Take a step back to yesteryear with these pieces of Chicago’s history.
Start where it all began at Pioneer Court.
See the pieces of the past embedded in the Tribune Tower.
Take the audio history tour at the InterContinental. You won’t find this advertised anywhere. Just ask the concierge (wink wink nudge nudge).
Cross the street to gaze up at the gleaming white Wrigley Building.
Have a cheezborger at Billy Goat Tavern and read headlines from the past. Do not ask for fries! Do try some of their beer.
See what living in a Victorian Mansion was like at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum.
If it’s summer head to Navy Pier to take a Tall Ship Windy cruise on Lake Michigan and experience what it was like to be on a sailing vessel. If it’s rainy or winter take a Big Bus Tour. It’s hop on – hop off so you can use it as transportation, too.
Stop at 626 N Michigan Ave. That’s the home of the Woman’s Athletic Club, which was the first athletic club for women in America. It’s still there.
Gander at Saks Fifth Avenue. The original store at 840 N Michigan was in a Holabird and Root-designed building and opened in 1929. This was only the second year-round location for the Manhattan store and established the Magnificent Mile as a fashionable avenue.
Have a cocktail at Sophie’s on the 7th floor of Saks and gaze at the historic Water Tower and the pumping station across the street.
Take the speedy elevator up to 360 Chicago and marvel that the ground beneath used to be Lake Michigan.
Have dinner at Coq D’or and look for famous signatures etched in the bar. They’ve been serving drinks there since 1933.
Want to find more places to stay near the Magnificent Mile? Get your copy of “The Local Tourist’s Guide to North Michigan Avenue: the ultimate guide to The Magnificent Mile and Chicago’s Streeterville Neighborhood.”