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During your Chicago vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Cafe Brauer
This landmark 1900 building, a fine example of Chicago's Prairie School of architecture, is not technically open to the public, except for a cafe and ice-cream parlor on the ground floor. But the Great Hall on the second floor, flanked by two curving loggias, is one of the city's most popular wedding-reception spots, so if you stop by on a weekend, chances are you can sneak a peek while the caterers are setting up. Even if you don't make it inside, Cafe Brauer makes a nice stopping-off point during a walk around the park. Sit and sip a coffee, or rent a paddleboat at the edge of the lovely South Pond ($10 per half-hour). Best of all, though, is the picture-postcard view from the adjacent bridge spanning the pond of the John Hancock Center and neighboring skyscrapers beyond Lincoln Park's treetops. Allow a quarter-hour, longer for a paddleboat ride.
Chicago Fed Visitors Center
It's not worth a special trip (unless you're a huge Alan Greenspan fan), but the Visitors Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is worth a quick stop if you're wandering around the Loop. More than just the standard history-of-banking displays, the center has kid-friendly features such as a giant cube that holds a million dollars, and an exhibit that lets you try detecting counterfeit bills. And yes, there's even a section where visitors can pretend to be Alan Greenspan for a moment, showing how changes in interest rates affect the economy. Free guided tours are offered weekdays at 1pm. Allow a half-hour.
Spertus Museum
The Spertus Museum, an extension of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, showcases intricately crafted and historic Jewish ceremonial objects, textiles, coins, paintings, and sculpture, tracing 5,000 years of Jewish heritage. Though small in scale, the Zell Holocaust Memorial exhibit is particularly moving, featuring a video montage of Holocaust victims with a Chicago connection and a display of related artifacts and documents. The kid-oriented Artifact Center is a re-creation of a Middle Eastern archaeological dig, where children can search for buried treasures (reserved for school groups in the mornings, it's open to the public in the afternoon). The institute's Asher Library boasts one of the largest collections of Jewish books, periodicals, videos, and music in the country. The Bariff Shop for Judaica carries a large selection of art, books, music, videos, and contemporary and traditional Jewish ceremonial gifts. Allow 1 hour.
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
A four Star landmark on North Michigan Avenue, the famous Magnificent Mile, this hotel welcomes you to the best location in the city for shopping, dining and business. European style and gracious service are the trademark of this elegant hotel and the 86 Millennium hotels around the world. One block from Water Tower Place, across the street from Bloomingdales and within walking distance of most major attractions, this hotel offers personalized service and attention not found in the larger ...
Majestic Hotel
The Majestic Hotel affords the tranquility and dignity of a refined English Country estate amidst bustling energetic city life. This 52 Room Hotel has recently been transformed by a 1.5 Million Dollar Interior Renovation, featuring spacious work stations in each guest room with free wireless Internet access.***This a completely non-smoking property. ...
The Talbott Hotel
The Talbott Hotel was built in 1927. Now completely renovated, this charming European-style Hotel is a soothing oasis for the business traveler. The lobby is akin to a Victorian sitting room. There are two fireplaces, which form a focal point. Fireside coffee service is a special feature in the lobby each evening during the winter months. The overall ambiance is one of quiet elegance. Steps away from Michigan Avenue, sophisticated shopping, fine dining, clubs, theatres, and shows. Blocks ...
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