Chicago is a city
with soul. It is one of those rare places that makes you feel as if you belong
from the moment you arrive.
In the 1770s, a
black Haitian trader, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable founded a settlement at the
mouth of what is now known as the Chicago River. The area called by the
Indians, Eschikagou, which roughly translates as “smells like stinking onions”
– due to the foul odours from the swamps – metamorphosed into one of the
greatest cities in the USA and a world-class destination.
It is hard not to admire
the Windy City, as it is nicknamed. It has had its trials and
tribulations. It was devastated by the Great Fire of 1871 and had the
likes of Al Capone and John Dillinger winning it a reputation as a lawless city
during the 1920s and 30s. But, the home of Barrack Obama has, as I discovered,
the amazing ability to reinvent itself continually.
My idea of a holiday
is arriving in a city, walking round and getting under its skin and
delving into its psyche. From the moment I took my first stroll along Michigan
Avenue – dubbed the Magnificent Mile – renowned for its excellent shopping, I
was hooked.
Much more laid-back
and charming than New York, Chicago has a rather American mid-western feel
about it. This unpretentious city not only fizzes with excitement, it oozes
romance.
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Chicago skyline from the south
© City of Chicago
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From a boat cruising along the Chicago River, I gazed in awe at the buildings which could only be described as works of wonder. Standing out from the crowd of skyscrapers punctuating the clouds is the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), said to be the tallest building in America.
As evening was
approaching, I headed to the John Hannock Center and zoomed up in the lift to
the Observatory (recently renamed as 360 Chicago) where I stood mesmerised
watching the last rays of the sun disappear over Lake Michigan. It was pretty
spectacular.
I was too early for
this spring’s opening of the TILT, but I am not sure that I would have been brave
enough to enter the enclosed glass and steel platform which, as its name
suggests, tilts outward from the building’s 94th floor 1,000 ft
above the city’s spectacular skyline.
The next day I took
the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour of Oak Park. You don’t have to be a design buff to
appreciate the work of the man regarded as one of America’s finest and most
influential architects of the 20th century.
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The bridge opens
over the Chicago River
© Cesar Russ Photography |
Afterwards I
sauntered by Lake Michigan. In the sunlight, the aqua- blue water sparkled like
a jewel and it seemed to go on forever. It felt as if I was by the sea rather
than a lake. I stumbled on a great beach where I whiled away an hour or two.
Also on my agenda
was the highly-acclaimed Millennium Park brimming with 21-century architectural
gems and arguably one of the city’s star attractions. Try to catch a
performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Frank-Gehry designed Jay
Pritzker Pavilion. For a Ferris Wheel ride, the iconic Navy Pier is the place
to go.
I couldn’t resist delving into Chicago’s murky past, so I hopped on the “Untouchables Tour Bus” to get a taster of its notorious gangsters and learn a little history. It is touristy, but is a lot of fun.
I couldn’t resist delving into Chicago’s murky past, so I hopped on the “Untouchables Tour Bus” to get a taster of its notorious gangsters and learn a little history. It is touristy, but is a lot of fun.
Back in the present
and it was time to take advantage of Chicago’s superb cutting-edge restaurants.
It’s a foodie’s paradise catering for all tastes and budgets – well it is famed
for its hotdogs. It is virtually impossible to resist the temptation.
Proclaimed the
birthplace of the skyscraper and famed for baseball and jazz, I discovered
Chicago has so much more to offer. My only disappointment was I wasn’t there
for longer. Four days is just not enough to track down all the delights of what
has now become one of my top favourite American cities.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
British Airways offers a daily service from London Heathrow to Chicago fourteen times a week. Prices from £574.65 return including taxes/fees/carrier charges. To book or for more information including regional departures visit www.ba.com/Chicago or call 0844 493 0787
Efficient and
friendly staff always make it a pleasure to fly with this airline
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Hotel Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Lobby
©Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
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Stay at Sofitel
Chicago Water Tower, rates start from $157.50 USD (approx £95) including VAT.
For more information visit www.sofitel.com
A superb chic hotel
within minutes of the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan
