Did you know...

Chicago has 26 miles of lakefront, more than 200 theatres and 7000 restaurants.

The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.

The first Ferris wheel made its debut in Chicago at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Today, Navy Pier is home to a 15-story Ferris wheel, modeled after the original one.

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, one of only three major free zoos in the country, is the country�s oldest public zoo. The world�s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Company, was built in Chicago in 1885.

Chicago is home to First Lady, Michelle and her husband, US President Barack Obama.

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

Women's Words on Chicago

Chicago's downtown seems to constitute, all in all, the best-looking twentieth-century city, the city where contemporary technique has best been matched by artistry, intelligence, and comparitively moderated greed. No doubt about it, if style were the one gauge, Chicago would be among the greatest of all the cities of the world.
(Jan Morris, "Boss No More, Locations 1992)

If you ask my opinion, I think that Chicago can best be described as 'New York without attitude'.
(Evelyn Hannon, Editor, Journeywoman.com)

I adore Chicago. It is the pulse of America.
(Sarah Berhardt, American Actress)

My first day in Chicago, September 4, 1983. I set foot in this city, and just walking down the street, it was like roots, like the motherland. I knew I belonged here.
(Oprah Winfrey, Magazine Publisher and TV Host)

Chicago's neighbourhoods have always been the city's greatest strength.
(Jane Byrne, Chicago's first and only mayor to date)