My recent trip to Chicago was to a wedding at the historical
Warwick Allerton Hotel.
It reminded me of the rich and wondrous architectural
history in Chicago.
Not only is the hotel an historical treasure, but the
management took great care in providing an elegant venue, delicious food and
wonderful service. The wedding was truly a memorable occasion.
The hotel was designated “an official Chicago Landmark” by
Mayor Richard Daley in June 1998. Built in 1922, and opened in 1924, it is a
Northern Italian Renaissance Revival design and it is opulent and rich with
wonderful windows, marble floors, and with incredible views of the city from
the reception ballroom. It was the first
25-story skyscraper built on North Michigan Avenue.
The Tip-Top-Tap lounge that served as host to Don McNeill’s
nationally broadcast “Breakfast Club” was closed in 1961, but the neon sign remains
and is an iconic reminder of the rich history of the building.
If your taste runs to architecture, you won’t be
disappointed, there are many more fantastic buildings. A simple walk along
Michigan Avenue, will get you the Wrigley Building, and the Chicago Tribune; if
you look closely at the Tribune building, you’ll see stones imbedded from many
of the world’s greatest treasures, all are labeled from point of origin. Even out latest mega Trump Tower, has the
perfect location, overlooking the Chicago River, and can be clearly seen from the
corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, and from the Allerton Hotel.
This is the city where Mies van der Rohe, Louis Sullivan and
Frank Lloyd Wight to name just a few built a few treasures.
The city has been called the windy city most probably
because Chicago was trying to get the 1893 World Exposition, and as an ad
campaign, the lake breeze was heralded as a city wonder. The more popular
version is due to the politicians, and the hot air that continuously blows from
City Hall. Either way, the name stuck. I personally prefer the more recent political
version.
Chicago is multi cultural, vibrant, and has stunning
architecture. Not a bad start to a city that is filled to the brim with world
renown museums, an abundance of fine dining establishments, local eateries, a world
renown orchestra, and theater productions that rival New York. I love this
city, and play tourist whenever time allows.
My favorite museum is the Art Institute, beautifully
situated on Michigan Ave-the Grand Avenue-that gives Fifth Avenue, and the Champs
Elysees, a run for their money. The wide sidewalks are lined with pots of
flowers, trees and miniature gardens, decorated for every season. Along with
occasional sculptures, from cows to couches. Sometimes whimsical, sometimes
serious, but always fun to see.
There are many museums, but only a few have the envied lake
shore location; the Field Museum, the Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium are
aligned in the ‘museum complex’ in close proximity, and are a must see. All
this can be yours, within walking distance , if you really like to walk, or a
short bus, taxi, car, or trolley ride.
If your taste runs to modern art, just a bit off Michigan
Avenue is the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Don’t forget State Street, and the loop area that has been
greatly revitalized, visit the Macy’s store, that once was the great Marshall
Field’s, and to me always will be.
There is the Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, an
architectural gem, and the over used word world
renowned. The building costs of Millennium Park went way over budget, but the
park has become a main tourist attraction. We have Grant Park, and an amazing
lakefront, and bicycle paths everywhere you turn. Not to mention ethnic food
galore; I don’t think there is an ethnic food you can think of that you won’t
find in Chicago.
On the south side of the city we have the Oriental Museum,
and the interactive Science and Industry Museum. This city has it all, and at a
slower, more relaxed pace than New York.
I listed just a few of the main central tourist attractions,
that by no means limits the rich cultural history that abounds in many
neighborhoods in this city. This is just a brief glimpse of what Chicago has to
offer.
I haven’t even mentioned the fantastic food choices.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Hotel in Venice
Blood Art
Hearts and Daggers
www.mjustes.com
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