Chicago has many nicknames to describe the vibrant personality of the city. Some of the best known nicknames include "Chi-Town"; the "Windy City", and "Second City" due to the rebirth of the city after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. As you plan your trip and conference schedule, we encourage you to take time to explore the city that has something for everyone. Take advantage of the history and culture by visiting the various Chicago "neighborhoods" and Explore Chicago!

McCormick Place

McCormick Place is located right off Lake Michigan and close to many Chicago attractions. Neighboring the McCormick Place is an area referred to as the Museum Campus joining three in world-class establishments: Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the Alder Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. Solider Field which is home to the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire is also within walking distance. As you are planning your trip, use the CTA Trip Planner which will help you navigate the public transportation throughout Chicago. All you need to do is enter you starting and ending locations and it will give you which directions, transit routes, estimated time of travel, and what you will need for spending fare.

Explore the city...

Chicago's Downtown area has been historically referred to as The Loop. There are many attractions downtown. It contains the tallest members of the Chicago's skyline and much of the city's finest architecture. Visit the second tallest skyscraper in the world. The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) will offer some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Just a few miles from the conference hotels, you can visit Navy Pier to ride the Ferris wheel, enjoy food, and free entertainment. If you want to ice skate in the heart of Downtown Chicago visit Millennium Park right off Michigan Avenue. The 24.5-acre Park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers and break taking views of the city.

Chicago features some of the premier shopping and fashion in the country. North Michigan Avenue's "Magnificent Mile" has high-end stores of Louis Vuitton and Gucci, to the common place of Barnes and Noble, to the famous Water Tower Place/Mall, to fun hipster stores of American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. If you're not finding what you need on Michigan Avenue, check out State Street. State Street features the historic Marshall Field's building which is now Macy's on State, Nordstrom Rack, Filene's Basement, and much more. On the corner of Macy's on State, you can book a tour of the historic Chicago Theater or take great pictures in front of the famous Chicago Marquee. While you are in the Theater District, book tickets to a Broadway show.

There are many museums that you can visit during your stay in Chicago. In fact, if you purchase a Chicago CityPass, you will get discounted admission to five of the city's premier attractions: Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Alder Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Hancock Observatory or the Sear's Tower skydeck. Located in Chicago's Grant Park, is the Art Institute of Chicago Museum which is the second largest art museum in the United States. It houses some of the world's most notable collections of Impressionist, American, Asian, and Modern art. Many of the Chicago museums offer free days to the public. For a complete listing of Chicago museums and information about their free days visit http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_museums.htm.

Engage in the Culture...

Taste the unique Chicago cuisine such as Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish pizza, and Garrett's popcorn. You can take one of the many food tours that are offered in the city or visit some of the great steak houses like Harry Caray's, Gibsons, or Gene and Georgetti.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. There are 77 neighborhoods which feature some of the most culturally rich communities in the country. Visitors get to experience the strong identity and distinct character of each neighborhood. Some of the most popular neighborhoods around the McCormick Place are Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greek Town. All feature exotic foods, unique shops, and colorful festivities. Within the neighborhoods are some Chicago landmarks that you can't miss. Wrigleyville is home of the Chicago Cubs and The Metro, one of Chicago's most well known music venues. For more information about Chicago neighborhoods visit http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/neighborhoods.htmlce.

Listen to the sounds of Chicago jazz and blues. Kingston Mines offers the best blues in Chicago. For Jazz, visit Andy's Jazz Club or one of the oldest speakeasy's in Chicago The Green Mill. Tour the city through one of the many specialized tours that are offered. You can experience Chicago as it was in the 1920's through the eyes of Al Capone and the rest of the famous Chicago gangsters. The Untouchables Tour brings you back to prohibition and organized crime. You can learn more about how Chicago was built through one of the many Architectural tours and see the Wrigley building, Water Tower Place, and more.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

• CTA Trip Planner
• Explore Chicago
• Metromix Chicago

CITATIONS

• Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau
• Chicago Traveler