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.