Chicago Is Windy and Wonderful!

Revisiting Chicago's Magnificent Mile

By Belinda Clarke

In winter, the park boasts a new ice rink that's 200 feet long, 80 feet wide and rivaled only by the one in New York City's Rockefeller Center. This summer, the park's outdoor music pavilion will be completed, which was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Of course, Navy Pier is a favorite stop for tourists and families. It houses the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theater, and it's also where most of the tour boats that cruise lake Michigan depart from in the summer months. And while the kids ride the famous 150-foot high Ferris wheel (open all year), parents can sit back and enjoy live entertainment from local bands in the open-air beer garden.

Of course, Chicago is famous for its spectacular shopping, specifically on Michigan Avenue, where the retail bonanza stretches for more than a mile. In the last two years, dozens of stores have sprouted along the Magnificent Mile, including Nordstrom, Filenes's Basement and Virgin Records. Moms can ogle fabulous jewelry at Cartier and Tiffany and Co., while dads more likely will want to hit Niketown and Orvis. The kids, though, have it made – especially the girls – as Chicago is home to the one and only American Girl Place. Not only does American Girl Place offer the American Girl dolls and accoutrements, there also is a doll hair salon, an American Girl Caf矡nd the Circle of Friends American Girl live musical. Other favorite kid destinations are the Disney Store and FAO Schwarz, also on Michigan Avenue.

Whether you're in town for business or on a family vacation, Chicago offers big-city fun with a Midwest mentality. The diverse mix of activities makes this city appeal to everyone, and with new and exciting hotels and stores cropping up all around, it's worth a return trip – even if you've been there before!