Featured Article

Chicago

A glittering metropolis nestled in the heart of the Midwest—and yes, glittering literally from the reflection off of the neighboring waves of Lake Michigan—Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in America and probably tied for first as the happiest place on Earth (along with Disneyland, of course). Come with me as I take you on a virtual trip through the Windy City; I can’t wait to show you all my favorite spots!

Let’s begin just north of downtown Chicago in the charming city of Evanston, home to Northwestern University. Ah, what a great college town. After a delicious brunch at the “post-hippie” Lucky Platter Restaurant on Main Street (I get the crab cake eggs Benedict; you get the cinnamon-raisin French toast), we head a few blocks east toward the lakefront, walking along tree-lined streets and trying very hard not to get distracted by all the boutique shopping.

Pretty soon we’ve walked our way into a gorgeous vintage neighborhood, with rows and rows of meticulously restored homes from the early 1900s. It’s green and lush in every direction. Check out the houses that Frank Lloyd Wright built. Looking ahead, we can see Lake Michigan. After crossing Sheridan Road (similar to California’s coast-hugging Pacific Coast Highway), we walk across a city park, dodge a few runners on the lakefront trail, and here we are. Taking our shoes off as we walk to the sandy shore, we feel like we’re at the ocean. If you look to the right you can make out the Chicago skyscrapers in the distance. If you squint real hard and crane your neck a little, you can even see the Sears Tower, both Chicago’s landmark superstructure and the world’s fourth-tallest building.

Want to go see downtown in person? Easy; let’s catch a train. We have two train options, both walking distance away: the historic “L” train, one of the most recognizable features of Chicago; and the much newer Metra: sleeker, faster, and a double-decker. (My vote is the comfier Metra.)

After the twenty-five minute train ride into downtown , we still haven’t decided what to do first. How about exploring the top of the Sears Tower? Or, be transported through time (using our wild imaginations) as our eyes get all googly from the mirror-like stainless steel “Bean” structure at Millennium Park? Perhaps we should ride the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier? We could always just shop ’til we drop along Michigan Avenue. Or we could surround ourselves with fine art and culture at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Would you rather play with sharks and dolphins at The Shedd Aquarium? How about we enjoy the dessert-only second story of Chicago’s iconic Rock’n’Roll McDonald’s?

Later we could catch a Broadway show at the Chicago Theater. Or, if you’re feeling a little more casual, we could go laugh our butts off at The Second City, the sketch comedy kings whose alumni include Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, and Mike Myers. And since it’s such a nice day outside, let’s take advantage of it and hop on an architectural boat tour of the city on the Chicago River. Or maybe we can catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Stadium? And one more thing: We can’t forget our stomachs, so we’re having Chicago deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s (or Gino’s, which specializes in a cornbread-like crust) for dinner.

So much to do and see, and so little time. . . .
We decide to do it all.

We’ll need a hotel for at least a few days. While it would have been marvelous to stay in one of Chicago’s oldest luxury hotels, like The Drake, where Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland were once notable guests, we decide to stay at the equally comfortable (and much more affordable) Renaissance Chicago Hotel. With amazing views of the Chicago River and the incredibly unique “corn-cob” condominiums, we relish every minute we have to enjoy, live, and experience Chicago, the “town that won’t let you down.”
We hope this tour gives you a colorful picture of what Chicago has to offer. It’s the perfect vacation destination to go to with your hubby, a significant other, or a very best friend. Safe travels!



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Photography by Becky Hill