1. The Shedd Aquarium

As its name suggests, this museum is focused on the creatures which inhabit the oceans and rivers of the world. There are exhibits on the aquatic life of the Wild Reef and the Amazonian River, as well as an amazing Oceanarium.

2. Museum of Science and Industry

This museum was first founded in the year 1933; since then it has become one of the most popular educational attractions in the entire city. With interactive science exhibits which are fun for both adults and children alike, as well as exhibits on the Second World War and the Coal Mining Industry, you could easily spend a whole day taking in this incredible place.

3. The Art Institute of Chicago

One of Chicago’s most visited attractions is the Art Institute. Housing everything from impressionistic to post impressionistic paintings and located in the scenic Grant Park, this is a must-see for art lovers.

4. Museum of Contemporary Art

Located in downtown Chicago, this museum provides visitors with the chance to admire and examine exhibitions of performance, film, video, sculpture and painting. Opened in 1945, it has remained a favourite with many visitors to Chicago.

5. National Museum of Mexican Art

This museum was established by Carlos Tortelero in 1982 and features a fascinating collection of both temporary and permanent exhibitions featuring Chicano, Latino and of course, Mexican artwork.

6. Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

This was the Western Hemisphere’s first ever planetarium; founded in the year 1930, it is home to interactive exhibits, antique astronomy instruments and two theatres where you can enjoy some star gazing.

7. The Chicago History Museum

This museum was founded in the mid nineteenth century and is dedicated to sharing Chicago’s history with visitors and residents alike. There are an amazing twenty two million artefacts on display here.

8. DuSable Museum of African American History This is one of the oldest museums in all of the USA which is dedicated solely to documenting and educating people about the history of African Americans.

9. The Field Museum of Natural History

Although many people love this museum because of its impressive dinosaur exhibits, there is more to this place than meets the eye. Inside, you’ll find more than twenty million objects and displays about everything from newly discovered plant species, to the hidden meaning of ancient cave paintings.

10. The Notebaert Nature Museum

This museum aims to teach those who visit it about the environment and nature; there are both permanent and travelling exhibitions, including ecological history displays, a live butterfly exhibit made up of two hundred species and much more besides.

This post was written by Jamie Corn a blogger from the US writing for Cheapflights the airfare compare website.

East or West?

If you intend to visit the Caribbean for the first time, the west offers a great introduction to the area. Favourite places to take in include: Jamaica, where you can explore the waterfalls; Grand Cayman, which is great for snorkelling and scuba diving; and Cozumel, which has the largest underwater cave in the world. Not all western Caribbean destinations are islands. You can visit other central American mainland destinations, such as Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, where you can take in the Mayan ruins.

Alternatively, you can head east to explore Puerto Rico, St Thomas and St Maarten. Here you can enjoy rock climbing, explore the rainforest, do some shopping or just laze on the beach. If you are planning a two-week visit, you will be pleased to find that many ships switch between east and west each week, so you can enjoy both areas.

Head South

Experienced Caribbean cruisers might like to venture further south. Here you will find islands that are less crowded and a little more exotic. You can visit Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, Barbados or the ultra-exclusive St Barts. If you are after romantic locations and unspoilt beaches, these islands are ideal for you. There are spice plantations to enjoy on Grenada, which is one of the largest producers of nutmeg and mace. Dominica has unspoilt natural beauty, with hot springs, lush mountain forests that are home to rare and exotic plants, animals and birds. On Antigua you’ll find Nelson’s Dockyard, a restored British colonial naval base. The island is also famed as a sailing and yachting destination and hosts a world-class regatta in late April and early May.

Travel further south still and you will find St Lucia, St Kitts and Grand Turk, as well as Bonaire and Curacao. St Kitts is home to the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park the largest fortress built in the eastern Caribbean. On St Lucia you’ll find sulphur springs and a drive-in volcano, the island is also home to impressive botanical gardens. Most storms don’t get this far south, so these places can be an excellent choice if you are visiting the area during the hurricane season.

Long or Short?

Because it is close to the southern ports of the United States, the Caribbean is a great destination for a short cruise departing from Miami. Tourists can also spend a couple of days at sea visiting Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

If you have more time to spare, a two-week cruise lets you take in a wider selection of islands, such as Dominica, Barbados and Aruba. Many cruise lines have their own private islands. Here you won’t have the hassle of changing money or paying for beach loungers. Often the line will arrange barbecues, water sports and massages for guests during an island visit.

Post provided by cruise.co.uk – the UK’s favourite cruise agent.

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Nesco 18 Qt Cookwell Roaster Giveaway

Hosted by

Pink Ninja Media, Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog, and Happy Home and Family

Awesome Co-Hosts

Reel Mama, Homeschooling Mom 4 Two, Simply Shawn & Jenn, Pink Ninja Blogger, Moms Vacation Spots, Green Grandma, Fitness Fashion and Freebies

One luck winner will receive a Nesco 18 Qt Porcelain Cookwell Roaster retail value is $79.99.

This fabulous 18Qt Roaster comes with porcelain coated removable Cookwell. One of the most versatile pieces of cookware you’ll find. You can use it as your primary oven or as your second oven on the porch, take it to the cabin, or have it handy for a family get together. You can also roast up to a 22 pound turkey, pot roast, pork roast, ham, chicken, or anything else your heart desires.

Features:

• Circle of Heat construction – food is cooked from the side not the bottom. This helps product moist cooking results.
• Removable cookwell with porcelain coating
• Automatic Temperature Controls – hear settings from 200ºF-450ºF
• Chrome steel rack, handles, and easy insertion
• Recipe Guide
• Holds up to a 22 pound turkey
• 1425 Watt, 120 Volt

This giveaway will run from Jan. 10, at 12:01am EST until Feb 05 at 11:59pm EST. One lucky winner will receive a Nesco 18 Qt Porcelain Cookwell Roaster with an Ivory Body. Giveaway is open to US only, must be 18 years or older to enter. To enter use the Rafflcopter form below. Thanks and GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for shipment of prize to winner, nor was I compensated for my part in this event. Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter are in now way associated with this giveaway. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter. Open to US only. No Purchase Necessary. For questions contact Pink Ninja Media at info@pinkninjamedia.com