At ACP or AAOMS DIC? Take a break to explore the Windy City

If you want some fresh air after being in the exhibit hall all day, walk over to Millennium Park. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11p.m., the iconic park is home to several must-see attractions, including the famous “Bean” sculpture and the Crown Fountain. The park itself is three square blocks of open lakefront and plays host to several outdoor concerts and events.

For those not afraid of heights, head over to the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, and peer down on the city from more than 1,300 feet up. Ticket prices are between $30 and $44 and include the elevator ride to the Skydeck and the Ledge, glass balconies that hang four feet off the building. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Strike a pose like Ferris Bueller did while admiring art at The Art Institute of Chicago, the home to the country’s most impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist artwork.  It also features more than 300,000 pieces of art ranging in date from the Byzantine era to just a few decades ago. The museum is open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets cost $32 for adults, $26 for seniors 65 and older, students and children between ages 14 and 17. Children younger than 14 are free. Advance ticket purchase is required.

From deep dish pizza to Michelin star restaurants, there is a place to eat that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot long pier on Lake Michigan, has a wide assortment of eateries from hot dog stands to fine dining.

And if you need a little retail therapy, the Magnificent Mile is just for you. This prime piece of Michigan Avenue stretches 13 blocks and features more than 450 retailers. You can find top brand stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom as well as smaller boutique stores.

So, if you have some down time and find yourself needing something to do after a full day at ACP or the Dental Implant Conference, you’ll find it right here in the Windy City.

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