Chicago Travel Agent Specialist

Chicago, the Windy City, where bold architecture meets soulful jazz and deep-dish delights. Chicago is a city pulsing with an attitude that is equal parts grit and style. Nestled on the windy shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a dynamic blend of rich history, cultural vibrancy, and Midwest charm. From the towering skyline dominated by the Willis Tower and 875 North Michigan Avenue, to the artistic sprawl of Millennium Park, Chicago is a constant buzz of creativity and energy.

Chicago's skyline alone is something to admire, from the ground, river or above. Once the world's tallest building, the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), offers views from the 103rd floor. Showing off its bold skyline against the beautiful blues of Lake Michigan. Chicago's other iconic skyscraper, 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center), also offers views from above with an option to sit and sip at CloudBar while taking in the striking views. I enjoy both views, but 875 North Michigan Avenue is right on the Magnificent Mile. And who doesn't love a little shopping, or even window shopping before taking in sky high views? One of my favorite ways to view the city is from the Chicago River on an architecture river boat cruise. The views are unparalleled and the knowledge shared about the structural innovations and even social history of the city is awe-inspiring. 

Museums, music and theatre fill the streets of Chicago. From Museum Campus, which is home to the Adler Planetarium (my favorite view of the city), the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Each stop gives a new perspective and provides an opportunity to learn and grow. The music scene of Chicago deserves a full book! From the birth of blues, to the soulful jazz ensembles, to the festivals that take over the summer. My favorite blues club is Kingston Mines in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Music is a fundamental part of Chicago and you feel it at every turn.  It's too hard to pin down a favorite festival, as there are festivals happening in almost every neighborhood, every weekend, all summer long, but the most famous is Lollapalooza. Spanning a four-day weekend at the end of July, with over 170 artists performing on eight stages, this musical celebration draws a global crowd and is an experience of its own. Chicago's theatre scene is renowned. The Goodman Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater offer classical and modern productions, while the Steppenwolf Theatre and the Tricycle Theatre spotlight new dramatic voices. Improv thrives all over the city, and most iconically at Second City, which is the cradle of Saturday Night Live talent. Meanwhile dance companies, ballet, and the symphony round out offerings at the Auditorium Theatre.

Chicago is full of excitement and sports, sports, sports. You name it, and Chicago has a team for you. Whether it's American Football - you've got da Bears, Hockey - you've got the Blackhawks, Basketball - you've got the Bulls, and Baseball even gives you two options in the same city - the White Sox or the Cubs (who play at historic Wrigley Field). Not to mention, Chicago is host to many other sports teams to cheer on as well.

Chicago is synonymous with food passion, and is my very favorite thing about this city. You can go from indulging in comforting Chicago staples like Italian beef sandwiches, a Chicago-style hot dog or deep dish pizza, to to high-end Michelin-starred or bib-starred excellence in one day. Chicago is brimming with mouth-watering, global flavors. Any cuisine you crave, you will find in Chicago, and leave feeling oh-so-satisfied. 

Chicago is a city you will want to return to again and again. There is never enough time spent exploring, eating, listening to music, and taking in the views. It's a city that keeps calling you back, to become a part of its energy and create memories that will last a lifetime.