Chicago

Chicago is the largest city by population in the state of Illinois and the Midwest, and a dominant center of finance, industry and culture in the region. The city was long the "second city" (second in population to New York), and is currently the third-most populous city in the United States, with nearly 3 million people. The Chicago metropolitan area (commonly referred to as Chicagoland) has a population of over 9.7 million people in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, making it also the third largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Adjacent to Lake Michigan, it is among the world's twenty-five largest urban areas by population. Loughborough University classifies Chicago as an alpha world city for its worldwide economic influence.
(from wikipedia)

History of Chicago

The name "Chicago" is the French rendering of the Miami-Illinois name shikaakwa, meaning “wild leek”. Etymologically, the sound /shikaakwa/ in Miami-Illinois literally means 'striped skunk', and was a reference to wild leek, or the smell of onions. The name was initially applied to the river, but later came to denote what is presently the site of city. The sound Chicago is said[who?] to be the result of a French mis-transcription of the original sound by Louis Hennepin, a Catholic priest, missionary and explorer, who in 1683 first placed the name 'Chicago' on a map.
During the mid-18th century the area was inhabited primarily by Potawatomis, who had taken the place of the Miami and Sauk and Fox peoples. The first permanent settler in Chicago, Haitian Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, arrived in the 1770s, married a Potawatomi woman, and founded the area’s first trading post. In 1803 the United States Army built Fort Dearborn, which was destroyed in the 1812 Fort Dearborn massacre. The Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi later ceded the land to the United States in the 1816 Treaty of St. Louis. On August 12, 1833, the Town of Chicago was organized with a population of 350. Within seven years it grew to a population of over 4,000. The City of Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837

(from wikipedia)

The City Hall rooftop garden - Chicago

The City Hall rooftop garden sits atop Chicago's City Hall, an 11-story office building in Chicago's Loop. City Hall and the adjacent Cook County building appear to most people as one building spanning a city block bounded by LaSalle, Randolph, Clark and Washington streets. First planted in 2000, the City Hall rooftop garden was conceived as a demonstration project - part of the City's Urban Heat Island Initiative - to test the benefits of green roofs and how they affect temperature and air quality. The garden consists of 20,000 plants of more than 100 species, including shrubs, vines and two trees. The plants were selected for their ability to thrive in the conditions on the roof, which is exposed to the sun and can be windy and arid. Most are prairie plants native to the Chicago region.

web: http://cityofchicago.org/

Chicago store

Chicgostore.com features gifts, memorabilia and other unique items sold by the City of Chicago Store. Whether you're a visitor to this beautiful city, or call it your home, we're sure you'll find everything you need to remember and celebrate Chicago!
Also, be sure to visit the new and official website for Shop at the Cultural Center: www.culturalcentershop.com. Here you'll find CDs from performers featured at the Chicago Cultural Center, exhibition catalogs from current and past exhibitions, as well as all the arts and artifacts from Chicago's diverse cultures that makes this shop so unique.

web :http://www.chicagostore.com/

Green City Market - Chicago

To improve the availability of a diverse range of high qualityfoods .
To connect local producers and farmers to chefs, restaurateurs,food organizations and the public.
And, to support small family farms and promote a healthier societythrough education and appreciation for local, fresh, sustainably raised produce and products.

web: http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/

City Year Chicago

As a City Year Chicago corps member, you will join 100 of your peers in serving children and youth in Chicago’s public schools. Get ready to make a difference as you improve a child’s ability to read, or serve as role model to middle or high school youth.

web: http://www.cityyear.org/chicago_ektid1505.aspx

Opening Day - Chicago

Opening Day, an annual tradition at City Year dating back to the organization's pilot program in 1988, launches the corps and the organization as a whole into a new civic adventure, a new campaign of idealism. It is at Opening Day that City Year corps members are sworn into a year of fulltime service by taking the City Year Pledge and AmeriCorps Pledge.

web: http://www.cityyear.org/chicago_ektid1863.aspx

Mississippi river - Chicago

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, with a length of 2,340 miles (3,770 km) from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. The longest river, a Mississippi tributary, is the Missouri River measuring 2,540 miles (4,090 km).
The Mississippi River is part of the Jefferson-Missouri-Mississippi river system, which is the largest river system in North America and among the largest in the world: by length (3,900 miles (6,300 km)), it is the fourth longest, and by its average discharge of 572,000 cu ft/s (16,200 m³/s), it is the tenth largest river.

