The Hancock Observatory
While not as famous as the Sears Tower, for many locals the Hancock remains the archetypal Chicago skyscraper, with its bold, tapered shape and exterior steel cross-bracing design. The Hancock Observatory delivers an excellent panorama of the city and an intimate view over nearby Lake Michigan and the various shoreline residential areas. The view from the top of Chicago's third-tallest building is enough to satisfy, but some high-tech additions to the experience include "talking telescopes" with sound effects and narration in four languages, history walls illustrating the growth of the city, and the Skywalk open-air viewing deck -- a "screened porch" that allows visitors to feel the rush of the wind at 1,000 feet. On a clear day you can see portions of the three states surrounding this corner of Illinois (Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin), for a radius of 40 to 50 miles. The view up the North Side is particularly dramatic, stretching from the nearby Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, along the green strip of Lincoln Park, to the line of high-rises you can trace up the shoreline until they suddenly halt just below the boundary of the northern suburbs. A high-speed elevator carries passengers to the observatory in 40 seconds, and the entrance and observatory are accessible for people with disabilities. Allow 1 hour."Big John," as it's referred to by some locals, also has a sleek restaurant, the Signature Room at the 95th, with an adjoining lounge. For about the same cost as the observatory, you can take in the views from the latter with a libation in hand.

Arlington International Racecourse
With its gleaming-white, palatial, six-story grandstand and lush gardens, this racecourse is one of the most beautiful showcases for thoroughbred horse racing in the world. It has a storied history stretching back to 1927, and its track has been graced by such equine stars as Citation, Secretariat, and Cigar. The track's annual Arlington Million (the sport's first million-dollar race, held in mid-Aug) has attracted the top jockeys, trainers, and horses in past years and recently became part of the new World Series Racing Championship, which includes the Breeders Cup races. Arlington's race days are thrilling to behold, with all of racing's time-honored pageantry on display -- from the bugler in traditional dress to the parade of jockeys.Arlington likes to say that it caters to families, and it must be said that the ambience here is more Disney than den of iniquity. Various "family days" throughout the summer include live music and entertainment ranging from petting zoos to puppet shows.

City Council Chambers at City Hall
The public meetings of the volatile Chicago City Council make great theater for political junkies. The council meets in a massive building that takes up an entire city block, encompassing both City Hall and the County Building. (You can't miss it: Its columns are probably the most massive of any city building -- 75 ft. high and crowned by Corinthian capitals the height of an entire floor.) Although politics aren't quite as colorful under Mayor Richard M. Daley as they were under his dad, when a hot-button issue is being debated, factions can still get down and dirty, and the political posturing of the 50 aldermen (the name given to the city council members) can make for the best kind of theatrics. Call ahead to find out when the council is in session. City Hall tours also can be arranged for groups; call to make a reservation. Allow 1 hour.

InterContinental CHICAGO
InterContinental Chicago on the Magnificent MileWith its art deco exterior and Roman-style swimming pool, this Chicago hotel was originally built as the Medinah Athletic Club in 1929 and is a historic Chicago landmark. Extensive renovation translates into the highest standards for guest comfort, set within an old-world elegance that is combined with the best in modern amenities.An amazing stone staircase in the newly designed Zest Restaurant, together with innovative cuisine, takes fine dining ...

Hotel Monaco Chicago - a Kimpton Hotel
225 North Wabash - one block off of Michigan Ave and 1 block south of the river Hotel location - situated in the center of downtown Chicago this oasis of Style and elegance is convenient to north Michigan Avenue. The Magnificent Mile and the Loop business district. Minutes walk from City Hall the Merchandise mart/Amoco building/ Tribune tower/NBC tower/the Wrigley Building/Hancock center/Grant park/ and the Art institute. A short cab ride will take you to the John G. Shedd aquarium/Navy ...

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago-A Preferred Hotel
Experience total rock decadence in Chicago's newest architectural icon - Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Must be minimum 21 years old to check into the hotel. Situated in the landmark Carbide and Carbon Building, this brand new hotel boasts a Michigan Avenue address and offers astonishing views of the skyline, Millennium Park and, of course, the Magnificent Mile. Recognized as a member of Preferred Hotel Group, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago delivers unparalleled levels of service in a musically-inspired ...