1-2-3 Travel Planner: Chicago

Chicago is the perfect blend of bustling city life, great restaurants, wonderful culture and activities, and beautiful scenery. With all that Chicago has to offer, this is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. You'll have so many options available for hotels, restaurants and activities, how will you decide? We've done the legwork and make it easy for you to plan your trip to Chicago. One hotel, two dining choices and three activities.

STAY
When in Chicago stay at Hotel Blake.
This beautiful and luxurious hotel is a Chicago landmark. The hotel takes up residence in what was formerly the 19th-century Morton and Duplicator building located a short walk away from State Street. Guests staying at Hotel Blake will be treated to an amazing experience. Amenities found at this South Loop hotel include: beautifully appointed rooms; complimentary wireless internet; Gilchrist & Soames toiletries; and exception linens and bath towels. Hotel Blake offers an abundance of hotel specials and packages that can be found here.

Hotel Blake
500 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 986-1234
www.hotelblake.com

EAT
When in Chicago make sure you enjoy deep dish pizza at Giordano's.
With over 12 Chicago locations, Giordano's is the place to go for a traditional Chicago deep dish pizza. A Chicago staple since 1974, Giordano's was started by two brothers who came to America from a small northern town near Torino, Italy. This is the best deep dish pizza (double crusted) you'll have taste. After your trip to Chicago, if you're still craving this amazing pizza, have no fear - Giordano's will ship pizzas anywhere in the US. To find out more, click here.

Giodano's Famous Stuffed Pizza
730 N. Rush Street
Chicago, IL
(312) 951-0747
www.giordanos.com

When in Chicago, Epic Burger is the place for a perfect hamburger.
Recently founded by David Friedman, Epic Burger not only provides a wonderful burger at an affordable price, it does so in an eco-friendly manner. All ingredients used are 100 percent organic. The restaurant uses only biodegradable paper products, petroleum free packaging and more. Friedman incorporates the tagline, "a more mindful burger" in providing a great dining experience. Epic Burger serves the All Natural Epic Burger, Tasty Turkey Burger, All Natural Chicken Breast Sandwich and the Portabella Mushroom Sandwich. Let's not forget the Epic BLT: a delicious sandwich that includes nitrate-free bacon, cage-free organic fried egg and cheddar cheese. Burger and sandwich prices range from $4.99 to $7.99.

Epic Burger
517 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 913-1373
www.epicburger.com

DO
When in Chicago head over to Millennium Park to see "The Bean."
Millennium Park has numerous activities and events to keep you busy while in Chicago but you must stop by and see "The Bean." This 110-ton sculpture was designed by Anish Kapoor and is made of seamless stainless steel plates. Named Cloud Gate but dubbed "The Bean" by Chicago residents because of its shape, the sculpture draws visitors wanting to get a unique perspective of the Chicago skyline reflected in The Bean's surface.

Millennium Park
201 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168

When in Chicago take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Built in 1914, Wrigley Field has been home to the Chicago Cubs for 95 years. Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark (Boston's Fenway Park being the oldest built in 1912) and has been the site for many historical moments in baseball including the well-known moment in 1932 when Babe Ruth pointed to the bleachers where he was presumably going to hit a home run, which he did.

Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison Street
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-2827

When in Chicago enjoy the stores and incredible architecture found along the Magnificent Mile.
The Magnificent Mile is the place to go to find incredible shopping, fine dining, great architecture and beautiful scenery. Visit in May to see the spectacular tulips planted all along the Mile. To learn more about Tulips on the Magnificent Mile, click here. June through September marks a summer long event that features outdoor entertainment, beautiful garden flowers and green-themed special offers. And of course, there's always the holiday light display that kicks off the joyous season in November.

The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60611
www.themagnificentmile.com

These are just three of the many things you'll find to do in Chicago. The list of Chicago activities is numerous. If you are planning on taking an extended weekend make sure to visit Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, the Water Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago. With everything accessible by public transportation, you'll be amazed at how much you can pack into your weekend getaway. Enjoy!

Sources:
www.millenniumpark.org
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
www.themagnificentmile.com