(from wikipedia)

Lake Michigan - Chicago

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is bounded, from west to east, by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The word "Michigan" was originally used to refer to the lake itself, and is believed to come from the Ojibwa Indian word mishigami, meaning "great water." The lake is slightly larger than the country of Croatia.

(from wikipedia)

Illinois and Michigan Canal - Chicago

The Illinois and Michigan Canal ran 96 miles (155 km) from the Bridgeport neighborhood in Chicago on the Chicago River to LaSalle, Illinois, on the Illinois River. It was finished in 1848 and allowed boat transportation from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The canal enabled navigation across the Chicago Portage and helped establish Chicago as the transportation hub of the United States, opening before railroads were laid in the area. It ceased transportation operations in 1933.
Illinois and Michigan Canal Locks and Towpath, a collection of eight engineering structures and segments of the canal between Lockport and LaSalle-Peru, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

(from wikipedia)

The Peninsula Chicago

Since its grand opening in 2001, The Peninsula Chicago has been awarded numerous accolades including the prestigious Mobil Five-Star and the AAA Five-Diamond awards for the last five consecutive years. Located in the heart of Chicago's "Magnificent Mile," The Peninsula Chicago is the city's most luxurious and sophisticated hotel, offering guests all possible amenities and services.The Peninsula Chicago's 339 luxurious guestrooms and suites are among the largest in the city and are exquisitely furnished in a contemporary yet classical style, with a state-of-the-art electronic system that provides guests the ability to control guestroom features with the touch of a button.

web: http://chicago.peninsula.com/

James Chicago

The James Chicago is the first in a new line of hotels that fill the niche between boutique and luxury brands by providing unique style and exceptional service in comfortable surroundings. The hotels are well thought out from the guests' point of view by providing a modern aesthetic with a classic commitment to hospitality. Brad Wilson, most recently V.P. of Operations and a founding member of W Hotels, come together to introduce properties with modern residential comfort and classic hospitality.The James Chicago, located in downtown Chicago, is steps off of Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) and is centrally located to: The John Hancock Building, McCormick Place, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, River North and the Water Tower.

web: http://www.jameshotels.com/chicago/index.php

Amalfi Hotel Chicago

A luxury contemporary boutique hotel located in Downtown Chicago's River North District, the Amalfi Hotel Chicago offers a unique hotel experience. Its close proximity to the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Merchandise Mart and Michigan Avenue makes it the ideal downtown location for your stay in Chicago. The hotel’s luxury and comfortable, contemporary design make it an experience in itself.

web: http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/

Intercontinental Chicago

Often regarded as Chicago's answer to the Champs-Elysées, the "Magnificent Mile" is a broad boulevard lined with exclusive shops, museums, and trendy restaurants. Experience this lively scene in all its brilliance from the InterContinental Chicago - the only downtown Chicago hotel with a front entrance on this world-famous thoroughfare.Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Windy City.

web: http://www.icchicagohotel.com/

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago

The first phase of a multi-million dollar restoration is now complete at the landmark Knickerbocker as 306 completely transformed rooms, including opulent suites and stylish corridors, make their debut. The rejuvenation features a collection of design elements and amenities that result in a quiet haven of luxury. Soothing neutral colors accented with a punch of cranberry are complemented by walls finished with linen-like wallcoverings, dark Mahogany Sapele wood accents, chic Lucite bedside lamps and rich upholstery. The guest room redesign brings the hotel to a heightened level of luxury befitting its grand heritage and cosmopolitan city location.

web: http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumchicago/index.html

Hotel Allegro Chicago

The star power continues. The dazzling renovation of the Hotel Allegro Chicago transformed our 483 guestrooms and suites into the perfect setting for your 15 minutes and more. Indulge in the four-star level of services and amenities that every celebrity deserves, including the furry four-legged type—Hotel Allegro Chicago is a pet-friendly hotel. If you need meeting space in Chicago, we feature over 13,000 square feet of the kind you need for your Chicago wedding, business meeting or social event of the season. The Hotel Allegro Chicago is also adjacent to the dining destinations, 312 Chicago and Encore Liquid Lounge. And to top it off, our style and sophistication is eco-friendly—the Hotel Allegro raises the bar for green hotels in Chicago. At Hotel Allegro Chicago, our mission is very simple: "Treat every guest like the star that they are." You have arrived.

