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Chicago is a city filled with surprises. No matter what the season, be prepared to fall in love. It has the most amazing architecture, a splendid location on Lake Michigan, great pizza and enough world class museums to keep anyone occupied for as long as they would like. Here are just a few tips for enjoying the Windy City.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Use the Chicago transit authority's web site

www.transitchicago.com to plan your trip. You can put in the address where you will start your trip and where you want to end up and the site will tell you exactly how to get there. It even lets you put in the time of day you want to travel. It will even tell you how long you should have to wait for your next connection. Purchase a day pass, 1, 2 or 3 days. If you are going to be in town more than 3 day buy the 7 day pass it will be the better buy. The day pass is good on the "L" (elevated rail or what most us call the subway) and on the bus and can also be used to get in from Midway airport. We bought ours at the "L" Station at Midway in a machine.

HOP ON A TROLLEY TOUR

Take one of the Trolley Tours. It is amazing how much this helps you to get your bearings. We took a hop on, hop off tour; there are several companies that offer these. We rode almost all the way through the tour and then got off at the Art Institute. It helps if you have an early start to your day, this way you can go all the way through one time and then get off at the places where you would like to spend more time. There are multi day passes available.

CRUISE DOWN THE RIVER

Take an architectural river cruise of the Chicago River. You will see the city from a perspective that you won't get from anywhere else. The range and scoop of the buildings is amazing and the river itself has a story to be told. There is a live tour guide who is a font of information. Tours start from Near the navy Pier.

SHOP ON MICHIGAN AVE

Walk up Michigan Avenue and enjoy window shopping, you will find all the major designers have stores there. While you are there stop at the Visitor Center and get all the local information that you will need for a great visit. For anyone with young daughters, nieces or granddaughters the American Girl Store is a must.

ENJOY THE NAVY PIER

Walk on Navy Pier. From here you can take a cruise of Lake Michigan, visit the Stained Glass museum (free) take a Ferris wheel ride, watch a play at the Shakespeare Theater or just go and have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. We also enjoyed the displays along

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