Chicago Shopping:

Chicago is known for its world-class shopping, which includes famous department stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and a variety of specialty shops spread throughout its neighborhoods.

The city’s main shopping district is the Magnificent Mile, an eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue with over four hundred stores that range from major international brands to local favorites.  Mag Mile shopping encompasses four indoor shopping centers, dozens of stand-alone stores, several restaurants, movie theaters, and street side gardens.

For pure luxury, head straight to Oak Street, an international style center with high-end stores such as Hermes, Prada, Yves St. Laurent and Barney’s, located at the north end of Michigan Avenue. Nearby, art and antiques collectors can search for unique treasures in the sixty-plus galleries of nearby River North Gallery District (home to the greatest concentration of contemporary galleries outside Manhattan).  In the Loop, shoppers will find the landmark State Street Historic Retail District, including the legendary former Marshall Fields.

While all these fabulous shopping opportunities are located a short walk from Lakeshore East, there are plenty of equally exclusive options a little further afield.  Chicago’s various neighborhoods make for excellent shopping destinations on their own, with trendy clothing, accessories, furniture, and much more in up and coming areas as the West Loop, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park/Bucktown.

Resources:

Magnificent Mile:
www.themagnificentmile.com

River North Gallery District:
www.rivernorthassociation.com

Oak Street:
www.oakstreetchicago.com

Lincoln Park
www.lincolnparkchamber.com

Chicago Attractions:

At first, the sheer number of experiences Chicago offers can seem overwhelming - it is difficult to know where to begin.  From the city’s iconic architecture to its legendary sports teams to the vibrant neighborhoods that each have a flavor all their own, Chicago delights, excites, and inspires.

Chicago’s newest attraction is the internationally acclaimed Millennium Park which offers outdoor concerts and contemporary art in a stunning setting next to Lake Michigan, just south of the Lakeshore East community.  The park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (”The Bean”) designed by renowned artist Anish Kapoor.  Enjoy ice skating in the winter, splashing around in the interactive Crown Fountain during summer, and alfresco dining at the Park Grille from spring to fall.

Slightly to the north, Navy Pier is a fun destination for the entire family, with its one hundred fifty foot Ferris wheel, boat and Segway tours, and countless dining or shopping options.  Enjoy and learn the history, creativity, and expertise behind the city’s architecture by taking a guided walking or boat tour through the Chicago Architecture Foundation, or get a birds-eye view from the 103rd floor Sears Tower Sky deck and the 94th floor Hancock Observatory.

With twenty-nine miles of lakefront paths, Chicago is considered one of the world’s most walkable cities.  Walk, run, bike or picnic along Lake Michigan in one of the many beautiful lakeside parks or beaches off the path.  Chicago’s famed river walk is perfect for strolling or boating while admiring the city’s architectural wonders.

One of Chicago’s many free attractions is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which more than one thousand mammals, reptiles, and birds call home. Nature buffs can enjoy the peaceful gardens under glass at Garfield Park Conservatory, in the Garfield Park neighborhood and Lincoln Park Conservatory, adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Last but most certainly not least, Chicago’s internationally renowned museums and their world class exhibits lend the city global prestige.  The Museum Campus, situated just south of Lakeshore East near Soldier Field, is home to the Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium, which is the world’s largest indoor aquarium with more than eight thousand aquatic animals representing more than seven hundred species from all parts of the world.  A little further south lies the Museum of Science & Industry, where visitors can satisfy their curiosity with interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and films.  Art aficionados will enjoy the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the many smaller galleries that showcase masterpieces from around the world.

Resources:

www.choosechicago.com
The official visitor’s guide to Chicago.

www.timeoutchicago.com
The premier local nightlife and entertainment magazine.

www.metromix.com
A guide to nightlife, special events, and theater.

www.millenniumpark.org
The official website of Millennium Park.

www.navypier.com
Navy Pier’s official website that includes event listings.

www.architecture.org
The Chicago Architecture Foundation website.

www.the-skydeck.com
The Sears Tower Sky Deck website.

www.hancock-observatory.com
The Hancock Observatory Website.

www.lpzoo.com
The official website of the Lincoln Park Zoo.