web: http://www.allegrochicago.com/

Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Downtown Chicago Hotel

Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel is the optimum downtown Chicago hotel, perfect for all business, social events and weddings, offering 20,000 square feet of meeting, conference and function space which encompasses three separate floors and 16 meeting rooms, ideal for groups of 24 to 1000 guests.
So whether you're looking to entertain business associates, eat, shop, people-watch or simply enjoy a relaxing walk, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Hotel is the your perfect Chicago hotel, unmatched to other downtown Chicago hotels!
web: http://www.martplaza.com/

The Fairmont Chicago Hotel

The Fairmont Chicago hotel combines classic elegance with contemporary hotel services. The grand lobby beckons with a whisper. The staff welcomes you by name. The Fairmont Chicago hotel is, at once, as steeped in history as it is in the moment.
Outside the front door, all of downtown Chicago awaits. The Fairmont Chicago’s rich and diverse neighborhood will afford your every wish. The Art Institute and the Field Museum; Navy Pier and Chicago’s Lakefront; the acclaimed shopping along the Magnificent mile, and Oak Street Boutiques; Chicago’s theaters and nightclubs; the bustling business district and the serene escape of Millennium Park all intersect at one location: The Fairmont Chicago hotel.

web: http://www.fairmont.com/chicago/

The Hotel Monaco Chicago

The Hotel Monaco, a four star Chicago boutique hotel and part of the collection of Kimpton Hotels, is nestled in the energy and excitement of the thriving city of Chicago, a place where thousands of people visit every day. Indulging in the cultural attractions of Chicago, meeting for important business of the day or inspiring industry events of the year, something happens every hour of every day. And after a long day of meetings, shopping or sightseeing, visitors want to return to a stylish downtown Chicago hotel.

web: http://www.monaco-chicago.com/

The Drake Hotel - Chicago

Since the roaring 1920s, The Drake has become the defining Chicago hotel experience. Located on The Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue's "Gold Coast," The Drake has hosted the Royal Family, heads of state, dignitaries, and countless discerning travelers. Whether you are looking to conduct business in Chicago, enjoy world-renowned shopping, dining, or experience unmatched meeting and banquet facilities, The Drake will never disappoint. The Drake Hotel, Chicago - enjoy a travel experience filled with perfection.

web: http://www.thedrakehotel.com/

Hard Rock Hotel - Chicago

Discover a historic Art Deco building transformed into a high-style Chicago luxury hotel – Hard Rock Hotel, Chicago. The landmark Carbide and Carbon Building, erected in 1929 at the height of Prohibition, was designed by the sons of legendary Chicago architect Daniel Burnham to resemble a champagne bottle. Savor the breathtaking views at every turn. Enjoy the whimsy of the meticulous design of this truly unique downtown Chicago luxury hotel – just steps from the famous Magnificent Mile.
web: http://www.preferredhotels.com/preferred_hotel/hotels/index.aspx?id=58217

Hotel Sax Chicago

Live it. An oasis in the heart of one of America's great cities, Hotel Sax is a downtown Chicago experience with a richness and vibrancy that is at turns intoxicating, theatrical, sensual and real. Inside, intriguing settings mix with energizing spaces…while outside you are just steps from world-renowned dining, entertainment and shopping.

web: http://www.hotelsaxchicago.com/

Swissotel Chicago

Pamper yourself with the award-winning hospitality at Swissôtel Chicago, which sets the standard for downtown Chicago hotel accommodations. Our world-class accommodations offer a virtual city tour including some of Chicago's finest landmarks all from the comfort of our luxurious guestrooms. Precise Swiss service - combined with American energy and European elegance - make this distinctive four-diamond landmark the perfect place for distinguished tastes. Relieve the day's tension with a rejuvenating massage. Discover the architectural sites for which the city is known during a Chicago Architectural Foundation river tour. Browse the extraordinary shopping landmark that is The Magnificent Mile.

web: http://www.swissotelchicago.com/

Among Chicago hotels

Among Chicago hotels, the newly-transformed Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel & Executive Meeting Center provides the perfect destination for business or relaxation. Located between O'Hare and Midway Airports, enjoy a recent renovation showcasing the history of Chicago jazz and transportation accented with fresh, modern flair.

