For group get-togethers or quiet, meditative time, get thee to the Garfield Park Field House. Dizzy yourself with its fancy Spanish Baroque Revival architecture. Then, knock yourself out cheering on one of the city's top boxing programs. Not the violent type? Visit the Peace Museum, housed in this building famous for its golden dome that appears to glow even in the hazy light of an overcast day. Back outside waving cattails serve as a reminder of Jens Jensen's (founder of prairie-style landscaping) influence on park design that emphasizes native plants. Art Richardson, central region manager for the Chicago Park District, says "to walk the park takes you out of the cityscape and gives the impression you're walking through the country." Watch for the blue heron spotted at one lagoon or cast your lots and nets within to fish the stock of largemouth bass, bluegill, carp and sunfish. Colorful flower gardens and rotating art installations courtesy of the city's Art in the Garden program flank the park's center at Madison.

Centerstage Reviewer: Chris Benevich