| Looking for a fun spring getaway? Chicago should be | | | | observation deck and enjoy magnificent views of the |
| on the top of your list. Located on Lake Michigan, | | | | city and Lake Michigan. Be prepared for a fast |
| downtown Chicago offers hip urban activities and | | | | elevator ride-it only takes one minute to get all the way |
| plenty of fun destinations. Whether this is your first trip | | | | to the top. |
| to Chicago or you're a regular visitor to the Windy City, | | | | 5. Double Decker Bus Tour: |
| make sure these destinations are on your itinerary: | | | | Have a little extra time on your hands? A double |
| 1. The Magnificent Mile | | | | decker tour is a great way to spend an afternoon. |
| You've probably seen Michigan Avenue, also known | | | | Tours depart from the Michigan Avenue area and |
| as The Magnificent Mile (or "Mag Mile) in every movie | | | | include a narrated ride throughout downtown. The |
| ever filmed in Chicago, so don't miss your chance to | | | | double decker bus tour is a great way to learn more |
| stroll its wide sidewalks and enjoy all of the world-class | | | | about the city and its history. If you are staying |
| shopping and eateries along the way. If you find | | | | downtown, you'll find yourself reciting statistics from |
| yourself visiting Chicago on a sunny day, head north | | | | the tour in your head as you walk around the local |
| along Michigan Avenue and turn onto Lake Shore | | | | streets. |
| Drive, a walking and biking path that runs along the | | | | 6. Museums |
| lake. | | | | If the weather is not is working with you in Chicago, |
| 2. Navy Pier | | | | you may find salvation in visiting one of the city's many |
| A fifty-acre park complex on a boardwalk extending | | | | museums. Many of Chicago's museums are located |
| into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a wide variety of | | | | next to each other, many are in walking distance. |
| entertainment and dining options, including boat cruises | | | | Chicago offers an art museum (The Art Institute of |
| fireworks every Wednesday night from Memorial Day | | | | Chicago), a science museum (The Museum of Science |
| through Labor Day. If you have the time, be sure ride | | | | and Industry, The Field Museum), and a children's |
| the 150-foot tall Ferris Wheel and enjoy breathtaking | | | | museum among many others. |
| views of the lake and city skyline-the seven-minute | | | | Downtown Hotels |
| ride is sure to be unforgettable. | | | | Chicago has several national hotels and boutique hotels |
| 3. Millennium Park | | | | in the downtown area. There are a wide variety of |
| In the winter, people in Chicago flock to Millennium Park | | | | Michigan Avenue hotel options that cater to the |
| for its famous open-air ice skating rink. Come spring, | | | | shopping district of Michigan Avenue and business |
| the ice is gone and everyone lounges under the | | | | conference events at nearby McCormick Place. |
| Pritzker Pavilion. Located just south of the Chicago | | | | Those traveling for business or pleasure will find a |
| River, this park features one of Chicago's most | | | | variety of downtown Chicago luxury hotel settings. If |
| notable attractions, Cloud Gate-a large, reflective | | | | you're looking for something a little less traditional you |
| sculpture that is also known as "The Bean". If you | | | | may want to look to a boutique hotel in downtown |
| haven't seen it, you'll be in awe! | | | | Chicago. Finally, while staying in downtown Chicago, |
| 4. Sears Tower: | | | | check out the social scene along North State Street |
| The view of Chicago's relatively flat landscape is | | | | and Rush Street-a hotbed of nightclubs, bars and |
| dramatic when seen from atop the Sears Tower. | | | | trendy restaurants! |
| Sitting above the 100th floor, tourists can go to an | | | | |