The Windy City is big and beautiful
JON MACPHERSON finds out Chicago is a wonderful town as he catches the sights and picks up some bargains
‘EVERYTHING is bigger in America’. That was the advice, or should I say warning, I was given when I told friends and family that I would be travelling State-side for the very first time.
They said the food, architecture and shops will be unlike anything I’ve ever seen or experienced before. And boy, they couldn’t have been more right.
Now, as the old adage goes - bigger isn’t always better. However, when it comes to Chicago, this is the exception that proves the rule.
And nowhere could this be more true than the Windy City’s two out-of-then this-world Simon Shopping Destinations the Woodfield Mall and Chicago Premium Outlets.
Now, I can’t profess to being a shopaholic, or even someone who tries to keep up with the latest styles or fashions, but even with my amateur eye I knew I was venturing into somewhere quite special and unique.
My first trip was to the Woodfield Mall about 40 minutes west of Chicago. With nearly 300 quality shops and department stores under one roof, this is one of the largest shopping and leisure destinations in the entire USA. Just think of it as the Trafford Centre but twice the size and thrice the fun!
From the upscale Nordstrom with its friendly, free personal shopping service, to leading fitness and fashion brands like Michael Kors, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Lululemon Athletica, this really has something to suit every style and taste.
And if all that shopping starts to tire you out or make you peckish, then feast your appetite on a range of scrumptious dining options like The Cheesecake Factory, Texas de Brazil or the IMPROV Comedy Store.
One of my favourite highlights of the Woodfield Mall has to be the brand new PacMan inspired food and games destination Level257. With it’s very own Japanese chef, retro bowling alley, sports bar, craft bars and a plethora of nostalgic arcade games, this club can keep children and adults alike entertained for hours and is the perfect way to round off a special day.
However, if being stuck indoors isn’t your thing, why not try the Chicago Premium Outlet just 40 minutes from Downtown Chicago?
This attractively landscaped outdoor shopping mall is the largest of its kind in the American Midwest.
With over 140 designer and name brand outlet stores all offering fantastic discounts of between 25 and 65 per cent, plus extra on the day sales, you really can ‘shop til you drop’ without hurting the bank balance too much.
Canny shoppers who visit guest services on arrival and pick up a centre map and Premium Outlets Savings Passport will also be able to benefit from even further offers and store sales.
Just remember to save space in your suitcase – or bring an extra one with you – for the flight back home. You’re gonna need it.
If you’re staying in Chicago then you’ll find no better location than the stylish and luxurious Loews Hotel. Situated in Downtown, just minutes away from the Navy Pier, Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile, this recently opened boutique hotel offers magnificent views of the city and Lake Michigan and is in the perfect central spot from which to begin your exciting travels.
One of the best ways I found to see the city and to get my bearings was by hopping on one of the regular Chicago Bus Tours. This took me round the city in about two hours, stopping off at 14 different tourist attractions along the way, and the passionate tour guides really offer a wealth of knowledge, humorous anecdotes and tidbits about the city they love.
If you are a tourist who enjoys seeing lots of different attractions then I would highly recommend investing in a Go City Card as this can save you up to 55 per cent on buying tickets individually.
My first port of call after the bus tour had to be the 108-storey Willis Tower. If you want to see the best 360-degree views of Chicago then standing on the Skydeck of North America’s second tallest building is the way to go.
If you’re brave enough to make it to the top then you have to go one step further (literally) and walk out onto the The Ledge - a glass box that extends 4.3ft out from the skyscraper’s 103rd floor Skydeck.
I’m not one for heights, but I simply had to take a deep breath and give it a go.
And I’m so glad I did as it was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.
To capitalise on my invigorated sense of invincibility, my next daredevil adventure was to overcome one of Chicago’s newest attractions - the ‘Tilt’ at John Hancock Centre observatory.
As the name suggests, this 1,000ft high enclosed glass and steel platform on the 94th floor tilts visitors forward for an incredible downward facing view of the city. Just don’t let go of the handles!
If seeing the city from great heights isn’t for you, or you fancy taking in the skyline from a different perspective, then get aboard one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruises.
I would recommend taking the tour about an hour before the sun sets as you will get to see all the interesting historical buildings in daylight before being dazzled by the Chicago skyline at night.
As dusk settled on my final evening in Chicago, I couldn’t think of a better place to dance the night away than the Kingston Mines Blues club. Voted the best and most popular club in 2016, this is a city institution and a great opportunity to get immersed in authentic Blues.
After 29 years of impatiently waiting to get to America, I certainly hope my return trip won’t take quite as long.