Dodge Theatre
The Dodge Theatre is a wonderful place to see musicians and plays. Seating and the sound system is great. There could be, perhaps, more room in the lobbies as they are often too crowded to move. One neat thing about the Dodge Theatre is that the sides can move out to accomadate additional seating. Also, registering for Downtown Live could get you access to presales for tickets to upcoming events.
The Murat Centre
The Murat Centre, located in downtown Indianapolis, is a great place to see a concert or a musical. Concerts and musicals are primarily performed in the Murat Theatre; however, occasionally musicians will perform in the smaller Egyptian Room. The centre has been beautifully restored and the views and sound from almost any seat is outstanding.
Cricket Pavilion
The Cricket Pavilion is conviently located just west of downtown Phoenix. Despite its size, the Cricket Pavilion is an intimate venue to see a concert. However, most of the tours that go from outdoor amphitheater to outdoor amphitheater do so in the summer, when the heat in Phoenix can be stifling. Therefore, it seems that the Cricket can have some difficulty attracting top notch talent. Also, avoid the 300 level seating if at all possible, the seating is not raised enough considering that it is the primary walkway between the two sides of the venue, so more than likely you will constantly have people walking in front of you.
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Overall, the Tweeter Center can be a good place to see a concert depending on where you are sitting. In general, the reserved seating section spreads out too far to the side, which causes bad sight lines and distorted sound for those sitting in those seats. Those in the lawn seating also have to deal with the VIP seating boxes hanging from the roof. Otherwise, the sound is fairly good and due to the location in Chicago, top-notch talent can often be found performing.
UMB Bank Pavilion
UMB Bank Pavilion is a great place to see a show, except on muggy hot St. Louis summer days. The acoustics at the UMB Bank Pavilion are very good and the music sounds crisp and clear from about anywhere. I do not like how the cover for the reserved seating does not extend all the way out, so be aware that your reserved seat may not be covered. They did add nice big screens so that people in the lawn seating could feel closer to the action.
Verizon Wireless Music Ctr
Verizon Wireless Music Center is a great outdoor amphitheater. There is ample room to spread out, especially on the lawn if the weather cooperates. The acoustics are outstanding and the music center, despite being located in a rural area, is capable of drawing in some big name talent. Parking is adequate and is usually included in the ticket price. Vending and facilities are also adequate.
Museum of Science
The Museum of Science and Industry is an absolutely amazing museum. There is so much to see that one is almost overwhelmed. The space center and WWII submarine particularly stand out. The IMAX is wonderful, but is an additional fee (be sure to get your tickets early as it is not uncommon for shows to sell out, especially on the weekend). I minor drawback is that the museum is a little difficult to navigate. Also, if you are there during the Christmas season, be sure to see if they have the display of foreign Christmas tree decorations.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is a wonderful museum with a variety of exhibits, but is best known for Sue, the resident T-Rex. The museum can be extremely busy on the weekends, which may create lines for some of the more popular exhibits. Additionally, the size of the museum can be a little overwhelming. Its definately a place that the kids will enjoy, but be sure to plan on spending the majority of a day here.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a top notch aquarium located in the heart of Chicago's museum district. The aquarium has a wonderful variety of marine life divided up by the animals native geographic region. Additionally, there are some wonderful shows featuring some of the animals. The set up of the aquarium allows the visitor to get up close to the animal, which adds to the experience. It is often very busy, so be sure to go during the week.
Cedar Point
Cedar Point has something to offer everyone from children to adults. Cedar Point has everything from children's rides to water rides and shows, but most importantly Cedar Point has some of the best rollercoasters in the world. One minor complaint would be that there is often extremely long lines for the more popular rides, especially on the weekends. Admission is expensive so be sure to order the Cedar Point magazine they release each year for free for valuable coupons.
