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Travel
Aug/Sep 2012 Issue
Table of Contents
Travel Tips
What to Pack
August in Chicago can get warm, with an average high temperature of 83°. September starts to cool, with an average high of 76°. You’ll be doing a lot of walking around town, so don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. In August, bring a sun hat and swimsuit for the shores of Lake Michigan. Since museums and restaurants are air conditioned, pack a light sweater or shawl. In September, the weather is usually pleasant, but it can cool down, especially toward the end of the month. A light jacket is a must. Weather in Chicago can change quickly, proving the old adage, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” If you’re visiting during the colder months—in Chicago, that’s any time from November to March—bring a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, thick socks and boots.
Dining Out
Discount Cards
Bundled cards provide significant discounts if you’re planning to visit many sites in a few days. CityPASS, citypass.com/Chicago, includes admission to five popular attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, for a nine-day period. The Go Chicago Card, smartdestinations.com, lets you choose from one-day to seven-day cards, adding in options like the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Your Kind of Town
Accommodations
© Chuck Eckert/ageFotostock/maxximages.comThere are hundreds of hotels in the Chicago area. Downtown lodging can book up quickly during popular summer months and during big conventions that draw thousands to the city. Business travelers head to hotels in the Loop, close to many businesses. Leisure travelers will want to stay near North Michigan Avenue, the prime shopping and dining destination. Here are two well-regarded hotels in good locations. For others, check tripadvisor.com.
The Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888, 866-288-8889, peninsula.com) is an elegant luxury hotel in an ideal location, just off Michigan Avenue. Exquisitely furnished, the hotel has top-notch service and accommodations. The Peninsula’s attention to detail and its emphasis on wellness extend to The Lobby restaurant, which offers vegan and gluten-free menus. For a true treat, try the elegant gluten-free or vegan afternoon tea service.
On a smaller scale, Hotel Palomar Chicago (505 N. State St., 312-755-9703, 877-731-0505, hotelpalomar-chicago.com) is a Kimpton Group boutique hotel with rooms that are comfortable and chic. Located in River North, just a couple of blocks north of the Chicago River and west of Michigan Avenue, the Palomar is close to many popular restaurants and nightlife options. The onsite restaurant, Sable Kitchen & Bar, accommodates guests by offering gluten-free options.
Both hotels are just a few blocks from Whole Foods Market (30 W. Huron St., 312-932-9600) and Trader Joe’s (44 E. Ontario St., 312-951-6369), where travelers can stock up on allergy-friendly cereal, snacks and sandwich fixings for inexpensive breakfast in their hotel room or to pack lunch to go for the kids.
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