I realized the other day I have 6 vacation days left to burn this year so I scheduled a week off in late October. Then I started planning some fun things to do during that week. We’re not in a position to take a real vacation but I’m certainly not sitting at home either. So far I have this on the agenda:
Museum of Science & Industry – We haven’t visited for at least four years now so I think it’s time to see what’s new. And as luck would have it, there’s a special Star Wars exhibit opening in early October. It sounds really cool and if we go on a Monday or Tuesday we only have to pay the special exhibit fee because general admission is free.
Adler Planetarium – I mentioned when we went to the Shedd Aquarium earlier this year that I’d like to visit the Planetarium again. Their general admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays in October too so I’m thinking we’d visit in the afternoon once we get bored with the museum. I doubt it will be busy. The Planetarium isn’t the most exciting place in Chicago but it can be fun if you space out your visits to every decade or so.
Cosley Zoo – I want to see some Halloween decorations and even though this zoo is small, I bet they will have some nifty scarecrows and stuff up. It doesn’t seem like Brookfield Zoo has anything going on during the week and I like avoiding the weekend crowds.
Morton Arboretum – We haven’t been here in awhile either. Wow, I just checked and it’s been five years in fact! I didn’t realize it had been that long. (Here’s photos from then in case you’re interested). I think it will be really pretty in the Fall. Plus they have discount Wednesday admission and decorations along the paths like scarecrows and ghosts.
Our anniversary is during the week we’re off too, so we’ll probably go out to eat. I’m leaning towards Wildfire since had such a good experience last time. Also my boss keeps bugging me about taking a trip to Galena Illinois. It’s not entirely out of the question… maybe spend one night there since the drive is over two hours one way. I have to do some research to see if there’s anything worthwhile to do there. I’m not big on browsing the local shops or sitting at a bar. I need more stimulation than that.
In any case, I’m excited and can’t wait! It’s nice having something fun to look forward to. I really love the month of October. It’s one of my favorite months for so many reasons, Halloween being a big part of that. I think Halloween is probably my favorite holiday, closely followed by Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Ironic that my two of my favorites are during the cold months which I loathe so much, huh?
The Star Wars exhibit is cool. It was here in L.A. a few months ago.