Chicago
In "Life on the Mississippi," Mark Twain observed, "it is impossible for the infrequent visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophesies quicker than he can make them." Although Twain formed an opinion about the Windy City before it celebrated its 50th anniversary, his image of the city has lasted. Throughout its history, America's third-largest metropolis has been described in a variety of ways. Chicago was recognized as a metropolis of industry when Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla competed for the opportunity to utilize their types of electricity to illuminate the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair). When Prohibition set in, notorious mobsters like Al Capone transformed Chicagoland into their own dangerous playground. And intense immigration surges throughout the 20th century brought a host of new identities to the Windy City, including Greek, Polish, Italian, Irish, and Jewish.
Today, Chicago is just as diversified, with a flourishing cultural scene, several retail areas, and a plethora of cuisines. Visitors to Chi-Town for the first time will almost certainly be looking up for at least a day or two. The buildings and public art of Chicago are incredibly stunning: Take a Chicago Architecture River Cruise or spend some time in Millennium Park, and you'll find yourself staring up a lot. Head to the Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago or the John Hancock Center's 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck for a bird's-eye view. If you need a little help navigating Chi-Town, consider signing up for one of the best Chicago tours.
The Best Hotels in Chicago
- The Peninsula Chicago
- The Langham, Chicago
- Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
The Best Things to Do in Chicago:
- Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain.
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
- The Magnificent Mile
Rankings:
- 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
- 3 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
- 7 in Best Weekend Getaways
Rating:
- 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
