DEL.ICIO.USFROM ATLANTA TO ... CHICAGO
Three ways to see Chicago
One city. Three price points. See the country your way.
For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Chicago Sun-Times / 2004 photo
An aerial perspective of the 24-acre Millennium Park.
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BUDGET
Getting there
Inexpensive seats aren’t difficult to find with four airlines — AirTran, American, Delta and United — offering several nonstop flights a day to O’Hare and Midway. Sales pop up about twice a month, with one-way rates averaging $89. Skip the rental car hassle and take the train from the airport into downtown for under $2.
Stay
The best bet for budget prices at three- to four-star hotels along the Magnificent Mile or along Lake Michigan is online travel shops such as Hotwire.com. You select the star category and a neighborhood and then choose from the results. The name and location of the hotel (typically well-known chains) will be revealed after you make a nonrefundable purchase.
Eat
Ed Debevic’s is a famous downtown retro diner with a 1950s-style menu — soups, salads, sandwiches, great burgers and fountain creations. $1-$15. 640 N. Wells St., 312-664-1707. Or pack a picnic (sandwiches “as big as your head” from Perry’s Deli, 180 N. Franklin St.) and visit Millennium Park, featuring a tree-lined promenade and dazzling views of the city.
Experience
Visit the Navy Pier in the evening for fireworks (Fridays, Saturdays) with a background view of the sparkling skyline. Ride the Ferris wheel (built for the 1893 World’s Fair) and peek into the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows (free entrance).
MODERATE
Getting there
Most all major airlines fly to the Windy City, but plan on paying nearly $500 round trip for any spur-of-the-moment travel.
Stay
The newly renovated Swissôtel is perfectly located on the Magnificent Mile. This AAA four-diamond glass triangular landmark sits between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. It has oversize guest rooms and awesome city views. Double rates from $229 are offered through Dec. 30. 323 E. Wacker Drive. 312-565-0565, www.swissotelchicago.com.
Eat
More than two dozen dates remain on the Chicago Dine-Around evening — a progressive three-hour dining tour. Participants are chauffeured around to enjoy hors d’oeuvres at the first restaurant, a main course at a second restaurant and dessert at a third. The $79 per-person price includes transportation, tour guides and meals. Reservations mandatory. 312-437-3463, www.chicagodinearound.com.
Experience
It’s free, fun and exhilarating. Take the tour of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange during weekday trading hours. 20 S. Wacker Drive. www.cme.com. Admission to other attractions is included at $59, adults; $49, ages 4-11, with a Chicago Citypass. Highlights include the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry and a choice of a visit to the Hancock Observatory or a Fast Pass to the Sears Tower Skydeck. www.citypass.com.
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SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way first-class rates of $338 are offered by all airlines serving Chicago.
Stay
Some guests at the Four Seasons Chicago were asked to leave a little something behind in their room. The two-bedroom Author Suite (nearly 1,400 square feet) on the 46th floor has personalized editions of books penned by Anne Rice, Oliver Stone, Margaret Thatcher and Stephen King. $1,700 per night year-round. 120 E. Delaware Place. 312-280-8800, www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs.
Eat
Alinea is the place to splurge for innovative and inspiring menus and dishes. A 13-course tasting menu is $145 per person. A 27-course “tour” menu is $225. 1723 N. Halsted. 312-867-0110, www.alinea-restaurant.com.
Experience
Visit Second City Theater for improv, song and nightly comedy shows. This 45-year institution is where John Belushi, Mike Myers and Bill Murray launched their careers. $20-$25. 312-337-3992, www.secondcity.com. Or tour two architectural gems designed by Frank Lloyd Wright — his first home and studio and the Robie House of Hyde Park. Several guided and self-guided tours are offered. $12. 708-848-1976, www.gowright.org.
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