How to Enjoy the Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago is the second largest tourist attraction in Illinois and brings over 3.5 million people. While you're traveling to Grant Park at the Taste of Chicago, try out some of these areas and events while you're eating various food.

Instructions

1. 

   Buy your tickets at Dominick's grocery store. Tickets are $7 for 11 tickets a piece at the corner booths in Grant Park, but if the tickets are bought at Dominick's grocery stores, they are $5.50 per 11 tickets. (Note: You must have a Fresh Values card to get this deal.)

2. 

   If you hate crowds, the best time to go to the Taste of Chicago is after the 4th of July when it has quieted down or during the workday from 11:00 a.m. (when the Taste of Chicago opens) until 5:00 p.m.

3. 

   Check out the booths for Chicago radio stations to see if your favorite music artists are performing when you visit. There is always music entertainment at the Petrillo Music Shell, the Taste Stage, and cooking shows at the Dominick's Cooking Corner with world famous cooks.

4. 

   Take a ride on the ferris wheel. The lines aren't usually that long, but you will have to pay tickets to get on the ride so make sure you buy tickets accordingly.

5. 

   Check out Chicago talent. There is a walkway headed towards the Buckingham Fountain, and there is always free entertainment to watch, such as breakers, jugglers, and magicians.

6. 

   Sit on the steps by the Buckingham Fountain, and admire Chicago's beautiful lakefront view. These steps are also where thousands of people meet to see the fireworks on July 3rd.

7. Eat as much or as little as you want, but try getting taste portions so you don't spend all of your money on items you may not care for. The Gourmet Pavilion in Grant Park has over 70 restaurants with everything from barbecued turkey legs, macaroni, French fries, vegetable tempura, grilled corn on the cob, fried rice, burgers, pizza, fruit, jerk chicken, cheesecake, alligator, fried chicken, chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered bananas, brownies, banana splits, sundaes, and seafood. The cultures of the restaurants vary from Italian, Thai, Chinese, Latino, Mexican, African, Jamaican, and American foods. Dishes are fried, boiled, barbecued, Cajun, spicy, mild, and cold. Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer are also sold, in addition to pop, water, and different juices.

Tips & Warnings

• Parking during the Taste of Chicago weeks is expensive. Because Chicago is full of tourists during the summer months more than other months, taking a cab can also be costly. Try taking Metra trains or the el trains (red line or blue line usually) to Grant Park. If you are already downtown, call RTA at [phone] to find directions on trains or buses.

• The ticket booths take credit cards but no checks. There are separate lines for cash customers and credit card customers to make the lines move quicker.

• Although there are public bathrooms in addition to port-o-potties, bring toilet seat covers, antibacterial ointment, or travel-sized toilet tissue because the restroom facilities are oftentimes out of these products. (Note: Target retail stores usually have a travel aisle full of toiletries like these.)