Stay close to home sometimes the best option when the roads clogged with Labor Day weekend travelers. For a different Labor Day weekend holiday this year, book a room downtown Chicago and slot in some of those city attractions and restaurants on the someday list. 
But also slip in some good jazz. Chicago hosts its annual Jazz Festival during the holiday weekend. The 2010 Jazz Festival is Aug. 2-5 in Millennium Park and Grant Park with additional concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center. Jim Wagner’s All Stars, including Willie Pickens and Maggie Brown, perform in Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion Thursday. The Ramsey Lewis 75th Birthday Celebration is at the Pavilion Friday
A Lee Morgan Tribute and the Either-Orchestra are at Grant Park’s Petrillo Music Shell, while Corey Wilkes and Steve Cole take over the Jazz and Heritage Stage, Saturday. The Kurt Elling Quintet and guest Erniew Watts perform on the Petrillo stage while Nick Colionne is on the Jazz and Heritage Stage, Sunday. And those are just a few of performers keeping up Chicago’s reputation as a “jazzy” town.
Stay near downtown or combine the festival and room with other attractions by looking for a package deal. Chow down on a Chicago dog, pizza or steak near downtown. The city is a US destination. It is also a fun place for urban and suburbanites to hang out during a holiday weekend.