One Day Whirlwind

Our Local Expert Says:

Historically refined luxury hotel that offers all the amenities, including a Junior Olympic size pool, to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. Also, within walking distance of all major downtown tourist attractions.

Description:

Located on Chicago's magnificent mile, the InterContinental Chicago is close to great restaurants, shopping and many attractions. Guests report that the rooms are quite small and cramped, but are clean and comfortable. The rooms are elegant and cozy, with marble bathrooms and a flat screen TV. The beds are luxurious and come with high thread count linens, fluffy pillows and a down comforter. Guests report that the hotel is in need of renovations, having broken air conditioners, older model mini fridges and peeling paint. Some basic amenities such as a microwave and more TV channels would make the rooms better.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy getting sprayed by the 150 foot plume on the hour. On summer nights, stop by while walking through Grant Park to take in a show of sorts: fountain sprays choreographed to 780 colored lights and recorded music by the Grant Park Symphony and Chorus. Our local has been treated to a surprise rendition (her surprise, anyway) of the 1812 Overture.

Description:

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 1 (or earlier if warm) until mid-October.

Our Local Expert Says:

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to Cloud Gate, or "The Bean" as locals call it. Soon after its unveiling in 2004, it was closed off in portions so that the rivets could be buffed out. Now it is a seamless sculpture, reminiscent of one giant fun-house mirror. When you're finished here, head over to the Crown Fountain in the spring and summer months to take in the walls of smiling faces.

Description:

This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky.

Description:

This is possibly the most-photographed spot in Chicago, but more for its picturesque view over the river than for its historic significance. Plaques embedded in the sidewalk mark the spot of the original Fort Dearborn, where Chicago's first settlers staked their claim off of Lake Michigan. The bas-relief sculptures on the bridge represent important events in early Chicago history. They are interesting and controversial because they depict Native Americans as the bad guys in the struggle over the "Chickaguo" territory.

Description:

Locations all over the city, thin crust and deep dish, and mostaccioli to die for--Giordano's is known for being at the top of Chicagoans' "best of" lists, particularly when it comes to pizza.  Stuffed to the brim of its flaky golden crust, the deep dish at Giordano's won't disappoint--try the Special (sausage, green pepper, and onion) or the Hawaiian (Canadian bacon, pineapple, and onion).  Definitely start off by sharing a family-style salad to get your greens in, and if you can possibly manage to save room for dessert, savor some tiramisu.  Not in the mood for pizza? Try one of their meatball or Italian sausage sandwiches. 

Description:

No trip to Chicago is complete without a stroll down North Michigan Avenue, or "the Magnificent Mile" to those in the know (which includes most, if not all, tourists). This stretch of almost a mile to the north of the Chicago river is home to most of the city's powerhouse retailers, which attract locals and visitors year-round. It is worth noting that all land to the east of Michigan Avenue is landfill; it was built up from debris from the Great Fire of 1871. Also of note is the Chicago Water Tower, located at Chicago and Michigan Avenues, which provided much of the water to put out the Fire. For a break from shopping sprees, head beneath the street to the Billy Goat Tavern (stairs are at Illinois Street) for a cheezborger.

Description:

Chicago has two giant black buildings with observation decks- the Willis Tower downtown, and the John Hancock Center, which is at the top of the Magnificent Mile. Both are popular with tourists, but given its location in Chicago's main shopping district, a visit to the Hancock Center can be more of an afterthought than a planned excursion. Visitors must pay a fee to visit the observatory, but can go to the Signature Room, a restaurant on a floor above the observatory deck, for "free" with the purchase of a drink at the bar (or an expensive meal, if you prefer). The views from either the observatory or the Signature Room are impressive, and on a clear day visitors can see up to four states- Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and, of course, Illinois.

Our Local Expert Says:

The lakefront can get crowded here in the summer time; watch for rollerbladers and bikers when crossing the path.

Description:

Cross over the North Avenue Bridge from Lincoln Park, pause to admire the stunning view of Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, and then head to the beach to stake your ground for summertime fun. Left to crumbling and rust for many years, the North Avenue Beach House was recently restored. Shaped something like a boat, the beach house contains restrooms and snack bars. If swimming and sun bathing is not your thing, try matching wits with one of the players at the vintage chess pavilion near the beach house.

Description:

Popular with its Gold Coast neighbors, Gibsons is the steakhouse you visit when you want to take in a scene. There are sporty cars idling at the valet stand, photos of celebs and near-celebs who've appeared here, and overdressed denizens mingling and noshing in the bar, which has a life all its own. The dining rooms evoke a more romantic feel, from the sleek Art Deco decor to the bow-tied bartenders. The portions are notoriously enormous, so Gibsons is best for groups who are happy to share dishes (I wouldn't recommend it, however, for a romantic dinner a deux). If huge portions aren't your thing, you can also order from the bar menu. The namesake martinis are served in 10-ounce glasses, and the entrees are outlandishly scaled, from the six-piece shrimp cocktail so huge you swore you downed a dozen, to the turtle pie that comes with a steak knife (and could easily serve eight people). Yes, Gibsons has a clubby atmosphere, but considering the crowds who show up nightly, the food deserves some credit.

Our Local Expert Says:

Famous for its alumni, Second City will have you rolling on the floor and keep you entertained, plus the drinks and food make the experience complete.

Description:

Chicago is famous for comedy, and it has Second City to thank for that. Almost every famous comic to come out of Chicago spent time at Second City before they "hit it big." A few famous alumni include Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Don't miss the revue on the mainstage (does not play on Mondays), sure to skewer politicians local and national in the most hilarious way possible. As a general rule, Chicago politics equals comedy gold. Be sure to get to the theater about 30 minutes ahead of showtime, as seating is first come, first seated.

Description:

Bistrot Margot is not only one of the best restaurants in Old Town, but it's also one of the better French bistros in Chicago. It can get very busy and loud, and the tables are quite close together, but, for many, that only adds to its charm. This is true bistro dining -- very casual and never stuffy. Starters include out-of-this-world mussels in white wine with fresh herbs; escargot in garlic butter; country-style pâté; and crab folded into seafood mousse. Don't skip the salad course, either (in warm weather, go for the light, refreshing Belgian endive with spicy walnuts, blue cheese, and apples). Specials are usually the best bet for the main course. But the usual suspects (roasted chicken with garlic, lemon, herbs, and pommes frites; rack of lamb with Dijon mustard and garlic bread crumbs; and a terrific steak frites) are proof that, when done right, it's hard to beat classic French cuisine. On warm summer nights, the restaurant sets about half a dozen tables on the sidewalk, which, on this colorful stretch of Wells Street, makes for a truly memorable meal.