| There's
simply no better place to shop in Chicago than the Magnificent Mile, the world-famous
stretch of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Lincoln Park up North.
Packed with history-steeped landmarks
such as the John Hancock Building (which houses the famed Observatory on the 94
th floor) and the 1925 masterpiece Tribune Tower (home to the Pulitzer prize-winning
Chicago Tribune), the Magnificent Mile brings you close to the hottest shopping,
dining and nightlife in Chicago. The
vertical shopping centers at Magnificent include Chicago Place , 900 North Michigan
Shops, Water Tower Place and Westfield North Bridge . For
those looking for top brands, the Mag Mile doesn't disappoint. Stores such as
Banana Republic and Bally can be found here, rubbing shoulders with The Beach
Club, FAO Schwarz, The Gap, Petite Sophisticates, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Rochester
Big & Tall Clothing and Tiffany & Co. From
swanky megastores to branded outlets, unique boutique shops and exciting seasonal
events - the Magnificent Mile lives up to its name - and fame! 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. From
Michigan Avenue , turn right into State Street , where the Embassy
Suites Downtown holds court. More incredible shopping awaits you at the famous
Marshall Field's at the corner of State and Randolph . With 11 stories and an
opulent Tiffany dome, Marshall Field's is a treat for every shopper. On
nearby Clark Street , check out the Blue Chicago Store featuring historic memorabilia,
music and artwork. Don't miss their popular Saturday-afternoon shows. Art
Enthusiasts should check out the imposing Chicago Cultural Center on E. Randolph
, an ode in marble-and-mosaic to numerous concerts, shows and art exhibits staged
here. The Cultural Center has a popular shop with an exciting collection of arts
and artifacts reflecting Chicago 's diverse culture and historic past. A
popular landmark on Clark Street , the Days
Inn Gold Coast takes you deep into the heart of famed Lincoln Park , a bustling
but primarily residential area. For
a dash of glamour in a spectacular setting, Oak Street shopping can't be beat.
Top designers making their presence felt on Oak Street include Giorgio Armani,
Barneys New York, Jil Sander, Sonia Rykiel and Ultimo. Oak Street shopping provides
the added attraction of the sparkling Lake Michigan and the imposing Chicago skyline
for a scenic backdrop.
There's more to whet your appetite for shopping
at Merchandise Mart, not far from the Holiday
Inn Mart Plaza on Orleans Street . Near
the Chicago River , check out top flagship department stores such as Marshall
Field's, Carson Pirie Scott and Sears, which make up the State Street shopping
experience. They say that the way to a woman's heart passes through Chicago 's
Jeweler's Row, where you can find some of the finest diamonds and precious stones
in the Midwest . With your feet screaming
and your arms aching, the Embassy
Suites Downtown ( N State Street ) provides a welcome reprieve. Stash your
booty in the convenient in-room safe, put your feet up and call the folks back
home to tell them of the “big surprise” that awaits them upon your arrival. Before
they have a chance to ask you, pretend to remember something important and hang
up. Half the fun of shopping, after all, is in the suspense. | 
