AJ Retreat

If you're searching for a fascinating magic show, be sure to check out the performances of Dennis Watkins. Dennis is a third-generation magician and an award-winning entertainer who grew up surrounded by magic. His grandfather owned a small magic shop in Dallas for nearly 30 years and was a close-up magician. When Dennis was only seven years old, his grandfather explained that the purpose of magic wasn't to deceive people but to stimulate their imagination and bring back the feeling of being a kid. Dennis has carried forward his grandfather's legacy by creating a show entertaining three generations of audiences. His debut show was based on the life of Harry Houdini, which turned out to be a huge success. The show was sold out for eight consecutive performances. Dennis played the lead role of Harry Houdini and even performed Houdini's famous Water Torture Cell escape in each show. In 2012, he was honored with a Joseph Jefferson Award for his work on the show, "Death and Harry Houdini."

Do you want to escape from the busy city life and immerse yourself in nature's beauty? Look no further than the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The forest offers over 69,000 acres of wildlife, outdoor recreation, and environmental education opportunities. Whether you have just one hour, a full day, or a night to spare, you can explore the stunning natural landscapes spread over 70,000 acres. The Forest Preserves offer something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. You can attend a camping basics workshop, take your children to a concert in the woods, or try activities such as "forest bathing," owl prowling, or nature photography. Additionally, you can go cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, and check out the aquatic centers and golf courses. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even spend a night under the stars and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature at one of the five campgrounds.

History and nature enthusiasts must visit the Field Museum in Chicago. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 21 million specimens that showcase the history of human and animal life in different regions. One of the museum's key attractions is Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton worldwide. The Field Museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits that provide an insight into the world's natural history. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including Mammals of Asia, Mammals of Africa, the Grainger Hall of Gems, Underground Adventure, Inside Ancient Egypt, Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, DNA Discovery Center, McDonald's Fossil Prep Lab, and the Regenstein Laboratory. The Field Museum Library is home to over 275,000 volumes of research collections, which are fundamental for the museum's scientific staff. The Library provides information on biology, anthropology, botany, geology, archaeology, museology, and other fields of study.

Embark on a journey back in time to the days of infamous mobsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and John Dillinger with Untouchable Tours. This unique experience takes patrons to various famous areas in Chicago where notorious gangsters would hang out during the days of Prohibition. During the tour, you'll return to Prohibition-era Chicago and visit the hotspots where Al Capone and his allies and enemies became famous. The guides are actors who adopt the persona of a 1920s gangster and accurately recount the crimes and activities in Chicago during the 1920s and '30s. You'll hear about the exploits of Capone, Moran, Dillinger, and other notorious gangsters. Some sites included are the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the Biograph Theatre, and Holy Name Cathedral. The tour is educational and highly entertaining, and you even have the chance to win prizes at the end.