History, culture, and commerce collide on Chicago’s densely-packed Near North side. This area is a pleasure to explore on foot, whether motivated by a penchant for shopping or an appreciation of fine art and architecture. The city’s toniest shopping boulevard – the Magnificent Mile, a.k.a. the Mag Mile – bridges the posh 19th-century mansions of the lakeside Gold Coast (which has its own clutch of upscale boutiques) and the former industrial warehouses of River North, now mostly converted into art galleries. In addition to these, two local art museums prove that “exhibitionism” in Chicago isn’t just about the Art Institute (see Collections). But ultimately, it’s the Magnificent Mile on a Saturday that says more about Midwestern vitality and giddy American consumerism than any other Chicago experience.
-
Morning
Line up early with the locals for a fortifying stack at The Original Pancake House (22 E. Bellevue Pl.). Afterward, stroll south on Rush Street to Oak Street. Take a left and walk the most exclusive shopping block in the city, where you can pop into stores such as Barneys New York. Once you hit Michigan Avenue, it’s a short jaunt to the John Hancock Center and its sky-high views. Back on terra firma, cross the street to the Historic Water Tower for a closeup look at a piece of Chicago’s history. Lovers of modern art should cross Michigan again and head to the Museum of Contemporary Art with its spacious galleries and sculpture garden.
Afternoon
Everyone will get what they want for lunch at Foodlife, a gourmet food court on the second level of the mall in Water Tower Place . You can shop the seven floors of Chicago’s first ever vertical mall, and then shop some more – and sightsee – along the Magnificent Mile . If you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll over to the The Drake for high tea, which serves until 5pm.
Evening
Alternatively, NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago serves stylish contemporary fare (reservations needed), as befits the neighborhood. Or just join the smart set over cocktails at the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago .
-
Parents accompanying girls age four to 12 make a beeline to this store, the only retail outlet of the popular American Girl line of dolls. A theater and café (see The Café at American Girl Place) supplement three floors devoted to dolls, books, and accessories.
-
Women’s apparel with a bohemian bent and housewares gathered from around the world sell briskly at this loft-like store.
-
This branch of the Big Apple’s downtown department store draws together the latest cosmetics, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and men’s and women’s apparel in a minimalist, open-plan, tri-level space.
-
A wine bar of warehouse proportions, Bin 36 engenders an infectious enthusiasm for wine and food. The many small dishes encourage sampling.
-
An outpost of New York’s hometown department store that features in-store designer boutiques and a well-stocked shoe department.
-
In the gallery district Coco Pazzo prepares dramatic, earthy Italian cuisine in an impressive loft space.
-
Amid the River North fine art galleries, Fly By Nite sells Art Nouveau and Art Deco decorative arts, including malachite jewelry, art-glass lamps and vases, and collectible pottery.
-
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.
-
Chef Rick Bayless’ regional Mexican cuisine warrants the two margarita waits that inevitably face diners here.
-
Restaurant price categories
Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, tax, and a 15–20%% tip.
-
Advertisement
-
-
tracolimus's Prague guide
tracol
-
EURO TRIP Munich guide
sulas3
-
Prague guide
Chroni
-
ibrgic's London guide
ibrgic
-
megs55's Prague guide
Laurel
-
-
-
The Wanderer's Beijing guide
The Wa
-
Ligia's Paris guide
ligian
-
Barcelona guide
Europe
-
A Tour of London (with Food)
Accide
-
Paris guide
rosale
-
Firstimers Las Vegas guide
erinen
-
-
St Patrick's Day in ChicagoThe first St Patrick's Day parade in Chicago took place on 17 March, 1843. Now every year a magnificent street parade thrills spectators in the downtown area of the city. Read more
-
Art ChicagoArt Chicago at Butler Field is the most important art fair in the United States. Around 200 galleries exhibit and sell the work of about 3000 artists, from famous names to the up-and-coming and... Read more
-
Mayor Daley's Kids and Kites FestivalThe sky in Chicago fills with colourful kites during Mayor Daley's annual Kids and Kites Festival, held on Cricket Hill, at Lake Shore Drive and Montrose, in Lincoln Park. Read more
-
Chicago Blues FestivalEvery spring, the lakefront in Grant Park is packed with blues fans for the Chicago Blues Festival. Headliners in 2008 are Johnny Winter with James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Buckwheat Zydeco and... Read more
![[+]](/images/button-addtoguide.gif)
symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
