CRYSTAL LAKE – Residents are invited to join McHenry County College’s Trips and Tours Program on a nostalgic trip to Chicago’s grand hotels from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8.

Participants will visit three historic Chicago hotels, featuring stunning lobbies, glittering chandeliers and amazing art. The recently renovated Blackstone Hotel has been the favorite of movie stars, sports legends, royalty and presidents since 1910. The Blackstone Art Collection is a museum-quality collection of more than 1,400 objects.

The Drake Hotel, a fixture on Michigan Avenue since 1920, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has attracted world leaders, including Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and Pope John Paul II. It was featured in the movie “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” The Palmer House, a gift from Potter Palmer to his bride, Bertha, has a magnificent lobby that combines modern elegance with old world charm.