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city profile Chicago - ‘My Kind of Town’ - W
ith a strong pedigree in the arts, design, music and architecture, the Windy City has every right to blow its own trumpet. And with excellent shopping and plenty of green spaces visitors will soon be singing its praises too.
Magnifi cent Mile Head to the ‘Mag Mile’ for the city’s best mid-range and high-end shopping, including the Water Tower Place mall, plus landmarks such as the neo-gothic Tribune Tower.
Wicker Park Widely acclaimed as the coolest neighbourhood in the city, Wicker Park is rich in restaurants, bars, book stores, quirky shops and live music venues. A great day or night out.
Art Institute of Chicago
Among the most prestigious art galleries in the US, with a collection that includes Edward Hopper’s 1942 classic, Nighthawks.
LONG AFTER Frank Sinatra sang the praises of Chicago in his 1960s hit, My Kind of Town, the home of the skyscraper continues to charm visitors with its vibrant arts and design scene, live jazz and blues, top shopping and a plethora of tranquil public parks and waterfront walks. Step on to the streets by day and it’s hard not
to be wowed by the city’s towering skyline or mesmerising sculptures like Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate. And by night, the city’s fi ne dining establishments, theatres, historic speakeasy bars and live music venues come to life around the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, sporadic labour confl icts and the shady dealings of Al Capone lend the city a gritty history – one that is often glossed over today, with authorities instead heralding cutting-edge buildings such as Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion or attractions such as the lauded Art Institute of Chicago. There are the ubiquitous observation decks
too, in the shape of the John Hancock Center’s 360 Chicago experience and the Skydeck at the Willis Tower – once the world’s tallest building. Chicago might have just shivered through its coldest ever winter, but it’s hard to beat a spring
stroll through Millennium Park, along the Riverwalk or around the city’s Gold Coast. Those in need of a little retail therapy, meanwhile, should make for the famous Magnifi cent Mile, a section of Michigan Avenue that connects the city’s Loop business district and its Gold Coast. Big brand stores and malls like Water Tower Place stand alongside iconic buildings such as the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower.
What’s hot
Two new hotel brands have marked their debuts in Chicago this year. Richard Branson brought North Wabash Avenue to a standstill at the offi cial opening of the very fi rst (and very cool) Virgin Hotel in April. In addition, the Hyatt hotels group has launched its fi rst Hyatt Centric property, also in the Loop, a full-service ‘lifestyle brand for modern explorers’.
Dates for the diary
Chicago Blues Festival (June 12-14, 2015); Millennium Park Music/Film Series (June-Aug); Chicago Jazz Festival (Sept 3-6, 2015); Chicago International Film Festival (Oct 15-29).
sellingtravel.co.uk
Lincoln Park One of Chicago’s charming green spaces, Lincoln Park lies by Lake Michigan and is home to the oldest zoo in the US. What’s more, the zoo is free to visit.
VIRGIN HOLIDAYS 0844 557 3859 THREE NIGHTS IN CHICAGO WITH VIRGIN
HOLIDAYS INCLUDING DIRECT FLIGHTS WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC FROM LONDON HEATHROW AND BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION AT THE VIRGIN HOTEL CHICAGO STARTS FROM £1,249PP BASED ON TWO ADULTS SHARING.
VIRGINHOLIDAYS.CO.UK
CHICAGO DETAILS
Time Zone: GMT -6hrs Currency: US$ (£1=US$1.51) Visas: British passport holders must register with ESTA before departure See:
choosechicago.com Getting there: Virgin, BA, United, American
SAMPLE DEAL
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