Early Times

Hawthorne Race Course is a venue that offers both live racing and simulcasting. It is a thoroughbred horse racetrack with a one-mile dirt oval and a seven-furlong turf oval. The homestretch on the main track is 1,320 feet long, making it one of the longest in the country. Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course is the oldest sporting venue in Illinois for horse racing, considered America's original sport. The business is family-owned and operated, now in its 4th generation, and has been hosting racing events on the City's border for over a century. The track is famously known as "Chicago's hometown track." Hawthorne is also the only race course in the nation that hosts both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Additionally, they have the largest network of off-track betting bars in Illinois and offer two PointsBet Sportsbooks and a sportsbook at the track.

If you're looking for a great place to catch a show, check out the House of Blues. Located in the heart of Chicago, this popular music venue chain offers a unique and authentic atmosphere. The House of Blues Chicago was established in 1966. It was designed to replicate the famous "Estavovski" Opera House in Prague, with its "Crazy Quilt" and Delta Mississippi mud kept under the stage. Over the years, the House of Blues has hosted countless shows featuring some of the greatest artists ever. From The Who and Al Green to Kanye West and John Mayer, this venue has seen it all. And with a capacity of up to 1,800 people, you will have a great time. So, whether you're a fan of rock, blues, or hip-hop, be sure to check out the House of Blues for an unforgettable experience.

The Shedd Aquarium is a magnificent destination for those interested in exploring marine life without diving into the water. The exhibits and attractions have won numerous awards. The aquarium has five permanent exhibits: Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, Oceanarium, and Wild Reef. It houses a diverse collection of animals and marine life, including over 1,500 fish species, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The Shedd Aquarium houses around 25,000 fish and animals, including various fascinating creatures such as sea otters, beluga whales, sea turtles, penguins, sharks, octopi, and jellyfish. Additionally, you can also find Pacific white-sided dolphins, Australian lungfish, Grand Cayman blue iguanas, sea lions, cow-nose rays, dragon moray eels, moon jellies, red-bellied piranhas, sea cucumbers, zebra sharks, and sea stars at the aquarium.