As an alum of the University of Chicago,
I always love to tell people why they should visit the south side of
Chicago, even for just a weekend. Hyde Park and the
surrounding
areas are only a 20-minute drive from downtown, so you can easily stay
in a downtown hotel and visit for the day. Or, take advantage
of
budget hotel options or spoil yourself and stay at the Quadrangle
Club (check and see if your alumni club has
reciprocity) More hotel
options at the University of Chicago.
Best
known for its students deeply embracing their status as nerds, geeks
and dorks. You might be surprised to know that the University of
Chicago is the home of modern improvisational and Sketch Comedy.
Off-Off Campus,
has been around in it's current incarnation since 1986 making it the
longest continuously running student improv group in the country.
Shows go up on most Friday
nights
during the school year at 9 PM, and as of this writing admission was
$4. Many shows will be followed by a free 1/2 hour
"afterglow"
which usually spotlights the newest members who are still being
trained. Expect a raucous show, performances often sell out,
and
there is lots of audience participation.
A great way to learn a little bit more about the University of Chicago
and explore the campus is to sign up for a free campus tour at the admissions
office. They will be sure to show you:
- The C-Bench outside Cobb hall. Stand in the middle and talk at the Bench (don't worry, nobody will think you are strange). The shape of the bench reflects your voice back to you. You'll feel like you are talking into a microphone!
- The Dialogo sculpture outside Pick Hall (formerly the school of economics). Every year, this sculpture casts a shadow that many insist is a Soviet hammer and sickle. The artist insists it is a coincidence. The date the shadow is most visible? May Day, at noon. Seems a bit too perfect to just be an accident if you ask me. (I'm a little embarrassed to say that despite living or working within blocks of the sculpture, I never saw the shadow in person on May Day)
- The site of the first, self-sustained nuclear reaction in the world. Right next to Max Pavlesky West, a sculpture stand in commemoratian, 35 feet above the spot where humans first harnessed nuclear energy. Depending on the angle, the sculpture resembles a mushroom cloud or a human skull.
- Robie House - Designed in the early 1900's this house is generally considered to be the model of Wright's famous prairie style. Tours are available Thursday-Monday. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended
- Temple K.A.M. Isaiah - The oldest Jewish congregation in Chicago, this building is a Chicago Landmark. Go visit and ask them to show you the main sanctuary. Just make sure you don't go on a Friday afternoon, Saturday or Jewish holiday when the building is used for religious services.
- Rajun Cajun - Owned by the Patel Family, it is your one-stop shop for soul food, indian food and bollywood flicks. Prices are cheap and the food is delicious. 53rd St and Blackstone Ave
- Dixie Kitchen at the Calypso Cafe - Peach lemonade and crayfish fritters. The cabana decor should be tacky, but isn't. Great place for dinner. Harper Court on 51st St.
- Noodles, Etc - Pan-asian with a heavy thai influence. I learned to love tofu and had my first grab rangoon here. Yum! 1337 E 57th Street.
- Jarunee Thai 55 - very simply the best Thai spring rolls in all of Chicago. Also have a great selection of bubble tea smoothies. I recommend the honeydew melon. Located on E 55th St, just east of the L tracks.
- La Petit Folie - Fine French dining at the University of Chicago. Classical French food, a great place to celebrate a special event. Located at 1504 E 54th Street.
- The Quadrangle Club - right on the University of Chicago quads, there are 17 rooms available for members, and the members of clubs with reciprocity.
- The International House has rooms available for people that are affiliated with the University or with other cultural, educational and professional organizations. If you are visiting as a prospective student you qualify to stay here.
- University Quarters Bed & Breakfast & Suites - One block from the University of Chicago with three guest rooms and a two-room suite.
More Spring Vacation ideas
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