Air Chicago Summer 2026

OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

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BEYOND THE TERMINALS

If you’re traveling through Chicago this summer for work or leisure, there is a destination just minutes from the airport that makes it easy to turn downtime into something memorable. The Village of Rosemont, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, lives up to its motto, “It’s All Here” — ofering a convenient way to make the most of your time, whether you have a long layover or several days to explore.

Located minutes from O’Hare International Airport and easily accessible from Midway International Airport via train or car, Rosemont is a hasslefree option for travelers looking for dining, shopping and entertainment all in one place. Its concentrated mix of attractions makes it simple to enjoy a full itinerary without complicated travel plans.

As Rosemont celebrates 70 years, the village refects on decades of growth that have shaped it into one of the region’s most accessible entertainment and hospitality hubs. Looking ahead, that momentum continues with the Rosemont History Museum, set to open in 2026, which will showcase the village’s story and evolution over time.

As the village continues to evolve, Rosemont remains committed to ofering year-round experiences for both residents and visitors. During the summer months, Rosemont ofers a steady calendar of outdoor programming. At the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, “Rockin’ in the Park” brings free outdoor concerts to its central great lawn, along with freworks on select nights. Fitness in the Park ofers free morning and evening classes, giving visitors an easy way to stay active or start the day before meetings or sightseeing.

For business travelers, Rosemont serves as a natural extension of the workday. After meetings or conferences, the area provides an

DON’T JUST PASS THROUGH O’HARE AND MIDWAY — MAKE THE MOST OF IT IN ROSEMONT

impressive variety of dining and entertainment options without the need to travel into downtown Chicago. It’s an ideal setting for client dinners or a relaxed evening before an early fight.

Couples and solo travelers will fnd an easy rhythm here. An evening can unfold naturally with outdoor drinks, dinner within walking distance and live music nearby, all without the need for long transfers or detailed planning.

Families beneft from the same convenience, along with seasonal experiences that make even a short stay feel like a getaway. This summer, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue at EXP Rosemont ofers an immersive, interactive adventure that brings the world of the bestselling video game to life.

Shopping is also a central part of the Rosemont experience with Fashion Outlets of Chicago, an indoor luxury outlet destination featuring more than 130 designer brands. The space also includes public art installations, adding a unique cultural element that elevates a typical shopping visit.

What defnes Rosemont is its efciency. Hotels, dining, entertainment and shopping are all located within a short distance, creating a destination that works just as well for a few spare hours as it does for a longer stay.

This summer, Rosemont ofers a way to make travel feel less like transit and more like time well spent. Whether you are passing through or staying awhile, it’s a destination that fts seamlessly into your plans.

For more information, visit Rosemont.com.

From unbeatable shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago to mouthwatering dining for every craving, Rosemont is your all-in-one destination for fun. Experience live music, comedy shows, and can’t-miss events happening all year long.

Share your experience! Tag & follow us on instagram @VillageofRosemont

Scan for upcoming events, hotel & dining options in Rosemont:

To

Publisher Ten Thirty Media, LLC

Editors

Akai Higginbotham

Siobhan Higgins

Contributors

Crai Bower

Jayne Clark

Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Debbie Emery

Serra Kook

Patricia Szpekowski

Duane Wells

Art Direction

Jaidy Schweers

Cover Images

President Barack Obama

Credit: The Obama Foundation

Advertising Inquiries

For all advertising inquiries email jenniferp@consultvistra.com

©2026 Air Chicago Magazine is published quarterly by Ten Thirty Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Chicago Department of Aviation. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The publisher assumes no liability for return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs, or manuscripts.

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INFORMATION WWW.FLYCHICAGO.COM

GREETINGS FROM MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON DEAR TRAVELER:

It is my privilege to welcome you to Chicago, just in time to celebrate another summer season!

Summer here is an experience unlike anywhere else, as our city pulses with excitement brought about by warmer temperatures and longer days. After months of cool weather, we’re looking forward to gathering again outdoors with loved ones, lounging on the lakefront and attending a variety of exciting events from festivals to the WNBA All-Star Game, all of which are also bringing visitors like you to the Windy City.

America is celebrating its 250th birthday in July, and we are proud of the many contributions our city has made to the country throughout its existence. We have a saying that “everything dope about America comes from Chicago,” and you can read about the Windy City’s role in our nation’s history starting on Page 18.

While in town, I hope you’ll stop by Hyde Park, the culturally-diverse, South Side lakefront community that’s home to the University of Chicago and the Grifn Museum of Science and Industry. Hyde Park is also famous for its arts and culture scene, its parks and marinas, as well as events like the 57th Street Art Fair and the world-renowned Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Music Festival. To fnd out all there is to do in this eclectic, one-of-a-kind community, go to Page 22. And to get caught up on the great festivals we’ve got lined up citywide this summer, head over to Page 26.

It’s only ftting that as we Chicagoans prepare to ring in America’s milestone birthday, we are getting ready to celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in June. Located just south of the Hyde Park community in Jackson Park, the eight-story center will be a worldclass testament to the history-making legacy of President Barack Obama, whose professional and political life were shaped by his beloved South Side. We are honored to have America’s 44th president and First Lady Obama take center stage in the Summer Air Chicago issue, beginning on Page 10.

From culture and leisure to work and play, Chicagoans know how to make the summer a most memorable occasion.

Thank you for joining us, and welcome to Chicago… we’re glad you’re here!

Sincerely,

Brandon Johnson Mayor

GREETINGS FROM THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION

Dear Traveler:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and to a new issue of Air Chicago!

As one of the world’s busiest aviation systems, the Chicago Department of Aviation is used to seeing many people arrive at our airports throughout the year. Passenger trafc traditionally picks up once summer comes, and like always, we are happy to serve all who spend time with us.

Chicago is celebrating America’s 250th birthday this season with the rest of the nation, and at O’Hare and Midway, many shops and concessions are ofering anniversary-themed items as part of the city’s Chicago 250 campaign. Our airports are further buzzing with the unveiling of new routes and a new American Airlines Admirals Club lounge at O’Hare. You can check it all out by going to the At the Airport section starting on Page 48, where we also have a profle of Butch O’Hare — an American military legend and World War II hero whose name graces the world’s busiest airfeld.

The soul of America can be found in its people and attractions spanning the busyness of big cities to the relaxed vibe of small towns. Some of those great places include Philadelphia, Tennessee’s Tri-States area and mid-sized towns across Nebraska and South Carolina. And around the world, amazing sights, tastes and adventures await visitors in cities like Cairo, the iconic Egyptian capital. Looking to add more destinations to your travel list? We’re happy to help you get started — just visit the Across the Map section for destinations with new and expanded air service this summer, starting on Page 32.

No matter where you travel this season, it is an honor to be of service to you at O’Hare and Midway, where we strive to show visitors a little of what makes Chicago a city that is loved worldwide. We hope you enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Michael McMurray Commissioner Chicago Department of Aviation

BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES

Presidential libraries not only preserve the documents and official records of America’s commanders-in-chief, but also reflect the policies and narratives of their administrations. On June 19, during the Juneteenth holiday, history will be made on the South Side with the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, honoring the country’s first Black president. CONTINUED

The 19.3-acre campus will boast an array of public spaces that include a museum, an athletic center, a garden, a public plaza, a playground and a library. Designed to inspire and connect communities, the center is much more than a presidential monument. It’s a testament to the power of the grassroots political movement that helped elect Obama, as well as the South Side community that nurtured him and his family.

“With a library and a foundation on the South Side of Chicago, not only will we be able to encourage and efect change locally, but what we can also do is to attract the world to Chicago,” Obama said in May 2015, when along with then-frst lady Michelle Obama, he announced that the South Side had been chosen to house the future center. “I’m thrilled to be able to put this resource in the heart of the neighborhood that means the world to me,” the frst lady added. “Every value, every memory, every important relationship to me exists in Chicago. I consider myself a South Sider.”

Before the presidency and the world’s attention, the Obamas’ story began in the same community that houses the new presidential center.

STARTING ON THE SOUTH SIDE

From community organizing in Roseland to working at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park to living in Kenwood, the various communities of the South Side have been an important foundation for the president and Michelle Obama. The frst lady grew up in South Shore, which borders the city’s southern shoreline along Lake Michigan. Learning to read at age four, Michelle Obama also played the piano and joined a gifted program in sixth grade. After graduating from Whitney Young High School in 1981, she enrolled at Princeton, where she graduated with a major in sociology before earning her law degree from Harvard.

Before fnishing law school (also at Harvard, but at a diferent time), Barack Obama worked as the executive director of the Developing Communities Project, a non-proft organization in Roseland. With a mission to use community organizing to improve the quality of life in Roseland and nearby communities, the future president helped establish a tenants’ rights organization, a job training program and a college prep tutoring program — experiences he would later label “the best education I ever had.”

After meeting at Chicago’s Sidley & Austin law frm, where Michelle Robinson (as the future frst lady was known then) worked and Obama interned, the two began dating. Their courtship took them to many South Side locations including, the Baskin-Robbins’ Hyde Park location where they frst kissed in 1989, and to church basements, where Robinson witnessed Obama’s charisma and debating skills during community meetings. After a few years of courtship, they married in 1992 at Trinity United Church of Christ on the far South Side.

A STRONG POLITICAL DEBUT

While teaching at the University of Chicago Law School, Barack Obama became the director of Illinois Project Vote!, a grassroots organization dedicated to increasing minority voter turnout during the election season. Within a few months, Obama recruited staf and volunteers and helped train 700 deputy registrars. His community organizing skills helped register more than 150,000 Black voters citywide before the Illinois and national elections held in November 1992, which scored the presidency for Bill Clinton and a U.S. Senate seat for Carol Moseley Braun, the nation’s frst Black woman to win the post. The massive voter turnout marked Barack Obama’s ofcial debut as a rising local

political star, and in 1996, he won his frst political race for the Illinois State Senate’s 13th District, which features a big swath of the South Side (including Hyde Park, Kenwood, South Shore and Woodlawn). He was reelected to a four-year term in 1998 and won a third term in 2002.

