Chicago: Architects, Authors & Al Capone – Oh, My!

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Oprah Winfrey may be the face of today’s Chicago, but there was a time when names like George “Bugs” Moran, Frank “Tight Lips” Gusenberg and Johnny “The Fox” Torrio trilled off the tongues of frightened citizens. And, while these mobsters of yesteryear have been swimming with the fishes for decades, the Windy City’s marriage to the mob simply can’t be silenced. But its history is much richer than just gangsters and guns. Chicago is filled with breathtaking architecture, epic eateries, campy sightseeing tours and a lakefront setting that makes this Midwestern metropolis unbelievably marvelous. With all that Chicago has to offer, is it any wonder why Sinatra crooned “My Kind of Town?” Hey Frank – It’s our kind of town, too!

WHERE TO STAY:
theWit
Feel witty, oh so witty when staying at theWit. Inspired by the book Wit, a collection of humorous and poignant quotes from the famous and infamous, this hotel certainly lives up to its name. The lobby, in all its minimalist glory, looks as if it belongs between the pages of an architectural magazine. Above is a collection of plush and stylish rooms boasting fainting couches, city views, and spa-inspired baths. The ROOF, the hotel’s crowning touch, is a destination in itself. Named one of the Top 10 Roof Bars in the country, this uber cool lounge features a retractable roof and offers tantalizing views coupled with tasty libations. As for location, State Street, that great street, is just beyond theWit’s threshold with Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue’s fleet of shops just a few walkable blocks away. www.thewithotel.com

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WHAT TO DO:
It’s not a matter of what to do, but how much time you have to do it. Chicago has plenty of distractions: A Cubs game at Wrigley Field, a visit to the zoo at Lincoln Park and shopping along Michigan Avenue. Here’s a few more attractions that are great for first-timers or returning visitors.

WHERE TO EAT:
THE PURPLE PIG
One thing about Chicago – you’ll never go hungry. There are so many great restaurants that it’s hard to know which one to choose. One eatery that’s never without a wait is The Purple Pig. Located along Michigan Avenue overlooking the river, this is the place to come when you want to get your pork on. With an emphasis on shareable plates and charcuterie, guests are treated to an array of succulent swine along with antipasti, house-cured salumi, seafood and an overwhelming selection of fromage. The mostly European wine list features affordable bottles as well as quartinos and wines by the glass. Hand-crafted cocktails, a bustling outdoor patio overlooking the river and late-night dining makes passersby green with envy as they observe the chosen ones at The Purple Pig. www.thepurplepigchicago.com

WHAT TO DO:
It’s not a matter of what to do, but how much time you have to do it. Chicago has plenty of distractions: A Cubs game at Wrigley Field, a visit to the zoo at Lincoln Park and shopping along Michigan Avenue. Here’s a few more attractions that are great for first-timers or returning visitors.

DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY ARCHITECTURAL TOUR
Chicago was the backdrop for the 1893 World’s Fair and after Erik Larson’s best-selling book, Devil in the White City, climbed to the top of the best sellers list it spawned a number of tours. Most tours focus on two remarkable events that occurred simultaneously: the 1893 World’s Fair and its architecture and America’s very own Jack the Ripper, Dr. H.H. Holmes, the nation’s first-known serial killer who used the fair as a way to lure his victims. The World’s Fair offered many famous firsts, including the Ferris wheel, Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix, Cracker Jack’s, Cream of Wheat, Quaker Oats, Hershey Chocolate, just to name a few. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a three-hour bus tour with a walking tour of the fairgrounds at Jackson Park. Other tour companies visit Dr. Holmes infamous murder castle, the Garden of the Phoenix. For a list of tours, visit www.choosechicago.com.