Sensational Summer Getaways: Chicago
By Susan B. Barnes
Denver Life Magazine, May/June, 2008

I first visited Chicago as a wideeyed 17-year-old high school student. The city was so alive, so exciting, and I so wanted to be there! It seemed to have all of the offerings of New York City, just on a smaller, more manageable scale. A bit more worldly, I felt that same way after a recent trip to theWindy
City, though this timemy experience was different. After all, I’m (supposedly)
all grown up now.With its superb shopping, theater and culinary destinations, Chicago certainly enjoys international acclaim and has no plans on slowing down.

CITY ITINERARY

A visit to Chi-town without some shopping would be sinful, and Michigan Avenue, fromthe Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, isn’t nicknamed the Magnificent Mile for nothing. Lined with some of the finest retailers known throughout the world, including Burberry, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue, theMagnificentMile offers something for everyone with its more than 460 retail stores. If you enjoy architecture and the joy of discovering artistic gems, there’s plenty to explore. Fortunately for visitors and residents alike, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright once called Chicago home. Because of this, there are several opportunities to observe his dramatic works of art. Wright’s home and studio in Oak Park is where he spent the first 20 years of his career, from 1889 to 1909. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust offers tours every day of the property, and on the weekends of the neighborhood surrounding the home and studio. Here visitors and fans of Wright’s work will find the largest concentration of his masterpieces— 26 in all.

Another terrific way to view Chicago’s architecture is from the water. The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 90- minute, docent-led cruise that features world-class architecture found along the Chicago River. More than 50 architecturally significant sites are brought to light during the cruise, with plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the open-air vessel. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see for art lovers. The museum’s permanent exhibits features masterful works by some of the most famous names in the art world, including Monet, Seurat, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cassatt, Hopper andmore. A visit to the institute will take you on a journey through Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas with works of art spanning 5,000 years. Be sure to set aside plenty of time when visiting the Art Institute, however—it’s easy to get lost in the artworks themselves.

LET'S EAT!

Chicago is a veritable melting pot of cuisine, from American and Irish to Latin, Greek and everything in between. With such a selection, there’s sure to be something to whet your appetite.

With two locations in the city— Old Town andWicker Park—Adobo Grill lends a Latin flair to a night out on the town. With its own tequila flights for sampling, the drinks of the house aren’t to be missed—the house margarita and ADOBOpolitan are two favorites. When it comes to the menu, locals favor the guacamole prepared tableside. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh to order and features triedand- true traditions that are sure to make your mouth water. If you have any questions, just ask your server— the staff is quite knowledgeable and will certainly steer you in the right direction.

N9NE Steak House is the place to be when dining in Chicago.With its eye-catching interior and equally eye-catching menu, this is a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Cozy up into a booth and order something from the appetizer or caviar menu before making a decision on the main course. Seafood and steak sum up the menu, but be sure to save room for dessert—try Cloud 9 for a nod to your childhood. For an especially lively dining experience, it’s a party all of the time at Heaven On Seven, especially for brunch. This Mardi Gras-themed restaurant is the mastermind of Chef Jimmy Bannos, and features all of the Cajun culinary masterpieces found in New Orleans. Shrimp and Parmesan-Reggiano Cheese Grits are a crowd favorite, but anything on the menu is sure to satisfy.Make plans to return for a hurricane to start the night off on the right foot. Chicago’s nightlife is hip and happening, which is evident by the countless lounges, bars, clubs and pubs found throughout the city. The Ghostbar, with sister clubs in Las Vegas and Dallas, is a perfect place to meet up with friends, reconnect and dance the night away. The ultra-contemporary lounge overlooks N9NE and features the Ghosttini, a tantalizing spirit to be sipped while enjoying energetic urban beats spun by a DJ.

Wine, cheese and chocolate enthusiasts will want tomake a beeline for Eno in the InterContinental Chicago Hotel. Grab a table overlooking the Magnificent Mile and order flights to share. Highly trained ‘wine directors’ are available to help with the selection and guide oenophiles and novices alike in the right direction.

If you’re in the mood for celebrating, head over to the area’s premier champagne bar. For 26 years Pops For Champagne has been doing it well in the heart of the city with one of the largest offerings of Champagne and sparkling wine found throughout the U.S. Featuring live jazz music with performers fromaround the world, small plates and a fresh raw bar, Pops For Champagne is sure to be around for at least another 26 years.

GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT

After a day sightseeing and an evening indulging in gourmet fare and never-ending nightlife, a stay at the HotelMonaco, is ideal for a luxurious night of sleep. This boutique hotel, featuring an eclectic French- Deco inspired design, sits in the middle of the Loop District of Chicago, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Originally built in 1912, the hotel exudes high energy, high design and high style for guests, and features standard rooms and two-room suites. Those looking to upgrade will want to book a stay in the newly-opened KN Tranquility Suite. The Suite will gentlymelt away all of the activity of the day with its spa-like surroundings. The calming sounds of a wallmounted natural stone water fountain transport guests to another place, while the in-room massage rollers relax and revive. Additionally the suite’s ultra plush linens from the KN Luxury Home™ line provide added comfort. Overlooking the Chicago River and the city’s sparkling skyline, the suite is an oasis within the hustle and bustle of Chicago that youmay never want to leave.

With all there is to see and do in Chicago, it’s best to visit without a definite plan and let the city captivate and enthrall you as it will. Simply let the charm and charisma of Chicago envelop you as it did me again after all these years.