I love Chicago because...
Hotels ...
I recommend any of the Kimpton Hotels, but especially Hotel Monaco and Hotel Burnham. Ideally situated in the heart of downtown. Lovely d�cor. Beautiful rooms. Coffee in the morning and wine reception in the afternoon. The nicest hotel staff anywhere. Sign up for the Kimpton In-Touch program for extra perks.
The newest Kimpton Hotel is the Hotel Palomar. This hotel has a more modern d�cor than the Monaco and Burnham and I think is better suited to the younger and 30 to 40-year olds. It offers same amenities as above, with outstanding service.
Discount Passes...
I purchased the Chicago CityPASS. For $76 for one adult, you receive admission to five of Chicago�s most famous attractions. You also get expedited entry to the attractions (no standing in line) and extra perks. The pass is valid for nine days from first use.
Half-price tickets to theatres: Hot Tix, 72 E Randolph, between Wabash & Michigan www.hottix.org
Discount Restaurants...
Shaw�s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard, State & Wabash � outstanding seafood
Goat Tavern, 430 N. Michigan (of John Belushi, Saturday Night Live fame � Cheezborger, Cheezborger, Cheezborger)
Bubba Grump Shrimp Company at Navy Pier � great food, casual atmosphere, fun concept
Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant, 661 N Clark Street. Delicious Irish food; pub atmosphere; fun and great food
The Purple Pig, 500 N Michigan Ave. Featuring house-made charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean fare plus an extensive
yet accessible wine list. Outstanding.
Gino�s East of Chicago, 633 N Wells � the best pizza anywhere! You may have to wait, but it�s worth it. www.ginoseast.com
Website...
Choose Chicago � official visitors site: http://www.choosechicago.com/
Must See / Must Do...
Museum of Science and Industry � German U505 Submarine. Take a tour inside the submarine. Incredible exhibits all around the submarine.
Field Museum � see �Sue� the dinosaur. Largest and most complete preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.
Adler Planetarium
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago Institute of Art
Macy�s, corner of State and Washington streets, in the former Marshall Field�s building. See the Tiffany Ceiling (5th Floor). The grandiose ceiling, which was installed in 1907, contains over 1.6 million pieces and is the largest unbroken example of Tiffany Favrile glass in the world.
Take any of the boat tours on the river and the lake. I took the Wendella Boat Tour that traveled on the Chicago River and then went through the lock onto Lake Michigan. www.sendeallaboats.com
The Chicago Architectural Foundation hosts boat, bus and walking architectural tours. www.caf.architecture.org
The House of Blues � a must see for any blues fan.
Art Institute of Chicago www.artic.edu
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Congress Parkway. Originally opened as an opera house, it has evolved over the past 120 years. Unbelievably beautiful venue for theatre, dance and music. www.auditoriumtheatre.org
Shopping...
Filene�s � 800 N Michigan and One N. State Street at Madison. Incredible discount shopping. Great values.
Submitted by: Mary Beth Campbell, Phoenix, USA
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