web: http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/ORDLI/main.wnt

The Best Western Chicago River North Hotel

The Best Western Chicago River North Hotel is full-service, downtown Chicago hotel offering convenient amenities and services, exceptional value, and a central downtown location for business and leisure travelers. For a memorable and unbeatable downtown Chicago hotel experience, and the friendliest service in the Windy City, join the Best Western Chicago River North Hotel for a few days of heavenly Chicago hospitality.

web: http://www.rivernorthhotel.com/

Double Tree Hotel - Chicago

The Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center-Chicago North Shore, recently awarded with the prestigious "Conversion of the Year" Award from Doubletree, has completed a multi-million dollar renovation. We look forward to being your home away from home. Our friendly staff is available to make your visit as comfortable as possible. You can expect to stay in our NEWLY DESIGNED and RENOVATED GUEST ROOMS with complimentary wireless internet access.

web: http://www.skokieillinoishotel.com/

Hotel Blake - Chicago

Escape to an exclusive urban hideaway brimming with well-appointed accommodations, restorative spa treatments, and a generous host of boutique services. Soar to new heights of business success within 4,000 square feet of impressive space - ideal for memorable meetings and special events. Savor gourmet meals, the finest wines, and an elegant atmosphere in our Custom House restaurant.

web: http://www.hotelblake.com/

Midway Hotel Center - Chicago

Relax, enjoy yourself, and settle in to one of our deluxe guest rooms. Perhaps you'll want to go for a swim, or squeeze in a workout before dinner. If you're anxious to get into the city, hop a shuttle to the Airport, and catch an Orange Line train. Nothing could be easier. Our hotels near Chicago Midway airport offer every convenience - and every comfort - for any kind of budget.

web: http://www.midwayhotelcenter.com/

Hotel Indigo - Chicago

Balance the high pace of travel with the high peace of renewal at the new Hotel Indigo, Chicago Downtown Gold Coast, the most unique of Chicago IL hotels. While the decor in this boutique hotel in Downtown Chicago may change seasonally and the rooms are an adventure in unique design, the service never alters. Every detail in this lavish hotel was meticulously chosen to optimize your comfort. When you visit Hotel Indigo, Chicago Downtown Gold Coast, expect pampering to delight all your senses.

web: http://www.goldcoastchicagohotel.com/

The Sutton Place Hotel - Chicago

Centrally located in the heart of Chicago’s exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood, The Sutton Place Hotel is the original luxury boutique “lifestyle” hotel when it opened as Hotel 21 East in 1988 in downtown Chicago. This 4 Diamond property launched as The Sutton Place Hotel in 1995, where style meets personalized service and attention to detail. It is just steps away from Michigan Avenue, the exclusive boutiques on Oak Street, as well in the heart of downtown Chicago’s finest dining and night life district. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience the cosmopolitan ambiance of the city set against a majestic backdrop in the heart of one of Chicago’s most affluent residential communities. Each of the 246 guestrooms and suites at The Sutton Place Hotel is appointed with contemporary, yet sophisticated custom-made furnishings, and is equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment center, including flat screen Televisions, CD/DVD players, great selection of compact discs, and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel.
web: http://www.chicago.suttonplace.com/

Le Bar - Chicago

Fashionistas mingle with the suits late night, and energetic music pulsates in the background at Le Bar. Fiber optic lighting and a sweeping wood and stainless steel bar create drama in this chic downtown Chicago bar. Modern yet comfortable seating offers a fabulous view of the park and an excellent vantage point for people watching. Enjoy a specialty martini - poured tableside. Give a toast with champagne served by the glass. Sip a premium single-mart scotch. Have a nightcap after a delicious dinner at Café des Architectes.

web: http://www.lebarchicago.com/

Promose7en - Chicago

Promose7en's forums are the busiest boards in Chicago with over 150,000 hits a day, and tons of new members each week. Join the board and chat with all of us for the latest chicago gossip. If you would like to advertise with promose7en contact
e-mail: georgerizzio@promose7en.com
web:http://www.promose7en.com/

