Friday, October 30, 2009

Chicago Vacations And Travel Ideas For A Perfect Holiday

The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big city life make Grand Rapids an ideal choice for a fun getaway with a host of indoor and outdoor activities. Chicago is the major metropolis of America's heartland, with three million people hustling and bustling of skyscrapers that appear to rise straight out of the waters of Lake Michigan, in northern Illinois.


Chicago emerged as a rough and tough survivor after being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871 and a huge influx of immigrants from all over the world in the early 20th century brought with them a determined spirit infusing the city with cultural variety and the unique sound of Chicago-style blues music. Chicagoans have built a city that is to be reckoned with, show soaring skyscrapers including the Sears Tower (one of the tallest in the world); prosperous cultural neighborhoods; a lakefront business district, the re-energized downtown; unbeatable shopping along the famed Michigan Avenue; and top-class sports teams. One thing that does not attract visitors to Chicago is the weather, which, because of its geographical location is breezy at best, and freezing and gale-ridden at worst. It is possible to ignore the weather though, when getting caught up in the myriad of things to do, see and experience in this Midwestern metropolis - there are 30 excellent museums alone.

Chicago is a wonderful lively metropolis famous for its shopping, architecture, jazz & blues, dining, museums and more. Holidaymakers will revel in the vast array of opportunities and attractions this "windy city" has on offer. Summertime is a great time to take a holiday in Chicago, as many special events are held across this time of year. Although no matter what time of year you visit, there is always a wide range of attractions waiting for you and your family to discover including many child-friendly activities. Some of the more popular Chicago attractions are the Navy Pier, the John Hancock Building and a multitude of lakefront activities.

Chicago also is home to numerous shops where you could easily spend a few dollars or thousands. The city offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from discount outlet malls to upscale boutiques, and everything in between.

If you are after something a little more relax and less hectic, then why not visit one of Chicago’s great beaches, which are positioned along the city’s lakefront. Alternatively discover the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is one of the oldest and most modern zoos in the country. There is no admission fee for the zoo and it is open all year round.

Chicago vacations is a great destination and a great place for a memorable weekend. The Chicago has the best hotel in the greater Chicago area and maximum hotels offer premium deals on romantic weekend getaways Chicago style. Guests will love staying in these luxury rooms and having access to all of our wonderful facilities. In addition, provide some truly generous extras that make your weekend away one you’ll never forget. Go Chicago and live the most memorable moment in your life.

If you are thinking of visiting Chicago then you should first see Chicago Destination and hotel reviews for deciding the places and hotels before hand to make a perfect holiday.



Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Chicago Vacations Rentals

Chicago Vacations Rentals

Chicago, the third largest city in the USA, is a great area of America to explore.


This fantastic city, which is located in the American state of Illinois, has something for everyone. It boasts a wealth of attractions, museums, entertainment, shopping opportunities and some delicious food. What's more, this area also has a good selection of self catering properties in which you can stay during your holiday, so it's ideal for a family vacation rental.

Whether you're looking to do non-stop sightseeing, soak up the sun on the beach or catch up on some retail therapy, you will find it all here in Chicago!

There are numerous tourist attractions in Chicago. Some of the must-sees are The Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Cultural Center, Sears Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and lots more!

One of the best ways of seeing the sights of the city is by taking one of the many tours available. There are a variety of tours you can choose from, such as bus tours, bicycle tours, boat tours and even Segway tours!

The Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour will give you the chance to ride on Trolley buses and Double Decker buses, tour and visit some of the exciting sights and attractions around the city. Some of the stops on the tour include Sears Tower, Millennium Park, Field Museum of Natural History, Theater District, Navy Pier and more.

If you want to get a bird's eye view of the city, you should head to the Skydeck at Sears Tower. This amazing observation deck, which stands an incredible 1,353 feet above the ground, is an excellent way of enjoying Chicago. You can see for miles on a clear day.

And if you want to view even more of Chicago from a great height, you can also visit the John Hancock Observatory, where you can do the multimedia Sky Tour and check out the exciting open-air Skywalk! From this amazing viewing platform, which is located on the 94th floor of the building, you will be able to look down at the city's Magnificent Mile.

