River Forest Things to Do

Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk shows in the United States, heads Harpo Studios. Her world-famous and critically acclaimed talk show, Oprah, is recorded here daily. A legend in her own right, Oprah has made America and the wor... more

Running through the heart of downtown Chicago is State Street, a major shopping and dining thoroughfare. Flagship stores include Macy's and Sears, as well as numerous other boutiques and chains such as Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx,... more

Raven's a popular Lincoln Park bar built for self-entertainment, complete with darts and shuffle-board bowling. The TV screens are always playing the latest sporting event, and there is an outdoor patio if you need to get away... more

View the city through 57th Street Art Fair's artists' eyes. In Hyde Park during the sunny, mild days of early June you can experience the city's largest collection of original works by local artists. Free to all, this exhibit h... more

The cigar-and-martini virus has wrought this next-generation retro concept: a "champagne salon and caviar bar." Ivana Trump would feel at home among the 1900-era imperial glamour: chandeliers, gilded walls, and yards of... more

The Joel Oppenheimer Gallery specializes in original antique Natural History Art with particular emphasis on the works of John James Audubon. Established in 1969, the gallery has expanded recently to a second location in histor... more

Joy Blue offers a casual atmosphere, geared toward the under-thirty trend setters. The traditional main bar serves 100 domestic and imported brews, as well as liquor and wine. Those looking for a break from the Wrigleyville spo... more

As promised by its name, Murphy's Bleachers lies just across the street from venerable Wrigley Field. On game days, massive crowds jam into the open-air bar and spill out onto the sidewalk before and after the game. Cub fans, y... more

Emmit's Irish Pub is a gem of a place, that offers Irish specialties such as microbrews, shepherd's pie and Irish stew. Dark wood and forest green are the primary color tones, with a lighter tile floor and brick walls. There's... more

This 14-story boutique hotel deftly manages to straddle the line between fun and conservative. The stylish decor is a fresh alternative to Chicago's many cookie-cutter business hotels: The rooms feature dramatic deep-red... more