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“Chicago is second to none!” wrote a proud local to a
magazine that dared to call her ‘the Second City'. It's a sentiment that's shared
by many that have come to love the big city with a small-town character. After
the great fire of 1871, the city emerged phoenix-like from its ashes to become
a hotbed of diverse cultures, art, theater, music and culinary traditions. And,
lest you forget, a thriving economy that embraces cutting edge technology, communication
and entrepreneurial spirit.
With
so many sights to see and adventures to experience, it's tough to decide where
to start.
Perhaps a taste of Chicago's rich cultural heritage will be
the ideal starting point to your Chicago itinerary. Check out the imposing Chicago
Cultural Center, an ode in marble-and-mosaic to numerous concerts, shows and art
exhibits staged here. While here, check out the Museum of Broadcast Communications
with its imposing Tiffany glass dome. Step out into Michigan Avenue, which is
famous for the stretch called the Magnificent Mile, while lies between the Chicago
River and Lincoln Park up North.
Less than two blocks from the Magnificent
Mile, don't miss the European-style Talbott
Hotel , which dates back to 1927 and is an integral part of Chicago's unique
cultural heritage.
Before heading for the world-famous shopping that
awaits you at Magnificent Mile, saunter off to the John Hancock Building, then
catch a glimpse of the tall spires of the Sears Tower, which was the world's tallest
building till 1996.
As you marvel at each heritage-steeped building,
the “Mag Mile” stands ready to pamper you with some of the swankiest megastores,
branded outlets and unique boutique shops.
Some of Chicago's finest
hotels are just a few blocks away. From the familiar Holiday Inn City Center at
E. Ohio Street to the elegant Club
Quarters and Hyatt
Regency Downtown at Wacker Drive. The Hyatt
Regency Downtown brings you within 1 block of Wringley Building, with the
romantic Buckingham fountain just 7 blocks away.
The turning on of the
fountain signals the summer, which is celebrated with an eclectic show of light,
water and music every hour. The show goes on for 20 mesmerizing minutes, spurting
the sweetness of summer several feet into the air.
The Art Institute
of Chicago is clearly visible as soon as you step into Michigan Avenue from the
Chicago Cultural Center. The Institute has shaped Chicago's art movement since
1892 and houses one of the nation's finest collection of paintings.
As you step back into Michigan Avenue, check out another legendary hotel that
rubs shoulders with the Magnificent Mile. The Tremont
Hotel is located on Chestnut between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street. A 1928
building, the Hotel was completely restored in 1996 and is just 7 blocks shy of
the famed Museum of contemporary Arts. More-->> |