As a state senator, he helped pass major bipartisan legislation that focused on criminal justice, ethics reform and healthcare. He was also instrumental in the passage of the state’s frst law requiring homicide interrogations to be taped, co-sponsoring a law that improved tax credits for the working poor and serving as the point person for the Gift Ban Act, which prohibits politicians from using campaign funds for personal use. During his state senate tenure, Obama also served as the Democratic spokesperson for the Public Health and Welfare Committee, co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and a member of the Judiciary and Revenue Committees.

Michelle Obama was also active during this time, working at the University of Chicago and helping establish the University Community Service Center, which helps students connect with Chicago’s diverse communities, particularly on the South Side. After the Obamas’ daughters, Sasha and Malia, were born, she was appointed executive director of community afairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center, later becoming its vice president for community and external afairs. By 2004, the Obamas had put down deeper roots on the South Side, having purchased an eight-bedroom mansion in the Kenwood community, just north of Hyde Park. At the same time, Barack Obama’s political ambitions were moving from Illinois to the national stage.

A SPEECH & A PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

On July 27, 2004, Obama, who months earlier had announced his candidacy for Illinois’ junior U.S. Senate seat, gave the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Although not widely known outside of the Land of Lincoln, he had been chosen from a short list of rising stars within the Democratic Party.

Not long after stepping onto the stage against the backdrop of the civil rights-era classic, “Keep on Pushing,” by Chicago’s own Impressions, Obama shared the story of his multicultural background and commitment to social change, declaring that, “[t]onight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America.” After walking of the stage with Michelle Obama, he was no longer an unknown from Illinois but a national political superstar with a future shot at America’s highest ofce.

Less than four months after his Boston speech, Obama was elected to Moseley Braun’s former seat in the U.S. Senate. A few years later, on Feb. 17, 2007, he stood with his family on the steps of the Old Illinois State Capitol in Springfeld — the same steps where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858 — and declared his candidacy for president. Channeling his Chicago political past, Obama rallied grassroots support from volunteers and donors across the country, adopting the now-famous slogan “Yes We Can” for his campaign. More than a year later, on Nov. 4, 2008, Obama was elected as the country’s frst Black president.

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our

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To have this cultural institution right here on the South Side, by the first Black president, stands as a monument to Black excellence.

democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama famously said to a crowd of more than 120,000 in Grant Park, where he was fanked by Michelle Obama and their daughters. “It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very frst time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be diferent; that their voice could be that diference.”

LIFE AFTER THE PRESIDENCY

Since leaving ofce in 2017, President Obama and the frst lady have remained busy. The two — who have authored three best-selling books apiece — have a production company, Higher Ground, that has produced various documentaries and specials for Netfix.

Michelle Obama also hosts a podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, called “IMO (In My Opinion),” which shares conversations, lessons and life challenges from their upbringing. The Obamas have further focused on philanthropy through the Obama Foundation, established in 2014, which supports civic engagement, leadership development and the construction of the Obama Presidential Center.

“The Obama Presidential Center is the embodiment of the mission that the Obamas have followed through their public life — that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and make the world a better place,” Michael Strautmanis, Chief Corporate Afairs Ofcer for the Obama Foundation, told Air Chicago.

Stretching along Stony Island Avenue between 60th and 63rd Streets in Woodlawn, the museum features four foors that document Obama’s story.

The museum’s highlight is an immersive replica of the Obama Oval Ofce, complete with common items found there, including a wooden bowl of apples on a cofee table. The Sky Room, located in the museum building, ofers panoramic views of Chicago. The newest branch of the Chicago Public Library will open at the center, featuring interactive digital media spaces and a reading room. Another focal point of the center is the Forum, a community space that includes the Democracy In Action Lab, a recording studio, the Elie Wiesel Auditorium and the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium. A gift shop, grab-and-go cafe and restaurant complete the amenities.

The 60,000-square-foot Home Court athletic and event space is designed to promote health, mentorship and leadership skills. Outdoor areas include the Great Lawn, a 58,000-square-foot green space for summer gatherings and winter sledding; the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit & Vegetable Garden and Teaching Kitchen (for learning about growing, harvesting and preparing fruits and vegetables); and the John Lewis Plaza. The campus’s additional amenities feature a playground, a water terrace, a women’s garden and courtyards. “The center had to be accessible and a place for creativity to happen and the community to gather,” said Strautmanis.

ART AND CONNECTION

Perhaps one of the most striking features of the Obama Presidential Center is the presence of commissioned artwork throughout every space. Of the 16 ofcial presidential libraries, only one includes a site-specifc commission, which is a mural created in 1961 for the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. There are 28 commissioned art installations displayed across the campus from a diverse range of artists and disciplines. Large-scale pieces for the center were designed by 30 artists from across the country. Some of the artists contributing work boast a global reputation, like Ethiopian-born painter Julie Mehretu, who created “Uprising of the Sun,” a massive glass installation on the museum’s north side. Among emerging artists showcasing at the center, Lindsay Adams, a recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, designed the color-splashed, mixed-media work, “Weary Blues,” for the cafe. Other contributors, like painter and muralist Dorian Sylvain, enjoy such a widespread community art presence that their work is instantly recognized throughout Chicago.

A South Side native, Sylvain has painted murals in South Shore, Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Chatham and Kenwood. She often uses colors and textures to highlight cultures and history, and was excited to have the chance to create a piece that refects the center’s surrounding area. “It feels afrming for an artist who grew up on the South Side during the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, witnessing Black people pushing for liberation with the Black Arts Movement, Operation Breadbasket with Jesse Jackson and watching Jesse run for president — then seeing Obama elected twice,” Sylvain told Air Chicago. “To have this cultural institution right here on the South Side, by the frst Black president, stands as a monument to Black excellence.”

Sylvain and multidisciplinary Chicago artist Sam Kirk collaborated on “Pass It Forward,” an evocative, twostory mural featuring basketball players and women playing double dutch, set against cultural patterns and shapes. “The title is a play on basketball lingo, but I see it as part of my practice of mentorship and creating opportunities for emerging artists,” said Sylvain. “How do we create the next generation of culture keepers if we don’t pass it forward?”

Hope, change and service — themes that President Barack Obama promoted throughout his social activism and political career are the tenets underpinning the Obama Presidential Center. With a large campus to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, there’s no question that the center is truly passing it forward.

Obama Presidential Center – 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.

IN CHICAGO

BY SERRA KOOK

With the U.S. this year celebrating 250 years of independence, various activities and events around Chicago will pay homage to the city’s roots and its role in shaping the nation, all while encouraging reflection on what it means to be American.

“Chicago represents the soul of America, not just in our triumphs, but in our struggles to build a more just and inclusive democracy,”

Mayor Brandon Johnson said in March, when announcing the city’s participation in the America 250 commemoration. “For 250 years, progress in this country has come when working people stood in common purpose, organizing, demanding fairness and pushing this nation closer to its founding promise. That spirit lives in Chicago.”

Chicago is part of a broader statewide efort led by the Illinois America 250 Commission to recognize the people, places and movements across the Land of Lincoln that have shaped the nation’s history. Partnering with Choose Chicago to lead the “Chicago 250 Commemoration, Celebrating the History and Soul of America” campaign, the city is organizing events across Chicago’s museums, concert halls and libraries to celebrate the semiquincentennial. Choose Chicago has also launched a new online hub celebrating America’s birthday, featuring dozens of in-person and virtual events throughout town. (Organizers will update the calendar throughout the year, so be sure to check it regularly.)

The Chicago 250 campaign has begun with a treat for history bufs. An early copy of the Declaration of Independence is now on display at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton St., 312-943-9090), which from the early 20th century through the 1960s was a popular spot for orators, radicals, poets and labor activists to meet and exchange ideas. In the spirit of public debate, prompts throughout the exhibit encourage visitors to engage with questions such as what Congress meant when it declared that “all men are created equal,” and that people had an unalienable right to “the pursuit of happiness.” The exhibit also challenges visitors to refect on how our understanding of this document might difer 250 years after it was drafted.

Just around the corner from the Newberry, the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St., 312-642-4600) boasts an extensive archive and interactive collection of artifacts dating back to the city’s ofcial founding in 1837. The museum is expanding its permanent collection, which showcases items such as the Pioneer, the frst steam engine to operate in the city in the 1840s, as well as a section of collectibles from the Great Chicago Fire. The museum also features four rotating art installations by local artists inspired by various historical documents. Visitors are encouraged to consider the systems that infuence daily life — including Indigenous history and workers’ rights — as part of a larger efort to promote conversation about how communities, the city and the nation continue to change.

Libraries are an essential part of Chicago’s neighborhoods, so it’s ftting that all 81 of the city’s public library branches are hosting activities commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. In the spirit of honoring the past, present and future, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) is launching a “Letters to America” campaign, inviting Chicagoans to “contribute their voices and refect on what this moment means for our city and our country,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown as part of the Mayor’s America 250 announcement.

After soaking up the Windy City’s rich past and present, head to the South Side to check out the Obama Presidential Center (6001 S. Stony Island Ave.), which opens to the public June 19 in Jackson Park. The center’s museum, library and 19-acre outdoor campus are designed to engage, educate and inspire Chicagoans and visitors from around the world, while honoring the many contributions the Obamas have made to our nation’s history. Buying tickets before visiting the museum is strongly recommended.

In June 2026, Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave., 312-294-3000) will celebrate the nation’s birthday with its “America 250: A Musical Journey” series. Notable performers include Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, along with concerts paying tribute to composers such as George Gershwin and John Williams.

