Chicago Neighborhood Tours closes out 2011 season with a full schedule of October, and November excursions

With 77 distinct communities in Chicago, there’s no limit to what you can discover, from rich histories to diverse cultural traditions, and hidden treasures to local landmarks. Let the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture do all the planning and lead you on guided excursions that make getting around town easy and fun! Affordable and convenient, these half-day motor coach trips offer fully-planned itineraries and an expert local guide to lead the way. Upcoming tour highlights include:

Uptown & Argyle Street: Saturday, October 8
Chicago’s rich architectural history and ethnic diversity intersect in Uptown. A stroll down historic Hutchinson Street in this diverse North Side neighborhood reveals a treasure trove of Prairie-style mansions designed by architect George W. Maher. Check out the gleaming beaux-arts building at Broadway and Lawrence Avenue, formerly the Uptown Bank and one of the neighborhood’s most visible landmarks. A few blocks away on Argyle Street, a panorama of ethnic shops and eateries whisks you a world away to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Southeast Asia.

Chinatown & Greektown: Saturday, October 29
Experience two different worlds without ever leaving Chicago! This pair of near-South Side neighborhoods is home to vibrant ethnic dining and shopping enclaves, and museums that preserve the heritage of each respective culture. See the history of Chicago’s thriving Chinese American community come alive in Chinatown with stops that include the Chinese American Museum. Hear the story of the nearly 30,000 Greek Americans that once lived in Greek Town and visit the Hellenic National Museum. Spend some time exploring the diverse shops and eateries of both neighborhoods on your own as well.

South Shore & Jackson Park Highlands: Saturday, November 12
South Shore offers a fascinating snapshot into 19th century Chicago’s glitz and glamour, when this neighborhood was a ritzy vacation spot for wealthy Chicagoans. Take a drive through the Jackson Park Highlands, where grand historic homes still stand in this upscale African American community. No visit is complete without a stop at the South Shore Cultural Center. Once a chic country club, this architectural gem serves the community as an event space and arts performance venue with public beaches, gardens and even a golf course.

With so much to see and do in Chicago, it’s easy to spend a vacation downtown in the city’s Loop and Magnificent Mile communities. But the real adventures lie off the beaten path and the heart and soul of Chicago lives in its neighborhoods. Take away an authentic Chicago experience with any one of the scheduled tours this October and November in the remaining 2011 season:

OCTOBER 2011
1 Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village
1 Bronzeville, South Loop & IIT Campus
8 Uptown & Argyle Street
15 Avondale, Old Irving & The Villa
15 Taste of the Neighborhoods
22 Chicago’s Magnificent Churches
22 Jefferson Park, Portage Park & Six Corners
29 Chinatown & Greektown

NOVEMBER 2011
5 Back of the Yards & Bridgeport
12 South Shore & Jackson Park Highlands
19 Andersonville & Edgewater
19 Taste of the Neighborhoods

Chicago Neighborhood Tours is a division of the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture. For detailed tour descriptions and reservations, please call 312.742.1190 or visit www.ChicagoNeighborhoodTours.com. These motor coach tours depart at 10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. check-in) from the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue) and include some walking. Each Neighborhood Tour is $30 ($25 for seniors 65+/students with valid I.D./children ages 8–12) and includes refreshments. Each Taste of the Neighborhoods tour is $50 ($45 for seniors 65+/students with valid I.D./children ages 8–12) and includes small-plate dishes along the way. Group rates are available. Reservations are strongly recommended as tours often sell out.

Visitor Information Resources
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive trip-planning assistance and information by visiting www.ExploreChicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. Friendly Visitor Representatives can answer questions and assist in planning an unforgettable itinerary. The visitor centers are located in two of the city’s most popular areas: across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; and at the historic Water Works pumping station, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue.

For daily alerts about fun and free things to do in the city, follow Explore Chicago on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ExploreChicago and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ExploreChicago, where you can also weigh in on your Chicago favorites. Get answers to your Chicago questions on the go, restaurant recommendations, and tips on citywide events and activities via the FREE Twitter Concierge Service @explorechicago available daily.