- Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free). I recommend going in the morning when the animals are out and about, and the people are not. During the winter holidays it's lit with lights

- Tour the International Museum of Surgical Science. It's located in an old mansion and the exhibits are intriguing

- Take a self-guided walk of Lincoln Park's most spectacular modern homes and dueling McMansions

- Have a drink at the rooftop bar on top of the Hotel Lincoln: the view is amazing (and check-out the display of bad art on the stairway wall before you go up)

- Have a drink at Balena if the weather is cold

- Eat at Alinea (molecular gastronomy or L2O (seafood and Anthony Bourdain's favorite Chicago restaurant) if someone else is picking up the bill

- Eat outside at Mon Ami Gabi if the weather is nice

- Eat at North Pond if you're on a hot date

- Go to Sweet Mandy B's if you're craving sugar

- Go to Amato's Pizzeria if you're in the mood for pizza

- Try the Zen Buddhist Temple. An English service is offered on Sundays

- View a play at the Steppenwolf Theatre or a comedy show at The Second City. These places are Chicago institutions for a reason

- Exercise your kids, dogs or self at Oz Park

- Indulge in a full-clothes body and foot massage at Fit Foot

- Stroll Webster for interesting food, clothes and new/used home furnishing shopping

- Go to Clybourn Avenue if you're in the market for new furniture

- Have coffee outside at Starbuck's (North & Wells) on Saturday or Sunday mornings in the summer. Yes, there are a billion Starbuck's in the world, but the people and dog watching here is fun