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Chicago

Highlights of Chicago

A view of the city from the lake.More Photos
  • by globetrekr
  • A July 2003 travel journal
  • Last Updated: January 25, 2006
Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
5
Reviews
4
Photos

Even though I lived here for 3 years, it took a fresh look after being away for awhile for me to truly appreciate what this city has to offer. From its friendly people to its amazing architecture, you can't go wrong with Chicago.

A view of the city from the lake.
Chicago is a vibrant and colorful city with so many great things to offer: shopping, eating, sightseeing, and culture. You name it, it's here. But most of all, you have to take the time to appreciate the architecture!

Quick Tips:

You absolutely must take a boat tour on the river to get the best look at the beautiful buildings.

Best Way To Get Around:

The L is the best and easiest way to get around town. You can take the blue line from O'Hare right into town.

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This picture was taken just steps outside the Hyatt Regency.

Hyatt Regency

The rooms here are sleek and modern without being cloyingly so. The views from the river side of the building are excellent. The bed was so great that I missed it when I went back home! The decor was rich and inviting. The desk/work area was good for even the hardest-working business person. The lobby had high glass ceilings, and there were many different restaurants and cafes to choose from. The hotel is literally steps away from Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile), the river, and beautiful buildings, such as the Wrigley Building. (For more information on the Wrigley Building, check out www.wrigley.com/wrigley/about/about_story_building.asp.)
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by globetrekr on January 17, 2006

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Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 565-1234

The Art Institute of Chicago

This art gallery is the ultimate in my opinion. With treasures from all time periods, there is something from everyone's taste. My friend who is not "into art" was even drawn in by the number of "poster" pictures (pictures he has seen prints of in art books and people's living rooms). This is stop no. 1 in Chicago for anyone who visits the city.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by globetrekr on January 17, 2006

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Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600

Magnificent Mile

Activity

The AG store (just off Michigan) is a

Michigan Avenue--The Magnificent Mile

I consider myself an avid shopper, but Michigan Avenue is almost too much, even for me! But it is a challenge I'll be willing to tackle again and again. Before my first trip through the mile, I had heard of its magnificence, but I’m not sure I believed it. After a quarter mile of it, I was sold and have been doing my best to tell my friends. One of my favorite finds, however, was just off the avenue. Orvis was just a block over, and it has become an indispensable contributor to my wardrobe.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by globetrekr on January 17, 2006

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Magnificent Mile
625 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-642-3570

Sears Tower Skydeck

There are almost no words to describe the sight from the 103rd floor! Before going up, there is a short video about the history of the building. The elevator ride up was quite an experience. There is a little cartoon playing in the elevator to take your mind off the fact that you're being pulled up at an astonishing rate! All around the Skydeck there were interesting facts and arifacts. We were there when a rain storm was coming in. It was fascinating to watch, and there was a raindow. This is a most-see stop in Chicago and a great place to get the lay of the land and an overview of the excellent architecture.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by globetrekr on January 19, 2006

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Sears Tower Skydeck
233 South Wacker Dr. Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 875-9696

Marshall Field's

I had heard of Marshall Field's as one of Chicago's premier shopping destinations, but I thought, "How great could it be?" But I was simply astonished when I arrived. Not only is the store eight stories (eight!), but it also includes a cafe and deli. I could easily spend a day there! No, make that a week! My mother and I started in the middle, made our way to the top floor, had a lemonade in the cafe, made our way back down to the basement, and had lunch at the deli. Beyond the massive size of the store and its top designer names, we were impressed by the staff. Coming from the Northeast, I was used to being ignored and even snubbed by most employees, but not here. From the woman handing out free samples at the deli counter to the extremely patient man in the candy department, we were reassured that kindness is not a dead language. The store is not far from a CTA station for added convenience. Marshall Field's is the first stop for anyone who likes to shop.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by globetrekr on January 20, 2006

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Marshall Field's and Company
111 North State St Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 781-1000

About the Writer

globetrekr
globetrekr
Buffalo, United States

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