Magnificent Mile: a Chicago shopper's paradise
When it comes to fine restaurants, chic shopping or opulent hotels, there is no place in Chicago like North Michigan Avenue.
It’s a diner’s, shopper’s and tourist’s dream known as the Magnificent Mile, where more than 460 exclusive stores, 200 of the city’s best restaurants, and 50 top hotels converge in eight amazing blocks of downtown.
Bounded by the Chicago River and Oak Street, the Magnificent Mile is home to high-end stores and boutiques like Gucci, Chanel and Escada, as well as more modest shops such as J. Crew and the Gap. Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus share real estate with Crate and Barrel and the Apple store.
If you’re in the market for expensive jewelry, there’s Cartier, Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co. For a new ride, there’s the Bentley/Lamborghini/Bugatti Gold Coast car dealer. Shopping with kids in tow? You might want to make a stop at the Disney Store and American Girl Place.
If you work up a hunger while shopping, there’s nearly every type of cuisine. Italian and French fine-dining restaurants mingle with mid-price chain locations — and there are plenty of take-out spots for a bit of lunch or a snack.
Those with an appetite for cultural activities can visit to the historic Water Tower (a stone structure from 1869 that survived the Great Chicago Fire), the McCormick Freedom Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. They're a great way to spend the day.
You can play and stay on the Magnificient Mile. The Drake, Four Seasons and James hotels present incredible amenities and views, while Best Western, Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites offer more modest accommodations with the same great location.
North Michigan Avenue itself also becomes a thing of beauty throughout the year. In spring and summer, the mile displays hundreds of thousands of tulips, manicured gardens and public artworks in partnership with Chicago architects. In fall, more than one million lights are strung along the street to signal the start of the holiday season.
While those with expensive tastes are well-served, there is something for everyone at every price point on the Magnificent Mile. You could even spend no money at all, enjoying the lovely landscaping, window shopping and amazing architecture that this expanse of downtown has to offer.
Magnificent Mile Guide
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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