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Chicago Magnified

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 10 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #6124 in Travel, #180631 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

A City Like No Other, This is Chicago Magnified

 

Beating a path of it's own, Chicago is crammed full of unique experiences and destinations.  Known as the Second City, Chicago is second to none when it comes to cultural venues, festivals, nightlife, diverse cuisine, loyalty to our teams, and pride in our city.

Set up as a guide for those visiting Chicago as well as native Chicagoans, this lens is updated regularly to focus on attractions, restaurants and events taking place all over the city.

Essential Chicago 

Landmarks, Sights and Places Every Visitor Must See

This month we look at all the free stuff Chicago has to offer for the remainder of the summer. For the complete list of 100 Free Things To Do in Chicago, click here. Let me know how you liked the light show at Buckingham Fountain, and what you thought of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Past features of Essential Chicago:
Essential Chicago: What Every Visitor Should See
Best Free Places In Chicago
Guide to Chicago Festivals

Essential Chicago Guides 

Even though I live here I use these guides to learn more about my town.

Explore Chicago With Books 

Some of my favorite books on Chicago!

Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago

Amazon Price: $49.03 (as of 10/11/2008)

A View from the River: The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (Pomegranate Catalog, No. A537)

Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 10/11/2008)

Chicago In and Around the Loop : Walking Tours of Architecture and History

Amazon Price: $18.21 (as of 10/11/2008)

Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark (Historical Studies of Urban America)

Amazon Price: $32.85 (as of 10/11/2008)

Graveyards of Chicago: The People, History, Art, and Lore of Cook County Cemeteries

Amazon Price: $11.25 (as of 10/11/2008)

Hot Dogs and Deep Dish 

What to eat and where to find it

Tapas have made their way from Spain to the streets of Chicago, but not all of it is good. This article takes you to three of the best Tapas Retaurants in Chicago so you can skip the hunt and enjoy the food.

Past Features in Chicago Dining:
Where to Get a Hot Dog in Chicago
Lao Sze Chuan Chinese Restaurant

Chicago Nightlife 

Looking for a way to liven up your usual late night escapades? Head to a Latin club for a little Salsa music and dancing.

Here is a Guide to the Best Latin Nights in Chicago.

Past Features of Chicago Nightlife:
Transit Nightclub in Chicago
Club 720- Four Nightclubs in One
Zentra Nightclub in Chicago- Where Chicago House Meets Hindi
Wet Nightclub: More Hype Than Anything Else
Guide to the Weed Street District

Chicago Year Round 

Seasonal guides to Chicago

Strolling down the Magnificent Mile has never been more fashionable. Take a break from shopping this summer and enjoy the gardens Where fashion meets botany.

Past seasonal guides to Chicago:
A Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching
Fun Winter Activities in Chicago
Great Indoor Winter Family Activities
Free Holiday Family Events in the Windy City

My Fav YouTube Videos Featuring ChiTown 

Lollapalooza 2006 0 points

Chicago | 540 days in the 2nd City 0 points

Chicago 2016 candidate city 0 points

Hit The Road 

Chicago Destinations by car and Road Tripping From the City

Any of the quaint towns lying along the Fox River make a perfect day trip from the city. Discover Dundee as you bike along the river and stop to do some shopping in the many unique stores that line either river bank.

Off the Beaten Path Chicago Guides 

Some Resources I found Useful

Chicago Off the Beaten Path, 3rd (Off the Beaten Path Series)

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 10/11/2008)

Hiking & Biking in the Fox River Valley

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Just For Fun 

Random Chicago Stuff

My Favorite Hotels in Chicago 

For the weekends I play tourist!

The Palmer House Hilton

The Palmer House Hilton

Great view, even better location! I hate leaving this place.

4 out of 5 stars
From $189 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room

Hotel Monaco Chicago - a Kimpton Hotel

225 North Wabash - one block off of Michigan Ave and 1 block south of the river

Hotel location - situated in the center of downtown Chicago this oasis of Style and elegance is convenient to north Michigan...

No matter what room you get, you'll love it!

4 out of 5 stars
From $269 per night*
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
Hotel Features
  • Pool
  • Pets allowed
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness Room
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Plan Your Own Trip to Chicago! 

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Tell me what you like about my town! 

Jobanjo

I love that big shiny Chicago Bean! Stayed at the Palmer House Hilton ... great location. Fab lens, enjoyed reading it! :)

Posted April 16, 2008

GypsyPirate

Wonderful lens, you have great information in here! I'm glad you joined us in the Squidoo City Guide!

Posted September 24, 2007

HCD

Great job on this lens! I love Chicago. It's a beautiful clean city.I grew up there and Chicago will always have my heart. I now live close to NYC, but I miss Chicago. It's my kinda town!!

Posted September 06, 2007

The_Bard

Super lens! Great title. Welcome to the Tru-Travel Group.

Posted September 06, 2007

Nemos1271

Nice lens. Being from the Chicago area, it's nice to see our great city getting some love! Lots of info... great job!

Posted September 06, 2007

 
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