Celebrate spring with the bloom of hundreds of thousands of tulips as well as special spring offers. From a relaxing stay at a hotel to a special weekend brunch, every offer will help to add a little spring to your step.

Bike The Drive

Lake Shore Drive
www.bikethedrive.org
May 29
Bike The Drive
Kick off your Chicago summer with a car-free bike ride down world-famous Lake Shore Drive, May 29, 2011, for the tenth annual MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive. Enjoy the city skyline and stellar views of Lake Michigan on the only day of the year when Lake Shore Drive is open to cyclists and closed to car traffic. Registration includes hours of uninterrupted bicycling, volunteer support, as well as access to rest stops and a post-ride festival. Support the mission of the organization by adding an Active Trans membership when registering. This amazing bike ride is a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance, Chicagoland’s voice for better biking, walking and transit. Register online and save $5 with coupon code GNMAA5.

Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.

Four Magnificent Mile Stops
(773) 648-5000
www.chicagotrolley.com
May 1 - 31
Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. offers free Garrett popcorn, free Hershey’s chocolate and several other free and special offers with each ticket purchased. While supplies last. Chicago’s largest sightseeing company is the essential overview tour of the city and has four stops in The Magnificent Mile district.

Goodman Theatre

170 N. Dearborn Street
(312) 443-3800
www.goodmantheatre.org
May 4
Artists Talk Series
Don’t miss “Artists Talk”, a series of intimate conversations about the artistic process meant to give you insights and context you won’t find anywhere else! Stage Kiss will feature a one-on-one conversation between the brilliant playwright Sarah Ruhl and WBEZ’s media personality Steve Edwards. Tickets are $10 (and only $5 for subscribers and students). Learn more by clicking here!

Hershey’s Chicago

822 N. Michigan Avenue
(312) 337-7711
www.hersheys.com
May 1 – 23
Spring into Hershey’s Chicago
Looking for a unique gift idea? Spring into Hershey’s Chicago to personalize the wrapper of a 7oz. Hershey chocolate bar with your own picture and personal message. Tulip art will be available to decorate special Mother’s Day bars. Takes only minutes to receive.

Hot Tix

72 E. Randolph Street and 163 E. Pearson Street
(312) 554-9800
www.hottix.org
May1 - 31
Half-Price Theatre Tickets
Hot Tix, a service of the League of Chicago Theatres, offers half-price theatre tickets to over 200 Chicago theatres. Half price tickets are available in-person and online. Show information can be found at www.ChicagoPlays.com. Hot Tix offers local service and world-class theatre at a price you can afford!

Museum of Contemporary Art

220 E. Chicago Avenue
(312) 280-2660
www.mcachicago.org
May 26
The Mark Bradford Exhibition Opening
Deeply influenced by his experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles, artist Mark Bradford addresses the dynamic, complex histories of class, race and gender in the United States. His layered, multimedia works often incorporate flyers, billboards and ads from his neighborhood and address themes of mapping and identity. Join the artist at the MCA on Thursday, May 26 from 6:30 pm – 9:00pm for The Mark Bradford Exhibition Opening. Click here for more information!

John Hancock Observatory

875 N. Michigan Avenue
(800) 875-8439
www.hancockobservatory.com
May 1 – 31
Sun and Stars Pass
The smart way to see Chicago by day and night, the Sun and Stars Pass allows you two entries to John Hancock Observatory for one special price.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

220 E. Chicago Avenue
(312) 280-2660
www.mcachicago.org
May 3 – 15
The Man Who Planted Trees
Hear the wind, feel the rain, and smell the lavender in this multi-sensory environmental theater work. The Man Who Planted Trees blends comedy and puppetry to tell the story of a French shepherd and his faithful dog, who over the course of 40 years, plant a forest one seed at a time in a treeless valley. The story unfolds against a backdrop of a tumultuous span in world history: 1910-1950. This adaptation of Jean Giono’s beloved fable earned Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre the 2007 United Kingdom Eco Prize for Creativity. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Tickets on sale March 8. Advance tickets available at chicagohumanities.org or by calling (312) 494-9509.

dana hotel and spa

660 N. State Street
(888) 301-3262
www.danahotelandspa.com
May 1 - 31
900 North Michigan Shopping Package
This package includes one gift bag from the 900 North Michigan Shops filled with a few special gifts, coupons, $50 gift card, valet parking for one car per night and cooked-to-order breakfast each morning.

Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile

300 E. Ohio Street
(312) 787-6100
www.doubletreemagmile.com
May 1 - 31
Shopping Escape Package
Get your summer wardrobe in order on The Magnificent Mile. With the Shopping Escape Package, guests check in for a one-night stay in a spacious deluxe guestroom for two and receive one gift bag filled with coupons from the 900 North Michigan Shops plus a $50 gift card valid at over 70 luxury retailers inside the glamorous vertical mall that includes Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, MaxMara, Montblanc, Bernardaud, The Silk Trading Company and more. Rates begin at $169 per night and are based upon availability.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

200 N. Columbus Drive
(312) 565-8000
www.fairmont.com/chicago
May 1 - 31
Great Avenues Shopping Package - Michigan Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue
The Great Avenues Shopping Package will have shoppers taking advantage of both Michigan Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue. The Magnificent Mile has long been regarded as One of the Great Avenues of the World and Saks Fifth Avenue is the benchmark for luxury shopping, making Chicago a great destination for shopping aficionados. Enjoy overnight accommodations for two, a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card, complimentary parking and late checkout at 5pm.

Swissôtel Chicago

323 E. Wacker Drive
(312) 565-0565
www.swissotelchicago.com
May 1 - 31
Celebration Package
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or graduation, our Celebration Package provides a personalized touch to make your celebration more memorable. Package includes your choice of Champagne or Birthday Cake, Balloons and Buffet Breakfast for two.

The Westin Chicago River North

320 N. Dearborn Street
(312) 744-1900
www.westinchicago.com
May 1 – 31
Bed and Breakfast
Relax and refresh with our bed and breakfast package. It’s the perfect start to a perfect day. Breakfast for two is included daily and can be served either in room or in the Ember Grille. Book online or call (866) 716-8104. Offer is available for stays between Thursday – Sunday.

ESCADA

840 N. Michigan Avenue
(312) 915-0500
www.escada.com
May 11 and 12
Spring Fashion Show
The Escada Boutique will have its Fall/Winter Trunk Show on May 11 and 12.
A cocktail reception and modeling of the collection will take place on Thursday, May 12 from 1:00 - 3:00PM.

Nordstrom

55 E. Grand Avenue
(312) 464-1515, x 1728
www.nordstrom.com
May 17
Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself
Celebrate the launch of the new book, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself by François Nars. Taking the before-and-after concept to the next level, he turns the lens on real women and men, revealing the powerful role of beauty in personal transformation. Discover looks from the book for your own signature expression.  Exclusively for Nordstrom, these limited edition sets will be available during the events. Each set focuses on a facial feature to allow for maximum experimentation for the eyes, cheeks and lips.

May 21
Book Signing
You are invited to a rare public appearance of the founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics, François Nars, on Saturday, May 21 from 2:00-4:00pm.  François will be signing copies of his new book and limited edition sets. While supplies last. Reserve your appointment today! Space is very limited. 

Macy’s

111 N. State Street
(312) 781-1000
www.macys.com
May 11
Macy’s & Barbara’s Bookstore welcome Chelsea Handler
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity as Macy’s and Barbara’s Bookstore help launch Chelsea Handler’s new book “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me”. Chelsea and contributing comedians: Josh Wolf, Brad Wollack & Heather McDonald will be on hand to meet and sign copies of your purchase made at Macy’s on State Street Barbara’s Bookstore location, first 500 copies only.

Bloomingdale’s

900 N. Michigan Avenue
(312) 440-4460
www.bloomingdales.com
May 7
Fragrance Fair
Come celebrate your favorite French fragrance brands and enjoy exciting gifts and treats. Plus, your favorite scents get even sweeter with this beautiful cubic zironia necklace, yours with any women’s fragrance purchase of $85.00 or more*. Perfect for gift giving. *One per customer, while supplies last

Café des Architectes

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

20 E. Chestnut Street
(312) 324- 4000
www.cafedesarchitectes.com
May 1 - 31
Prix Fixe Dinner and Lunch Menus
Stop by Café des Architectes for the Chef’s Market Selections, a three-course prix fixe menu available at dinner nightly for $39. The selections change weekly and are influenced by local ingredients. The restaurant also offers a signature Executive Prix Fixe Lunch, Monday through Friday. The menu features four mini-courses (each course has two choices) including a salad, soup, entrée and dessert for $22.

Fine Makeup Art

(847) 847-8972
www.finemakeupart.com
May 1 - 31
Spring Colors on The Mag Mile
Fine Makeup Art will come to your Magnificent Mile hotel, home or office and create a fresh and fashion-forward Spring makeup look to take you to your night out, shopping day, luncheon, intimate dinner or theater night on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Receive a spring inspired LipColor with makeup application. Book a party of two and the third makeup application is complimentary.

