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My Kinda Town |
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The Chicago Skyline and Soldier Field |
Blame it on President Barack Obama, but now—more than ever—the spotlight is on the hippest city in the Midwest. A contending host for the 2016 Olympic Games and top dog in the dining department, Chicago has earned its rightful reputation as a destination-worthy town.
From its start, Chicago was a culture-laden place of innovation. Now, it's also where that which is high brow comfortably meets the everyday, and food, architecture, sports and nightlife commingle with buzz-generating results. Rising from the ashes of the great Chicago Fire in 1871 to become one of the world's most sophisticated towns, the Second City has a dark-but-dazzling allure, from its one-time speakeasies and mobster haunts to its comedy clubs that launched the careers of countless "Saturday Night Live" cast members.
Needless to say, its blues joints—a hotbed for artists like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, not to mention inspiration for Chicago's own Blues Brothers—are legendary. And as for its dining scene, well, few foodies would argue the city's merit. Chicago is home to trailblazing chefs—Rick Bayless, Charlie Trotter, Paul Kahan and Grant Achatz, to name a few—who have upended the dining world and planted the city firmly on the culinary map. Further proof came in 2008, with the opening of restaurants from much-hyped chefs, including Laurent Gras (L20) and Marcus Samuelsson (C-House).
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Dana Hotel and Spa |
In recent years, the city also has become part of the growing "green scene," thanks to Mayor Richard Daley, who has not only helped to promote an eco-friendly culture among residents but executed countless ecologically minded, future-forward concepts. Bees, which make honey and honey-based products sold at Chicago's Green City Market, buzz atop a rooftop garden above City Hall. From a bird's eye view, that's just one of many lush green rooftops that can be seen speckling the landscape. Even convention centers are getting in on the action: McCormick Place now boasts a LEED-certified pavilion and the Museum of Science and Industry sports a three-story modular, sustainable home to spark (and inspire) the imagination.
Since Chicago has an excellent mass transit system of subways, elevated trains and buses, a rental car isn't necessary if you're sticking around downtown. Check out the multi-day visitor passes, which are good for unlimited rides on all the Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains. You can pick one up by calling 888-YOUR-CTA or going to a visitor information center or a main tourist attraction. Complimentary trolleys run along Michigan Avenue out to the museum area, to the Navy Pier and in the Lincoln Park neighborhood during the summer. Taxicabs also are plentiful.
There's no shortage of outstanding hotels here, but if you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, we suggest staying at eco-minded, boutique-y Dana Hotel and Spa where rain showers, Zeppelin mp3 media systems and Keurig coffeemakers are the order of the day. It's also where you'll find Kobe and sushi-centric ajasteak, where by-the-ounce beauties take the city's steakhouse tradition to a new level.
When spending time in Chicago, hitting a few tourist hubs is a must. The city's rich museum culture promises endless educational opportunities, and a stop at Museum of Contemporary Art is essential. Lauded for its comprehensive collection of art of our time—from painting, sculpture and photography to video, performance and film—the museum offers thought-provoking art exhibitions created since 1945. Among its permanent collection are works from Franz Kline and Andy Warhol. When weather permits, be sure to check out the terraced garden, which affords great views of Lake Michigan.
Of course, the comprehensive collection—particularly the array of Impressionist and American art—at The Art Institute of Chicago, is unparalleled. Originally constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it began as a museum and a school and remains one of America 's preeminent museums and educational art institutions today.
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| The Gage |
Another don't-miss attraction is the Midwest-minded Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a kid and grownup-friendly locale with a jaw-dropping live butterfly exhibit as well as a wilderness walk and interactive waterway.
Consider stopping by the International Museum of Surgical Science, too, where you'll find everything from a working metal lung to early incarnations of medical X-Ray equipment and gruesome paintings of surgical procedures. Too squeamish? Head to the Museum of Holography, a cheesy-cool spot that's home to both holographic exhibitions and a school.
When lunchtime arrives, keep things casual but cool with a stop at The Gage, Irish-born Billy Lawless' pub with upscale grub from Dirk Flanigan. Savor a single malt scotch, snag a braised rabbit salad or opt for one of its top-notch burgers. Or, head to pork and seafood-heavy hitter The Publican, a follow-up to Blackbird and Avec, for a late "oysters and ham" lunch (starting at 3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday).
Next, visit the Sears Tower Skydeck located on the legendary building's 103rd floor. Here you'll delight at the panoramic views of the city's architecture, as well as glimpses of Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin on a clear day. Another great view can be had at the John Hancock Observatory on the 99th floor of the John Hancock Center. But if it's simply the skyline you're looking to glean, newly opened lounges—Vertigo Sky and C-View among them—also offer posh perches with expansive views. Of course, if something more traditional is your thing, the Signature Room at the 95th in the John Hancock Center will more than suffice.
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John Hancock Observatory |
Whatever you decide, afterwards, mosey on over to Gibson's Steakhouse for some of the city's finest prime cuts, football-sized lobster tails and über-cold martinis. (Try a dirty Belvedere martini with three bleu cheese-stuffed olives). As if the walls decked with autographed publicity photos didn't clue you in upon your entry, you might want to keep your eyes peeled for the smattering of in-town celebrities, famous tycoons and local athletes who frequent this haunt.
Now that you're on a roll, it's time to take in some of the city's legendary nightlife—blues and jazz are where it's at. Although there are more frequently treaded spots like Buddy Guy's Legends and Green Mill, for our money Kingston Mines is the place to go for a non-stop tune fest. Live music is kicked out on two stages every night, and the cover charge is surprisingly affordable.
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* Skyline image by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
| P020507 | (Updated: 04/21/09 KR) |
Business in Chicago
Chicago remains among the most integral economic and business locales in the United States and beyond, but hardly adheres to the motto "all work and no play." Home to the nation's 44th president, this cosmopolitan town welcomes visitors with gracious, open arms.