Chicago in Spring

I've been to Chi-town many times and consider it to be a smaller, cleaner version of New York - in the midwest! Besides the wind (useless trivia: The "Windy city" moniker is not because of the weather; it originated in the early 1900's when Chicago was full of politicians who, like they are today, are known for being long-winded and blowing lots of air.) Anyway, I have loads of friends who live there so seeing them is always a highlight, as was going to a White Sox game, The Signature Room, Michigan Avenue and watching a Mel Gibson movie get filmed under our hotel window.

Quick Tips:

Do not go in the winter if you can help it. Even though windy city has nothing to do with the weather, Chicago is surprisingly cold and windy in the winter months. Spring and fall are the best times to go when there is a nice breeze off the river and you can feel the sun on your skin. I would also recommend staying downtown in the heart of city to make transportation easy on your watch and wallet.

Best Way To Get Around:

The El - or elevated train - is Chicago's mode of transport, but in the city cabs are fairly cheap and easy to come by as well. A car can be handy when there is no traffic or if you are venturing into the outer areas such as Lincoln Park.

This newly renovated hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago is plush with royal blue velvet and gold. The service is impeccable and the rooms are worth more than the money you pay for them. Thick bathrobes for the oversize tub, gorgeous four-poster beds with gold comforters and tons of pillows. You won't want to leave the confines of the Egyptian cotton sheets but with a view of Marshall Field's from the window it will be hard to stay inside. Did I mention free wine every night at 6? Truly a gem.

Almost as tall as the Sears Tower but much more civilized the Signature room offers drinks (about $10 for a beer!) and food, with a breakfast buffet. Surrounded by windows the view of the city is spectacular, especially on a clear day. It is a pleasure to sip drinks while taking in the view of all sides of the cityscape - plus unlike the Sears Tower it is free to get in.

Unlike Wrigley Field, Comiskey is in the middle of nowhere. They have redone the stadium and it now features better parker and more luxury boxes. Unfortunately the night we went it was cold and none of us were prepared for it but our seats had waitress service including hot drinks and alcohol. Plus the Sox won so it was worth it and little did we know at the start of the season how good they would actually turn out to be. The seats are reasonably priced and it is always fun to see a baseball game in a new city.

One mile of some of the best shopping in the country. Put on your comfy shoes and take a stroll past stores like Coach, FAO Schwarz, Crate and Barrel, Neiman Marcus, Bloomies, Sax, Cartier, Tiffany and more. Also make time to visit the Art Institute, Hancock Tower, Water Tower (for more stores) and check out the lovely Chicago River. Plus you can stop in the Wrigley building and visit the major two newspapers of Chicago the Tribune and Sun Times.