The Martini Bar

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel

163 E. Walton Street
(312) 751-8100
www.knickerbockerhotel.com
May 1 - 31
Tuliptini
Try one of our featured Raspberry Tuliptinis or Pear Tuliptinis this spring in honor of the beautiful tulips along The Magnificent Mile.

The Drake Hotel

140 E. Walton Place
(312) 787-2200
www.thedrakehotel.com
May 29
Film and Fondue
The Palm Court, Tea Room and Lounge of The Drake Hotel are hosting the first Film & Fondue, on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Hollywood comes to the Palm Court to celebrate the beauty and excitement of film and delicious fondue. Be their guests of honor for a viewing of My Best Friend’s Wedding, starring Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz. This famous film is one that the whole family or you and that special someone will truly enjoy. For reservations, please email Shaun Rajah at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), cost is $25 per person. 

Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush

437 N. Rush Street
(312) 222-0101
www.philstefanis437rush.com
May 1 - 15
437 Rush Celebrates Italian Unity
Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush invites Chicagoans to enjoy a special menu in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification. Italian Unification was the political and social movement that brought together different states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of Italy in the 19th century.

Rosebud Prime

1 S. Dearborn Street
(312) 384-1900
www.rosebudrestaurants.com
May 20
Scotch Tasting
Enjoy a complimentary Scotch Tasting on May 20 from 4:30pm – 7pm, featuring a variety of Diageo Classic Malt Scotches. Try various Scotches while snacking on passed appetizers and listening to live piano music.

aria bar at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

200 N. Columbus Drive
(312) 444-9494
www.ariachicago.com
May 8, 15, 22
Sunday Brunch Party at aria bar
Enjoy the wilder side of Sunday brunch at aria bar. Fuel up with shared sweet and savory brunch plates; raise your spirits with specialty cocktails and keep it going all day long with a live DJ and music. Chicago’s premiere brunch party is happening every Sunday through May 22 at aria bar from 11:00am - 5:00pm, DJ starts spinning at 12:00pm.

Quartino

626 N. State Street
(312) 698-5000
www.quartinochicago.com
May 25
Wine Tasting
Enjoy a wine tasting at Quartino Chicago Restaurant for $20 per person. For more information call (312) 698-5000.

Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse

33 W. Kinzie Street
www.harrycarays.com
May 16 – 19
Steak Week
Each evening during Steak Week, Harry Caray’s will offer four side-by-side steak comparisons with wine pairings. Each selection will be accompanied by detailed tasting notes comparing and contrasting the characteristics of the two different steak options, and explaining how the qualities of the meat influence the choice of wine. Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by visiting http://www.harrycarays.com or calling (312) 828-0966.

MARKETHOUSE

611 N. Fairbanks Court
(312) 224-2200
www.markethousechicago.com
May 8, 15, 22, 29
Three-course Meal
Enjoy a three course meal prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and farmers for only $20 every Sunday in May.

Sprinkles

50 E. Walton Street
(312) 573-1600
www.sprinkles.com
May 13 - 29
Limited Edition Cupcake
Enjoy the Salty Caramel Cupcakes offered for only a limited time at Sprinkles Cupcakes.

Osteria Via Stato

620 N. State Street
(312) 642-8450
www.osteriaviastato.com  
Monday – Friday, May 1 - 31
Just Bring Me Lunch “Pronto”
Pizzeria Via Stato is pleased to announce “Just Bring Me Lunch”, a quick three-course menu option designed to provide a satisfying, delicious meal in a hurry, available Monday – Friday, 11:30am – 3:00pm for only $9.95 per person. Enjoy a cup of the soup of the day, choice of sandwich and a dessert.

Escape 2 Fitness

446 N. Wells, Suite 344
(312) 222-1414
www.escape2fitness.com/home.htm
May 1-31
Massage and Yoga Class Specials
Tax Season is over! Treat your team to a chair massage to release all that built up stress, or start a yoga class in your conference room. Book a 2 hour massage and receive 30 minutes free, or schedule a yoga class by May 31 and receive a complimentary trial class. We come to you!

The Peninsula

108 E. Superior Street
(312) 337-2888
www.peninsula.com/chicago
May 1 - 31
Mom and Me Package
Reserve a 45-minute Deeply Nourishing Manicure for mother and daughter at The Spa and mom will receive a Simply Peninsula skin care gift. Price: US$ 130 (valued at US$ 158).

Exhale Spa

945 N. State Street
(312)753-6500
www.exhalespa.com
May 15 - 22
Yoga Classes
Been meaning to try your hand at a yoga class? With the Absolute Beginner Yoga classes at Exhale Spa there is no reason to wait any longer. Try yoga for the first time with Lizzi Edwards May 15 – 22 for $25.