CHICAGO TRAVEL BOOKS

Chicago emerged as a rough and tough survivor after being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871 and a huge influx of immigrants from all over the world in the early 20th century brought with them a determined spirit infusing the city with ethnic diversity and the unmistakable sound of Chicago-style blues music. Chicagoans have built a city that is to be reckoned with, boasting soaring skyscrapers including the Sears Tower (one of the tallest in the world); thriving ethnic neighbourhoods; a lakefront business district, the re-energised downtown; unbeatable shopping along the famed Michigan Avenue; and top-class sports teams.
One thing that does not attract visitors to Chicago is the weather, which, because of its geographical location is breezy at best, and freezing and gale-ridden at worst. It is possible to ignore the weather though, when getting caught up in the myriad of things to do, see and experience in this Midwestern metropolis - there are 30 excellent museums alone. 

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Chicago Video Guide

The Art Institute of Chicago Video Guide

The Art Institute of Chicago
An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of the greatest art collections in the world. Works on show date from 3,000 BC through to the present, including a renowned collection of Impressionist art featuring numerous Monet paintings. The Institute has it all, from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and ancient Egyptian bronzes to masterpieces of 20th century sculpture. Exhibits include paintings and drawings, photographs, textiles, sculpture and architectural works. The Institute has two restaurants, one set in a garden, as well as a gift shop.

Field Museum Video Guide

Field Museum
Chicago’s awesome Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to ‘Sue’, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains for more than $8-million. Sue is just one of the drawcards at the museum which offers other marvels like getting a bug’s eye view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb; watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of exhibition space.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home Video Guide

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home
America’s most renowned architect lived and worked in the complex, which served as private residence, studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career, between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright’s haven started out as a simple cottage and was continually added on to by the architect resulting in unusual features such as a balcony suspended on chains. The complex is administered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust which offers guided tours. The neighbourhood of Oak Park contains the world’s largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings and self-guided exterior audio tours of the 26 structures in the area are available.

Lincoln Park Video Guide

Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago’s largest park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and sports fields. Pride of place is held by the standing statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His sitting Lincoln is in Chicago’s other famous park, Grant Park. The most popular attraction within the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which not only houses hundreds of exotic animals in natural habitats, but offers experiences like paddle boat rides, a virtual safari trip, and the Endangered Species Carousel with 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals that accommodates up to 50 riders at a time.

Museum of Science and Industry Video Guide

Museum of Science and Industry
Explore everything from monster trucks to genetic codes at Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction, the massive Museum of Science and Industry. Described as ‘the granddaddy of interactive museums’, the museum is located a few minutes from downtown Chicago. It takes at least a day to do justice to the more than 2,000 exhibits housed in 75 halls in this museum, including climbing inside a World War II German submarine, experiencing a simulated trip into a 1930s coal mine, or walking through a giant model of the human heart.

Aquarium Video Guide

Aquarium
One of Chicago’s best known attractions the Shedd, which opened in 1930, remains the world’s largest indoor aquarium. The octagonal marble building houses more than 8,000 river, lake and sea creatures. The main attraction is the Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit and other marine habitat exhibits like a recreation of the Amazon basin and a ‘Seahorse Symphony’. The aquarium also features an indoor saltwater Oceanarium housing marine mammals where dolphin shows are scheduled daily.

Sears Tower Skydeck Video Guide

Sears Tower Skydeck
While no longer the world’s tallest building, the Sears Tower still stands proud. High-speed elevators climb 110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the view from 1,454 feet can be stunning. Enjoy bird’s eye views of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Skydeck Tour also includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information on the Sears Tower and other architecturally significant buildings.

Millennium Park Video Guide

Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of the newest additions to Chicago’s many wide-open urban spaces, and is host to a range of indoor/outdoor activities for the entire family. You can listen to top musical events at the outdoor pavilion, or glide across the bustling ice skating rink come winter. The park is also home to some of the city’s best public art, such as the interactive Crown Fountain, and the scene-stealing Cloud Gate —a mirrored sculpture situated in the middle of the plaza.

