This year, Rosemont celebrates its 60th anniversary. This village has transformed from a destination for business travelers into a true entertainment district full of restaurants, shopping and activities for all ages.
Activity Hub
Get your live music fix in Rosemont at the Allstate Arena, ranked by Pollstar magazine as the third-best concert venue in the U.S. The 18,500-seat arena is home to the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team and attracts big-name performers (Justin Bieber, Ellie Goulding and Carrie Underwood will perform there this spring). Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road
The nearby Rosemont Theatre brings the best of Broadway shows and traveling performances like Disney Live! (March 11-13) and Dancing in the Streets, a Motown revue (March 18). Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road
Check out Kings for upscale bowling or billiards. Note to families: The venue is 21+ after 8 p.m. If you are party planning, Kings also has private lanes available. Kings Rosemont, MB Financial Park, 5505 Park Place
Thrill seekers can get the adrenaline rush of skydiving without any of the risk at iFLY, where an indoor wind tunnel mimics the experience. No parachute needed. iFLY, MB Financial Park, 5520 Park Place
Rain or shine, you can catch a baseball or softball game at the indoor Dome or the outdoor Stadium at The Ballpark, home to the Chicago Bandits women’s professional softball team. The Ballpark at Rosemont, 27 Jennie Finch Way
Eats and Drinks
You may know the Sugar Factory’s Couture Pops — fancy lollipops on an equally fancy reusable stick — which are popular with the celebrity crowd (Kylie Jenner is a spokesperson). While candy-themed drinks and sweets are the main attractions (hello, Fluffer Nutter milkshake!), they do serve food, including some breakfast options. Sugar Factory, MB Financial Park, 5445 Park Place
With 40 beers on tap and a menu full of game-day classics, Park Tavern is the perfect hangout spot for friends and family. We recommend the pulled chicken tacos and foot-long grilled cheese topped with two fried eggs. Park Tavern, MB Financial Park, 5433 Park Place
For a more formal dining experience, The Capital Grille offers steak, seafood and side dishes large enough for sharing. Don’t miss the crème brûlée. Capital Grille, 5340 N. River Road
At the newly renovated Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel there’s The Ashburn restaurant, dedicated to Chicago’s first airport with lovely aviation-themed decor. Stop in for their signature cocktail The Snowbelt, which has hints of apple and a cinnamon stick. They also have a very tasty breakfast buffet. Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, 5300 N. River Road
Shopping
If you’ve ever driven through Rosemont on 294, you will have seen Fashion Outlets of Chicago with its brightly flashing LED screens enticing deal seekers to shop at the 130+ retailers. High-end designers, including Tory Burch, Coach, Prada and Gucci, make up the top floor. The lower floor has brands like The GAP, Lindt and Forever 21 as well as a food court.
Parking can be such a hassle and can ruin your mood before you’re out of the car. One of Fashion Outlets’ best features is its parking structure. There are lights above each parking space that are red if the space is taken and green if it’s open. It’s pretty perfect.
Get the Green Savings Card, which provides extra discounts at select stores and can be purchased at Concierge Services. Take some time to admire the mall’s artwork that is part of a partnership with The Arts Initiative too. Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Gabrielle Tasiopoulous contributed to this article.
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