“We are proud to mark this historic moment through music that refects the diverse cultural traditions that defne our nation,” Jef Alexander, president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, said as part of the Mayor’s announcement. “Through ‘CSO America 250: A Musical Journey,’ we look forward to celebrating the power of music to bring people together and honor the many voices that have shaped America’s artistic legacy.”

Outdoor adventures will also be aplenty this summer through arts and crafts activities in Chicago’s public spaces and parks. The Chicago Park District is inviting the public to participate in various events showcasing art and programming — including dance, theater, spoken word and live music — as part of its involvement in America 250. And the Chicago Air and Water Show, a big draw every August, will honor Chicago 250 with a themed day celebrating both America and Chicago’s contributions to the nation’s history. Don’t miss being out on the lakefront Aug. 15-16 to catch this spectacular event, with the best views taking place along North Avenue Beach (1601 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive), Oak Street Beach (1000 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive) and Ohio Street Beach (600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive).

“From transformative social movements to cultural and technical innovations that changed the world, Chicago’s infuence on our nation’s history is profound,” said Kristen Reynolds, the president and CEO of Choose Chicago, in the Mayor’s announcement. “In this milestone year, there is no better place to visit to experience the spirit of America than Chicago.”

BY DUANE WELLS

To call Chicago a melting pot is an understatement. Encompassing 77 distinct communities, the city boasts one of the country’s most ethnically and culturally diverse landscapes. Perhaps nowhere is Chicago’s diversity more evident than in Hyde Park, the South Side lakefront enclave whose blend of history, culture and New England-style intellectual flair makes it a community unlike any other in the city.

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In many ways, Hyde Park is an extension of arguably its most famous institution, the University of Chicago. Bookstores and cofee shops abound here, lectures about big ideas are often hosted by neighborhood institutions and random philosophical debates fourish among residents hanging out in places from parks to bars.

Hyde Park also refects its South Side roots, with magnifcent murals celebrating Black history and the social activism that has long been the community’s hallmark. Art galleries and installations, particularly those adorning the neighborhood’s viaducts, epitomize Hyde Park’s creative spirit and its emphasis on accessibility. And the neighborhood’s proximity to the lakefront lends an almost-beachy casualness to the community, where joggers, picnickers and admirers of Chicago’s skyline fock.

Profling the neighborhood in 2008 one month after Barack Obama was elected president, the New York Times described Hyde Park as “a compact grid of wide, tree-lined streets that are home to a friendly mix of wealthy African-American professionals and less-afuent professors who mingle easily at the neighborhood’s wine shops, cash-checking places and university bookstores.” In recent years, Time Out magazine has also paid homage to Hyde Park, naming it one of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world.

What keeps this South Side gem from feeling the least bit pretentious is its warmth and camaraderie shared by residents of diferent backgrounds. In a city full of great neighborhoods, Hyde Park stands in a class of its own.

THE HISTORY

Hyde Park’s beginnings go back to the early 1850s, when attorney and real estate developer Paul Cornell (whose cousin, Ezra, established Cornell University) purchased 300 acres of lakefront land and persuaded the Illinois Central Railroad that his latest acquisition would make for an ideal town stop. Hyde Park would be annexed by the city of Chicago in 1889, and four years later hosted the groundbreaking World’s Columbian Exposition, where the Ferris Wheel, the dishwasher and large-scale electricity were unveiled, and whose convention buildings inspired the Beaux-Arts grandeur that would come to symbolize much of the neighborhood’s architecture.

With funding from John D. Rockefeller, the University of Chicago was founded in 1890. The school and its subsequent achievements would add gravitas to the neighborhood and the city, going on to produce more Nobel laureates per capita since its founding than nearly any other institution worldwide, which solidifed Hyde Park’s reputation as an intellectual hub.

It was also in Hyde Park that the frst artifcial, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was produced as part of the Manhattan Project. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Saul Bellow, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and famed lawyer Clarence Darrow all at one time called Hyde Park home. Barack and Michelle Obama also became luminaries of Hyde Park, as well as in nearby Kenwood, before the future president’s history-making run for the White House took them both to Washington. (The Obamas still maintain a home in Kenwood, although they spend most of their time in D.C.) More than a decade in the making, Barack Obama’s history-making presidency will be memorialized in June with the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center (6001 S. Stony Island Ave).

THE MUSEUMS & THE ARTS

Hyde Park is home to several museums, each documenting important periods in history, and possibly the most well-known is the Grifn Museum of Science and Industry. Housed in one of the last surviving buildings from the Columbian Exposition, it is among the largest science museums in the world, featuring more than 2,000 exhibits, some of which include a WWII German U-boat and the famous Pioneer Zephyr train.

The University of Chicago campus is home to two museums — the fne arts collection of the Smart Museum of Art and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, one of the world’s foremost centers for the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations. Located near both institutions is the Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which hosts tours. Beyond the university’s borders, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center — the country’s frst institution dedicated to African-American history and culture — anchors the sprawling Washington Park. For those interested in doing a deep dive into the history of the community, check out the Hyde Park Historical Society, a small museum that housed a cable car station in the early 20th century, and which since 1975 has been dedicated to documenting the neighborhood’s history. Rounding out the neighborhood’s museums is the Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago’s oldest alternative exhibition space, which has been a driving force in the city’s art scene since its founding in 1939.

Not far from the new Obama Presidential Center is “Sky Landing,” an artwork consisting of a dozen, 12-foot lotus fower-like pieces created by Yoko Ono. The work, which was unveiled in 2016, is Ono’s frst permanent public art creation in America and is located in Jackson Park. “Sky Landing” also shares park space with the serene Osaka Garden

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center –

740 E. 56th Place, 773-947-0600

Grifn Museum of Science and Industry –5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 773-684-1414

Hyde Park Art Center – 5020 S. Cornell Ave., 773-324-5520

Hyde Park Historical Society –5529 S. Lake Park Ave., 773-493-1893

Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures –1155 E. 58th St., 773-702-9514

Robie House – 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., 312-994-4000

Smart Museum of Art – 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., 773-702-0200

Jackson Park and Osaka Garden –6401 S. Stony Island Ave., 773-256-0903

Washington Park – 5531 S. King Drive, 773-256-1248

THE FOOD

Hyde Park’s restaurant scene mirrors its environment — cool, unpretentious and a satisfying destination for those in and out of the neighborhood.

Leading the pack is Virtue, the Southern-styled restaurant helmed by James Beard Awardwinning chef Erick Williams. Opening in 2018, the restaurant has earned national recognition for its soulful, tummy-tickling menu highlighted by staples like fsh and grits, gumbo, collard greens and biscuits. Another acclaimed neighborhood restaurant is Nella, a Michelin Bib Gourmandwinning eatery owned by renowned pizzaiola Nella Grassano, which is noted for its authentic Neapolitan pies. Other top-shelf options include Dawn A.M. Eatery, which serves all-day brunch alongside a menu of Southern staples; Mesler, a New American restaurant, lounge and bar located inside the Sophy hotel; and Roux, chef Charlie McKenna’s New Orleans-inspired brunch spot where the beignets are the stuf of legend. There is also no shortage of shops to grab cofee in Hyde Park, and one great java spot is Plein Air Cafe, which is tucked into the neighborhood’s quieter quarters, steps away from the university.

For more casual dining, Valois, the no-frills cafeteria famously frequented by Barack Obama, is a local institution and a favorite among students, professors and locals. Southern fare can also be found at the New Orleans-infused Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern, where the bread is fown in from a New Orleans bakery and the po’ boys are considered among the best and most authentic in Chicago. And right next door to Daisy’s is Ja’ Grill, which serves mouth-watering Jamaican plates like jerk chicken, goat curry and oxtail stew.

Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern – 5215 S. Harper Ave., 773-675-8767

Dawn A.M. Eatry – 1642 E. 56th St., 773-966-6522

Ja’ Grill – 1510 E. Harper Court, 773-752-5375

Mesler – 1401 E. 53rd St., 773-289-1005

Nella – 1125 E. 55th St., 773-966-4150

Plein Air Cafe – 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave., 773-966-7531

Roux – 1055 E. 55th St., 773-770-4785

Sophy – 1411 E. 53rd St., 773-289-1003

Valois – 1518 E. 53rd St., 773-667-0647

Virtue – 1462 E. 53rd St., 773-947-8831

entertainment

BY DUANE WELLS

Few cities go full tilt in the summer like Chicago. Streets close for neighborhood celebrations, public parks fill with music and the Lake Michigan shoreline becomes a stage for some of the city’s most-beloved seasonal events. From house music royalty in Jackson Park to global headliners in Grant Park and to basketball’s best gathering for an allstar showdown, Chicago’s summer 2026 calendar is packed with something for everyone.

CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL

June 4-7

The largest free blues festival in the world — and arguably the most popular — returns to ring in the summer. The Chicago Blues Festival began in 1984 in Grant Park, one year after the death of Muddy Waters, the pioneering musician who took the Delta blues music of his native Mississippi and electrifed it upon moving to the Windy City — thus laying the groundwork for rock and roll. The event relocated to Millennium Park in 2017 and has been holding its kickof night at the Ramova Theatre since 2024, shortly after the Bridgeport venue’s reopening. Among the highlights for this year’s fest are Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band and a celebration honoring the 55th anniversary of Alligator Records.

57TH STREET ART FAIR

June 6-7

Summer begins in earnest with the 57th Street Art Fair, which is also the city’s oldest juried outdoor art fair. Celebrating its 79th year in 2026, nearly 200 artists from across the country will showcase original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and more at this free gathering. The fair will also feature live blues music, children’s activities and tasty bites from food trucks.

