It just keeps getting better and better in the Chicago Northwest region
It's been a very exciting time in tourism for the Chicago Northwest region. So much so that my daily refrain has become "It just keeps getting better and better around here."
Our tourism team at Meet Chicago Northwest has always been proud to promote our partners with their approachable sophistication in an easy to access region. However, during the past year, all the positive infrastructure and product improvements have been awe inspiring.
Accessible to the world
Our vibrant communities literally stand at the cross roads of America, and on the edge of O'Hare International Airport with more than 1,000 direct flights per day. Making us even more accessible is the awesome transportation improvement with the opening of the Jane Addams I-90 Memorial Tollway with Smart Road Technology. A visitor arriving at O'Hare and traveling to a Chicago Northwest hotel can arrive, check into their room, change clothes and start visiting our destination long before a similar traveler can arrive in the Loop.
Improvements closing the travel time include a new direct exit at Meacham Road, a renovated transportation interconnection at Roselle Road and a new interchange at Elmhurst Road.
With the grand opening of the I-390 Tollway, our region not only enjoys an improved interlocked transportation system between our region's Interstates and Tollways but is on the verge of closing the travel time to both sides of O'Hare.
PACE, also, has stepped up its Northwest service by offering Express Bus Service from the Rosemont transportation hub to destinations throughout the Chicago Northwest region supporting our destination with accessibility for travelers and employees, alike. You will also see a gleaming new PACE Woodfield Trolley rolling on the streets of Schaumburg.
Two important
districts planned
The Village of Schaumburg is actively working on a new zoning district and design parameters for 225 acres of the former Motorola Campus that will be a planned redevelopment area nearly as large as the Chicago Loop and located directly across from Schaumburg Convention Center complex and accessible by the new Meacham Road exit from the Jane Addams Expressway.
Brennan Investment Group in conjunction with the Village of Elk Grove announced a plan to develop the 85-acre Busse Farm to a high-tech industrial & data center business park.
These developments aren't only an addition of fantastic destination attractions; they indicate our region's dedication to sustained economic growth.
Millions invested in new and renovated hotels
Supporting the growth, our region boasts 66 well-appointed hotels representing a wide array of national brands with more than 10,000 guest rooms available every evening. Once again, it is awe-inspiring to see so over 20 hoteliers investing in property renovations. In fact, our three largest properties, The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, The Westin Chicago Northwest and the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg have all individually invested millions of dollars into recent major renovations.
We also welcomed several new hotels to our communities. Private operators developed a new Hampton Inn, Home 2 Suites, Fairfield Inn and Town Place Suites all in Schaumburg. While Elk Grove Village's Holiday Inn gleams from a recent renovation, and Rolling Meadow's Holiday Inn has announced a redevelopment plan for its location. Our partners in Arlington Heights are proud of a proposed development project in conjunction with the Arlington Downs project.
Illinois made - Chicago Northwest made
We were thrilled when the Illinois Office of Tourism announced the latest businesses to join the Illinois Made program included our destination partners Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Itasca's Church Street Brewing Company and Garrett Popcorn Shops featured in the grand court location in Woodfield Mall.
From coffee roasters, artisan candy shops and artists to farmers, wineries, craft breweries and old fashioned soda makers, Illinois Made makers are attracting visitors to Illinois.
Approachable sophistication - exciting dining for all
With easily 400 restaurants in our eight communities, we have always offered a taste for every palate. However, I literally could pen an entire article about all the new dining additions in our communities and still be certain that I would miss promoting a new experience. In broad terms, I must point at the new additions along Schaumburg's Meacham and Golf roads "Restaurant Row," the verve of the dining density in downtown Arlington Heights, and the wonderful food and beverage stretch that is now developed in Roselle. We are also anxiously anticipating the completion of the new Dining Pavilion in Woodfield Mall.
But here is an insider tip, don't pass by the privately owned snack and sandwich shops dotted throughout our communities. You will be truly satisfied with the opportunities such as Chicago dogs, gyros, Italian beef and shawarma.
A queen reigns, sports facilities arise, horses run
For the first time in its 34 year history, a Queen is the Monarch at Medieval Times. To please Her Majesty, the famous dinner and tournament also offers a new choreographed show.
First Ascent announced a redevelopment of the former 30,000 square foot water park in Arlington Heights featuring a 28,000 square feet of climbing terrain up to 55 feet tall featuring top rope climbing,
Play 'N' Thrive opened its doors. A 41,000 square foot, climate-controlled center designed to offer a family-friendly space for sports including badminton, pickle ball and indoor cricket.
World-famous Topgolf has announced an upcoming facility in the former Motorola Campus in Schaumburg.
May 4 marks the opening of Arlington International full season of thoroughbred horse racing and family fun events. While May 15 marks the Frontier League baseball champion, Schaumburg Boomers opening day.
Want to find more awesomeness?
If I've piqued your curiosity, please check our website ChicagoNorthwest.com. I'm pretty sure you'll be saying it just keeps better and better, too.
• Dave Parulo, president of Meet Chicago Northwest, the official convention & visitors Bureau promoting the following eight vibrant communities: Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wood Dale.