Magnificent Mile

Staying downtown Chicago for work? One of my favorite things to do when I’m in the Windy City and find a spare moment or two is to walk down Michigan Avenue’s “Magnificent Mile.” I love to wander into the three story, sports-themed NikeTown, or the open, airy Apple Store (one of just a few flagship, stand alone locations in the country). You don’t even have to go into any of the shops to enjoy this walk – the window shopping at the more than 450 upscale department stores and boutiques such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Sax Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Coach, and Ralph Lauren is awesome. Take in the atmosphere of this gorgeous, bustling street, melt into the crowd of beautiful people and forget all about work – for a little while anyway.

Go to http://www.themagnificentmile.com/ to see where it is, get a list of shops and restaurants, see what’s happening/special events, etc.

A Fave Mag Mile Activity:
If I have time, I love to take the elevator up to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building for a cocktail or soda (open 11am – 12:30 weekdays/1:30am weekends) It’s free to ride up the elevators that are dedicated to the restaurant and worth every penny of the slightly elevated price of your drink to enjoy it in front of floor to ceiling windows getting a bird’s-eye view of the city.
(Note: The building is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue – However, the elvator to get to the restaurant/bar is located on the south side of the building) http://www.signatureroom.com/