Chicago is the Midwest’s energy center. From the skyscrapers crowding the Loop to the checkerboard of its dynamic ethnic neighborhoods, every inch of Chi-Town pulses with excitement. It’s very hard to be bored in Chicago. There’s always a sports event to go to, a museum to explore, or a great restaurant to try. The Windy City will blow you away, and Expedia.com can help you find cheap flights to Chicago and terrific deals on Chicago resorts.
When to Visit Chicago
Chicago’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment events lure visitors in every season, but temperatures typically hover below freezing throughout the winter months. Spring and summer have much warmer weather and are perfect times to hang out along Lake Michigan’s shore. Autumn seems to bring out the best in Chicago; temperatures range between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, skies are clear, and the sun hits the cityscape at just the right angle to create lasting memories.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Chicago’s downtown boasts some of the most exciting municipal architecture in the world. A brisk stroll around the Loop will take you past the Willis Tower, the Rookery Building remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Home Insurance Building, which was the world’s first skyscraper. For a first-class view of the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan, take a ride on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel.
The Art Institute of Chicago is second only to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in its size, and the variety and breadth of its collections. The museum is home to two of America’s most iconic and beloved paintings: Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Night Hawks.” The 68 Thorne Miniature Rooms, which recreate European and American interiors from the 13th to 20th centuries in a 1:12 scale, will be of particular interest to any family with children. Fabled Route 66 began right in front of the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue, and if you look hard enough, you can still see the sign that says, “Begin.”
Even if you’re not a baseball buff, Wrigley Field is a must-visit. The home of the Cubs, which celebrated its centenary in 2014, has long been lauded as America’s finest ballpark. With its ramps, intimate bleachers, and ivied outfield walls, the field where Babe Ruth hit his famous called shot embodies all that’s nostalgic about baseball.
The Chicago History Museum chronicles the Windy City’s evolution from a small 19th century trading outpost at the mouth of the Chicago River to the world-class metropolis it’s become today. The museum contains an extensive collection of books, photographs, and illustrations, including many rare resources dedicated to Chicago’s devastating 1871 fire.
Resort Amenities
Chicago welcomes many business travelers every year, and its hospitality industry is designed to help ensure they enjoy their stay. The best resorts in Chicago, Illinois, feature high-speed Internet, personal care items, customized mini-bar selections, and ample wall outlets for charging your phone, iPad, and computer. There are also many spa resorts in Chicago where you can unwind after a long day networking or sightseeing. Whatever type of lodging experience you’re looking for, Expedia.com can help you find cheap deals on great Chicago hotels.
Just Outside Chicago
Chicago is surrounded by satellite towns and suburbs, so you’ll have to travel 100 miles or so to get beyond its gravitational pull. The trip is worth it, though. The Amish country around Nappanee, Indiana, is like a journey backwards in time. In the warmer months, horse-drawn buggies share the roads with the cars, and you’ll find hand-made crafts and gift items in the village’s quaint shops.
Another road trip down memory lane ends in the river town of Galena, IL. Downtown buildings retain their 19th century mercantile facades, and you can visit the historic house museum once owned by President Ulysses S. Grant. The nearby Caspar Bluffs offer striking views of the Mississippi. Whether you’re searching for resorts near Chicago or accommodations smack in the heart of the Windy City, Expedia.com is the place to look.
