TRULY MAGNIFICENT
If you visit only one destination while in Chicago, make it The Magnificent Mile.
The Mag Mile's history dates back to 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire sent the city up in smoke. Miraculously, the flames spared the Water Tower and Pumping Station, which still stand as reminders of the structures that once lined this now famous street. The Mag Mile is also punctuated by the neogothic Wrigley Building and Chicago Tribune Tower, as well as the John Hancock Center, Chicago's fourth tallest building. All of these buildings welcome visitors. (Don't miss a trip up to the John Hancock Observatory for postcard-worthy views.)
But the real reason visitors - and, of course, locals - flock to The Magnificent Mile is to shop. Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue are all here, anchoring the area with elaborate window displays and proffering some of the biggest names in fashion. Between the big boys lie hundreds of specialty shops and recognizable labels. Think MaxMara, Burberry, Lester Lampert, La Perla, Zara and Tumi, to name just a handful.
And let's say you have room in your suitcase but aren't entirely sure yet how you want to fill it up. Three Magnificent Mile malls offer a gateway to your retail dream. The Shops at North Bridge, 900 North Michigan Shops and Water Tower Place are where you'll find everything from shoes at Stuart Weitzman to fine art at Atlas Galleries to accessories for tweens and their dolls at American Girl Place.
Also, special events run throughout the year. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by BMO Harris Bank happens every November, while In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival presented by MasterCard happens each summer.
