at Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery on South Western Avenue. It claims to be "Chicago's first winery and Illinois' only meadery on the Northern Illinois Wine Trail." You'll find extraordinary local wines and award-winning meads at Wild Blossom. Winemaker Greg Fischer has raised bees all his life and has parlayed his beekeeping experience into his current career: making mead from the honey his bees produce, making wines from local fruits and teaching wine and beer making classes. His 80 beehives fuel his business and help pollinate the gardens and wild flowers throughout the Chicago area.

Take It to the Grave

Graceland Cemetery on Clark Street and Irving Park Road is not the typical big-city destination. Established in 1860, Graceland is home to historical burial sites and inspiring landscapes. Chicago's rich, famous, powerful and interesting characters are buried here, including railway mogul George Pullman, architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, members of the Palmer family and the Field family, several Chicago mayors and Civil War soldiers. Magnificent statuary and stone sarcophagi throughout the 80 acres make this a memorable walking destination.

A Little Night Music

The Empty Bottle on North Western Avenue is a corner neighborhood bar that has been hosting music performances like DJs, jazz and indie rock since 1996. The establishment also coordinates community events such as its monthly indoor farmers' market and podcasts. The Empty Bottle's Bite Cafe is right next door, serving sandwiches, salads, pasta, vegetarian and light cafe fare plus a weekend brunch.

Wish Upon a Star

The Music Box Theatre on Southport Avenue is a nostalgic vintage movie theater that hosts indie, cult and foreign films, classic movies and an annual horror movie event. The theater opened in 1929 and was designed to resemble an open-air courtyard, with twinkling stars in the blue ceiling, live organ music and an ornate blend of Italian, Spanish and eclectic design. The theater's atmosphere is completed by the ghost of a former cashier. The Music Box Theatre is a movie lover's dream come true.