Experience Chicago's Diverse Communities Firsthand

Chicago Neighborhood Tours This Spring

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. October 14, 2008

CHICAGO, IL, March 7, 2008. Explore the history, traditions and people of Chicago neighborhoods in a new way this spring with Chicago Neighborhood Tours. Local guides lead half-day excursions of the city's diverse neighborhoods and communities including Garfield Park; Greektown, Little Italy & Chinatown; Historic Bronzeville;and Ukrainian Village, Humbolt Park & Wicker Park. Special Interest Tours feature The Great Chicago Fire Tour and culinary expeditions to ethnic restaurants, delis, and bakeries on the Taste of the Neighborhoods Tours.

Tours are scheduled on Saturdays throughout April and May. To make reservations for Chicago Neighborhood Tours, call 312.742.1190 or visit www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com. Tours depart by motorcoach from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue, at 10 a.m. (check-in at 9:30 a.m.) and return either at 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m., except for Summertime Sampler Tours that return at 1 p.m. and are offered on Tuesday and Thursday beginning May 27. A schedule of tours in April and May follows:

NEIGHBORHOOD TOURS

April 5

Wicker Park & Bucktown

Take a closer look at these side-by-side historic neighborhoods. After touring St. Hedwig's Church in Bucktown, enjoy a guided walking tour of Victorian mansions in Wicker Park. Time is allotted to roam the shops in both neighborhoods.

April 12

Hyde Park & Kenwood

Learn about the architectural styles of these two neighboring lakefront communities. Highlights include a visit to the Oriental Institute Museum, a short walk through the University of Chicago's Quadrangle, a visit to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a drive past historic mansions and homes in Kenwood.

April 19

Historic Bronzeville

Visit one of the country's most influential African-American communities of the 20th century to explore its history and modern-day renaissance. Travel through Bronzeville's tree-adorned streets before a guided tour of DuSable Museum of African American History. Following a tour and discussion at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, visit Gallery Guichard, one of the neighborhood's newest galleries, and the Bronzeville Visitors Center.

May 3

Garfield Park & Beyond tour -NEW THIS YEAR

Celebrate the Centennial of the Garfield Park Conservatory with this guided tour including artworks by preeminent American artists. Stop at the park's striking, gold-domed field house, with time to wander the Market Place featuring organic produce and more. Then visit historic field houses at Hamilton Park and Sherman Park to view Progressive-era murals. This tour is offered as part of the Terra Foundation for American Art initiative, American Art American City.

May 3

Pullman Historic District

Learn the story behind this urban historic district built by railroad magnate George M. Pullman to house workers from his legendary rail car factory. Highlights of the day include a guided walking tour of the Pullman Historic Landmark District with visits to the Hotel Florence and the Pullman United Methodist Church.

SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

April 26 and May 31

Taste of the Neighborhoods

Delve into the great flavors of the city during these mouthwatering tours. Join ethnic food guide Evelyn Thompson on a culinary safari to numerous ethnic restaurants, delis, and bakeries throughout the city to sample delectable dishes.

May 31

Great Chicago Fire

Uncover the myths and facts surrounding The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, one of American history's most celebrated disasters, with historian Albert Walavich. Start at the former site of Mrs. O'Leary's homestead, now home to the Chicago Fire Academy. Continue to the Historic Water Tower landmark, the only public building to survive the fire, and finish at the Chicago History Museum to view a brief slide presentation and the Great Chicago Fire exhibit.

SUMMERTIME SAMPLER TOURS

May 27

Humboldt Park, Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village

Explore the unique histories, traditions, and stories of these three neighborhoods and the distinct homes, churches, and parks of each. Gather in the heart of Wicker Park for time on your own.

May 29

Greek Town, Chinatown and Little Italy

Travel to Near West Side neighborhoods Greek Town and Little Italy to see where early immigrants lived after arriving in America. In nearby Chinatown, browse shops on your own after a short tour.

Neighborhood Tours are $25 ($20 for seniors/students) and include refreshments; Special Interest Tours are $50 ($45 for seniors/students) and include lunch; and Summertime Sampler Tours are $20 (no additional discounts). For information about group tours, call 312.742.1190. Gift certificates are also available.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours is offered by the Chicago Office of Tourism, the official city agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and resources. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/tourism or call 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246). Brochures and information on Chicago events and activities are available at the Visitor Information Centers located at Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue, and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street.