JUNETEENTH

Mid-to-late June

Various events across town will be marking this year’s Juneteenth holiday, and a centerpiece of the festivities is Bronzeville’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration (June 20), which takes place along Bronzeville’s historic 47th Street corridor. On the Southwest Side at the intersection of 110th Street and Longwood Drive, the 7th Annual Juneteenth Family Festival of Beverly/Morgan Park (June 20) will feature live music, African dance and drumming, family fun and other activities, while Juneteenth in the Park (June 13) will welcome visitors to LeClaire-Hearst Park with a full day of activities including a 3K walk/ run, volleyball, softball and dance. Juneteenth also falls during Black Yacht Weekend (June 18-21), which will host its kickof party on the holiday at Vertiport Chicago

CHICAGO PRIDE FEST AND PRIDE PARADE

Pride Fest – June 20-21

Pride Parade – June 28

A weekend before the 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade, the Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 25th anniversary in Northalsted, which was designated as a gay district in 1997 and is widely recognized as America’s oldest ofcial gayborhood. As in previous years, the festival will feature drag performers, DJs, artisan booths and thousands celebrating LGBTQ+ joy. Created in 1970 (and paused for a couple of years due to the pandemic), the parade is one of the nation’s oldest pride events, and this year’s event is organized around the theme of “Free to Be Proud.”

TASTE OF CHICAGO

Main Event – July 8-12

Neighborhood Events – TBD

Taste of Chicago in Grant Park is not only one of the city’s signature foodie events, but also the largest free-admission food festival in the world. This year’s event will be held in July for the frst time since 2022, and it continues to expand into neighborhoods with pop-up events and community-focused programming to refect the city’s culinary diversity.

Visitors this year can expect vendors and food trucks to not only dish out Chicago staples like Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs, but to also ofer a wide variety of international fare. In addition to the food, the Taste will host a star-studded lineup of national and international artists at free nightly concerts, live dancing by way of the SummerDance series, as well as the traditional Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration, in which a ceremonial 1,000-pound Eli’s cheesecake is cut before attendees (who receive a complimentary piece of the creamy, sweet treat).

WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT

July 8-12

Nothing quite says summer like barbecue and good music, which goes a long way toward explaining why the Windy City Smokeout has become a popular Chicago draw. Set up outside the United Center, this newer summer event is also a hotspot for country music artists, pitmasters and barbecue vendors from across America, all congregating for a tasty weekend of music, food and fun. Headliners performing at this year’s event include Blake Shelton, Hootie & The Blowfsh, Lainey Wilson and Jordan Davis.

CHOSEN FEW DJS PICNIC & MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 11

House music was born in Chicago, and nowhere else is the genre celebrated better than at this annual event, which is hosted by the eightperson Chosen Few DJ collective at Jackson Park (a stone’s throw away from the new Obama Presidential Center). The picnic began in 1990 behind the Grifn Museum of Science and Industry, and was originally a small get-together of the Chosen Few among family and friends. More than 30 years later, it is the world’s longest-running house music festival, attracting over 40,000 people a year. For 2026, the “Woodstock of House Music” will have a lineup featuring DJ Jazzy Jef and Chicago’s DJ Boolu Master, along with members of the Chosen Few spinning classic and modern house tunes.

CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 24-25

Get ready to make a joyful noise at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, which has been inspiring concertgoers since it frst began in 1985 at the South Shore Cultural Center (then known as the South Shore Country Club). The initial event was organized as a tribute to modern gospel music pioneer Thomas Dorsey, and is now held at Millennium Park, featuring artists performing a variety of gospel styles from the classic to the contemporary. Admission is free.

WNBA ALL-STAR GAME

July 24-25

It’s not just music, art and barbecue that get Chicagoans hyped for the summer, as it’s also a great time for checking out sports. Six years after Chicago last hosted the NBA All-Star Game, women’s basketball will showcase its skills in the Windy City at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Festivities kick of July 24 at the league’s 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, which will take place at the Wintrust Arena before the AllStar Game is played the next night at the United Center. Other league activities during All-Star Weekend include an interactive fan festival and various community events throughout the Chicago area.

LOLLAPALOOZA

July 30–Aug. 2

Since making Chicago its permanent home in 2005, Lollapalooza has been one of the city’s defning events, attracting massive crowds to the lakefront for packed stages, skyline views and a tightly-scheduled marathon of performances. The sprawling, four-day showcase of pop, rock, hip-hop and dance also remains the city’s biggest global music draw, with an estimated 460,000 people focking to 2025’s event.

This summer will see more than 170 artists performing across eight stages at Grant Park, with a lineup of headliners including Charli XCX, Lorde, Olivia Dean and Tate McRae, as well as acts such as Duke Dumont, the Chainsmokers and Zara Larsson. Beyond the music, Lollapalooza will feature art and brand activations, food from top Chicago restaurants and family programming at its Kidzapalooza area.

CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW

Aug. 15-16 (Rehearsal Aug. 14)

Centered along North Avenue Beach (but good to catch from other nearby spots), the Chicago Air & Water Show transforms the lakefront into a spectacle of high-speed aviation stunts, military demonstrations and precision fying worthy of another “Top Gun” sequel. Expect breathtaking aerial performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Golden Knight parachutists, water rescue demonstrations, as well as appearances by other elite military and civilian fight teams. Free to attend, the show is one of the largest events of its kind in the country.

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Sept. 3-6

The oldest of the city’s free lakefront music festivals, the Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day tradition featuring performances from legends and emerging talent across multiple stages. The roots of the festival go back to 1974 when a group of Chicago musicians organized an event paying tribute to jazz legend Louis Armstrong, who had just died that August. The frst Chicago Jazz Festival was held fve years later in Grant Park, attracting more than 125,000 attendees, before moving decades later to its current home at Millennium Park. Performers over the years have included jazz icons such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Esperanza Spalding and Ramsey Lewis.

To fnd more summer events in Chicago, go to: https://www. choosechicago.com/articles/festivals-special-events/chicago-festivalevent-guide/

LOCATION OF EVENTS

57th Street Art Fair – 57th Street, between Woodlawn Avenue and Kenwood Avenue; Kimbark Avenue, between 56th Street and 57th Street

Grant Park – 331 E. Randolph St. (Columbus Drive), 312-742-3918

Jackson Park – 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., 773-256-0903

LeClaire-Hearst Park – 5120 W. 44th St., 312-747-6438

Millennium Park – 201 E. Randolph St.

North Avenue Beach – 1601 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Oak Street Beach – 1000 N. DuSable Pake Shore Drive

Pride Fest – North Halsted Street, between Addison Street and Grace Street

Pride Parade – Starting location: Sheridan Road and Broadway/Ending location: Diversey Avenue

Ramova Theatre – 3520 S. Halsted St., 312-988-0838

United Center – 1901 W. Madison St., 312-455-4500

Vertiport Chicago – 1339 S. Wood St., 312-995- 6100

Wintrust Arena – 200 E. Cermak Road, 312-791-6900

THE MAP

CAIRO MONUMENTS – VIBRANT IN MIND & MEMORY

Visiting Cairo is like stepping into ancient history, a chance to take in and admire monuments with deep cultural significance. Gazing at the pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur — as well as examining the extensive antiquities of the Egyptian Museum — provides unforgettable, pinch-me moments that reveal the core of our civilization, and the essence of human society. But Cairo also combines ancient Egypt’s awe with the liveliness of a modern global city. And to explore the City of a Thousand Minarets is to immerse oneself in everything that has made, and continues to make, Cairo an internationally-captivating destination.

ANCIENT LANDMARKS

The Great Pyramids of Giza exist in rarefed air, having at one time been the world’s tallest human-made structure and, presently, the last remaining Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The construction of this royal complex spanned multiple generations and includes smaller tombs (primarily for queens), cemeteries and the Great Sphinx. Visitors can spend days exploring the environment left behind by the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and then a lifetime refecting on its signifcance.

If the Great Pyramids can take days to experience, the Grand Egyptian Museum requires months to explore its 100,000-plus artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures on permanent display. The museum also has exhibits from prehistoric times to the Roman era, providing an excellent introduction to Egyptology.

The Mit Rahina Museum ofers unique insights into the region’s rich history, particularly in Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt. Home to a breathtaking statue of Ramses II, this open-air gallery showcases all that remains of what was once the cultural, economic and political epicenter of civilization.

Memphis is also the site of the Saqqara Pyramid — Egypt’s oldest structure, constructed circa 26th century B.C.E. The step pyramid was designed by Imhotep, an architect so revered for his creation that he was considered a god. Pyramid envy began early in Memphis, where the monarch Sneferu erected his structure in Dahshur to compete with that of the Saqqara pyramid. When his frst structure failed, Sneferu erected the Red Pyramid that stands today, one of countless extant monuments that open passageways into our collective past.

SHOPPING AND DINING

The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar remains the social and cultural center of Cairo, a warren of scents, tastes and mercantile activity dating back to 1382. Enter the endemic spice trade by selecting dukka — a blend of seeds and nuts together with sesame, cumin and hazelnut — and baharat, a mix of black pepper, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. These ancient mixtures, among myriad choices throughout the bazaar, could change your palate forever.

Khan El-Khalili teems with vendors selling gorgeous jewelry, clothing and tapestries in stalls dating back centuries. The culinary options at the market are equally plentiful, abounding with samples like ta’ameya (a fava bean falafel), hawawshi (a meat-stufed bread) and other “only in Cairo” street foods like kebda, a spicy liver dish prepared with garlic, pepper and spices.

Like any global capital, the culinary journeys that Cairo ofers are exhaustive, and delicious trails begin here with koshary, Egypt’s national dish. Comprised of rice, vermicelli, macaroni and lentils (and accompanied by chickpeas, tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar and fried onions), koshary has been recognized as an item on UNESCO’s esteemed List of Intangible Heritage.

