Getaway to Chicago
Windy City Rivals NYC in Culture, Diversity, Attractions – Closer to Home
The Signal - Business Section, September, 2006
Vibrant, metropolitan, friendly, easy to get to and often forgotten as one of the great cities in our country: Chicago, Illinois. This cosmopolitan mid-West destination rivals many East Coast cities with its culture, theater, museums, restaurants, shopping, accommodations and diversity. Even better, in Chicago the pace is reasonable without all the congestion and hustle of your average metropolis.
Just a four-hour plane ride away, the Windy City is a great place to getaway for the weekend. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy ideal fall and spring weather in the waterfront city. Take the kids along to see the sights, visit the aquarium, the world-class museums, catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, and visit the many distinctive neighborhoods in the downtown area. No car needed, this is a walking town.
Or leave the kids at home and spend some quality time with your significant other. Chicago boasts some of the best restaurants, theater and nightlife this side of the Mississippi. Talk about a night out on the town, do it with style in Chicago.
For the shopper in all of us, the main shopping district on Michigan Avenue rivals downtown Manhattan with its offering of high-end boutiques, national retailers and fine selection of everything from accessories and handbags to tailored suits and custom fashions.
There really is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Even the hotels range in caliber and style from historic, only-in-Chicago properties to the tried and true Marriott to the finest top-end hotels offering a total luxury experience.
Getting there is easy as well. Plenty of non-stop flights are available from LAX to O’Hare International Airport on a daily basis. Once landed, it’s just a half-hour cab ride for $40 to get you downtown to the heart of the activity. Another option is to take the train from the airport to the center of Chicago; it takes a bit longer, but the ride is interesting and worth doing at least once.
As in many US cities, sporting activities are a big attraction for locals and visitors alike. From the World Series to the Chicago Marathon that runs through the diverse burrows of the city one Sunday in October, the people of Chicago are fans, coming out in droves to support their teams and players. Plan accordingly and be sure to check the sports section when arranging a weekend getaway so you know what to expect – either you join the sporting fun, or avoid the crowds all together.
While many of use simply overlook Chicago as a vacation destination, there is one attraction we are sure to remember – Oprah. Hey, if she lives and works in this city, it has to be a great place to visit. Consider getting tickets for her show, then plan your Chicago weekend getaway around that event.
No need to fly six hours away to New York City, when you can find a comparable and closer cosmopolitan experience in Chicago. Rather than fly right over the Windy City, next time you’re going away for a taste of the town plan to stop in the mid-West for a weekend to remember.
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-3368
