Chicago Business Directory

It's surprising that Chicago does not receive as much notoriety as other popular travel destinations. Given its status as the cultural capital of the Midwest, world-famous architecture, and wonderful shopping centers, Chicago should be at the top of any traveler's must-see list. You will definately want to check travel guides like HolidayCity Chicago Hotels and Accommodation while you plan your trip so that you get a great deal. When you factor in the city's rich musical heritage, world-renowned museums , and storied sports tradition, the evidence is overwhelming. In a city with the diversity of Chicago , there is so much to experience. Trying to fit everything into one trip is almost impossible. If you are new to Chicago, perhaps the best place to start is on Michigan Avenue, one of the most famous streets in America. Michigan Avenue extends through downtown Chicago from 146th St. on the South Side to Oak Street on the North offering countless activities and attractions. So many in fact, I'll show you how to fill your entire vacation with shopping, sight-seeing, entertainment, and other interesting pursuits along Michigan Avenue. If you are looking for good food, you won't have to look much further than Chicago Restaurants that are listed by the Grub Club, find your way to great cuisine in Chicago.

Located at North Michigan Ave, the Magnificent Mile is a world-renown shopping retreat that rivals New York's Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills's Rodeo Drive. In all, there are over 460 retail stores including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus. From high rise malls and luxurious department stores to elegant boutiques, there is an assorted array of style guaranteed to appease every taste. After shopping all day, you will surely work up an appetite. Luckily, there are about 300 dining options in the area. The food here is as diverse as the city. You can enjoy everything from old-fashioned Chicago hot dogs and pizza to Midwestern steaks or cutting-edge cuisine. Besides great shopping and eating accommodations, the Magnificent Mile features impressive cultural arts attractions as well. There are several superb art galleries on the Magnificent Mile. Art lovers can behold over 6,000 objects of art in all media and genres at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Another fine art collection, located a block away from the MCA in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, can be found at the Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA). LUMA features works from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque genres, and other art that depicts spirituality. Fans of live theatre will certainly find a treat at the Lookingglass Theater. This modern theatre company produces original unique shows that are physically demanding and visually stunning.

Now that you're more acquainted with the northern part of Michigan Avenue, let's head in the opposite direction. Travel to the southern end of Michigan Avenue between Lake Michigan, you'll arrive at Chicago's "front yard", Grant Park. Grant Park is a radiant 319-acre esplanade on the downtown lakefront, and it offers spectacular views of the downtown skyline. The centerpiece of the park is the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world and also one of the most recognized icons of Chicago. In addition, Grant Park is also the home of three world-class museums -- the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium . Among Chicagoans, Grant Park is probably most beloved for being the site of many city events. Throughout the year, numerous festivals and concerts are held in the park. The Grant Park Music Festival is the country’s only existing free, outdoor classical music series . Held at the Petrillo Music Shell, the music fiesta begins in the summer and runs most Wednesdays through Sundays until the fall. If you're not into classical music, you can also great a Taste of Chicago at the world's largest food festival or be dazzled by a lighted boat parade and fireworks at Venetian Night. With so much going on at Grant Park, it's easy to lose track of other events. Additional crowd-pleasers that are worth checking out include the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. All of the great music is likely to put you in the mood for love and there is no one better at helping you plan for a life of love than Chicagoland Wedding Directory who gives you tips on everything you need to plan your Chicago wedding.

After trekking the Magnificent Mile and celebrating in Grant Park, you might need to unwind. Why not relax by taking a walking tour down Michigan Avenue and enjoying some sight-seeing? Chicago is one of the few cities where architecture is a significant allure. Did you know that the first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885? Ever since, Chicago architecture has influenced and mirrored the history of American architecture. Some of the most marvelous modern structures in the world, like the Sears Tower, reside in Chicago. Along with New York and Hong Kong, Chicago is part of the "Big Three" world skyline. Be sure to visit the Old Water Tower, the oldest building on Michigan Avenue. This landmark is one of the sole survivors of the Chicago Great Fire in 1871. Also located on N. Michigan Avenue near the Chicago River, The Tribune Tower remains an remarkable architectural monument. Nearby, you will find the John Hancock Center, fondly known as "Big John". The John Hancock Center is the twelfth tallest building in the world and the tallest multi-use building in the world. One of the most breath-taking activities in Chicago is viewing the city from 1,000 feet high on the open-air deck at the Hancock Observatory. These are just a few of the impressive marvels on Michigan Avenue that you don't want to miss. Take your time and you're sure to encounter many more like the Water Tower Place, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, and the Park Tower.