Part of our Illinois guide.
5 places and guides from our Illinois coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Getting Around Massachusetts, Where To Eat In Illinois, How Hard Is It To Get A Reservation At Nobu Malibu, Museums In Illinois, Beaches In Illinois, and Meet Sue The T-Rex At The Field Museum.
How To Get A Reservation At Alinea
Reservations at Alinea in Chicago open 60 days in advance and sell out within minutes. Book online at exactly 10 a.m. Central Time on the release date. The three-Michelin-star restaurant, helmed by chef Grant Achatz, offers two tasting menus: the 12-course Kitchen Table and the 18-course Salon menu. A non-refundable deposit is required at booking, and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours ahead for a refund. For last-minute openings, check the cancellation page on Alinea’s website daily.
How To Get A Reservation At Semma
Semma, in Chicago’s West Loop, releases reservations on Resy 30 days in advance at 9 a.m. Central Time. The restaurant serves South Indian cuisine from chef Vijay Sadhu and has earned a Michelin star. Tables fill within the first hour; set a Resy notification for your date. Walk-ins are not accepted, but the bar seats a few diners on a first-come basis. The menu is fixed-price at $95 per person (as of 2024), with an optional wine pairing for $65.
How Long To Walk From Hostel Chicago To DePaul
The walk from Hostel Chicago (24 E Congress Pkwy) to DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus (2320 N Kenmore Ave) takes roughly 50 minutes covering 2.5 miles. A faster route is north on State Street, then west on Fullerton Avenue. For a shorter trip, take the CTA Red Line from Jackson to Fullerton (15 minutes) and walk the remaining 0.3 miles. The hostel is in the Loop, and the walk passes through the Near North Side and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.
Hidden Drive-In Theaters Of The Silver Screen
Illinois still operates three drive-in theaters: the McHenry Outdoor Theater (northwest of Chicago), the Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield, and the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City. The McHenry Outdoor Theater shows double features on weekends from April through October, with tickets at $10 per adult. Sky View Drive-In, open since 1950, uses FM radio audio and charges $8 per person. Harvest Moon Twin offers digital projection and a playground. All three operate seasonally; check their social media for weather cancellations.
Transportation Safety Centers
Illinois Transportation Safety Centers handle vehicle inspections, driver’s license renewals, and road-safety education. The Illinois Secretary of State operates 13 full-service facilities across the state, including locations in Chicago, Springfield, and Rockford. Each center offers written and road tests for driver’s licenses by appointment only. For commercial vehicles, the Illinois State Police enforce safety checks at weigh stations and inspection sites along interstates. The centers also provide ID cards and vehicle registration services. Hours vary by location; most are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
