The Village of Rosemont has earned a decades-old reputation as a destination for large entertainment and convention spaces conveniently located adjacent to O’Hare Airport. But in recent years, the village has also welcomed smaller exciting and entertaining places of interest with an appeal reaching near and far. Standing proud with continued growth all around the mecca’s familiar blossoming rose water tower, Rosemont is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its incorporation in 1956.
Morning
When planning how to hit all the nonstop points of interest here, I realized if I could fly, it would save some time. The easiest way to learn how to take off in the air doesn’t require airport security screenings or waiting at a gate at O’Hare. iFLY Chicago Rosemont at MB Financial Park (5520 Park Place, 779-368-4359, www.iFLYworld.com) is dedicated to offering guests the chance to experience what is described as “the exhilarating excitement of an aerial free-fall” at this indoor skydiving experience.
This Rosemont location opened two years ago in summer 2014 and during my Saturday visit, I had the bonus of watching how the experts defy gravity, since it happened to be the day of a competition for the world’s best skydivers and wind tunnel fliers for the International Bodyflight Association. Teams were from across the U.S., Canada and Europe, with participants ranging in age from 6 to 60s competing in five different events. Since “flying” reservations quickly book up for weekends, it’s recommended to book advance reservations online.
The Austin, Texas-based iFLY Holdings LLC parent company is credited with launching this modern vertical wind tunnel concept for the general public in 1998. The iFLY experience is made possible using a technology called the “vertical wind tunnel,” which was historically used by the military and professional skydivers for training. Four powerful, high-efficiency axial fans are mounted at the top of the building, channeling air down the side tunnels into the basement, and then up through the floor through a 14-foot-wide circular flight chamber, creating a strong upward draft.
This column of air, which ranges in speed from approximately 80 to 175 mph (depending on the weight and expertise level of the flier), creates a stable, safe, wall-to-wall airflow that gently pushes guests aloft and makes it possible “to fly.”
After the adrenaline rush of witnessing so many fly-bys, I decided it was time for a relaxing contrast. Because of the proximity to the airport, Rosemont has its own “hotel row,” with nearly every major hospitality brand represented. But the newest addition is the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel (5300 N. River Road, 847-544-5300, www.loewshotels.com), which opened just a little more than a year ago and includes its own local art gallery and jazz lounge. The 556-guest-room property has a calming and comfortable modern lobby space with options such as the jazz music in the hotel’s Montrose Room and eye-popping displays in the Art/Museo Gallery, featuring a collection of rotating and permanent pieces of contemporary art, including “The Prince” by Chicago artist Wesley Kimler.
Guests are free to tour the gallery independently, or can take complimentary tours with the Art Concierge. While the Loews name is often associated with movie theaters, today the concentration is on hotels and other ventures, with the company’s first hotel having opened 70 years ago in 1946. Coming from a farming family, I was impressed when I learned from the concierge the hotel is known for energy and resource-saving policies, with an added promise to support local sustainable agriculture.
Afternoon
Recharged and ready for a shared celebration, I met a buddy at MB Financial Park for a beer and signature soft pretzel at Hofbrauhaus Chicago (5500 Park Place, 847-671-2739, www.hofbrauhauschicago.com). I was ready to be skeptical about the atmosphere and authenticity of this experience, since I’ve visited the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich. But the warm and inviting hospitality, thirst-quenching array of satisfying beers and the trays brimming with good eats make this an affordable, irresistible international nod to a good time.
After the carbs, calories and suds, some exercise seemed like a good idea, and Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, 847-928-7500, www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com) is an enclosed shopping spree extravaganza with more than 150 top-brand stores to walk and peruse. There’s a very helpful concierge service to make planning shopping strategies easy and convenient.
As a movie buff, I also made time to stop by Bogart’s Bar and Grill at Muvico Theaters Rosemont 18 (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., 847-447-1040, www.bogartsbarandgrill.com) to revisit all of my favorite classic movies as preserved in the gallery display of vintage framed film posters. Named in honor of Humphrey Bogart, glancing at the restaurant menu made me hungry once again, courtesy of the clever naming of featured specialties such as “The Spicy Elvis,” which is a gourmet burger topped with chunky peanut butter, jalapeno jelly and bacon, served up on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
Evening
Back on track to burn off some calories, I headed to King’s Bowl (5505 Park Place, 847-233-0099, www.kingsbowlamerica.com), which is also located in MB Financial Park. This is the same ritzy bowling alley that has hosted numerous celebrities, including Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, two of the many famous faces adorning the lobby wall of fame.
Besides, the state-of-the-art bowling lanes, music and special lighting design add to this fun-for-all approach to strikes, spares and everything in between. It’s also easy to be lured by an upscale menu of delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. In addition to a full-service bar of wine, beer and other libations, the servers who tend to bowlers’ every whim are obliged to describe the fanciful custom cocktails, including “The Drunken Bear Martini,” garnished with boozy Gummi Bears and the crackling creation called “The Pop Rock ‘N Roll Martini,” which features a sweet surprise rim laden with Pop Rocks.
To end the night on a relaxing note, I opted for the notes of country music just next door at Bub City (5441 Park Place, 847-261-0399, www.bub-city.com). This country and western barbecue grub pub has everything from live music to karaoke and even a late night menu for anyone with an empty stomach. It’s a comfortable environment to raise a glass and toast everyday blessings.
Philip Potempa is a freelance writer.
