Chicago, Chicago-da-dada-da-da-dadada da

A December 1999 trip to Chicago by BeAdventureous!

The Magnificient Mile! Oprah! Lake Michigan! Art! Action! Superb food! An architectural tour! Even see a museum about Al Capone & other mobsters! And for that special magical touch, see it at Christmastime!

  • 8 reviews
Views of Lake Michigan from a suite at the Swissotel. Window shopping with all the Christmas decorations on the Magnificient Mile. The miniatures and Masters at the Art Museum. A boat ride tour of all the architectural wonders this city offers. Hot Dogs with the works and Unos pizza, brunch at the Ritz Carlton, check out the gourmet dining restaurants available right here!

Quick Tips:

Make reservations BEFORE you arrive. These top restaurants are booked in advance. Stay within walking distance from the magnificient mile so you won't have to spend extra on parking and taxi fare.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk to really see the city. Take the subway from the airport to downtown, just walk straight ahead, following the signs.

Swissotel ChicagoBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Swissotel"

A giant goldfish type bowl sits on the counter as you check in, filled with melt-in-your-mouth Swiss chocolates. Grab a handful to last until turn-down time, when you will find several on your pillow. The suite was to die-for! Glass walls overlooked spectacular views of Lake Michigan! All 36 suites have city or waterfront views. Hair dryers, phones, marble baths, a/c, color cable tv, 2 robes, coffee/tea maker, & penthouse health club and spa with heated indoor pool/sauna/whirlpool/exercise room and massage, add up to one swell place. Having stayed several places, I can tell you, this is my very favorite. The Concierge is knowledgable without being intimidating.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

Swissotel Chicago
323 E WACKER DRIVE Chicago, Illinois 60601
1-312-5650565

Ritz Carlton - Dining RoomBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Ritz-Carlton Chicago"

We had brunch here. Quite delightful, overlooking the Chicago River. Not being an avid breakfast food lover, I had the lox and bagels with fresh orange juice, but most of the group indulged in the made-to-order omelets and mimosas. After the plane trip and subway ride into town, this really set the tone for our day of shopping til dropping.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

Ritz Carlton - Dining Room
160 East Pearson Street Chicago, Illinois 60611
+1 312 266 1000

Gold Coast DogsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

You may have to wait in line, but it is well worth it to taste a treat indigenous to the area. Choose your poison: mustard, chili, saurekrat, grilled onions, or plain. Located about a block from the Art Institute, grab a dog and off you go, with no down time to spend extra moments absorbing the art. Just like the natives....
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

Gold Coast Dogs
159 N Wabash Ave Chicago, Illinois 60601-3605
+1 312 917 1677

Art Institute of ChicagoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Art Institute of Chicago"

Centered right in the middle of downtown, guarded by two huge sculpted lions, this is a treasure of art. One of my favorite women Impressionists, Mary Cassatt, has a wall of her works on these walls. THE BATH, an oil of a mother bathing her daughter shows such maternal instinct, and from a women who never married or had children! Her mentor, Degas, also has works displayed here.

A room downstairs holds minitures of scenes from various periods of architecture in dollhouse settings. The attention to detail is incredible! You can look through the tiny windows & see pocket-sized gardens or views of terraces. Teeny books and spectacles lie on library tables. There is a fabulous gift shop, don't forget!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

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

Magnificent MileBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Magnificient Mile"

Marshall-Fields, this is where it all began. Be sure and get the local chocolate mints they are so famous for. Chanel, Bloomingdales, Fillemans Basement, Tiffanys, you name it, they followed suit and reside here. Sandwiched between are the newspaper offices of the Tribune, spirels of churches, and skyscrapers like the Sears Building. Dash into the lobbies of the wonderful hotels that dot this rich landscape. Take a boat ride and see all these architectural delightful subjects from a new perspective. During Christmas, the windows are decorated spectacularly! Inside and out, it should heighen your senses, putting you in the Christmas spirit indeed!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

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

Sears Tower SkydeckBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sears Tower"

Well, you can pay to wait in line and go up and see the view, OR you can go to the lounge on top and pay for a glass of wine and see the view, for about the same money. That was a no brainer for us.... The view is spectacular and if you get close enough to the glass walls, you will get your rush!

They have a great selection of wines by the glass and every cocktail known to man. Stick people walk by on the street below, with the wind whipping their coats, you can feel the building sway as well.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

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

Wendella BoatsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wendella Boat Tours"

The search for modern architecture was opened by the Chicago Fire of 1871, which Henry Hobson Richardson, took advantage of. Most of his work showed a massive Neo-Romanesque Style, echoing in Marshall Field Wholesale Store. The huge structure filled a city block. Reminisent of the Italian Early Renaissance palaces, this against the modern skyscrapers gives a tension that is stunning. The guide gives a brief synopsis of the history and styles of each building as you glide by. It is fascinating. See these huge facades up close and personal.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by BeAdventureous! on June 29, 2001

Wendella Boats
400 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 337-1446

About the Writer

BeAdventureous!
BeAdventureous!
Little Rock,, Arkansas

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.