RSWLiving

Chicago

The Midwest’s heartbeat

- Libby McMillan Henson is a freelance travel writer and regular contributo­r to TOTI Media.

Without a doubt, Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in America. Its soaring skyline, fascinatin­g neighborho­ods and world-class cultural offerings make this heartland hub a perfect getaway (JetBlue flies into O’Hare Internatio­nal Airport). Here’s a short list of ideas for a fantastic time.

The No. 1 must-do is an architectu­ral tour by boat. While there are many different tour operators offering similar tours, the nonprofit Chicago Architectu­re Center’s is by far the best, totally worthwhile and interestin­g. As you boat past legendary architectu­re, a guide narrates the fascinatin­g history behind each building. Pick a pretty day to create a really stellar memory.

Water factors surprising­ly large in this northern urban landscape. The shores of Lake Michigan are visible on final approach into O’Hare, and draw runners and even beachgoers. But your best bet is the city’s relatively new Riverwalk area. Unlike San Antonio’s famed waterway of the same name, Chicago’s Riverwalk offers jaw-dropping selfie-with-a-skyline opportunit­ies.

Its six coves are filled with all sorts of surprises: You’ll discover everything from kayaking to live music and even birdwatchi­ng opportunit­ies. Put an evening stroll here on your calendar for an epic date night.

Savvy locals enjoy taking visitors to Eataly. This popular Italian hub—containing a high-quality marketplac­e and restaurant­s—is consistent­ly billed as amazing. Meanwhile, Gibsons Italia serves up each meal with a mind-blowing water-and-skyline view. (Gibsons also has a rooftop bar, a big deal for the younger set in summer.) For truly iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza, seek out Lou Malnati’s or Pizzeria Due.

A surprising mealtime hot spot is the city’s new Restoratio­n Hardware. Chicago’s hip crowd navigates its multilevel showroom to arrive at its see-and-be-seen destinatio­n restaurant, 3 Arts Club Café, tucked into an enclosed, tree-filled courtyard.

The city’s theater experience is legendary. In addition to its main draws, Chicago also holds lots of terrific, less expensive “off-Loop” theater experience­s. These small theater companies do great work in neighborho­ods outside the downtown area. The Steppenwol­f Theatre Company is probably the most famous (and nationally acclaimed). Use theatreinc­hicago.com to help you plan.

The Art Institute of Chicago (on Michigan Ave.) is a must-see simply for its architectu­re. Its Modern Wing, designed by starchitec­t Renzo Piano, is the new home of the museum’s collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. Downtown’s famous silver “Bean” sculpture is adjacent to the museum in Millennium Park, and another fun stop for picture-taking. (Watch for a Millennium

Park connector from one of the museum’s higher floors.)

No visit to Chicago is complete without exploring at least a couple of neighborho­ods. Each has its own personalit­y and is a complete microcosm of food, drink, retail and living spaces. Renting a Divvy Bike from the city’s bikeshare program is a cool and easily accessible way to check out a few areas beyond downtown and the Gold Coast, the affluent neighborho­od bordering Lake Michigan. Good choices include Logan Square, Lincoln Park, DePaul, Ukrainian Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park and Lincoln Square. All are fairly near the Loop, Chicago’s central business district.

Chicago’s former meatpackin­g district has been transforme­d by the arrival of Google and McDonald’s headquarte­rs into a very, very hip neighborho­od called Fulton Market. This fun area has more than its share of incredible restaurant­s and chic boutiques.

A new cool hotel seems to open every week somewhere in the city; your choice will depend on whether you like large or boutique, and if you want a Loop, Gold Coast, River North, Magnificen­t Mile or neighborho­od location. The Viceroy has a Michelin-starred chef, rooftop garden and big views from floor-to-ceiling windows. With its landmark location, LondonHous­e Chicago gifts its guests with utterly amazing views, while the luxurious Peninsula Chicago makes a fabulous home base for shopping Michigan Avenue. Virgin Hotels Chicago appeals to trendsette­rs, while the equally chic Sophy Hyde Park is modern yet cozy; both offer a great value.

The Loop is so named because public transporta­tion goes in a big loop around the downtown area. If you travel without schlepping lots of luggage, the subway (nicknamed the “el” because it’s actually elevated) is cheap and fast for getting around. Its Blue Line connects O’Hare to the city. You can also take Uber, Lyft or get in the taxi line outside the luggage pickup; you will not need or want a car in Chicago.

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 ??  ?? Chicago’s famed Lakeshore Drive is often called the most beautiful urban highway in the country.
Chicago’s famed Lakeshore Drive is often called the most beautiful urban highway in the country.
 ??  ?? A public sculpture, nicknamed the “Bean,” by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor, is a popular landmark in Millennium Park.
A public sculpture, nicknamed the “Bean,” by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor, is a popular landmark in Millennium Park.

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