Lake Michigan, Chicago

Condé Nast TravelerJul 10

Falling Back in Love With Chicago, After Years Living in New York

A native Chicagoan returns to realize that the city's food, culture, and good nature may just make the Midwestern powerhouse the most likable city in America.

18.5 miles of uninterrupted paths stretch along its shore

25 things in this story

Obama Presidential CenterMuseumdebuted in June in a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted
Lake MichiganSight18.5 miles of uninterrupted paths stretch along its shore
Volume GalleryPlaceClaire Warner's design gallery in West Town
Claire ZeislerPlacefiber work displayed at Volume Gallery
Sheila HicksPlacefiber artist, peer of Claire Zeisler
Jeanne GangPlacearchitect of Aqua Tower and The St. Regis Chicago
Aqua TowerSightfeatures undulating concrete balconies inspired by limestone
Mariane IbrahimPlaceart dealer with a Chicago outpost in West Town
Monique MelochePlacegallery owner next door to Mariane Ibrahim
Theaster GatesGalleryartist, creator of The Land School
Kerry James MarshallPlaceartist mentioned by Mariane Ibrahim
Nick CavePlaceartist, creator of works for Obama Center campus
The Duck InnRestaurantBridgeport restaurant famed for its "duck dog"
Kevin HickeyPlaceowner of The Duck Inn, Michelin-starred chef
Longman & EagleRestaurantcorner joint awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Goodman TheatreTheatreA major part of the Chicago theatre scene, it is the city's oldest currently active nonprofit theater organization.
Lyric Opera HouseSightauthor saw Mikhail Baryshnikov perform here
St. Regis ChicagoHotel101-story skyscraper with subtle, organic waves of glass
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox ChurchPlace of worshiplandmark in the author's childhood Greek neighborhood
Auditorium TheatreTheatreLouis Sullivan-codesigned building, called greatest room for music
Rick BaylessPlaceaward-winning chef, restaurateur, media personality
Frontera GrillRestaurantmust-visit for authentic and inventive Mexican dishes
RL ChicagoRestaurantRalph Lauren's clubby yet intimate spot
Mon Ami GabiRestaurantFrench bistro in Lincoln Park
El CheCafésteakhouse celebrated for live-fire cooking

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Smithsonian MagazineJun 18

Here's How the Obama Presidential Center Is Different From Other Presidents' Museums

More than a library and archives, the new Chicago institution is a place for the community to gather, talk and play together

25 things in this story

Obama Presidential CenterMuseumsprawling center on South Side
Jackson ParkPark19-acre park surrounding center
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and MuseumMuseumLocated on the grounds of Springwood, the Roosevelt family estate, it holds the records of Franklin Delano Roosevelt,…
LBJ Presidential LibraryMuseumTickets may be purchased at the admissions desk or in advance.
Barack Obama Presidential LibraryMuseumpart of National Archives
Chicago Public LibraryPlacenewest branch onsite
President’s Reading RoomPlacein Chicago Public Library branch
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryMuseumWelcome to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — one of the largest science centers in the Western Hemisphere.
Statue of the RepublicPublic artworksmaller version in Jackson Park
Lincoln MemorialPublic artworklocation of Lincoln statue
Robie HouseAttractionThe Frederick C.
Hyde ParkNeighborhoodBut our neighborhood guide will get you off on the right foot.
World's Columbian ExpositionFestivalThe centerpiece of the Fair, held in Jackson Park, was a large…
College ParkNeighborhoodlocation of Obama library
Washington, D.C.Neighborhoodlocation of Lincoln Memorial
Sky RoomPlaceeighth-floor observation deck
Griffin MuseumMuseumWelcome to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — one of the largest science centers in the Western Hemisphere.
Home CourtPlacebasketball court on campus
City of the Big ShouldersPlacethree-story painting in atrium
Tafari CampbellPlacelate chef honored by restaurant
University of ChicagoPlace
Lake MichiganSight
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie HouseSight
World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893Festival
AustinNeighborhood

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Condé Nast TravelerJun 17

35 Best Hotels in Chicago for a True Taste of Midwestern Hospitality

Since you'll need more than one visit to scratch the surface of this beautiful city, here's where we stay when we go.

24 things in this story

Magnificent MileNeighborhoodLocated on the city's famed street.
Loews Chicago HotelHotelLively communal areas, sleek rooms, excellent food.
Pendry ChicagoHotelRejuvenating a 1929 architectural icon.
The Guesthouse HotelHotelOne of the few true neighborhood hotels.
Hotel EMC2, Autograph CollectionHotelScience-meets-art theme with sleek, contemporary design.
Arlo ChicagoHotelHip design and thoughtful amenities.
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by HiltonHotelMost enviable tourist location on Navy Pier.
L7 Chicago by LotteHotelEmphasis on arts, wellness, and warm hospitality.
Nobu Hotel ChicagoHotelSerene retreat from the city.
OffshoreBarRooftop spot for a cocktail or mocktail.
Navy PierFerry terminalViews from certain lake-facing rooms.
RiverwalkTrailA block or two away.
Art Institute of ChicagoMuseumA bit farther.
The AlbertRestaurantOn-site restaurant references Albert Einstein.
Millennium ParkParkThe park, opened in July 2004, is a prominent civic center near the city's Lake Michigan shoreline that covers a…
Lobby Restaurant and BarRestaurantDinner is fun and pronounced.
ETA RestaurantRestaurantPopular spot for breakfast with hearty selections.
Streeterville SocialRestaurantLively rooftop serving seasonal cocktails.
LiricaRestaurantGround floor restaurant serving pan-Latin surf and turf.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue ChicagoHotelNamed for pioneering female sculptor Gwen Lux.
Graduate EvanstonHotelNods to Northwestern University throughout.
The Graduate Homestead RoomRestaurantCozy lounge and restaurant offering seasonal dishes.
Nobu restaurantRestaurantDraws diners with chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes.
Lake MichiganSight

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Lake Michigan

In the coverage3 stories

Falling Back in Love With Chicago, After Years Living in New York

Here's How the Obama Presidential Center Is Different From Other Presidents' Museums

35 Best Hotels in Chicago for a True Taste of Midwestern Hospitality