Though Cairo’s choice of restaurants for koshary is plenty, Abou Tarek stands out as a go-to place for the street food, ranking among the world’s 150 legendary eateries by the online travel guide TasteAtlas. If you’re craving protein, consider Andrea El Mariouteya, which has been recognized by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant’s specialty — chargrilled chicken — is served on skewers, deboned or in larger pieces, and is best when served

with feteer meshaltet, a layered pastry for which the city is known. Another Cairo culinary institution that has received acclaim by the World’s 50 list is Fasahet Somaya, which is famed for its all-Egyptian menu highlighted by molokhia, a regional spinach delicacy prepared as a soup or stew, and served with rice and lemon.

PARKS, GARDENS AND THEATERS

With its historic and present-day attractions, Cairo is the embodiment of an immersive traveling experience. For an opportunity to traverse the Nile River, stop by Gezira Island. Accessible via three bridges, the island is famous for its vast collection of global plants and is located in the Zamalek residential district, one of Cairo’s wealthiest.

Al-Azhar Park is another natural setting where visitors can stretch their legs among vibrant vegetation while encountering cultural landmarks. Located in the center of the city, the 80-acre, 20-year-old park is near the Cairo Citadel, with its apex ofering one of the best views of greater Cairo. Not far from Al-Azhar is Al Fustat Park, which spans over 250 acres and features lush plantings throughout. The Middle East’s largest park includes seasonal and rare foral displays, children’s playgrounds, as well as ample lawn areas for picnicking, recreation and relaxation.

Cairo’s theater scene is also in full bloom throughout the year. Worldrenowned ballet, concerts and theatrical productions can be seen at the Cairo Opera House, which also hosts premieres of international opera performances. For a variety of theatrical and musical performances, stop by the Gomhouria Theatre, which is also operated by the Cairo Opera House.

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GETTING THERE

EgyptAir will start service between O’Hare (ORD) and Cairo International Airport (CAI) on June 21. Flights will be available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The route will be operated on a 340-seat Airbus A350-900.

DIVINE DESTINATIONS

Along with its cultural and culinary attractions, Cairo is also famous for institutions dedicated to the study, appreciation and practice of Islam. To see Cairo’s oldest mosque standing in its original form, make a trek to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Erected in A.D. 884, the worship space features a broad inner courtyard and an unusual minaret distinguished by an external spiral staircase. After visiting Ibn Tulun, make time to stop by Aqsunqur Mosque (aka the Blue Mosque), which is regarded as one of Islam’s most beautiful places of worship.

The Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was built in the 12th century to fend of the Crusaders. The Citadel once protected approximately 100,000 people and remained the royal residence for 700 years. Currently, the Citadel also houses the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, which is a stunning fusion of Ottoman and European design.

Part of Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo is believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their fight into Egypt from Herod. The area is also home to the Babylon Fortress — built by the Romans in A.D. 300 — and the Hanging Church. One of many Christian churches in Old Cairo, the Hanging Church is built above the Babylon Fortress (hence the name, ‘Hanging’) and constructed with a roof resembling Noah’s Ark. To view many artifacts from the area’s Christian churches and the world’s largest collection of Coptic relics, don’t pass up the chance to visit the Coptic Museum.

EXPLORING THE NILE

A two-hour ride aboard a felucca (a wooden sailboat) on the Nile provides insights into the natural beauty of Cairo’s surrounding countryside. Traditional sailboats ferry passengers past historic sites, often mixing live entertainment with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The sites of the Nile are best experienced, if possible, on a multi-day cruise — starting south of Cairo and proceeding from the city of Luxor to Aswan (or beginning in Aswan and traveling north). The south-tonorth cruise typically begins at Philae Temple, which is dedicated to Isis and other gods. The boats then pause at the Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, both dedicated to deities including Sobek, the crocodile god, who is worshiped with numerous mummifed crocs.

The Luxor Temple is next on most cruises, featuring several icons of Ramses II along with an avenue of sphinxes. Near Luxor on the journey is the Karnak complex, which is dedicated to Amun Re (“King of the Gods”). Most cruises also include day trips from the boats to the Valley of the Kings, where you can explore numerous tombs of several Ramses pharaohs, as well as the storied tomb of King Tut.

The other virtue of a multiday Nile cruise is the river itself, which winds through large rock formations and features many natural bankside features. The stunning desert sunrises, sunsets and night skies are best viewed from the river, and nightly cultural entertainment is also provided on cruises.

Whether choosing a three-day Nile excursion, a half-day food tour or sunset at Giza, exploring Cairo and its environs is not only an invitation to disappear into ancient history. It is also an opportunity to witness, up close, a culture that today continues to amaze travelers. The Mosque of

As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is no better time than this year’s Independence Day to honor the small towns that make up the backbone of America’s history and culture. Thanks to new direct routes out of Chicago, these cities are more accessible than ever.

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

Founded in eastern Pennsylvania in 1762, Allentown proudly wears its contributions to the nation’s economic and historical development. During the Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was secretly transported to the city, hidden beneath the foorboards of Zion Reformed Church, away from the prying eyes of the British. Once a textile and manufacturing hub, Allentown today is Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, and one of the state’s major spots for dining, entertainment and various other cultural options.

WHAT TO DO

Live entertainment fourishes downtown at the Archer Music Hall, a newly-opened venue that hosts everything from touring musicians to stand-up comedy and local events. Just a few blocks away, the PPL Center is the hockey home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL afliate of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. Attracting energetic crowds during hockey season, the arena also hosts concerts from national touring acts, family shows and other large-scale events.

Families will enjoy escaping the summer heat at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, which features over 100 rides and attractions, including the 160-foot Iron Menace rollercoaster. In the city’s west end, the Allentown Fairgrounds host various events throughout the year, and other popular events include downtown’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival and the Mayfair Festival of the Arts, held at Cedar Crest College. The city also ofers great attractions for art lovers, including the Allentown Art Museum, which houses 17,000 works spanning 2,000 years. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt and Franz Kline, as well as a library designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

WHERE TO STAY

Just steps from the PPL Center, the Renaissance Allentown Hotel embraces the city’s industrial heritage with a sleek, modern “Steel City” style. A few blocks away is the historic Americus Hotel, a Hyatt brand originally opened in 1926 that combines Jazz Age elegance with modern comforts. For a more pastoral escape, visit the west end of Lehigh County in Fogelsville, where the Glasbern Inn provides a slower pace. Located on a former working farm, this country-style bed-andbreakfast features fne dining and cozy accommodations amid rolling pastures, stone barns and wood-beam interiors — an ideal spot for travelers looking for a peaceful countryside retreat.

BY DEBBIE EMERY

WHERE TO EAT

The Lehigh Valley’s fertile farmland provides a variety of fresh ingredients to local restaurants. Among the benefciaries of the region’s breadbasket is Bolete in nearby Bethlehem, a renowned farmto-table restaurant where the chefs smoke their own meats and fsh.

If you are looking for a music-inspired dining experience, head to the album cover, art-adorned The Broken Record, where small plates are served alongside curated playlists.

GETTING THERE

United Airlines ofers service between O’Hare and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE).

TRI-CITIES, TENNESSEE

The Tri-Cities of Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport are situated in northeastern Tennessee, close to the Virginia border. Set amid the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the region has a rich cultural heritage bursting with charm, music and family-friendly activities.

WHAT TO DO

Among the frst European settlers to the Tri-Cities area in the 1760s were the Scots-Irish, and their traditional music of ballads and fddle playing later developed into the bluegrass and country music the region is famous for. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum honors the Tri-Cities’ musical heritage and such local icons as Ralph Peer, who recorded the Bristol Sessions in 1927, which helped launch country music’s commercial success

Other popular attractions include the Rocky Mount State Historic Site, located in the former capital of the Southwest Territory, and the Allandale Mansion, a Georgian-style structure in Kingsport that was formerly a 500-acre farm, and which today serves as a venue for weddings, concerts and special events (tours are also available). As auto racing is deeply woven into the culture of the Tri-Cities, two local racetracks provide plenty of NASCAR action for fans. The Bristol Motor Speedway is the region’s most famous racetrack — renowned for its short, exciting layout and stadium-style design — and the Kingsport Speedway is a popular spot to watch younger, emerging drivers compete.

WHERE TO STAY

The Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City is a replica of the original namesake that opened in the city in 1891, and features elegantlydecorated rooms and a luxurious spa. For lodging described as being a “Virginia remix of a Tennessee classic,” head across the state line to the Bristol Hotel, which comes with modern guest rooms that overlook the Appalachian Mountains.

WHERE TO EAT

The Tri-Cities area is known for its pork-heavy barbecue, with popular spots that include the Ole Crow Tavern in Kingsport and Southern Craft BBQ, which has three locations in Tennessee and one in Bristol, Virginia. For locally-grown fare, Gourmet & Company in Johnson City is worth sampling, with selections that include pan-roasted chicken, trout and grilled tenderloin.

GETTING THERE

American Airlines ofers service between O’Hare and Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

The capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is the second-biggest city in the state — after Omaha — and home to the state’s fagship university. The city, which is located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, was founded in 1856 and originally called Lancaster. Renamed in 1867 in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the city today embodies “Midwest nice” through its welcoming atmosphere and combination of rural charm and urban convenience.

WHAT TO DO

Described as Lincoln’s oldest tourist attraction, Robber’s Cave was once a hideout for notorious outlaws like Jesse James. Today, brave visitors can take guided tours through its tunnels when the space is not being used for events such as weddings and corporate afairs.

Lincoln ofers 134 miles of trails, with 30 miles located in Wilderness Park, a natural area that spans the Salt Creek foodplain where visitors can bike, walk or ride horses. Those looking to observe wildlife should visit Pioneers Park Nature Center, a 668-acre wildlife sanctuary housing bison, deer, elk and birds of prey. Meanwhile, those with a

green thumb will enjoy the Sunken Gardens, once a neighborhood waste landfll that has been converted into a terraced garden flled with thousands of plants, waterfalls, ponds and paved pathways.

