Summer Travel: One Day in Chicago

You find yourself in Chicago in the summer, but you've only got one day to soak up as much as you can. How do you get a feel for this sprawling city in just a day? It won't be easy. There's so much to see and do. But here are a few hints for making your super-short vacation in Chicago count.

Breakfast at Orange

This is going to be a busy day, so you'll need to fuel up, and there's no better place than Orange on w. Harrison Street in the South Loop. This isn't your run-of-the-mill breakfast stop. You can choose from an almost endless variety of fresh-squeezed juices (a glass of carrot-pineapple-ginger, anyone?), and you can sample a carefully-designed "flight" of themed pancakes.

The Art Institute

By 10:30am, the doors are open, and you'll want to be waiting. The Impressionist collection is world-renowned, with masterpieces by Renoir, Degas, Monet and more. Don't miss Seurat's massive A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, with its countless tiny dots of color making up an unforgettable scene. This is also the home of American Edward Hopper's famous late-night diner scene, Nighthawks. I, for one, could spend days here. But try to limit yourself to a couple of hours.

Millenium Park

A relatively recent addition to Chicago's downtown, as its name implies, this is a great place to walk on a summer day. Check out the Cloud Gate sculpture, looking like a giant silver egg, and the interactive Crown Fountain.

Lunch at The Plaza at Park Grill

Great food in an outdoor setting, with a beautiful view of Chicago's lakefront area - what more could you want. Sit at one of the many tables, or grab lunch to go and sit on the lawn - either way, there's no beating a midday al fresco meal.

Magnificent Mile

It's time to walk off that food, so head north on Michigan Avenue. Stop for pictures when you cross the Chicago River in front of the Wrigley Building - everybody does. The continue the trek north along the city's premier shopping district. It's 14 blocks from the river to the Oak Street Beach along the lake, and en route you'll find every kind of shop imaginable.

The Water Tower

Toward the northern end of the mile sit the water tower and Chicago Avenue pumping station. Apart from their rather odd-looking Gothic Revival architecture, you may wonder why they remain here. At one time, they were all that remained of Chicago. The two structures were the only public facilities that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 - the one reputedly started by Mrs. O'Leary's cow - and they came to symbolize the determination local residents showed in rebuilding the city.

Deep Dish Pizza

Time to reward yourself for the mile-long walk and, conveniently, the perfect spot is right nearby. Now back in its original Superior Street location, Gino's East has been serving up incredible their famous deep dish pizzas in Chicago for over 40 years. Where else can you order a sausage pizza that is topped with a sausage patty as big around as the pizza itself? The crust, the cheese... this is as good as pizza gets.

The Blues

If you've still got the energy, stay up late and enjoy authentic Chicago Blues at one of the blues clubs in the city. Buddy Guy's Legends, celebrating its 20^th Anniversary, packs in crowds every night in the heart of the Loop. If you want to make the trip to the north side, Kingston Mines is the oldest and biggest blues club in town, with local musicians (and, often, celebrity fans) performing until 4am.

Lastly, once your jam-packed day (and night) in Chicago is over, start making plans for your return visit. There's still so much to see and do.