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 Day:
CHICAGO
There are so many things to see and do in Chicago; it’s difficult
to know where to begin. If you have only one day to experience the
city, keep your touring to a specific, concentrated area – whether
it’s one neighborhood like Lincoln Park, or downtown.
For first-time visitors, there is no better place to begin exploring
the city then on Michigan Avenue – specifically the stretch north
of the Chicago River, known as the Magnificent Mile. Start on the
north end of the street and stop in the Chicago Office of Tourism
Welcome Center at 811 N. Michigan Avenue. Here you’ll find
brochures covering much of the city, an information desk, a gift
shop with Chicago souvenirs, and Flat Sammies restaurant with indoor
and outdoor dining (seasonal).
Head across the street and down one block to the John Hancock
Center, at 875 N. Michigan Avenue. From the base of this towering
skyscraper, travel up to the 94th floor observation deck
for an inspiring view of the city in every direction. A variety of
exhibits will help you learn about the city, both past and present.
Once safely back on the ground, walk over to Oak Street for a look
at some of the most exclusive boutiques in the city. More reasonable
shopping can be found over at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan
Avenue, where you can also grab a quick lunch at the Food Life food
court, or one of the other restaurants located in the mall.
After lunch, begin to stroll down Michigan Avenue past shops like
NikeTown, Sony Gallery, F.A.O. Schwarz and Crate & Barrel. Stop
just before the Michigan Avenue Bridge and gaze back at the Wrigley
Building and Tribune Tower on either side of the street. As you walk
across the bridge, you’ll be able to take some great pictures of
the city.
Don’t cross the bridge completely, but rather turn back around and
head down the nearest steps to below Michigan Avenue. A few blocks
away, turn right on Illinois Street and you’ll be approaching Navy
Pier.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Pier, which
has become a true tourist destination in the past few years.
From here you can catch a boat to tour the lakefront or for
a dinner cruise. There is an IMAX Theater, Ferris wheel,
carousel, ice-skating rink, shops and vendor stands, a food
court and many restaurants. The Chicago Children’s Museum
is perfect for families, with interactive exhibits that both
educate and entertain. The Skyline Stage features music
entertainment, and there is also a beer garden to relax
outside and the Crystal Gardens to stroll through.
As you eat dinner at
one of the restaurants along the pier, you can look back on
the city and plan your return to explore more of Chicago’s
treasures.
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