64 | GO WEST... USA!
www.nitravelnews.com
September/October 2024
HEADED to Chicago? You’ve got a lot of ground to cover. This guide breaks down all the best parts of the city, from stunning waterfronts to bustling neighbourhoods to the vibrant theatre district. Don’t leave before you check these must-sees off your list.
Eat and drink in Chicago: dive bars to Michelin stars
Gourmet to street food, Italian to
Indonesian, cheap eats to fine dining. The variety of Chicago’s culinary scene is astounding. It›s home to more than 7,000 restaurants, from Michelin star winners and James Beard Award medalists to world-famous cheeseburgers and classic deep dish pizza.
Take a culinary tour of Chicago’s diverse
— and delicious — dining scene. Don’t miss hot dining districts like “Restaurant Row” on Randolph Street and Fulton Market in the West Loop. The trendy area is home to some of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, including Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard and her many acclaimed spots, like Girl & the Goat. Meanwhile, areas like Logan Square and River North continue to add buzz-worthy restaurants and bars to our bucket lists. Or eat your way around the world in the thriving international neighbourhoods, like Greektown, Chinatown, Little Italy, Pilsen, and so many more.
If you want to taste a bit of everything, head to one of Chicago’s popular summer food festivals.
Mark your calendar
for Taste of Chicago, the largest free- admission food fest in the world in July and fine-dining focused Chicago Gourmet in September. No matter where you go, make sure to sample Chicago’s most classic eats: Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and more. Cheers to the city’s craft beer scene Chicago is America’s craft beer capital, home to more breweries than any other city in the country. That means no visit is complete without a trip to a local taproom for a cold one (or two). The city is home to a ton of cool breweries, from big-name brewers (Goose Island,
Revolution, and Half Acre to name a few) and hip neighbourhood microbreweries (Begyle, Hopewell, Off Color, and so many more). Stop by their locations to tour the facilities, chat with the brewers, goods, a
sample the and grab six
pack to take back home with you. If you want to get a more thorough taste of the craft brew scene, try a tour like the Chicago Beer Experience. Or you can plan your trip around one of the city’s annual beer festivals like the Festival of Barrel Aged Beer or Chicago Friday Night Flights. See an award-winning
skyline and
iconic architecture One of Chicago’s greatest achievements is its skyline, complete with architectural stunners such as the Wrigley Building, 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the John Hancock Center), Willis Tower, and Tribune Building (with its facade punctuated with stones from historic buildings around the world, such as the Taj Mahal and Parthenon).
One of the best ways to see all those modern
and historic marvels? An
architecture boat cruise down the Chicago River or out on Lake Michigan. Afterward, check out the Chicago Architecture Center for fascinating exhibits on the birth of the skyscraper, the impact of the Great Chicago Fire, and more. Venture onto the glass-bottomed Ledge at Skydeck Chicago for stunning views from one of the world’s tallest buildings, the Willis Tower. Or take in panoramic views from the 94th floor at 360 CHICAGO, home to one-of-a-kind thrill ride TILT. Tip: If you get your Chicago CityPASS, you’ll save on admission and skip the ticket lines.
It’s not all about skyscrapers, though.
Venture to suburban Oak Park, just 10 miles from the downtown Loop, to see more examples of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright than anywhere else in the world. Or see some of Wright’s Chicago works, like the light court inside The Rookery and the restored Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hyde Park. Experience an urban oasis: miles of sandy shoreline
Lake Michigan paddle board The lakefront is the hot place to be in
the summer, as Chicagoans head to the water to run, bike, and walk along the scenic Lakefront Trail. The trail connects 24 of the city’s free public beaches, where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, play beach volleyball, and enjoy the sun and sand. Watch wildlife at Montrose Beach, sip cocktails at lively North Avenue Beach, and watch the waves roll in at peaceful 31st Street Beach.
Tip: Rent a Divvy bike on Chicago’s 18-
mile long Lakefront Trail to see more of the waterfront, or take a more leisurely stroll and snap skyline pictures along the way.
Cheer for top teams and the world’s best fan base Chicago’s sports history runs as deep as its fans’ passion. This baseball season, take in 100+ years of history at Chicago Cubs stadium Wrigley Field, home to the 2016 World Champions and the second- oldest ballpark in the country. Head to Guaranteed Rate Field to see the Chicago White Sox, plus pre-game tailgating and
nightly fireworks. Watch two legendary teams under the same roof: Chicago Bulls, the world- famous basketball team that was once home to Michael Jordan, and Chicago Blackhawks, who have built a hockey dynasty, both call
the United Center
home. The Chicago Sky dominate at Wintrust Arena, and soccer clubs Chicago Fire and Chicago Red Stars are known for their wildly enthusiastic fans. Get outdoors in parks and gardens Chicago is a city of green spaces — that’s why they call us “the city in a garden.” Whether you’re wandering the lakefront or venturing into the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, you’ll find parks, gardens, conservatories, and more in every corner of the city. The 606, the 2.7-mile elevated park and
trail, cuts through hip neighbourhoods like Bucktown,
Wicker Park, Logan
Square, and Humboldt Park. It’s a favourite spot for locals, who come here to bike, run, walk, and enjoy the various parks and public spaces scattered along the trail.
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