City Spotlight: Chicago

• The Purple Pig at 500 N Michigan Ave, for delicious Mediterranean small plates chased with fine wine.
• Piccolo Sogno at 464 N Halsted St, for rustic Italian fare.
• Nico Osteria at 1015 N Rush St, for high end Italian food and fresh seafood.
• Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria at 805 S State St, for classic Chicago style deep dish pizza.
• Lula Cafe at 2536 N Kedzie Ave, for an outstanding farm-to-table brunch.
• Brunch at 644 N Orleans St, for classic brunch food or a light lunch.
• Hoosier Mama Pie Company at 1618 ½ Chicago Ave, for a slice (or two) of tasty pie.
• Avec at 615 Randolph St, a French bistro perfect for a romantic date night.
• Crosby’s Kitchen at 3455 N Southport Ave, for a kid-friendly dining experience.

• Hard Rock Hotel at 333 N Dearborn St, for an uber-hip atmosphere and a perfect location.
• Kinzie Hotel at 20 W Kinzie St, for a boutique experience close to Millennium Park.
• ACME Hotel Company Chicago at 15 East Ohio Street, for a trendy spot and comfortable stay.
• The Langham at 330 N Wabash Ave, for a beautiful and romantic experience.
• Swissotel Chicago at 323 E Upper Wacker Dr, for a truly family-friendly experience with kid-friendly suites.
• Best Western Grant Park Hotel at 1100 S Michigan St, for an affordable room without scrimping on quality.

Chicago is such a wonderful city — you certainly won’t be bored. Here are just a few highlights:

• Navy Pier — take the little ones through the Chicago Children’s Museum, ride the ferris wheel, catch a 3D film at the IMAX Theater, or hop on a harbor cruise. Don’t forget Giordano’s Pizza.
• Willis Tower — some still call it the Sears Tower, but the Skydeck Chicago with The Ledge — a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor — is an exhilarating experience.
• Grant Park — an urban oasis full of great walking paths and photo ops.
• Art Institute of Chicago — a world-class museum with hundreds of thousands of works spanning thousands of years.
• Wrigley Field — don’t pass up the chance to see a Cubs game. The energy is like no other.
• Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile — one of the most beautiful boulevards in the country, with plenty of boutiques, galleries and high end shops.
• The Museum of Science and Industry — one of the most impressive places in the city, with hands-on exhibits and fascinating displays.
• Garfield Park Conservatory — a gorgeous botanical garden built in the early 1900s by landscape architect Jens Jensen.
• The Rookery Building — a 12-story structure with a Roman Revival and Queen Anne style facade, listed on the Register of National Historic Places.