America’s third city declared 2019 a year of theatre. raises the curtain on all it has to offer on stage and off
BOULOS NICK
CHICAGO may rank behind New York and Los Angeles in terms of size and limelight, but this midwestern delight, in the state of Illinois and on the shores of vast Lake Michigan, is one that ticks every box – and loads more you didn’t even know existed.
There are famous sights and surprising discoveries all over the city, with world-class museums and shopping, hedonistic hotels and a food scene that will turn you into a glutton.
And, this year in particular, there are some fabulous shows played out on stages across the city, explaining why 2019 is a focus for arts.
WHERE TO STAY:
BOOK into a hotel fit for a president. The Sophy Hotel opened recently in the upmarket Hyde Park neighbourhood, where the Obamas lived prior to moving into the White House.
Previously, there weren’t any decent accommodation options in this area. That’s all changed now.
With only 98 rooms and a redbrick facade, the Sophy offers style, comfort and quirky history. Be sure to find the plaque that marks the spot where Barack first kissed Michelle.
Double rooms are from £233.50 per night, room only.
See sophyhotel.com.
Prefer to stay in the thick of the action? Check into the newlyrenovated Sheraton Grand Chicago for views over the Chicago River and easy walking access to the Magnificent Mile, the city’s main commercial district.
Don’t let the slick exterior put you off; it’s rather cosy inside. Doubles are from £107 per night, room only via marriot.com.
WHAT TO SEE:
MAYOR Rahm Emanuel has declared this year the Year of Theatre in a bid to highlight and celebrate the city’s strong arts scene.
As a result, productions of all shapes, sizes and styles have opened in more than 200 venues sprinkled far and wide. Perhaps the most obvious shows to see would be worldwide smash Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre.
The hit musical is a rags to riches story of an immigrant who ends up being George Washington’s right-hand man, celebrating all the greatness of America’s revolutionary past.
The show runs until January 5, 2020, and tickets cost from £49. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com. But the real joy of the arts in Chicago can be found in the smaller community theatres in the areas beyond Downtown. Check out what’s on at the Belmont Theatre District, in the Lakeview neighbourhood, famed for its cutting-edge performances in intimate settings.
There are more than 20 theatres to chose from, along with multiple bars, restaurants and cafés.
WHAT TO DO:
FIRST timers to the Windy City must take in the view from the top of the Willis Tower, which, at 442m high, was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1973.
The claim to fame has long gone but it remains an impressive feat of engineering with equally impressive views over Lake Michigan.
Although used as an office block, it can still be accessed by members of the public. Head up to the Skydeck, where the Ledge’s glass boxes teeter over the busy streets below.
Tickets cost from £20. Visit www. theskydeck.com.
Back down to earth, explore Millennium Park – home to Cloudgate, Anish Kapoor’s famous metallic bean-shaped installation, and Crown Fountain, which depicts the faces of more than 1,000 Chicagoans.
Both are free to admire, and you can find entertainment simply by sitting down and people-watching.
WHERE TO EXPLORE:
The theatre district
The Cloud Gate sculpture
It’s also worth taking time to experience the eclectic mix of architecture – from skyscrapers to art deco masterpieces.
You can wander freely through the streets or, for the best views, take a river cruise with the Chicago Architecture Centre. Tickets for the 1½ hour journey cost from £37. Visit www.architecture.org.
CHICAGO’S 77 neighbourhoods each contribute towards the diversity
that makes the city so special. Wrigleyville is home to the Chicago Cubs and the second oldest baseball stadium in the country, Wrigley Hill, which opened in 1914.
If you can’t get your hands on tickets for the games, opt for a stadium tour instead. A 90-minute tour costs from £28.
Visit mlb.com. Elsewhere, Albany Park took shape in the 1970s and is known as one of the city’s most multicultural corners, with strong Asian and Latin American communities. Or head to Lincoln Park for lakefront trails and historic buildings and handsome houses along quiet tree-lined streets.
WHAT TO EAT:
AS THE proud home of the deep dish pizza, you won’t go hungry in Chicago. Several restaurants claim to serve the original hearty, high-edge doughy take on the Italian classic – essentially half quiche and half pizza.
But the best is a matter of personal preference. Gino’s East on South Dearborn (ginoseast.com) is a good bet. Try the Gino’s Supreme with Italian sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and onions and oodles of gooey cheese. A 9-inch costs £19.
Alternatively, the Dearborn on North Dearborn Street (www. thedearborntavern.com) is a handsome tavern serving high-end American fare. Try the pan-roasted wild Alaskan halibut with a blue crab, fennel and potato salad for £28.
HOW TO GET THERE:
NORWEGIAN flies direct from London to Chicago four times a week from £159.90 one-way in Economy and £509.90 one-way in Premium, including taxes. See norwegian.com.
For more information on the city,visit choosechicago.com.