traveldk.com

Soul musician and social activist (1942–99), Mayfield had his first hit For Your Precious Love at age 17.

Daley Plaza with its famed Picasso sculpture was the setting for a sensational chase scene in cult movie classic The Blues Brothers (1980). Stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, playing ex-criminal brothers, dramatically crash their car through the center’s plate-glass windows, specially installed for the filming, as the authorities hopelessly attempt to stop them.

The location of the county court headquarters, Daley Plaza is best known for its giant steel unnamed Picasso sculpture (1967), donated by the artist. It was mocked when unveiled, but is now a city icon.

Visionary city planner and architect, Burnham (1846–1912) was the man behind the White City (see The Museum’s Origins).

This hotel is Chicago’s highest-rated Days Inn. Free passes to the fitness center next door are part of the deal when you stay here. Guest rooms include facilities such as microwaves and refrigerators.

Chicagoans who crave cheap, authentic Indian food head north to Devon Avenue in Rogers Park. Nineteenth-century English settlers named it after Devonshire, but since the 1960s, it’s been a thriving Indian community, mingled with Russian, Greek, Syrian, and Jewish enclaves. From colorful saris to Indian videos to savory curried meats, it’s almost like being in Delhi.

In feel-good film Hero (1992) John Bubber (Andy Garcia) dupes the public into thinking he’s a hero. Feeling guilty, he resolves to jump off a window ledge at The Drake. Reality interrupted the filming when guests arrived for a party at the hotel. Director Stephen Frears protested so violently, he almost got arrested.

Named for Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first settler (who was of African descent), this museum chronicles the African-American experience. There is a powerful exhibit on slavery, complete with shackles, while temporary displays cover topics such as early black millionaires, African hair art, and the Kwanzaa holiday celebration.