House of travel USA Brochure 2017 | Page 49

Chicago
©City of Chicago
A perfect day in Chicago
I s Chicago your kind of town? Jazz and blues bars, towering skyscrapers
and one HUGE lake – Chicago has a vibrant energy that reflects its diverse
culture. By day the shopping is superb and at night the music scene comes
alive. Not to mention the architecture that Chicago is famous for, which
has a lot to do with the rebuilding of the city after the great fire of 1871.
In contrast to the towering skyscrapers are the Art Deco gems and the
parklands on the banks of Lake Michigan where you can join the locals on
the water or take a stroll in the park.
The morning is the best time of the day to head to Millennium Park to see
the famous ‘bean’. This silver sculpture, known officially as Cloud Gate,
makes for some great photos as the city buildings reflect onto the sculpture.
From here the Art Institute of Chicago is just a 5 minute stroll through the
park and has one of the world’s largest collections of French impressionist
paintings, along with the cool designed modern wing with its contemporary
art collection.
Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk where there is a string of little
parks, dining areas and many excellent photo opportunities. You will
definitely want to take in the city’s diverse architecture. This is where the
first skyscraper was built and today you’ll see modern mirrored skyscrapers
standing alongside beautiful historic gems. A great way to see the highlights
and learn the history is on an architecture river cruise.
When you’re ready for dinner you’ll be spoilt for choice as Chicago has an
amazing culinary scene with celebrity chefs, more than 20 Michelin star
restaurants, rooftop bars, ethnic dining from around the globe and lots of
local favourites.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Holiday Inn & Suites
DoubleTree Chicago Magnicifent Mile
Palmer House Hilton
Our favourite things to see and do
Sport – Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to join the sports mad
locals at a Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs or Blackhawks game.
Navy Pier – Ride on the ferris wheel that’s modelled after the very first
ferris wheel ever built for Chicago’s 1893 World Expo. You can also take lake
cruises from here.
Great Views – Get up high and see for miles from either the Willis Tower’s
Skydeck (the second tallest building in America) or if you’re feeling
brave you can ‘tilt’ over the city at 360 Chicago – where the moving glass
enclosure leans you over the edge of the John Hancock Centre.
Deep Dish Pizza – Indulge in some cheesy goodness at the famous
pizzerias that serve up the huge and delicious deep dish pizza. Uno Pizzeria
& Grill (a mainstay since 1943) and Giordano’s are two good pizza spots.
Hot Dogs – The Chicago way is with seven toppings; mustard, onions,
bright green sweet relish, a dill pickle, tomato slices, spicy pickled peppers
and a dash of celery salt. And absolutely no ketchup.
Music – They say the term ‘jazz’ was first coined in Chicago back in 1914,
and there are still many great live jazz clubs around the city, Andy’s is
a good one to check out. If blues is more your style then Buddy Guy’s
Legends is a great place to start. The man himself still plays there quite
often and has a residency in January.
Music Festivals – Hear living legends at the Chicago Jazz Festival, which
occurs over the U.S. Labour Day weekend. Or if you’re more rock ‘n’ roll
than jazz the famous Lollapalooza Music Festival is 03-06 August 2017.
Theatre – There is an amazing theatre scene with five Tony award-winning
theatre companies, and over 200 theatres in total. You can find anything
from a Broadway show to an edgy original play, along with a symphony
orchestra, dance companies and a world-class opera company.
Public Art – In the heart of the downtown ‘Loop’ area there is some great
public art including a massive Picasso sculpture and a Chagall mosaic.
Dinosaurs – Pay a visit to The Field Museum to see the largest, most
complete, best preserved T.Rex ever discovered. They call her Sue!
Shopping – The Magnificent Mile is a history packed section of Michigan
Ave and has loads of shopping and dining. And State Street is another good
spot to hit the shops, check out the Macy’s here, it’s in a lovely historic
building.
©A Alexander Photography
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