Travel guidebook writer, blogger and donut lover Karla Zimmerman has lived in the Windy City for more than 25 years. She writes about her home base for Lonely Planet, the Telegraph, Serious Eats and Hotwire, among many other outlets.
Spend 48 hours exploring the best of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago in 48 Hours: Day 1 Morning Start downtown and fuel up at Lou Mitchell’s, a diner from the days of Route 66, which used to roll by here. The old-school waitresses call you “doll” while delivering fluffy omelets and plate-defying flapjacks to the table. Walk a few blocks east to...
This Chicago for kids and families itinerary is broken down by neighborhood, listing the top kiddie sights to see in one area before moving on to the next. Chicago for Kids and Families: the Near North neighborhood Navy Pier is the place to be at downtown’s northern edge. The boardwalk’s rides – such as a whirling swing, sky-high Ferris wheel...
Rising up smack in the middle of the country, big and brawny and quick on its toes, Chicago is often cited as the most American of cities. This is the place that invented the skyscraper, and its lofty buildings roll out views that’ll buckle your knees. Star collections of art, dinosaurs and science baubles stuff its enormous museums. Awesome food...
Chicago! I’m always shocked by how many well-traveled people – who have trekked all over the world and visited much of the US to boot – have never been to the Windy City. And then they’re surprised by how cool it is once they’re here.
No. There’s always something intriguing to see or do or drink wherever you are.
Train. It feels so Hollywood – glamorous, mysterious, romantic. It’s slow travel, where you can sit back and watch the landscape roll by the window. And the train’s swaying and clack-clack-clacking makes for a soothing ride.
Companion, as long as it is the right companion. I’m more apt to take chances and try new things if I have a sidekick. That said, traveling solo prompts me to be more social and meet new people. My best trips have been a combination: traveling solo for a while, then meeting up with friends or family for a stretch.