CHICAGO, ILLINOIS EVERYBODY'S KINDA TOWN

Getting There    What to see and do    Entertainment    Shopping    Nightlife & Cuisine    Climate    Where to Stay

Getting - There Cheap flights to Chicago
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Illinois, known as the land of Lincoln, is the 24th largest State in the U.S the same size as England and Whales! The city of Chicago is the jewel in Illinoiss crown and one of Americas great cities which offers visitors endless possibilities world class architecture, jazz and blues venues, great shopping and cultural attractions plus an opportunity to explore the American Heartland with its small towns, shopping outlets, national parks and legendary Route 66.

What to see and do

Downtown
There are many ways to see Chicago but the best way is to start at the top - The City has three of the worlds tallest skyscrapers Sears Tower, John Hancock Centre and the Aon Centre.

Downtown Chicago, named the Loop for the elevated train that wraps around it, is the financial and cultural centre plus the worlds first skyscraper was built here. Just steps from downtown enjoy Millennium Park, the city's newest major attraction, offering 24.5 acres of parkland with alfresco dining, interactive public art and ice skating.

Lakefront
The Chicago lakefront is an awe-inspiring stretch set against a backdrop of one of the worlds great city skylines. For visitors who enjoy museums Burham Park is located on the lakefront and is home to the Museum Campus here you will find three world class museums The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Navy Pier stretches out into Lake Michigan and has activities for all ages, including a botanical garden, shops and dining options, on over half a mile of lakefront property.

Shopping
For shoppers Chicago boasts The Magnificent Mile a mile of premier department stores and upscale boutiques. At the north end of Michigan Ave youll find chic Oak Street with its boutiques selling the latest fashions. The Worlds second largest department store - Marshall Fields has its flagship store on State Street in the loop. Marshall Fields State Street store not only offers a premier shopping destination but first class dining and is a National Historic Landmark for its beauty and significance. City neighbourhoods and surrounding suburbs are filled with greater shopping opportunities such as The Chicago Premium Outlets, in Aurora. A 40 minute journey from downtown you will find the Chicago Premium Outlet centre featuring 120 outlet stores, find impressive savings at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Nike, Ralf Lauren and many more.

Nightlife & Cuisine
Chicago has earned a worldwide reputation for such hearty favourites such as deep dish pizza, steak and the nations best hot dog. With more than 7,000 restaurants Chicago earns its reputation for innovative cooking every day.

For those who like to explore after dark, there are symphonies, rock concerts and theatre and Chicago, the Blues Capitol of the World, has the world's largest free blues festival.

Climate
The seasons in Chicago are extremely distinct - from snowy winters to high humidity summers and everything in between. Spring and Fall are generally recognised as the best time to visit.

Where to Stay
Looking for a break in a luxury hotel, or want to source mid-range or budget alternatives, Chicago & Illinois has every type of accommodation for every traveller.

For further information contact the Chicago & Illinois Tourist Office or go to www.gochicago.com

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