Windy City
DECEMBER 20TH, 2007
Eye-popping architecture, eclectic boutiques and one of the best restaurants in the world—our kind of town, Chicago is.
stay
A short skip away from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, The James is a slick, hip alternative to the Marriotts, Sheratons and Hyatts. Rooms are spacious and airy and feature a mini-theatre room for late-night gangster movies. Rates from $259 per night, 55 E. Ontario, Chicago, 877-526-3755, www.jameshotels.com
do
Lie down underneath Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate and take in the city's skyline reflected against the polished stainless steel surface.
shop
Located side by side, Wicker Park and Bucktown are a mix of luxe labels like Derek Lam and Rachel Roy and lesser-known lines such as Foley + Corrina. Don't miss Hejfina, an inspired showroom of art, design and fashion. 1529 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-772-0002, www.hejfina.com
eat
A trip to Chicago would be incomplete without a bag of Garrett's famous caramel cheese popcorn. But leave room for dinner. Charlie Trotter's exquisite tasting menu is culinary genius. From $120 per person, 816 W. Armitage, Chicago, 773-248-6226, www.charlietrotters.com. For Garrett Popcorn Shop locations, visit www.garrettpopcorn.com