For sports, Memorial Stadium is the place to watch University of Nebraska football, where play usually starts at summer’s end. Lincoln is also a great place for live outdoor music in the summer, with the Pinewood Bowl Theater hosting concerts by high-profle bands and events taking place throughout town like Jazz in June and the Hub & Soul Music Series, which feature intimate concertgoing experiences.

WHERE TO STAY

Located on the Nebraska Innovation Campus, the Scarlet Hotel is a modern 154-room hotel with a rooftop bar, event space and complimentary shuttles. For those wanting a home-away-from-home feel, Annabell Gardens is an all-suite hotel near downtown with accommodations that include living rooms, sofa beds and kitchens.

WHERE TO EAT

Nebraska is one of the top cattle-producing states in the U.S., and Lincoln has an abundance of fne steakhouses such as JTK Cuisine & Cocktails and Misty’s Steakhouse & Lounge. More casual, must-have bites are available at Nebraska’s popular Runza restaurant chain, which has over 90 restaurants that also include locations in Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and South Dakota. Arguably Runza’s most popular item is its namesake sandwich, which is a bread pocket stufed with beef, onions and cabbage.

GETTING THERE

United and American Airlines ofer service between O’Hare and Lincoln Airport (LNK).

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Located in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia is the Palmetto State’s capital and second-largest city, with Charleston to the southeast only larger. The city played a pivotal role in the outbreak of the Civil War, as it hosted the frst convention in 1860 that led to South Carolina becoming the frst state to secede from the Union. In the 21st century, Columbia has become an educational hub anchored by the fagship University of South Carolina campus, and in 2024 was honored by Southern Living magazine as one of the South’s best places to live.

WHAT TO DO

Visitors can explore Columbia’s rich history at the South Carolina State Museum, which features art exhibits, natural history collections and a planetarium. The Columbia Museum of Art is another must-visit for art lovers, featuring displays of ancient and modern works, and the institution occasionally hosts Pilates classes.

Columbia was established at the fall line of the Congaree River, and that area has been preserved as the Congaree National Park, home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth, bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the Southeastern U.S. One of the highlights of the park is the Boardwalk Loop, a trail that traverses the natural food plain, where a variety of tree species, diverse vegetation, otters and wading birds can be viewed. More wildlife is abundant at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, where visitors can tour the animal enclosures as well as watch demonstrations, learn about animal care and have backstage experiences with some of the favorite residents.

WHAT TO EAT

The Columbia area has a growing culinary scene that boasts several James Beard-recognized restaurants, including Spotted Salamander and City Limits BBQ (located in suburban West Columbia). For a complete taste of the city, the Soda City Market — which takes over Main Street every Saturday — has more than 200 vendors who sell everything from local produce, fresh fowers and exotic fruits and vegetables, to antiques and vintage items.

WHERE TO STAY

Located near the University of South Carolina, the Hilton’s Graduate Columbia, SC blends the city’s history with Gamecocks athletic tradition for a college-nostalgic atmosphere. And for a truly memorable stay, the rooms at the Hotel Trundle — in the historic Western Auto building on Main Street — are uniquely designed with locally-sourced amenities.

GETTING THERE

United and American Airlines ofer service between O’Hare and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

FREEDOM

SUMMERTIME IN AMERICA’S BIRTHPLACE

BY JAYNE CLARK

On July 4, 1776, after the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the Declaration of Independence, America’s founding fathers didn’t go into the streets to celebrate. One year later, however, citizens in the city — which 13 years later became the nation’s capital — gathered for a big official party, shooting fireworks in the air and lighting bonfires to mark the country’s first birthday. As John Adams reflected in a letter he wrote to his daughter, Abigail, “American independence … was celebrated here with a festivity and ceremony becoming the occasion.”

Fast forward to 2026, and the City of Brotherly Love is pulling out all the stops for America’s 250th birthday, marking the semiquincentennial with a variety of festivities through the summer and beyond.

MARQUEE EVENTS & EXHIBITS

The Wawa Welcome America celebration will take place from June 19 (Juneteenth) to July 4 at various locations, including the Delaware River waterfront and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The event will feature free daily programming and performances by artists such as Queen Latifah, Idina Menzel and Eve. The 16-day bash — the nation’s largest commemorating July 4 — culminates in a huge freworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Independence Day.

“The Declaration’s Journey” is an immersive exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution that explores how the Declaration of Independence has impacted subsequent freedom movements worldwide. More than a hundred nations have adopted ideals from this seminal document, as have domestic movements dedicated to causes such as abolitionism, women’s sufrage and civil rights. Among artifacts in the exhibit are the prison bench where Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his classic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a spinning wheel belonging to Mahatma Gandhi and a draft of the French Declaration of Rights annotated by Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat who fought alongside American forces during the Revolutionary War. The exhibit is on view through Jan. 3, 2027.

“Let Freedom Ring” is a soaring, interactive bell tower that is on display at the Cherry Street Pier from June through Sept 7. Created by artist Paul Ramirez, the 600-pound bell rings out the patriotic anthem, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” up to the fnal note, when visitors can pull a lever to fnish the tune and declare what freedom means to them.

WHAT’S NEW

The First Bank of the United States, the country’s frst centralized bank and a forerunner to the Federal Reserve, reopens July 1 after a 50-year closure to the public — and comes with two new exhibits. Located in

Independence National Historical Park, the bank was established by Alexander Hamilton in 1797 to economically unify the fedgling nation. It last operated as a bank in the 1800s and has been used as ofce space by the National Park Service over the years.

Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation’s frst chartered hospital, was cofounded in 1751 by Ben Franklin and operates today as part of Penn Medicine (an afliate of the University of Pennsylvania). Opening in May in the campus’s historic Pine Building is the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum, which will feature eight galleries with interactive video and other activities. Among the museum’s exhibits are the hospital’s historic library and surgical amphitheater, as well as a newly-restored apothecary.

Located in Independence Mall on the grounds of Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center boasts two new galleries worth visiting. Opened this February, the America’s Founding gallery chronicles confict and struggles in the nation’s early days, while the Separation of Powers gallery (debuting May 15) examines America’s executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. One of only 14 existing copies of the Constitution is at the center, and will be on display through 2026.

PHILLY FIRSTS

Philadelphia has been spotlighting its own groundbreaking history this year with 52 Weeks of Firsts, a free festival taking place every Saturday in diferent neighborhoods from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some of the country’s monumental frsts were achieved in Philadelphia, such as the frst American balloon fight (1793), the frst professional basketball league (the National Basketball League, in 1898) and the frst Slinky toy (invented in 1945). The family-friendly events also feature live music, giveaways and games.

SHOWCASING THE ARTS

For the nation’s birthday, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (through July 5, 2027) and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (through Sept. 5, 2027) have teamed up for the joint exhibition, “A Nation of Artists.” On view are works by major American artists, including Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins, Georgia O’Keefe and Jasper Johns, as well as from various minority, immigrant and lesser-known artists. The sweeping exhibit encompasses 1,000-plus works, including 120 from the private collection of Philadelphia Phillies managing partner John Middleton and his wife, Leigh. Besides paintings, “A Nation of Artists” also features furniture, sculpture and photographic displays.

ArtPhilly, a fve-week festival from May 27 to July 2, invites artists to refect on America’s history and consider the question, “What now?”

The multidisciplinary lineup includes concerts, theater, dance and visual arts, with performances held around the city. To get a taste of art beyond Philadelphia, check out Bells Across PA, which features replica fberglass Liberty Bells in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. In Philadelphia alone, 24 of these artist-decorated bells are located in public parks and commercial spaces.

FLAGS, CROSSINGS & MEDICAL MILESTONES

Popular Philly-area tourist haunts are also rolling out special programming to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. At the Betsy Ross House, a birthday-themed Flag Fest is set for June 6-14. On the banks of the Delaware River, Washington Crossing Historic Park will ramp up its traditional July 4th festivities and freworks display, and stage two re-enactments in December of George Washington’s heralded military attack against the British during the 1776 Christmas holiday. And the Mutter Museum, the site of anatomical specimens and 19thcentury medical instruments, has launched the “Revolutionary Botany” exhibit, which examines the origins of botanical medicine (on view through 2026).

GAME TIME

Beyond a bevy of semiquincentennial happenings, 2026 has some major sports events coming to the Philadelphia area. At Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Newtown Square, the PGA Championship takes place May 11-17. Baseball will bring its top players to town July 11-14 for the MLB All-Star Game festivities at Citizens Bank Park, and Philadelphia will host six FIFA World Cup soccer matches from June 14 to July 4 at Lincoln Financial Field (home to the 2025 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles). Both stadiums are situated next to each other at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes Xfnity Mobile Arena, home to basketball’s 76ers and hockey’s Flyers.

Even if you can’t attend a World Cup match, you can get in on the action at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park. Live matches will be broadcast on giant screens on game days, and related events will continue for the 39 days spanning the games. Some concert events require tickets, but game day access is free. Other highlights include community events, a vendor pavilion showcasing handcrafted merchandise and a rotating feet of local food trucks.

GETTING THERE

United, American and Frontier ofer nonstop fights between O’Hare and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

O’HARE RECLAIMS TITLE AS WORLD’S BUSIEST AIRPORT

O’Hare has once again been named the busiest airfeld in the world, reclaiming a top global ranking based on recently-released data from Airports Council International World. The announcement, made by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CDA, highlights the airport’s ongoing importance as a major hub for domestic and international travel.

O’Hare’s return to the number one spot underscores a strong recovery in aviation activity and refects the airport’s vital role in connecting passengers and commerce worldwide.

