all times!) is world class, and you could
Ready,
easily fi ll your Christmas list 10 times over
with high fashion items, designer label
bargains and much more.
The Magnifi cent Mile is Chicago’s
Steady,
upscale shopping district, while The Loop/
State Street affords more distinctive retail
style at the likes of Nordstrom Rack,
Macy’s, H&M and Filene’s Basement,
often at rock-bottom prices. Head out to
Snow!
the suburb of AURORA and Chicago
Premium Outlets has 120 outlet stores to
further enhance the region’s reputation
as a shopaholics’ paradise, while
Getting the most out of your Great Lakes visit
SCHAUMBURG is another hidden gem,
with the Woodfi eld Mall and chic shops
in autumn or winter means exploring the best and restaurants of Woodfi eld Village
that each state has to offer at different times of
Green, plus the year-round entertainment
of Medieval Times dinner show.
the year, starting with... Back in Chicago, make sure to sample
the city’s fi rst-class array of museums and
ILLINOIS
w

ww.gochicago.com the start of eagle-watching season in art galleries, which provide guaranteed
The Prairie State is a Illinois (until March) when thousands of visitor appeal year-round. Make note
renowned year-round destination but its majestic bald eagles migrate here from especially of the magnifi cent ART
‘winter’ face is one of delightful contrasts harsher northern climes. The city of INSTITUTE, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
and attractions both small-scale and large. ALTON (www.visitalton.com) is at the & INDUSTRY, SHEDD AQUARIUM,
Start in September, which is centre of this unique wildlife opportunity ADLER PLANETARIUM and the
ILLINOIS WINE MONTH (www. and their online Eagle Watcher’s Guide stunning 1920s-built FIELD MUSEUM.
illinoiswine.com) and unwind along is an essential aid to this activity. Just The WILLIS TOWER (formerly
one of six major Wine Trails, notably remember to wrap up warm! the Sears Tower) and the JOHN
the Illinois River Trail two hours south However, as with almost everything
of Chicago, which features seven major Illinois, CHICAGO should be at the
wineries. Then expand your horizons centre of your plans for your visit here.
on one of the seven NATIONAL First off, shopping in the Windy City
SCENIC BYWAYS (www.byways.org/ (it really earns that nickname in the
explore/states/IL/) that include part of winter months – protect extremities at
Route 66 and the Meeting of the Great
Rivers Route, the latter of which is truly
magnifi cent for fall foliage.
As autumn merges into the true
WINTER WARMERS
colours of winter, December marks
Good winter clothing is
absolutely vital for any
visit to the Great Lakes
region in winter. A warm
coat, hat, gloves, boots
and thermal socks
should all be in your
suitcase – or the fi rst things you buy when
you encounter the many great shopping
opportunities here!
Chicago Christmas Illinois Christmas shopping
There’s only one place where you can see both RouTe 66
and the road that took LincoLn to the White House.
Where will the journey take you? Start here. And find out.
Go to www.visit-springfieldillinois.com for more information.
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