“My Chicago” program offers inside tips

With the introduction of the My Chicago program, travelers everywhere can now download inside tips from Chicago experts for their visit via themed, 15-minute podcasts on www.gochicago.com/mychicago  

Most recently launching its guide to Chicago music with the legendary Frankie Knuckles, the My Chicago program highlights the latest and greatest in Chicago’s culturally diverse offerings – next up, entertainment, architecture and culinary offerings. A multitude of international delights await international travelers, and below is a sampling of what can be found in and around Chicago throughout 2007.

Chicago Music: Knuckles’ 15-minute podcast gives us insight into the “Godfather of House music” and how Chicago won a place in his heart, but it doesn’t ignore Chicago’s other musical ancestry from the Blues capital of the world to the gospel, jazz and contemporary music offerings that sound off in the city streets. Many of these genres are featured in free music festivals in downtown Grant Park throughout the summer months.

Architecture: Chicago Architecture Foundation offers 90 different tours (8,000 a year) all led by docents from boats, buses, walking, bicycles and Segways, while the Sears Tower Skydeck features a bird’s-eye view from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – breathtaking by day or by night.

Fashion: Chicago Shopping Ambassador Melissa Turner, My Chicago’s launch ambassador, shares top shops and sales on her podcast and walking tour of the city’s coolest boutiques. These shops feature Chicago’s booming hometown designer industry, with something for every well-heeled shopper. Additionally, Macy’s on State Street opened this fall with “Shop Chicago” – highlighting top Chicago designers and the city’s new initiative – Fashion Focus – continues to promote and assist Chicago area designers make a name for themselves and the city on the fashion stage.

Theater: Hot on the heels of an April launch, Oprah’s “The Color Purple” runs at the Cadillac Palace Theatre indefinitely. Chicago is also home to “The Last Light in the Piazza,” which won six 2005 Tony® Awards from July 10, 2007 – July 22, 2007, at Auditorium Theater.

Culinary offerings: As Gourmet magazine’s pick for America’s Top Restaurant, Alinea is the “got to go” dining experience in America right now. The magazine praises chef and owner, Grant Achatz, for “redefining the American restaurant once again for an entirely new generation.” Additionally, Condé Nast’s No. 1-rated hotel, The Peninsula Chicago, also offers a Beard-award winning restaurant and chef – Graham Elliott Bowles fires up fascinating cuisine at onsite hotspot, Avenues.

Museum Enhancers: Museum of Science and Industry introduces its “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” experience from May 25 – September 3; The Field Museum’s “The Ancient Americas,” began March 9 offering a few into the world’s various cultures and their impact on society; and The Shedd Aquarium has extended its “Lizards and the Komodo King,” exhibit through 2008.

Accommodations: Cool off as a guest at the Chicago’s Essex Inn on Michigan Avenue located in the heart of the city and the only hotel in Chicago that offers a luxurious, rooftop swimming pool for year round use. Hilton offers a variety of lodging options sure to fit any budget and a location to match every Chicago experience from the Chicago Hilton & Towers, the Palmer House Hilton and the luxurious Conrad Chicago. The upscale traveler won’t want to miss recent five-star  addition, The James Chicago Hotel, which fills the niche between boutique and luxury brands by providing a unique style and exceptional service in comfortable surroundings.

By Chitra Mogul