Stuart Bowl & Lounge

Before I played here, I have very little knowledge or skill about bowling. And my highest is about 100s. I went there a couple times, and the owner of the bowling lane taught me some tricks and gave me discount (I played there a lot). He is a bowling coach for the highschool here, so he does know how to train people. And after two weeks, my score boosts up to 180s. Amazing. I really recommend coming here to play, they are very friendy.

Chicago Transit Authority

With CTA, you basically can go everywhere within Chicago area and suburb without a car. CTA map can be picked up every station and the cost is very reasonable compare to what you have to pay for gas, parking, etc,. Remember that the service is free during the New Year day, but I suggest you pay the driver anyway, it's new year, you know, and he still has to work ;).

John G. Shedd Aquarium

The first time I went to this Aquarium was a little disappointed. They have many cool advertisement about the exhibition of sharks with many huge sharks. However, the largest shark they have there is probably just about 3-foot long at most. Their collection of aquatics is about medium size. The ticket is quite expensive. They have exhibition of whales (or dolphins?) which is good, but not among the best in the nation.

Field Museum

This must be one of the most fasinating museum I've ever gone to. The first object that strikes me was the biggest complete skeleton of a dinosaur name Sue. And the archiologist who discovered her was signing her book about this discovery. Many exhibition was very visual appealing. They make you feel like you are actually in the period of that exhibition, for example, the accient Egypt. I spend one afternoon here but haven't have a chance to see everything here, I will come back here soon to see the rest.

Extreme Screen at Union Station

I was here once but it was very impressive. First of all, the ticket price was reasonable (for $14 you will get the round-trip tickets which includes everything). There is an experiment area that kids really like since they can try many new things with interesting objects (like in dino lab). Most exhibition is 3D and very visual appealing even for adults. I would definitely come here again if I have a chance to go to Kansas City.

Pro-Tech Co Inc

I brought my laptop there to diagnose but they let me wait for weeks until they actually do it. After analyzing my laptop, they couldn't figure out the problem and suggest me to buy a new laptop. It's kind of disappointed.

Beside reparing computer, I also sell computer and computer parts but they seem quite expensive.

Only highlight is they do offer diagnose for free.

Salvation Army Family Store

This is where I donate most of my stuff. Clothes, food can, toys (better if not require batteries) are always accepted. Many furniture are also accepted.

I went to the store (not for donating purpose) several times and they have huge collection of clothes (all is old and many are defected) with very low price (that's Salvation Army). I found couple useful thing there with several bucks such as a $2 egg-beater machine, a $1.5 cute stuff teddy bear.. Oh, they only accept cash.

Of course that remember to donate what you never use.

Blossom Shop

They have a huge collection of flowers which are fresh and suiable to the weather of the city. This is the best place to buy flowers in town since all of them are fresh and very well decorated.

Only down point of the shop is they are a bit pricey. Lowest price you can get is $15 and the highest can be $235 for Bronze Callas.

They also close on many holiday, so make sure that you order before that several days so they can have time to prepare.

Stone Creations

They was in business for nearly 15 years and has very good reputation in the city.They have a "vast selection of sterling silver jewelry, beads and semi-precious stones". The price is very reasonable and the owner (and her daughter) are very nice. I often go here to buy gifts for my friends, they all love them.

They open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Sometimes, they extends their hours to 8:00pm if it is holiday

Adair Central Cab Co

They charge $5 for going to anywhere within the town limit with $1 for each additional person. If you go to La Plata or the Airport they will charge $15. And yes, they do offer a trip to Columbia (closest medium size city), but of course you have to pay several hundreds dollars.

They often work until 1:00 am with very friendly drivers. Since they only have very few drivers, you always have to wait for around 15', 20' minutes after calling them.

The cabs are very old (15 years old, I guess) so don't expect any comfort here.

PROS: Relatively cheap, available until 1:00am, nice driver
CONS: Old cab, long waiting time