Ohm - Chicago

Ohm is a dynamic 11,000 sq. ft. space incorporating 5 bars, 2 musical environments and a 6000 sq. ft. dance floor. The Bridge, is a seductive room featuring a sensational drink specialties menu. As a separate entity, the Bridge features its own deejay and a separate exclusive drink and champagne menu.

web: http://www.ohmnightlife.com/The-Club.html

Buzz - Chicago

Buzz is the hottest nightclub in the trndy "River North" area of Chicago. Buzz accommodates up to 500 guests and features 3 distinvtive bars, a full service kitchen and a spacious dance floor, surrounded by a high-tech sound system and a full array of colorfull dance lights.

web: http://www.buzztheclub.com/

Butter Chicago restaurant

Butter Chicago - the premiere Private Dining location in the West Loop of Chicago Butter was once a contemporary American restaurant with seasonal specialties, but Butter in Chicago has transformed and is now one of the city's most sought-after destinations for large cocktail parties, private dining events and receptions.

web: http://www.butterchicago.com/

Rock bottom restaurants - Chicago

Old Chicago is offering a new program designed to reward holiday season gift card purchasers. The "Bonus Buck" program will give consumers a $5.00 Bonus Buck card for every $25.00 purchased in gift cards at any Old Chicago restaurant. The Bonus Buck card is redeemable for food and drink at Old Chicago restaurants between Jan. 1 – Feb. 29, 2008. For more information, please stop by your neighborhood Old Chicago restaurant.

web: http://www.rockbottomrestaurantsinc.com/

Viceroy of India - Chicago

Viceroy of India restaurants have been a family tradition since 1986. Our award winning and acclaimed restaurants have earned the reputation of serving mouthwatering dishes that showcase time-honored and unique recipes that feel like home. We are proud to be the premier Indian restaurant in the Chicago land area.

web: http://viceroyofindia.com/

Keefer's restaurant - Chicago

Located at 20 West Kinzie, Keefer's Restaurant offers a complete selection of Prime steaks, the freshest of fish as well as pasta, chicken and chops. Your hosts Glenn Keefer, Rich Keefer and James de Castro, welcome you to enjoy Chef John Hogan's (formerly of Savarin, Kiki's Bistro & the Everest Room) straightforward cooking, widely considered some of the best in the business.

web: http://www.keefersrestaurant.com/about.html

Charlie Trotter's - Chicago

Charlie Trotter's is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. For 20 years, the restaurant has dedicated itself to excellence in the culinary arts. Never willing to rest on its laurels, Charlie Trotter's Restaurant is innovative and progressive in the world of food and wine and has been instrumental in establishing new standards for fine dining.

web: http://www.charlietrotters.com/restaurant/

Flatwater - Chicago

Flatwater isn't formal, but they spottes plenty of business people dining and drinking at this one-the-river hot spot. It's certainly the place to go if you're showing off the city to clients or out-of-town guests.
web: http://www.flatwater.us/

Hotel 71 - Chicago

Porter's Steakhouse has been closed in preparation to bring our guest and local clients an exciting new restaurant! We apologize for any inconvenience. Meanwhile, our culinary team will be providing breakfast lunch and dinner through in-room dining.

web: http://www.hotel71.com/dining.cfm

Aria restaurant - Chicago

Aria provides a contemporary twist on convertional comfort foods. Using american flavors and ingredients to update traditional dishes from around the world, aria defies regional dinin. Creating a distinctive experience that is both culturally inspired and comfortably american.
web: http://www.ariachicago.com/

Phil Stefani Restaurants - Chicago

Food, family and tradition are the ingredients of the recipe that make Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants such a huge success. Located in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, Phil Stefani's business ventures include; ten restaurants, banquet facilities, five seasonal venues, an off-premise catering department, food and beverage services at one of Chicago's premiere golf courses, and pasta shop. Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants runs the gamut from authentic Italian to sophisticated fine-dining steak and seafood restaurants or casual beer gardens and lakeshore cafes along Lake Michigan's boardwalk and shoreline.

web: http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/

Levy restaurants - Chicago

Spiaggia, for the second consecutive year, has been nominated by the James Beard foundation for the Outstanding Restaurant Award. The award recognizes the restaurant in the U.S. that serves as a national standard bearer of consistency of quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service. The restaurant must have been in operation for at least ten years.
web: http://www.levyrestaurants.com