The Magnificent Mile is an area of Chicago which you should definitely visit during your stay in this great American city - when your feet are firmly back on the ground, of course! Here you will find stores, boutiques, restaurants, hotels, entertainment facilities etc for everyone.

The Magnificent Mile is ideal for those who love shopping! There are a number of department stores here, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. So you really can shop until you drop! Chicago also has other shopping areas which are worth exploring if you are a keen shopper.

If you've still got some energy left after your shopping expedition, you might fancy doing something sporty during your vacation. Chicago has plenty of sports facilities and offers a range of activities, such as cycling, swimming, tennis, golf, bowling, water sports and ice skating!

In fact, one great way of seeing the city (while keeping fit!) is cycling. Chicago boasts many miles of bike lanes and paths and has thousands of bike racks available to use. You can hire a bicycle and enjoy the city's sights on two wheels.

You will also have to sample some of the delicious food on offer in Chicago. In fact, you will be spoilt for choice by the number of restaurants in the city! Not surprisingly, there is such a huge range of cuisine to suit a great variety of tastes, such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, French, Spanish, Cajun and more. You will be well catered for in Chicago.

You should also try the famous Chicago-style pizza or a delicious hot dog during your stay!

Chicago is a great American holiday destination for all the family.



A Chicago Vacations Will Blow Away The Cobwebs

Chicago is a city that most people call the Windy City, so if you want a total change that will blow away the cobwebs of stress, consider a Chicago vacations. Located on the southwestern edge of Lake Michigan Chicago often bears the brunt of lake-effect winds. The spectacular views that are found along North Avenue Beach have been a favorite among romantics.

Founded in the early 1800 Chicago experienced a rapid development. Seeded to the American Government with the signing of the Greenville Treaty in 1795 the area that would become Chicago was relinquished by the Native Tribes. On August 12, 1823 the town of Chicago incorporated. Growth was exponential in the area with the population swelling from 350 in 1823 to over 4000 in less than seven years.

Most notable in this cities history is the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Legend says a cow kicked over a lantern igniting a fire that would sweep through the primarily wooden buildings, homes and business leaving 100,000 homeless. This disaster led to many building innovations including the use of steel and masonry.

Chicago is home to the tallest building in the western hemisphere. Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the newly christened Wilis Tower purchased by the Willis Group Holdings of London will remain a focal point for visitors for decades to come.

No visit to Chicago is complete without a slice or two of the world renowned deep dish Chicago-style pizza. Regardless of whether you visit a Mom and pop restaurant or a street vending entrepreneur your taste buds will be in for a treat.

Ethnically diverse, Chicago has many neighbors that offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in different cultures. Chinatown located on Wentworth Avenue allows visitors to see an open air fish market, street venders, butchers and restaurants of all types.

Oktoberfest is celebrated in fine German style in Lincoln Square. Held in October the descendants of the first German settlers continue the traditional fall festival. Polish, Swedish and other ethnic neighbors continue their traditions through local delis and groceries. If you have the chance to visit any of them you will find them to be hospitable and rich in their traditions and history.

Museums tours are offered daily with special packages available through the Chicago Department of Tourism. The Art Institute of Chicago has an extensive collection of masterpieces, a few by artists which are found no where else in the world.

The Museum of Science and Industry has an OMINMAX theater, a 1900 sidewalk display and many interactive exhibits for the younger visitors. The Field Museum which explores the evolution of man with dinosaur skeletons and an underground exhibit of how soil sustains and supports life is a must see.

The Chicago Zoological Society features 216 acres of exhibits. A children’s zoo, a butterfly garden and a family play zoo are just a few of the many activities that await your family.

The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission daily. This is one of the most popular zoos, visited by both tourists and locals, alike.

The Brookville Zoo, located in the Chicago suburb of Brookville is the largest zoo facility in the Chicago area. Included are natural habitats for the 2,500 animals that call this zoo home. Walk through savannahs, rainforests, deserts and seascapes as you visit with the various species that inhabit these areas.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium offers one of the only exhibits of a living coral reef. With nearly 600 species of marine life including whales and dolphins a stop at this aquarium is sure to delight everyone.