AAN Alliance
The AAN Alliance is a member-based organization of spouses and significant others of Academy members. Although active year round, the Alliance's activities culminate during the AAN Annual Meeting.
Tours Available in the Chicago Area
The AAN Alliance offers a variety of tours during the AAN's 60th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Tours are open to all Annual Meeting attendees, their families, and guests. Tours are sponsored by the AAN Alliance and operated by the "Chicago Is..." tour company.
Note: All tour buses depart from and return to the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Porte Cochere Convention Entrance, Lobby Level. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. All tours are operated by "Chicago Is..."
Tour Registration
Reservations for all tours are available by advance registration only and must be received by March 24, 2008, to guarantee space.
To register, contact "Chicago Is..."
Online: abruns@chicagois.com
Phone: (312) 565-1550
Fax: (312) 565-1161
Mail: 151 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 1104,
Chicago IL 60601
When registering, keep the following in mind:
- Credit card, check, and money order payments will be accepted until March 24, 2008. After that date will be based on availability.
- Advance registration is required.
- Prepaid tickets will be held in your name at the AAN Alliance room in Parlor C, Executive Center, Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.
- "Chicago Is..." reserves the right to cancel tours when the minimum number of registrants is not met; registrants pre registering will receive a full refund.
Sunday, April 13, and Thursday, April 17
Highlights of Chicago
Those famous Chicago winds have blown in a massive transformation. Chicago's motto, "City in a Garden," is much more than a catchy slogan. Lines of newly planted trees grace lush parkways and gardens. Planters filled with varieties of vibrant plants and flowers line the streets. The extraordinary and vast Millennium Park stretches from Michigan Avenue to the glorious lakefront. Navy Pier, Chicago's number one tourist attraction, imparts a carnival-like atmosphere to the city year-round. The ever increasing shopping attractions along the Magnificent Mile, the expanding theatre scene, and a plethora of world-class museums fill the city with effervescence and variety.
Guests will see Chicago's vistas from major parks, including Grant, Lincoln and new and impressive Millennium Park. Chicagoans take great pride in the city's major contribution to world architecture. Occupying pride of place on the tour are the varied views of the city's crown jewel—Lake Michigan. The enormity of the over 300-mile long and over 100-mile wide body of fresh water gives new meaning to the term "inland sea." Guests will learn how the early city planners separated the city's commerce and buildings from the beaches, parks and inviting lakeshore and discover why over 30 million visitors each year say, "Chicago is my kind of town."
Hours: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Includes: Transportation
Price: $45 per person
Monday, April 14, 2008
A Young Man on a Mission: Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park
In 1889, 22-year-old Frank Lloyd Wright, lacking both formal training and an academic degree, began a quiet movement in the Oak Park house he designed and built for a growing family. From this home, his imaginative art and daring designs became world famous. Wright called his new movement the "Prairie School." More than a century later, it ranks as America's most influential architectural expression. Each year the American Institute of Architects names Frank Lloyd Wright as "the most original architect the U.S. ever produced—and more important—one of the most creative architectural geniuses of all time." Now you can visit the place where it all began. Specially trained architectural docents will conduct comprehensive, small group inspections of the residence, now fully restored to its original 1889 appearance. A second visit will be made to nearby Unity Temple. Wright called it "my little jewel box."
Winberie's—Oak Park
On the busy corner of Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, Winberie's has become a favorite stop along Oak Park's "restaurant row." Reflecting the friendly, casual atmosphere of a stylish American Bistro, the simple, warm decor includes traditional finishes of wood, brass, marble, and fine imported fabrics. The cozy dining rooms with harvest gold painted walls and subtle lighting feature a collection of unique European art deco posters. Black and white tile floors and a jazz soundtrack add even more to the 1920s European vibe. Casually dressed Oak Park couples and small groups frequent Winberie's for its unique blend of French, Italian and American fare. At Winberie's, menu selections are created from high quality fresh ingredients, which include fresh salads, sandwiches, choice beef, fresh fish and seafood, chicken, pasta, and vegetable entrees.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Includes: Transportation, Guided Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio, Guided Tour of the Unity Temple, and Lunch at Winberie's
Price: $100 per person
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Architectural River Cruise
The cool mist off the lake, the magnificence of the city skyline and the tranquility of lapping waves set the mood for a wistful afternoon of cruising the Chicago River. Visitors and Chicagoans alike say that the best way to really see the city's profile is on architectural cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Guests will learn how in the 19th Century, the modern city grew from a trading post to become the world's fastest growing metropolis.
Guests will view an extraordinary array of great structures, including Lake Point Tower, Wrigley Building, IBM Building, NBC Tower, Tribune Tower, Civic Opera House, Sears Tower, Marina City, Board of Trade, and scores more. From the river, the boat will venture out to Lake Michigan where guests will be treated to a rich view of the entire skyline. An architectural docent will provide live narration featuring an overview of architecture and history. Guests will find out little known facts about the history of Chicago's buildings, including juicier details of scandals, corruption, conflict, etc.—all the material that makes for great entertainment.
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Includes: Transportation, river Cruise (1.5 hours), and architectural docent (English Only)
Price: $60 per person
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Merchandise Mart Tour
Opened in 1930 by Marshall Field & Company, the Merchandise Mart is the world's largest commercial building, the world's largest wholesale design center, and one of Chicago's premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million square feet, the Mart spans two entire city blocks, and rises 25 stories. The Mart welcomes over three million visitors every year. Sixty percent of the building's area is devoted to wholesale showrooms, and features a variety of retail shops, services and restaurants. The 90-minute guided tours of the Mart are filled with interesting and obscure facts about the history of the building. Guests are guided throughout showrooms representing the commercial, residential, kitchen and bath, decorative accessories and gift industries. (Tours do not grant access into the showrooms and do not include the Apparel Center). After the tour, guests are free to shop on the public (first two) floors.
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Includes: Transportation
Price: $55 per person