DK Travel : Chicago

Big-city sophistication combined with small-town hospitality create the perfect blend in this, the Mid west’s largest city. Chicago’s influential architecture, cuisine for every budget and taste, great shopping, diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and outstanding museums are reason enough for a visit. And the icing on the cake? The city boasts a lakefront and park system that are as beautiful as they are recreational.

Fourth Presbyterian Church

The first Fourth Presbyterian church, dedicated in 1871, celebrated its first sermon just hours before it was incinerated in the Great Fire. Rebuilt in 1914 when Magnificent Mile was the little-used Pine Street, today’s church offers often peaceful respite from the now highly commercial boulevard. Designed by Ralph Adams Cram, one of the architects behind New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, it’s not surprising that this church boasts a cathedral-like interior, with an impressive stained-glass west window. A tranquil courtyard is often the place for classical concerts in summer.
Francesca’s on Taylor

The Little Italy branch of Wrigleyville’s Mia Francesca offers generous portions of refined Italian cuisine at reasonable prices.
Francis Dewes Mansion

Nostalgic German immigrant Francis Dewes, a self-made millionaire, commissioned this elaborate home in 1896. Built in the eclectic Gründerzeit style – a German counterpart to Beaux Arts – its entrance steps, stone statues, and ornate carved curlicues certainly stand out from the neat rows of adjacent brick apartment buildings. Interior highlights include mosaic floors, a fountain, and wrought-iron chandeliers.
Frango Mints

Marshall Field’s doesn’t make these meltaway mint chocolates anymore, but it still sells them by the box-full.
Frank Lloyd Wright

Inspired by the wide open spaces of the Midwest, Wright (see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park) was the originator of the Prairie style.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park

Frank Lloyd Wright, creator of Prairie Style architecture, was based in this Chicago suburb for 20 years. His legacy is an “outdoor museum” of 25 buildings. Take a self-guided or guided tour of his creations and those of other Prairie Style architects.
Free Things to do in Chicago

When I prepared for my travel to Chicago, I found this website, Free Things to Do in Chicago at http://chicagofree.info and it was a comprehensive summary of all the latest free things to do in Chicago. This site provides information on free museums, free events, free parks, free concerts, free outdoor events and other free stuff.
Frontera Grill

Chef Rick Bayless’ regional Mexican cuisine warrants the two margarita waits that inevitably face diners here.
Frontera Grill

Signature restaurant of chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill is credited with bringing authentic regional Mexican food – rather than Tex-Mex taco fare – stateside. Chili-roasted salsas and rich moles accompany grilled meats and delicious seafood. Since reservations are only available for parties of more than six, seats in the colorful, folk art-filled room go early as smaller groups try to avoid disappointment.
Funky Buddha Lounge

This favorite is easily identified by the fat, happy Buddha statue outside. Inside, a mixed crowd of urban hipsters and young professionals sip everything from beer to bubbly in the low-ceilinged lounge. As the evening unfolds, the dance floor heats up with clubbers grooving to soul, salsa, hip-hop, R&B, house, rap, and reggae.

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Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, tax, and a 15–20%% tip.
- under $20
- $20–30
- $30–45
- $45–60
- over $60