BEST OF CHICAGO

Chicago is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in the United States. After visiting several times, I can say a big part of this is the people. They are widely passionate – passionate about family, passionate about sports, passionate about music and passionate about good food! I am lucky to now be married to a man from “Chi-Town” (as locals call it) so he helped me create this Best of Chicago list to help you make the most of your next visit.

WHERE TO STAY

Loews Hotel – Experience Chicago from the heart of the city—and enjoy spectacular city skyline and lake views—at the new Loews Chicago Hotel, located near North Michigan Avenue. We had our Chicago wedding reception here and stayed in one of their suites. Loved it! $$$ LoewsHotels.com

The Four Seasons – A five-star luxury hotel, located steps from the Magnificent Mile and North Michigan Avenue’s best shopping, with amazing views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline! $$$$ FourSeasons.com

Embassy Suites – Downtown Chicago Lakefront, across the street from Loews Hotel, offering spacious two-room suites, free breakfast and location near Mag Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium shopping area. $$ EmbassySuitesChicago.com

The Peninsula – Set in a landmark high-rise, this elegant luxury hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art, a 4-minute walk from the Chicago Ave. subway station and 0.8 miles from the Chicago Opera Theater. $$$$ Chicago.Peninsula.com

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Lou Malnati’s or Gino’s East – For delicious Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! Lou Malnati’s and Gino’s East are just one block from each other and have the best pizza in Chi town!

Chicago Cut Steakhouse – Steve says you can’t come to Chicago without having a steak somewhere and Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of the nicer, upscale, steak restaurants.

Bandera – Upscale Southwestern cuisine with live Jazz! If you like Jazz then you must check out Bandera.

Lillie’s Q or Smoke Daddy – You can’t come to Chicago without having BBQ! Lillie’s Q and Smoke Daddy are two of the best!

Kingston Mines – Blues music club where live bands play until (very) late on two stages, and there’s a full BBQ menu too. I love Kingston Mines!

Blue Chicago – The best in authentic Chicago blues since 1985, Blue Chicago is located in the heart of the River North entertainment district.

MUST DO ACTIVITIES

1) Cubs game at Wrigley Field – one of the oldest stadiums in baseball!
2) Chicago Art Institute
3) Chicago Architectural Cruise – Chicago is home of the modern skyscraper
4) John G. Shedd Aquarium and/or the Field Museum
5) Willis Tower Skydeck (once the tallest building in the world) or the John Hancock Observatory
6) Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park
7) Millennium Park to visit the Bean
8) House of Blues
9) Navy Pier – see the first ever Ferris Wheel built for the 1893 World’s Fair held in Chicago
10) Second City Comedy Club – starting ground for John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, John Candy, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert to name just a few!

Have you been to Chicago? Do you have any  suggestions to add? Please share in the comments section below!