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS CHICAGO HUB WITH NEW ADMIRALS CLUB LOUNGE

American Airlines is strengthening its presence in Chicago with plans to open a new, larger Admirals Club lounge at O’Hare. The more than 10,000-square-foot space in Concourse L will replace the current lounge, providing more room, upgraded amenities and modern design elements inspired by Chicago’s local culture. Floor-to-ceiling windows will ofer sweeping runway views, while distinct “neighborhood” zones will serve diferent traveler needs that range from relaxation to productivity.

O’HARE EXPANSION REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE

Chicago is moving forward with a major expansion at O’Hare, as city leaders and aviation partners marked the April 23 start of vertical construction on the new Concourse D. The 19-gate, 580,000-squarefoot facility is a key part of the broader ORDNext modernization program and is expected to be fnished in 2028. The milestone was celebrated with a ceremonial “frst beam” signing, signaling progress beyond the foundational work already underway. Ofcials say the project will boost capacity, efciency and the passenger experience while supporting long-term economic growth.

NEW ROUTES

Chicago’s global reach continues to expand with the addition of two new international routes that will enhance connectivity at O’Hare. Philippine Airlines will launch its frst nonstop service to Manila November 9, creating a direct connection between the Midwest and the Philippines with onward access across the Asia-Pacifc. EgyptAir will begin nonstop fights to Cairo June 21, marking O’Hare’s frst direct passenger link to North Africa and opening gateways to destinations across Africa and the Middle East.

IT’S BETER AT THE BEACH

Barack Obama left Chicago in 2009 to serve as U.S. president, occasionally returning to town on Air Force One and landing at O’Hare. Each visit carried a quiet symbolism, a homecoming marked by motorcades and memories. The airport became a threshold between past and power, where the city that shaped him met the ofce that defned him. Photographs capture feeting moments — a wave, a glance, the tarmac stretching wide. In these images, Chicago is not just a backdrop, but a constant presence in a presidency rooted in place and memory, which endures beyond each departure.

REMEMBERED FOREVER: THE STORY OF LT. BUTCH O’HARE

BY PATRICIA M. SZPEKOWSKI

LT “Butch” O’Hare

Credit: San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive

Butch O’Hare Exhibit at ORD

Credit: City of Chicago

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare is one of America’s military legends, a gallant World War II hero whose daring aerial combat missions earned him a lasting legacy as the namesake of O’Hare International Airport.

Born March 13, 1914, in St. Louis, O’Hare was destined to serve at a young age, graduating in 1932 from the Western Military Academy in downstate Alton (right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis) before enrolling at the U.S. Naval Academy. Following graduation from the academy, O’Hare trained with an air squadron, where he received instruction in aerial combat, night carrier landings and gunnery, later becoming an expert marksman.

After completing fight school in 1940, O’Hare was assigned to the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier during WWII, later being reassigned to the USS Lexington (both of which were the Navy’s frst feet carriers). On Feb. 20, 1942, just a few months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, O’Hare displayed his heroism in the Pacifc Theater when his F4F-3 fghter plane successfully defended the Lexington by fghting of nine enemy bombers — shooting down fve and severely damaging a sixth. His acts of courage earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor, awarded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a White House ceremony April 21, 1942, with O’Hare’s wife doing the honors of adorning the medal around his neck.

“As a result of his gallant action, one of the most daring if not the most daring single action in the history of combat aviation, he undoubtedly saved his carrier from serious damage,” Roosevelt pronounced during the ceremony.

On Nov. 23, 1943, O’Hare would fy his fnal mission. Over the South Pacifc, his plane was attacked by enemy aircraft and crashed into the ocean — neither O’Hare’s body nor his plane were found, and he would be ofcially declared dead in 1944.

Three months after O’Hare’s last mission, Orchard Field opened northwest of downtown Chicago as a wartime military airfeld for the Douglas Aircraft Company, which operated a manufacturing plant on the property. Transferred over to the City of Chicago following the war, plans soon began to build the city’s second airport on the former farmland area once known as Orchard Place.

Chicago Tribune editor and publisher Robert McCormick, one of the city’s most prominent fgures, launched a civic campaign to have the new airport named in O’Hare’s honor. On Sept. 17, 1949, months after the Chicago City Council approved the renaming measure, a ceremony was held to ofcially change Orchard Field to O’Hare International Airport. (Its three-letter International Air Transport Association code, ORD, remains a nod to the airport’s original name).

Today at O’Hare, travelers can view the F4F-3 Wildcat Fighter exhibit honoring O’Hare in the Rotunda Building in Terminal 3. A meticulouslyrestored, glass-encased Grumman F4F Wildcat provides a rare view of O’Hare’s heroic legacy, with the displays telling the story of a true military hero while ofering a unique perspective of the actual aircraft.

O’Hare is memorialized at the National Cemetery of the Pacifc Wall of the Missing in Honolulu.

JOHNSTON & MURPHY OLLIE LACE-TO-TOE

Terminal 1, near Gate B6

Smooth, laid-back and efortlessly cool, these Johnston & Murphy suede sneakers add a refned touch to everyday style. Complete with buttery-soft material and TruFoam cushioning, the shoes feel as good as they look, while subtle perforations keep things breathable. Easy to dress up or down, they’re your go-to for polished, of-duty vibes.

GALLERY ORD LONGCHAMP ÉPURE S CROSSBODY BAG IN PETAL PINK

Terminal 5, near M14-16

Efortlessly stylish with a hint of Parisian charm, this Longchamp crossbody bag combines smooth leather with a sleek, sculpted shape. The subtle neutral color pairs with a bold woven strap for contrast, while its compact design keeps essentials close — polished, practical and ready to elevate your everyday look.

BARBARA’S BOOKSTORE

Frida’s Cook

Terminal 1, near Gate B10 and C15; Terminal 2, near Gate E5; Terminal 3, near Rotunda and Gate H4

A rich, art-flled journey into Frida Kahlo’s world, “Frida’s Cook” weaves passion, secrets and sensory details into an irresistible story. Following a young cook drawn into Frida’s circle and a granddaughter uncovering hidden truths, the book is a lively tale of food, friendship and ferce female resilience across generations.

MAC LIPGLASS CUSHION HIGH-PIGMENT LIP OIL

Terminal 2, Main Hall

A vibrant splash of color meets glassy shine in MAC’s Lipglass Cushion HighPigment Lip Oil. This smooth, non-sticky formula coats lips in bold pigment and long-lasting hydration. The plush applicator glides on efortlessly, leaving lips soft, luminous and irresistibly plump all day with a glossy fnish that grabs attention.

SPIRIT OF THE RED HORSE; TALIE FAHLO ANIMAL BRACELETS

Spirit of the Red Horse – Terminal 1, near Gate C21

Talie – Terminal 1, near Gate H1

A bracelet with a story — and a wild side. Fahlo Animal Bracelets combine rich, earthy beads with a bold animal charm. The real magic? Each one allows you to track a real animal. It’s stylish with purpose, an adventure on your wrist and a daily reminder that you’re part of something bigger.

SUNGLASS HUT – A$AP ROCKY X RAY-BAN COLLECTION

Terminal 1, near Gate C9; Terminal 2, near Gate F9; Terminal 3, near Gate K5

Bold, culture-shifting and undeniably cool, A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban sunglasses blend iconic design with a futuristic touch — imagine sleek metal frames, eye-catching lenses and a confdent attitude. Inspired by Rocky’s creative vision, the sunglasses challenge conventions while remaining efortlessly stylish, and are perfect for those who don’t just follow trends but create them.

FIELD MUSEUM STORE

TYRANNOSAURUS

Terminal 1, near Gate B8

REX SKULL FOSSIL

All teeth, attitude and pure prehistoric drama, this Tyrannosaurus rex skull fossil from the Field Museum is impossible to ignore. With bonecrushing jaws and dagger-like teeth on full display, it radiates power from another era. Mounted like a trophy, it ofers a ferce, fascinating glimpse into Earth’s legendary predator.

SOL DE JANEIRO FOUR-PIECE PERFUME MIST SET

Terminal 5, near M14-15

A tropical getaway in a bag, this Sol de Janeiro four-piece perfume mist set combines their most-loved scents in a fun collection. From warm, beachy notes to bright, fruity vibes, each mist layers beautifully. Perfect for on-the-go spritzing, it’s sunshine, confdence and vacation energy bottled up and ready to wear.

BRIGHTON SPLENDOR BUTTERFLY NECKLACE

Terminal 3, near Gate H3

A little piece of sunshine you can wear, the Splendor Butterfy Necklace instantly brings joy. Colorful enamel butterfies dance across a glowing gold pendant, accented with delicate forals and a touch of sparkle. Whimsical, feminine and full of charm, it’s the kind of necklace that makes every outft feel a little more magical.

CHI BOYS

CHICAGO LOVE SNAPBACK

Terminal 3, near Gate H6

Subtle yet full of attitude, the Chicago Love Snapback from Chi Boys is all about representing the Windy City with style. The rich corduroy fabric, tonal “Chicago Love” embroidery and vintage rope detail give it that efortlessly cool vibe — like you just threw it on but still nailed the look.

