FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Chicago: City Of Big Shoulders

by Gtrav

Dec 1, 2008
2008 / December 2008

ChicagoPoet Carl Sandburg dubbed Chicago the “City of the Big Shoulders.” It fits. These shoulders support everything from Picasso’s paintings to bustling steel mills, from hot dog stands to world-famous cuisine. Most cities pale in comparison to this ethnically diverse urban enclave whose stunning skyline erupts from the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago was born in the late 18th century as a fur trading post. Because of its strategic location between Lake Michigan and the Chicago and Des Plaines rivers, it grew into a giant metropolis. The shadows of its notorious past — the Great Fire of 1871, the “hot-air” politicians who inspired its “Windy City” nickname, the Capone/ Dillinger gangster era of the 1920s and 1930s, the Democratic National Convention and race riots of the 1960s — can do little to diminish its present-day positives.

Visitors with just a few free hours can find unique things to do here. Most downtown hotels cater to convention and business travelers and are quite close to tourist attractions, including the world’s third-tallest building, the Sears Tower. Unfortunately, its Skydeck is often enveloped in clouds. For more picturesque vistas, try the John Hancock Observatory or snap the best panoramic photograph atop the 150-foot Ferris wheel at the Navy Pier (www.navypier.com). Stroll the pier’s half-mile walkway over Lake Michigan to browse entertainment venues and shops.

Chicago’s prime shopping and people-watching mecca is the Magnificent Mile (www.themagnificentmile.com), where a stretch of Michigan Avenue is crowded with upscale malls, designer boutiques and big-name stores including Bloomingdale’s, Crate and Barrel and Nordstrom’s.

At Millennium Park (www.millenniumpark.org), just south of the Magnificent Mile, Anish Kapoor’s polished steel sculpture Cloud Gate— affectionately called “The Bean” by Chicagoans — reflects a fish-eye landscape. The park’s other showstoppers are the towering stainless steel ribbons on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the twin 50-foot talking fountains. Bronze lions guard the main entrance of the Art Institute of Chicago (www.artic.edu) farther south on Michigan Avenue. Inside are exhibits encompassing artistry from around the world, including Grant Wood’s American Gothic and one of the four surviving Water Lilies by Claude Monet.

Those attending a convention at McCormick Place can drop in at the nearby Museum Campus — home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. And if you have time for just one tour, book it with the Chicago Architectural Foundation (www.architecture.org) — the city is full of stunning architecture.

Save time to sample Chicago’s famous chow. The cellar-like atmosphere of Pizzeria Uno (29 E. Ohio St., tel 312 321 1000) hasn’t changed since the gooey deep-dish concoction was first created in 1943. A favorite of comedian Jay Leno, sloppy Italian beef sandwiches at Mr. Beef on Orleans (666 N. Orleans St., tel 312 337 8500) will have you licking your fingers. Gibson’s (1028 N. Rush St., tel 312 266 8999) is carnivore heaven — juicy steaks are so big, the only thing missing are the horns and the tail. The most discerning food aficionados savor small-plate creations at the world-renowned Alinea (1723 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park, tel 312 867 0110).

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
September 2024
Sep 11, 2024

Barcelona Serves a Full Menu of After-Hours Treats

Barcelona comes alive after 5 for tapeando at bars, where drinks pair with tapas in small-plate portions, bite-sized pintxos on bread, or sharing-size raciones. Order anchovies, olives, marinated mushrooms, chorizo, jamón ibérico (ham), grilled shrimp, pan con tomate (garlicy tomato spread on baguette), patatas bravas (fried potato cubes in a spicy sauce), tortilla omelet, or lobster in brandy and tuna tartare.

Why Seoul?

Seoul is the place to host your next international meeting or event.

Daily
Sep 11, 2024

How to Indulge in Boutique Luxury in Coastal Mississippi

Not quite ready to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots? Head to laid-back, still- warm Coastal Mississippi. Steeped in Southern charm and dotted with quirky waterside towns, it’s the perfect destination antidote to temperature drops in other parts of the country. Here are a few boutique hotels to consider as a base for a getaway:

eFlyer Reviews
Sep 11, 2024

The Somerset on Grace Bay Review

If you’re taking a large family getaway or a “friendcation,” regular hotel rooms might not cut it. Even if you book adjoining rooms or a more spacious suite, accommodations most likely still won’t have all of the amenities to make your stay as comfortable as it could be. But if your brood happens to be planning a beach getaway to Turks & Caicos, The Somerset on Grace Bay can provide an inviting oceanside home away from home.

Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid

With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.

eFlyer News
Sep 11, 2024

Aurora Expeditions Expands Beyond the Polar Regions in 2026

Aurora Expeditions announced an expansion to new destinations beyond the Polar regions, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic Coast and Southeast Asia, a first for the brand. As part of its new 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, the travel company introduces a brand-new style of exploration: small-ship cruises.

eFlyer Lead
Sep 11, 2024

Bali Bans New Hotel, Tourism Developments

Indonesia just announced a moratorium on the building of new hotels, nightclubs and villas in some areas of Bali in a bid to control overdevelopment of the land and reform tourism on the popular resort island.

Elevate Your Travels with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

What if you could earn rewards and benefits when traveling, shopping and relaxing at any IHG-branded hotel? Well, you can with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Daily
Sep 11, 2024

AmaWaterways Introduces Stateroom Upgrade Program

AmaWaterways officially launched its new Stateroom Upgrade Program, allowing travelers to enhance their river cruise experience by upgrading to a higher category stateroom. Guests who already reserved a river cruise can participate in an online auction system to request and bid for stateroom upgrades. The program offers cruisers the chance to name their ideal price for an upgrade on select sailings.