All Abroad

Chicago: Chicago Five things to try

You will never be short of something to do in the USA’s third-largest city. Chicago has some of the best theaters, galleries and restaurants as well as miles of beaches and dunes along Lake Michigan. Here are just a few ideas:

Go see a recording of Oprah, Jerry or Jenny Jones. As you might expect, more than a little persistence is required to get tickets for any of these shows. The Oprah Winfrey Show tapes twice a day Tuesday to Thursday from September to December and from January to June. Start calling (312) 591-9222 at least a month before you’re due to arrive and be prepared to listen to many recorded messages. For Jerry Springer tickets call (312) 321-5365 about three weeks before you arrive. Jenny Jones tickets are perhaps a little easier to come by. Call (312) 836-9485 any time from six weeks to two weeks before a recording.

Catch the 90-minute cruise run by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. Not only will you learn about the history and construction of some of America’s greatest buildings from a trained volunteer, but you’ll appreciate the breeze on one of those hot summer days.

Take me out to a ball game at Wrigley Field. Step back in time to see the Cubs against the backdrop of ivy-colored walls and a hand-cranked scoreboard.

Bring your comfortable shoes to explore one of the world’s great galleries, the Institute of Art. It may be best-known for its stunning collection of impressionists and American art, but don’t miss the modern photography or African sculpture. Admission is free every Tuesday.

Get down to Buddy Guy’s Blues Legends. The urban blues was born in Chicago and this place, owned by the wailing guitar great himself, is the place to see it. And the down-home Southern cooking’s great too.