Photo: Karen Creed at the famous Bean in Mellenium Park, Charago, USA
Whether you choose it for a weekend break or a summer holiday, Chicago’s many charms will blow you away writes Karen Creed
1. Shopping marathon
With every designer brand imaginable and suburbs of chic boutiques, purchasing is one of the most popular pastimes in Chicago. The Magnificent Mile – voted one of the ten best avenues in the world – is flanked by four shopping malls. If you want to break away from traditional brands, sign up for the Urban Shopping Guide, where you will be escorted to Chicago’s fashion treasures buried in its most vibrant neighborhoods. Your party will be chauffeured in a luxury vehicle, and provided shopping itineraries, food, and a personal guide. And for men who hate to shop, personal styling in Chicago’s main boutiques will make the process surprisingly enjoyable. Some stores even offer haircuits and spa services on site.
2. Dining delights
If Chicago does one thing better than shopping, it’s eating out. Everything is here, from street stalls with hotdogs and Italian beef sandwiches to dazzling seafood restaurants. Visiting Chicago without trying a slice of deep dish pizza is like shopping without a visit to Macy’s. Giordano’s or Malottis are two of the most renowned pizzerias in the city who serve this calorific treat. Taste authentic Italian cuisine at Stefani’s or for a gourmet treat choose the tasting menu at celebrity restaurant Charlie Trotter’s or Blackbird, voted the 23rd best restaurant in the States.
3. Striking sights
For a city peppered with monumental buildings (the 527m Sears Tower is the tallest in the States), Chicago wins hands down. It was here, not New York, that the skyscraper was born (along with the Ferris wheel). Capture the neck-craning sights from a river cruise boat. Afterwards find your reflection in The Bean at the Millenium Park, stop off at the fascinating Crown Fountain and gaze down at the hustle and bustle of the city from the 96th floor Hancock Observatory. An absolute must-see is Chicago’s Art Institute, a gallery that can match the world’s best for anything.
4. Beach life
How many cities can boast a main shopping avenue that is only three minutes walk from the beach? The Jekyll-and-Hyde city comes alive in summertime with rollerbladers, families, and joggers swarming to the sandy shores. Chicago’s answer to Venice Beach, North Avenue Beach is the busiest in the State and has a Crunch Fitness mini-gym and a biking and running path. It also plays host to professional volleyball tournaments.
5. Sports action
To experience an incredible sports spectacle you are in the right place. Chicago has well-supported teams in all three of the major American ball games. The Bulls and Bears showcase the best in basketball and American football while The Cubs and White Sox play baseball. Tickets can be booked well in advance online. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs at the game. Young relatives will appreciate gifts bearing the names of Chicago’s top sports teams.
7. Sleep in style
Like any cosmopolitan city, Chicago has a plethora of chic hotels. The Peninsula is a favourite with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston – no wonder with its palatial swimming pool and posh chocolate bar. Just a block away from the Magnificent Mile, The James is a hit with the fashion set while The Chicago Marriott is in the hub of the shopping action. Cheap options are hard to find, but your best bet is looking a few blocks away from the Magnificent Mile where prices tend to be considerably lower.
6. Day trips
Chicago sits within a day’s drive of four of Illinois’s near neighbours – Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The northbound drive is lovely, skirting the shore and heading up through lakeside communities into forested country. The main out-of-town trip, however, is the lake itself. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and regular cruises depart from Navy Pier www.chicagotours.us
8. All that jazz
When in Chicago pay your dues to the blues. From slick to rough-and-ready, dozens of clubs and bars offer live bands nightly. Experience the enigmatic gospel choir at the house of blues, raise a glass of bubbly at swanky jazz club, Pops for Champagne, or extend the night into a blues bar crawl, taking in Kingston, Buddy Guy’s and Andy’s Jazz.
9. Entertaining everyone
Whatever your cultural fix – opera, classical music, drama – there are top-notch performers to provide. A visit to Chicago’s celebrated theatre district will offer everything from glitzy musicals to avant-garde obscurities. Or for some side-splitting comedy book a show at Second City www.secondcity.com A highlight for many visitors is a concert at the enormous outdoor concert hall. Or if you want your claim to fame, be part of Oprah or Jerry Springer’s excitable audience. Both shows are filmed in Chicago.
10. Direct access
With daily flights direct from Dublin, Chicago is one of the most accessible cities in the US. Aside from being a charming weekend break, it’s location makes it a great stopover for other destinations in the Midwest and beyond. Hire a car and get your kicks on Route 66 or the Interstate 55.
Karen Creed, Unravel Travel www.unraveltravel.eu
