Chicago > Chicago Experience

Advantages: cleanliness, variety, sports, shopping
Disadvantages: parking cost, can be chilly

...many times I had imagined Chicago to be a less spectacular version, but I underestimated the Windy City. The first thing that struck me in comparison to New York, in fact in comparison to almost anywhere, was the cleanliness of the city. For such a bustling metropolitan area to be so clean is quite remarkable, and is very pleasant. It is a picturesque city on the whole, situated on the shores of lake Michigan, and with beautiful buildings both modern ...
...be complete without trying a Chicago style pizza. I was warned by the waiter I would struggle to finish half a pie, and after 2 slices I realised I would have been well informed to take his word, it was outrageously thick, but delicious. It can be tricky to manouvere around the city by car, and walking can take it out of you as attractions and shops are fairly spaced out, so a brief study of the buses and trains would be reccomended. Parking is ... Read review

Advantages: Clean, Safe Great Subway System, Beach, Great Food.
Disadvantages: Some areas a bit scary at night

I have just retruned from a mini road trip in the states which started and ended in Chicago. We stayed in the Hotel Allegro in the theatre district just off Michigan Avenue and a 10 - 15 minute walk to most of the tourist atractions. I just want to tell you about the hotel in this review becuase it was amazing! The hotel for a start is in a great location. As you arrive Bellhops carry your luggae to the front desk. We were greated by friendly and ...
...in warm colours and we had a huge comfortable queen size bed and a lovely clean bathroom , stocked with Aveda products! The whole hotel has an Art Deco theme running through it. In the reception area there are huge comfy arm chairs to sink into after a hard day sight seeing. The Hotel was great value for money . We paid $149 per night and had a standard room. Excllent cute boutique hotel. Stay there! ... Read review

Advantages: The Architecture, the staff, the selection, the atmosphere
Disadvantages: If it doesn't get changed to being called Macy's, then NONE!

The flagship store of Marshall Field's on State Street is an experience that few should miss when visiting Chicago. As the advert from the 1970s says "Marshall Field's IS Chicago". For well over 150 years Marshall Field's has stood for excellence in retail shopping, as the first Mr. Field believed that women should take pleasure in the drudgery of shopping. He believed that his employees should "give the woman what she wants" - the precursor to "the ...
...money one last time at Marshall Field's on State Street in Chicago, before it became Macy's, the Federated Department Stores Inc., are now reconsidering removing the name Marshall Field's from this branch. HURRAH!!! Please watch this space for further updates. ***** I remember as a kid, going into town with my father on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The thing to do was to walk down State Street and look at all the newly unveiled Christmas decorations ... Read review

Advantages: The contrasting architecture. Music. Relaxing Parks.
Disadvantages: Parking fees. Rush Hour.

...is for Architecture~~ When Chicago was all but destroyed by fire in 1871, there arose from the ashes one of the most famous skyscapes in the US if not the world. Chicago was home to the first ever skyscraper, a steel-framed ten story building, the Home Insurance Building built in 1885 and demolished in 1931 to make way for even taller cloud busters (as they were known way back when). Ten storeys, although no doubt impressive then, are mere small ...
...styles that combine to make Chicago (highly recommended). Or do all three - we did! A surprising range of architectural styles exist. Sitting comfortably among the modernist glass, concrete and / or steel buildings are the Neo-Gothic Tribune Tower Howell and the French Renaissance Style Wrigley Building not to mention the limestone Water Tower (the only building to that survive the great fire) and now a museum. The architecture was one of the main ... Read review

Advantages: Read review
Disadvantages: Nothing

...Chicago. Brief History: Chicago has quite an exciting history, founded in 1833. Chicago is the largest City in Illinois and has the third highest population in the U.S. Chicago's history runs deep throughout the U.S., it produced the first sophisticated and sewer system in America, whilst also providing a sophisticated travel network. Chicago has a very wealthy financial market, with many fortune one companies residing their, and also has a range ...
...are four main weather fronts Chicago experiences. Between January and March, Chicago can experience cold temperatures and heavy rain. April through September is the hottest times of the year, with limited rain and unlikely chance of snow. And October through December is when it gets cold, and heavy snow is likely. It really all depends on when you want to go, I wanted to visit Chicago during the peak hot season and thus decided to go during the ... Read review