Taste of Chicago Video Guide

Taste of Chicago
Every year, more than 65 of the most popular Chicago restaurants open up food booths all over Grant Park so visitors can sample a broad array of goodies from this most diverse restaurant city. The food, though a touch overpriced, is eminently affordable, and the other attractions of the Taste are all free. Four entertainment stages feature live music, many stalls offer cooking demonstrations and others sell arts and crafts. Past festivals have featured a stunt high-diving show, various rides and a nightly dance. Over three million people crowd in, so be prepared to fight your way to pizza, pork sandwiches, stuffed peppers, ribs, egg rolls, bratwurst.

Clarence Buckingham Fountain Video Guide

Clarence Buckingham Fountain
Graceful sea horses spray jets of water into the lagoon that surrounds what is perhaps Chicago’s most beloved public piece of art. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham commissioned the fountain in 1927 in honor of her brother Clarence. Its design parallels one of the fountains at Versailles Palace in France. You may, however, recognize it from the intro to “Married with Children.” Recently renovated, the fountain has been returned to its former splendor. At night, it becomes gorgeously illuminated, drawing crowds from May 1st (or earlier if warm) until mid-October.

Chinatown Video Guide

Chinatown
Although not one of the country’s larger ‘Chinatowns’, the main drag on Wentworth Avenue is worth the brief side trip from the Loop for the curious. You will find an assortment of shops, restaurants and the butchers with skinned ducks hanging in the windows. Fueled by an influx of money from wealthy Chinese developers looking to diversify their holdings outside of Hong Kong, Chinatown is looking to expand its boundaries. A new shopping center was recently completed, and Chinatown has reportedly been put on the Mayor’s list of neighborhoods up for urban renewal and redevelopment.

THE BEST HOTEL IN CHICAGO

Swissotel Chicago Video Guide

Swissotel Chicago, Chicago
Swiss??tel Chicago offers 632 air-conditioned, tastefully decorated and generously oversized rooms and suites. Designed by noted Chicago architect Harry Weese. Travel & Leisure named Swiss??tel Chicago One of the Top 500 Hotels in the World.Magazine states, ‘You might write off the Swiss??tel Chicago is the perfect business destination where rooms go for $179 and up.

Chicago - The Drake Video Guide

Chicago - The Drake, Chicago
Since 1920, this posh Chicago landmark has attracted the jet set and celebrity class with its regal 537 rooms, central location and unparalleled service. If the room rates put a scare to the pocketbook (although on weekends and in the off season you can get good deals), you can still enjoy wandering about the place checking out the beautiful marble and oak-paneled lobby.

Embassy Suites Chicago Video Guide

Embassy Suites Chicago
An all-suite Chicago - Downtown/Lakefront hotel located in the heart of the city’s top business, shopping, and entertainment district.Welcome to the newly renovated stunningly upscale Embassy Suites Chicago - Downtown/Lakefront hotel located in the heart of downtown Chicago on the corner of Illinois Street and Columbus Drive, ideally situated just two blocks to Navy Pier and the prestigious shops of famed Michigan Avenue - the Magnificent Mile.

THE BEST RESTUARANT

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Video Guide

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria on the North Side serves true Chicago style deep dish pizzas, complete with a thin crust and wholesome toppings. The decor isn’t very dressy, except sports paraphernalia and framed T-shirts on the walls. The extremely special tomato sauce used here is made from the finest ripe plum tomatoes, that renders it a fine texture. Generous helping of sausages along with spinach, mushrooms, sliced tomatoes and a blend of mozzarella, Romano and cheddar cheeses is irresistible

Wildfire - Chicago Video Guide

Wildfire - Chicago
Step back in time 60 years to when going out for dinner meant something really special. From the decor to the jazz music, Wildfire has the style and warmth that makes it perfect for celebrating with friends or a quiet evening for two. The extensive menu features broiled steaks and chops, wood-roasted seafood and roasted meats, all prepared in an open kitchen. Signature dishes include Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut, Wildfire Chopped Salad and Cedar Planked Salmon

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