| Sarah Bernhardt once called Chicago “the pulse of America;” an accurate description of the vibrant Windy City. By the middle of the 19th century with advent of the railroads, settlers and immigrants poured into Chicago. It quickly became a thriving hub between the east and the west. Then over the years, Chicago’s colorful history was marked by triumphs and tragedy. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed over 17,000 building and took many lives. Chicagoans spirit prevailed and reconstruction efforts led to a “new” Chicago; bigger, bolder and more beautiful. In the 1920s, Prohibition was again a dark period for Chicago. Organized crime ran rampant as gangsters like Al Capone fought for control of the city. The Depression took a further toll of the city until the tide again turned in Chicago’s favor around by the middle of the 20th century. Today, Chicago, the third largest city in the U.S., is the center of tourism, business, sports and culture in the Midwest. The dynamic Chicago skyline is recognized throughout the world. The city currently boasts the current tallest skyscraper in the United States, the Sears Tower topping the horizon at 110 stories and the view from the Skydeck is amazing.
Each year the city hosts over 33 million visitors. The majority of business and leisure traveler to Chicago arrive at O’Hare International Airport. Served by 56 domestic and international airlines O’Hare boasts the most connections to the most cities in North America and Union Station is also a hub for rail travel throughout the country. Once in the Windy City, getting around Chicago is easy. A system of elevated railways, known as the Loop or the “L,” travel in a huge rectangle around downtown.
Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago is packed with entertaining and educational opportunities. Get the best initial overview of the city with a Windy City tour. The Chicago Trolley Tour is a narrated two-hour, hop-on/hop-off tour around the Loop and through downtown. Segway and bike tours offer unique and close-up views of city sights. See the city from the water with a lakefront cruise.
Back on land, there are over 40 Chicago museums with appeal for all ages and interests. Allow plenty of time for all of the attractions, exhibits, dining and entertainment at Navy Pier, Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center. Take in a game at Wrigley Field. And, get credit cards primed for a shopping spree at over 450 stores along the famous Chicago Magnificent Mile. Get significant discounts on local attractions, restaurants and shopping with a Chicago CityPass or Go Chicago Card.
When all the exertion and excitement work up an appetite, there are over 7,000 Chicago restaurants to tempt your taste buds. When it’s time to party, the Chicago music scene rocks at venues like House of Blues, one of the largest blues clubs in the U.S. And, don’t be surprised to run across a celebration. Each year city streets host around 200 parades and the Chicago festival calendar is packed.
Places to Stay in Chicago
Chicago hotels come in all styles and price ranges. When it’s time to celebrate a special occasion, check out five-star luxury hotels along the Magnificent Mile. Look for four-star and three-star lodging with leading hotel brands such as: InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels. When traveling on a tight budget, check out value-priced Chicago accommodations. With over 30,000 hotel rooms in downtown, from large resorts to intimate boutique hotels or quaint bed and breakfast inns, there are plenty of choices for a Chicago vacation or business trip.
|
