Chicago, famously known as “the Windy City,” is the largest city in Illinois and the third largest in the United States. Located just south of Wisconsin, the city is one of the biggest financial and transportation hubs in the country. With this level of economic importance, the metropolitan area sees a lot of aviation traffic especially during months when the temperature is milder.
Eleven airports serve the Chicago metropolitan area, better known as “Chicagoland,” which spans three states. Schaumburg Regional Airport (K06C), Aurora Municipal Airport (KARR), Dupage Flight Center (KDPA), Lansing Municipal Airport (KIGQ), Lewis University Airport (KLOT), Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD), Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) and Waukegan Regional Airport (KUGN) are all located in the state of Illinois. In addition, Kenosha Regional Airport (KENW) in Wisconsin and Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY) in Indiana also support air traffic to the Chicago area.
Since Chicago is located on Lake Michigan, water sports and beach activities are popular. Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world and is the center of nighttime light shows. Additionally, the fountain has an hourly water show and operates from April through October. Another favorite architectural destination is Cloud Gate, affectionately nicknamed “the Bean,” which is located in Millennium Park.
The Navy Pier, located on the Lake, is the perfect place to spend a day. The Pier has restaurants, shops, rides and entertainment. Special events take place throughout the year at the Pier, and fireworks light up the night sky during summer.
If you are a sports fan, Chicago is home to several well-known professional sports teams. Depending upon the time of year, you may have the opportunity to watch the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Black Hawks.
Chicago is known for its world-class shopping, with the Magnificent Mile being the top shopping destination in the area. Here you will find retailers the likes of Anne Fontaine, Balani Custom Clothiers, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani. Water Tower Place is located within the Magnificent Mile and offers eight levels of shopping at over 100 stores.
Local history and culture is celebrated through the Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum of Natural History, and the Art Institute. The Shedd Aquarium is filled with beautiful architecture and aquatic life, with a special area for interacting with stingrays during peak months (May-October). Another educational destination is the Adler Planetarium, home to the Atwood Sphere — the first planetarium in the United States. Several of these attractions can be visited at a discounted rate by purchasing a Chicago CityPASS.
If you are a foodie you will be right at home in Chicago since several restaurants here have earned Michelin stars. Alinea, Chicago’s only three star restaurant, is known for its visually stunning cuisine that combines art, science and culinary prowess. Grace, Graham Elliot, L2O and Sixteen have all been awarded two stars by Michelin. Be sure to visit at least one of these amazing establishments during your time in the city for a truly memorable dining experience.
The Peninsula Chicago located in the Magnificent Mile, Langham Chicago in downtown and the Ritz Carlton Chicago are just a taste of the luxurious accommodations in “Chi-town.” While these hotels have a variety of spa services available, other highly-rated spas in the area are Mojo Spa and Allyu Spa. For a truly unique experience, stop by the Galos Caves to breathe in the healing salt-iodine air.
Questions?
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