Bathing suits are packed away, and unless you've planned an exotic and expensive beach vacation, you won't be finding sand under your toes anytime soon.
The crisp breeze, sunny skies and wafting scent of apple pie can mean only one thing--the beginning of fall.
Some people look forward to fall because it's a sign that the holidays are right around the corner.
These are the people whose holiday shopping is done early, with the items checked off on lists, so that they can calmly enjoy the actual holiday season.
Unfortunately, they're missing out! Fall, especially fall in Chicago, offers great events that should be appreciated in their own right! If you'll be spending any time in the Windy City this October, you'll certainly want to consider visiting on the following events and exploring Chicago's artsy fall offerings.
To take advantage of both the featured arts events, as well as get a good feel for what makes Chicago tick, you'll want to look into downtown Chicago hotels.
If you're the type who can't leave work at the office for a few days, be sure to double check on the hotel amenities offered.
You'll be able to easily find a Chicago boutique hotel that's used to catering to the business trade and offers free wireless access.
Once you pry yourself away form your laptop, leave it at your trendy Chicago hotel and head for one of the great fall events throughout the city.
18th Annual Chicago Country Music Festival As part of Taste of Chicago festival over the past 17 years, this country music extravaganza, chock full of twangy country stars, has continued to grow its fan base.
This year, in order to accommodate swelling crowds and some of the biggest stars in the business, the Country Music Festival will have a new date and new location all to itself.
The two-day festival now takes place mid-October, and is free to the public.
Its new location, at Soldier Field Parkland, is a convenient location for those staying in a downtown Chicago luxury hotel.
44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival Also in mid-October, the non-profit Cinema/Chicago group presents their 44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival.
Dedicated to fostering communications between different cultures through the arts, the International Film Festival is one of their largest events.
The films are shown at three theaters around the city, which should be easily reached form your hotel in downtown Chicago.
The event typically features over 150 films, and its awards are highly coveted.
This year, Sidney Poitier will be in attendance to be honored for his lifetime of work.
Dirty Dancing- The Classic Story On Stage If you have a slightly more bubble-gum style appreciation of the arts, a new Broadway style musical might be right up your alley, and located not very far from your hip Chicago hotel.
"Dirty Dancing- The Classic Story On Stage" makes it United States debut at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, and features all the songs and dances you know and love from the 1987 cult classic movie.
Since the play was a sold-out sensation in Europe, expectations are high for its Chicago run.
Of course, aside from these events, Chicago is also a host to many others that are both seasonal and year-round.
The concierge at your Chicago luxury hotel should be able to direct you to restaurants, shops and other happenings that fit your tastes.