Des Moines Botanical Center
The Des Moines Botanical garden is a neat attraction to visit in Des Moines that is very affordable. For $3 for adults and $1.50 for kids you can take a 45 minute tour of their beautiful indoor gardens. Take a look at the exotic plants and fruits that they are able to grow in the botanical garden that they would not otherwise be able to grow. (IE: the banana trees!) It's so gorgeous inside that it really looks like you are OUTSIDE.
Ottumwa Tire & Radiator
I try to do as much work on my car as I can myself because I never know what mechanic I can trust. When I needed some help with a fuel pump I took a chance and called Ottumwa Tire and Radiator. They were able to get me in quicker than any other place in town and they charged me less than the majority of the other mechanics in town. They had the work down quickly and I was able to pick my car up in a few hours. I was very satisfied with their service.
Chicago Tribune
My favorite newspaper is the Chicago Tribune and I really wish I could have it delivered at home here in Iowa. The Tribune is a thick newspaper filled to the brim with interesting articles. This is the one newspaper that I read from start to finish. The Chicago Tribune is a great source of information for my beloved Cubbies as well as their crosstown rivals the White Sox. I love their Sunday paper because it is filled with local ads of Chicago's finest stores. It makes me miss Chicago just thinking about it.
Bookin Jewelry Co.
Bookin Jewelry is a great place to visit if you are in the doghouse with your wife. They have a decent sized selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and more. There selection isn't as good as some of the stores in Des Moines are and they are a bit more expensive but it is nice to have a jewelry store closer to home.
Art Institute of Chicago
I've only been to one Art Museum and that is the Art Institute of Chicago. I wasn't really wanting to go but my wife drug me there anyway. Surprisingly, I actually had a good time. It was neat to see paintings such as Seurat's paintings that I have been fascinated with every since I saw them in books and TV. The kids enjoyed looking at the art as well. Overall, we had a surprisingly good time. Admission was $12 for adults and $7 for kids. Tuesdays are free!
Willis Tower Skydeck
Would you like to know the best way to see Chicago? Go to the Sears Tower! At Sears tower you can see views from all over Chicago. They say you can see over 40 miles on a clear day. I'm not sure how far I saw but if you use the telescopes you can even read the signs that are far away. In my opinion, the best time to visit is either at dusk or at night. At night the lights on the buildings are beautiful. Admission is around $12 for adults and around $9 for kids. It's not a cheap attraction but it certainly is worth the money.
O'Hare International Airport
If you are given the choice to fly into Midway or O'hare what would you choose? I recommend that you choose beautiful O'hare airport. We flew into O'hare last summer on one of our trips to Chicago. We really enjoyed O'hare. It was bright and clean and we had no trouble with our luggage. Airport staff were friendly and helpful when it came time for us to find the CTA trains.
South Side Drug
South Side Srug is more than just a regular pharmacist office...you can find all sorts of stuff there. They sell and rent medical supplies such as lift chairs. They have a large perfume and cologne counter that is a great place to visit if you are looking for a gift. They also have a lot of seasonal merchandise such as Halloween and Christmas items. While you wait for your prescriptions you can grab a stool at the counter, buy a pop and read the newspaper.
River Hills Community Health
River Hills is a great health care center to visit if you are uninsured, underinsured or just want to get in to see a doctor quickly. The staff is polite and proffesional and fees for their health services are based on a sliding scale. Unlike all of the other doctors offices here in town, you are allowed to make payments here. This is great for if you or your child unexpectedly get sick and you don't have the money to pay up front at your regular doctor. River Hills also offers dental care as well as regular health care.
Quincy Place Mall
Quincy Place Mall is the poorest excuse for a mall that I have ever seen. There are not many stores to shop at and there is only 1 restaraunt! A lot of the better stores that used to be in the mall have recently moved out such as Wal-Mart, Fashion Bug and Payless. About the only thing left in this mall is expensive shoe and clothing stores.
