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Near Archer & Wentworth
Chicago, IL 60616
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The decorative gate on Archer Avenue leaves little doubt what part of the city we’re in, and the crowded streets are crammed with authentic restaurants and shops. Though Chinatown might be the most colorful of Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods, it’s by no means the only one. You don’t have to look too far to find enclaves of Indian, Italian, Latino, and even Swedish immigrant communities. If you’ve got some extra time in the city, any of these neighborhoods are well worth exploring.
Macy's on State Street (Marshall Field's)
111 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-781-3088
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No trip to Chicago would be complete without a trip to the Macy’s on State Street, which until a couple of years ago was known as Marshall Field’s. This location has been a retail institution in the city for nearly 120 years. And, with its trademark clocks and gorgeous interior, the building is just as attractive as any merchandise on the shelves. Marshall Field, the store’s namesake, moved here in 1856 at the age of 21, and slowly but surely became the richest and most powerful man in Chicago. Though it officially became Macy’s in 2005, to a lot of people in Chicago, it will always be Marshall Field’s.
Magnificent Mile Shopping
North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.642.3570
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More than anything else, the Magnificent Mile is all about shopping. Shopping for you, shopping for grandma, shopping for your kid, shopping for your kid’s doll, you name it. If it’s for sale, it’s probably for sale somewhere along Michigan Avenue. Believe it or not, there are over 450 different stores and four separate shopping malls crammed into this relatively small area. Whether it’s in one of the malls or along the avenue, there is sure to be something, somewhere that is exactly what you wanted, even if you didn’t know that you wanted it.
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 800-595-PIER
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The focus at the Navy Pier is on family-friendly activities and attractions, and it might be just the antidote when you notice your nine-year-old’s eyes start to glaze over at the Art Institute. Besides the rides and games, there’s plenty of shopping and dining to be done here as well. Dozens of stores and restaurants cater mostly to the younger set, and there are plenty of Chicago-style goodies on hand for a quick snack on the go. However, the action at the Navy Pier doesn’t end at sunset. For those of us who don’t have 9:00 bedtime, there’s the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, an intimate, 500-seat venue that presents the Bard’s works and other classic dramas in its unique and accessible style. Nearby, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows may sound like a yawn, but actually it’s a pretty interesting look at an art form that we sometimes take for granted. You can finish your date night at Riva, the Pier’s most elegant restaurant, or even take a romantic moonlight cruise on Lake Michigan. Believe me, there area lot worse ways to end your evening.
Water Tower Place
North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-440-3166
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Water Tower Place is one of four different malls on the Magnificent Mile, all near the Chicago Water Tower. Built in 1867, the Water Tower itself rather odd-looking limestone structure, which is one of the very few that survived the fire of 1871. It’s no longer a functioning Water Tower, but it has become a symbol of the rebirth of the city. The mall on the other hand is quite a different story. With its eight-story atrium and indoor fountains, it's one of the prime destinations on Michigan Avenue. On the other side of the street is 900 North Michigan Avenue, another mall nearly as big and just as elegant.