by Debby Burton

Created on: October 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

Chicago, The Windy City, has a unique and storied tradition. It is also considerably smaller than New York or LA, and quite manageable for the tourist without prior knowledge. With or without children, the museums are amazing, and updated. On Museum Campus, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, one finds the Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and farther south, the Museum of Science and Industry. Begun by Marshall Field's family, the Field is home to artifacts from all continents and displays of many time periods. Chiefly, it is now known for housing Sue, the famous T Rex found in the western US. Just across the plaza is the Shedd. The older part of this aquarium houses fish samples from around the globe, separated by continent in corridors which are easy to traverse. The other half is a beautiful oceanarium, with a trained seal show, Beluga whales, sea otters, and other new displays. These two museums are good for filling an entire day. The Art Institute, just a few blocks up and in, houses many masterpieces, but the best part is perhaps its extensive Impressionist collection, and a fairy house, as well as other great works.

A bit farther north on the lake is Navy Pier. Housing a ferris wheel (running most of the year), a Shakespeare theater, a pier of food vendors and shops inside, the Pier is a fun place to go - but even better in summer. Then, there are boats for lake rides, tours of the Chicago River's architecture, art on the pier, along with restaurants like Bubba Gump's shrimp, and many vendors, an IMAX theater and the Children's Museum. It seems to grow every year. The pier itself juts out into the lake, and is a great place to take in the air show as well.

To see Chicago, there are double decker bus tours, where one can ride all day, getting off and on at will. Moreover, there are carriage rides on North Michigan Street, which circle the old fire pumping station as well as the John Hancock Building. Aside from the Sears Tower, the Hancock is a great place to go and have a view of the entire area. The 95th floor has a restaurant and the 96th is the observatory. On a clear evening, going up for a drink by the windows gives an amazing view of the city lights. Tours of mobsters' hangouts can also be found throughout the city. The Chicago Tribune Building itself is interesting; pieces of other buildings around the world are embedded in its exterior (like some of the London Bridge, and the Taj Majal). It is a treat to walk around to see what you can find. Of course, the Cubs and White Sox, the Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks might be in action too.

At the holidays, Chicago really shines. Obviously, the best shopping is the Miracle Mile of North Michigan Street, and the decorated windows and tree at Macy's downtown (formerly Marshall Fields). There are hundreds of delightful restaurants, from Ralph Lauren's RL to The Cape Cod Room at the Drake, along with many steak houses, and all kinds of ethnic delights. "The Nutcracker" ballet is always performed, and other shows such as "A Christmas Carol," are perennial favorites.

There are hotels throughout the area, making Chicago easily navigable and unique, no matter your taste and preferences.

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