TERMINAL 1 CONCOURSES B, C

• ANA (Departures only)

• Lufthansa (Departures only)

• United Airlines (Domestic; International Departures only)

• United Express (All check-in & baggage claim)

DINE

America’s Dog Gate C17

Auntie Anne’s Gates C18, E4

B-Smooth, Smoothies & Salads Gate K4

Beaudevin Wine Bar Gate C17

Berghoff Café Gate C26

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill Gate C19

BJ’s Market Gate K15

Brioche Dorée Gates C21, F19, T3 Rotunda/ near Gate G1, K15, T1 Ticketing/Pre-Security

The Bronze Pizza Gate B7

The Bronze Tap Gate K4

Bubbles Wine Bar Gate H4

Burger Federation Gate L21

Burrito Beach Gate K4

Café Descartes T1, T3 Baggage Claims

Café Zoot! Gate C19

Carry Out Carry On Gate E2

CHI Life Market Gate C27

Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Chili’s Gates B14 , F9 , G10 , H2

Ciao Gourmet Market Gate C15, T1 Baggage Claim

CIBO Express Gourmet Market Gates E1, H1

Connect Bar Gate F3

Dunkin’ Gates F9, H5

Dunkin’ Express Gate B14

Eat Well. Travel Further. Gate F20

Eli’s Cheesecake - Home Run Inn Pizza -

Vienna Beef Gate B9

Facades Bar Gate K15

Farmers Market T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Fresh Market on the Go Gate C23

Fulton Street Cafe Gate H14

Galileo Bar & Grill Gate B19

Garrett Popcorn Shops Gates B8, H2

Gold Coast Dogs Gate L4

Goose Island Beer Company Gates B1 , C10, L10A

Great American Bagel Company

Gates B14, H10, K1, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Green Market Gates H6, L3

Half Moon Empanadas T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Home Run Inn Pizza Gates E5, C11

ICE Dishes & Drinks Gate L1

Jamba Juice Gate B7

Jazz Bar Gate C19

La Tapenade Mediterranean Café Gates B4, E9, H14

Macaroni Grill Gate K2

Manchu Wok Gate C19, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1, H5

McDonald’s Gates B11, C10, F7, H5, H9, K9, L4

Nuts on Clark Gates C19, E4, H8, T5 Baggage Claim

O’Briens Restaurant & Bar Gate H5

Pronto Sandwiches Gate B14

Publican Tavern Gate K1

Reggio's Chicago Style Pizza Gates C19, C22, G8, K4

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gate H5

Rush Street Bar Gate H14

Salad Works Gate C19

Skybridge Bar & Grill Gate F15

Skyscrapers Bar Gate K9

Smoothie King/The Grove Gate B6

Stanley’s Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap Gate E5

Starbucks Gates B5, B9 , C17, E2 , E11, H1, H6, K4 , L1, L21

Subway T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Summer House Santa Monica T2 Main Hall

Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless Gates B10, K4

Tuscany Café Gate B18

Veteran Roasters / Brown Sugar Bakery Gate K15

Wicker Park Gate C1

Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar Gate E1

Wolfgang Puck Express Gate K12

SHOP

Barbara’s Bookstore Gates B10, C15, E5, G1B, H4

Brighton Gate H3

Brooks Brothers Gate H3

Brookstone Gates C11, H3

ChiBoys Gate H6

CNN Newsstand Chicago Gates B9, H5

Coach T2 Main Hall

Dufry Gates M15, M20

Duty Free Store Gates B9, F5, K5

Field Museum Gate B8

Headphone Hub T2 Main Hall

Hoypoloi, An Uncommon Gallery Gates B6, E5

Hudson News & Gifts T1, T2, T3 Terminal Locations, and T1, T2, T3 Baggage Claims

Hudson Nonstop Gates B6, K1

InMotion Gates B7, H2, K12

Johnston & Murphy Gate B6

MAC Cosmetics T2 Main Hall

Oakley Gate B8

Sarah’s Candies Gate F9

Spirit of the Red Horse Gate C21

Sunglass Hut Gates C9, F9, K5

Talie Gate H1

Vosges Haut-Chocolat Gates B6, H4

Terminal Getaway Spa Gates B12, H1

Yoga Room T3 Mezzanine Level of Rotunda/near Gate G1

RELAX SERVICES & AMENITIES

ATMs Gates B9, C18, E5, F1, F11, H2, H6, K4, L2, T1, T2 Upper Level before Security, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 and T1, T2, and T3 Baggage Claims

Chapel T2, Mezzanine Level (Pre-Security)

CLEAR Lanes T1, T2 Upper Level/Ticketing

Fly with Butch O’Hare Family Lounge

Terminal 2 Main Hall near Gate F3

Mamava Lactation Pod Gates B7, C11, C23, E1, F1 near Family Lounge, G12, K1, K5, K19, L24

Mother’s Room Gates B10, F8, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange Gates B9, C18, F1, K10

Service Animal Relief Area Gates C10, L26, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1, T1, and T2 Lower Levels (Outside)

Shoe Hospital Gates B10, K2

Travelers Aid Gates B8, C18, F4, K2, T2 Main Hall

USO

T2, Mezzanine Level (Pre-Security)

T3, Mezzanine Level of the Rotunda/near Gate G1

* Hours for restaurants and retailers may vary from actual hours until further notice.

Bar Siena Gate M34

Big Bowl Gate M11

Burger King Gate M11

Butcher & The Burger Gate M26

CHI Life Market Gate M4

Chicago Neighborhood Market & Goods Gate M9

Chick-fil-A Gate M10

The Dearborn Gate M17

Dunkin’ Gate M16

Dunkin’ & Baskin Robbins T5 Baggage Claim

Garrett Popcorn Shops Gates M10 (Cart), M18

The Goddess and Grocer T5 Ticketing/Pre-Security

The Hampton Social Gate M5

Hub 51 Gate M16

McDonald’s T5 Baggage Claim

Metropolis Coffee Company Gate M30

Nuts on Clark T5 Baggage Claim

Protein Bar & Kitchen Gates M15, M25 (Kiosk)

Publican Quality Bread Gate M5

R.J. Grunts Gate M16

Tocco Gate M11

Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless Gate M18

Urban Olive Gate M16

Wow Bao Gate M16

SHOP

BLVD & Branch

Brookstone Gate M11

Dufry Gates M15, M20

Evolve by Hudson Gate M14

Gallery ORD Gate M16

Hudson News & Gifts Gate M20 and T5 Baggage Claims

I Love Chicago Gate M11

InMotion Gate M29

Six Points Market Gate M30

SERVICES & AMENITIES

ATMs Gate M18 and T5 Arrivals

CLEAR Lanes T5 Departures

Interfaith Room Gate M25

Mother’s Room Gates M8, M20, M32, M37

Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange Gate M14, T5 Arrivals

Service Animal Relief Area Gates M8, M28, T5 Sterile Corridor, T5 Baggage Claim

Travelers Aid Gate M15, T5 Upper Level/Ticketing, and T5 Baggage Claim

GETTING AROUND ORD

Airport Transportation System (ATS)

The Airport Transportation System (ATS) is operating 24/7 to service passengers to and from Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, Economy Parking Lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Pace buses and Metra.

Terminal Transfer Bus

Passengers with connecting flights can use the secure airside bus service between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3 to avoid exiting and re-entering security. For bus stop locations and operating hours, visit flychicago.com/TransferBus.

EAT

America’s Dog & Burger Central Market

Arami Concourse A Food Hall

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Central Market

Big Bowl Central Market

Big City Chicken Gate B7

Big Shoulders Coffee Gate A14

Billy Goat Tavern and Grill Concourse A Food Hall

Café Descartes Baggage Claim

Camden food co. Gate B20

Cielo Cantina Gate A7

Connie’s Pizza Central Market

Dunkin’ Central Market

Dunkin’ Express Gate B21

Einstein Bros. Bagels Gate A7 Fuel Bar Gate A4A

Garrett Popcorn Shops Central Market, Gate B14

Gene’s Bistro Central Market

Harry Caray’s Shortstop Gate A9

Home Run Inn Gate B17

Hubbard Inn Gate B7

M Burger Central Market

Mr. Beef Gate B14

Nuts on Clark Baggage Claim, Concourse A Food Hall, Gate A5, Central Market

Porkchop Gate B14

Reilly’s Daughter Concourse A Food Hall, Central Market

R.J. Grunts Gate B16

Specialty Vending Baggage Claim, Central Market, Gate A4A, Gate A5, Gate C1

Tallboy Taco Central Market

The Orange Line Gate B21

White Sox Bar & Grill Central Market

Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria Concourse A Food Hall

Chicago Sports Gate B10

Departures News Gate A4B

EVOLVE by Hudson Central Market

Fannie May Gate A5

FAO Schwarz Gate A5

Hudson News & Gifts Baggage Claim, Gates A5, B9, C1

Hudson Nonstop Gate B21 ink by Hudson Gate A9, B17

iStore Concourse A Food Hall, Gate B17

Johnston & Murphy Gate B8

MAC Cosmetics/Jo Malone Central Market

Sarah’s Candies Central Market

Southside News Gate A11

Specialty Vending Central Market The Atrium Gate A5

SERVICES & AMENITIES

Adult Changing Table Gate B15

ATMs Concourse A Food Hall, Gates A1, A8, Central Market, B9, B18

Chapel Concourse C, Mezzanine Level

Chicago Police Department Concourse C

Lactation Pod Concourse A Food Hall

Mother’s Room Concourse C

Pet Relief Concourse A Food Hall, Outside Baggage Claim Door 4

Seaway Bank and Trust Company

Currency Exchange Gate A1

Toilets Concourse A Food Hall, Central Market, All Concourses, Baggage Claim USO Concourse C

Yoga Room Concourse C

Battle of Midway Exhibit Gate A1

Central Market Seating Zone Central Market

Gameway Gate A5

Kids Play Area Gate A5

Seating Zone Gate A5

The Club MDW Gate B1

Our promise

NO Artificial Flavors

NO Synthetic Colors

NO Artificial Sweeteners

NO High Fructose Corn Syrup

NO Hydrogenated Fats

Whether you’re sprinting for a connection, boarding an overnight flight, or simply craving something honest between gates, Eat Well. Travel Further. is your travel companion. Fresh, thoughtfully-made food options, so you feel ready for wherever your trip takes you.

Now available in select locations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.