Chicago is the home of the contemporary architectural trends; A privileged playground for designers who have long sought to touch the skies and sweep records, the city was recently home to the tallest skyscraper in the world. The city skyline is dominated by some of the ten tallest buildings on the planet: the Trump Tower which notably contains the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago and the John Hancock Center whose observatory offers 360 ° panoramas on the city and its surroundings, within a radius of almost 130 km.
Four days to take the pulse of Chicago, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Nicknamed “second city” in comparison with New York, the City of Winds has nothing to envy its rival. With an incredible architecture that we owe to the most famous architects on the planet such as Sullivan, Burnham or Frank Lloyd Wright, it also benefits from a superb natural setting with its Millenium Park and Lake Michigan. A city that can be discovered on foot as well as by bicycle, metro, and boat.
First, you need to get Go Chicago Cards which are precious cards that give access to the main attractions of the city, in particular: — The Art Institute of Chicago — Frank Lloyd Wright’s house and studio — The Skydeck Ledge, observation post located on the 103rd floor in the Willis Tower and which offers privileged views of the Chicago urban panorama from its glass cabins — A cruise on the theme of architecture — A bike ride.
Do not forget to plan for an evening at the Andy’s Jazz Club (dinner and show).
Most of the legendary clubs on the South Side and the West Side where the glorious elders played, such as Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Elmore James and Hound Dog Taylor, have now disappeared. Chicago nevertheless remains a scene of active blues and jazz where clubs are still numerous. The Andy’s Jazz Club is one of them.
Stroll through the parks, and in particular the Millenium Park on the shore of Lake Michigan, dotted with sculptures and interactive fountains with giant screens, a boat trip on Lake Michigan, and visit one of the countless museums.
In your last day, in the evening, attend a stand up show played on Broadway, a sports meeting, or relax in a small blues or jazz bar.
Get a car and drive to Saugatuck, a haven of tranquility between sand dunes and Lake Michigan, two hours from Chicago. Saugatuck is a small town built in the early 19th century located in a curve of the Kalamazoo river (which means “boiling water” in the language of the Potawatomi Indians) just before reaching Lake Michigan — practical to protect yourself from the wind. With its art galleries, its boutiques, its marinas and its beaches, it has become a holiday resort for city dwellers in search of the great outdoors, without losing anything of its authenticity. Many artists now come to find refuge there; the city is home to a renowned art school, the OxBow.
Reach the city center and stroll through the shops, art galleries and studios, pubs and small cafes — treat yourself to a moment of idleness on Oval Beach or practice all kinds of nautical activities: kayaking, paddle, boat, fishing … — a bike ride, or snowshoeing why not depending on the season, in the Saugatuck Dunes State Park — a yoga session in the early morning, to get fit — work swing on one of the golf courses adjoining the city — a wine tasting in a cellar in the region — attend a concert or a theater performance at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts — drink a beer, a cider or a glass of 100% local wine in a pub in town…
Thank you for reading.
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