Fodor's correspondents highlight the best of Chicago, including architectural tours, happening music venues, and top pizza joints and steak houses. Our local experts vet every recommendation to ensure you make the most of your time, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS from the Loop to Lincoln Park PERFECT HOTELS for every budget BEST RESTAURANTS to satisfy a range of tastes GORGEOUS FEATURES on the Field Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright VALUABLE TIPS on when to go and ways to save INSIDER PERSPECTIVE from local experts COLOR PHOTOS AND MAPS to inspire and guide your trip
The acclaimed author of There Are No Children Here takes us into the heart of Chicago by introducing us to some of the city’s most interesting, if not always celebrated, people. Chicago is one of America’s most iconic, historic, and fascinating cities, as well as a major travel destination. For Alex Kotlowitz, an accidental Chicagoan, it is the perfect perch from which to peer into America’s heart. It’s a place, as one historian has said, of “messy vitalities,” a stew of contradictions: coarse yet gentle, idealistic yet restrained, grappling with its promise, alternately sure and unsure of itself. Chicago, like America, is a kind of refuge for outsiders. It’s probably why Alex Kotlowitz found comfort there. He’s drawn to people on the outside who are trying to clean up—or at least make sense of—the mess on the inside. Perspective doesn’t come easy if you’re standing in the center. As with There Are No Children Here, Never a City So Real is not so much a tour of a place as a chronicle of its soul, its lifeblood. It is a tour of the people of Chicago, who have been the author’s guides into this city’s—and in a broader sense, this country’s—heart. From the Hardcover edition.
The first wave of Chinese immigrants came to Chicagoland in the 1870s, after the transcontinental railway connected the Pacific Coast to Chicago. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act prevented working-class Chinese from entering the U.S., except men who could prove they were American citizens. For more than 60 years, many Chinese immigrants had acquired documents helping to prove that they were born in America or had a parent who was a citizen. The men who bore these false identities were called "paper sons." A second wave of Chinese immigrants arrived after the repeal of the Act in 1943, seeking economic opportunity and to be reunited with their families.
Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.
Vibration Cooking was first published in 1970, not long after the term “soul food” gained common use. While critics were quick to categorize her as a proponent of soul food, Smart-Grosvenor wanted to keep the discussion of her cookbook/memoir focused on its message of food as a source of pride and validation of black womanhood and black “consciousness raising.” In 1959, at the age of nineteen, Smart-Grosvenor sailed to Europe, “where the bohemians lived and let live.” Among the cosmopolites of radical Paris, the Gullah girl from the South Carolina low country quickly realized that the most universal lingua franca is a well-cooked meal. As she recounts a cool cat’s nine lives as chanter, dancer, costume designer, and member of the Sun Ra Solar-Myth Arkestra, Smart-Grosvenor introduces us to a rich cast of characters. We meet Estella Smart, Vertamae’s grandmother and connoisseur of mountain oysters; Uncle Costen, who lived to be 112 and knew how to make Harriet Tubman Ragout; and Archie Shepp, responsible for Collard Greens à la Shepp, to name a few. She also tells us how poundcake got her a marriage proposal (she didn’t accept) and how she perfected omelettes in Paris, enchiladas in New Mexico, biscuits in Mississippi, and feijoida in Brazil. “When I cook, I never measure or weigh anything,” writes Smart-Grosvenor. “I cook by vibration.” This edition features a foreword by Psyche Williams-Forson placing the book in historical context and discussing Smart-Grosvenor’s approach to food and culture. A new preface by the author details how she came to write Vibration Cooking.
Discover the vibrant heart of the Windy City without draining your wallet! In "Exploring Chicago on a Budget: A Thrifty Traveler's Guide," embark on an unforgettable journey through Chicago, Illinois, where the allure of world-class architecture, rich history, and diverse culture comes alive, even on a super cheap budget.Step into the bustling streets of Chicago and experience the excitement that this iconic city has to offer. From the stunning Millennium Park to the historic Wrigley Field, from the vibrant neighborhoods to the picturesque Lakefront Trail, this guide will take you on an adventure through Chicago's most cherished landmarks. And the best part? You won't have to compromise on the richness of your experience. Unveil the art of budget travel with insights, tips, and strategies that empower you to make the most of your Chicago adventure without overspending. Engage with local life, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, all while staying within your budget. The benefits of budget travel are numerous: connect with locals, explore beyond tourist traps, and find eco-friendly and sustainable ways to navigate the city. Inside this comprehensive guide, you'll find: Practical advice on scoring affordable transportation, including tips for finding the best flight deals and navigating public transportation options. Insider tips on securing budget-friendly accommodations, whether you're seeking cozy hostels, unique homestays, or alternative lodging experiences. A delectable journey through Chicago's culinary scene, from iconic street food delights to hidden local gems and farmers' markets. An extensive list of free and low-cost attractions, allowing you to explore the city's parks, beaches, cultural sites, and more without straining your budget. Art, culture, and entertainment on a shoestring, including recommendations for free museum days, budget-friendly galleries, and enjoying live performances. Thrifty ways to make the most of Chicago's waterfront, whether you're taking affordable lake cruises, indulging in water sports, or simply relaxing on the beach. Unique budget-friendly neighborhood explorations that provide a glimpse into the city's diverse districts, markets, and local culture. Insightful tips on experiencing Chicago's nightlife, catching budget-friendly shows, and discovering entertainment venues that won't break the bank. Day trips beyond the city for the adventurous traveler, from nature retreats and hiking trails to historic sites and nearby towns. Strategies for saving on souvenirs, supporting local artisans, and capturing your Chicago memories affordably. Practical advice on staying connected during your journey, finding free Wi-Fi hotspots, and ensuring your safety and well-being. A thoughtful exploration of sustainable budget travel practices, leaving no trace, and giving back to the communities you visit. "Exploring Chicago on a Budget: A Thrifty Traveler's Guide" is your ultimate companion for unlocking the magic of Chicago without compromising on the value of your experiences. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a budget-conscious family, this guide will empower you to navigate Chicago's wonders with resourcefulness, creativity, and an eagerness for authentic adventure. Get ready to embrace the spirit of budget travel and create memories that will last a lifetime in the enchanting city of Chicago. Discover a wealth of opportunities to explore, savor, and engage-all while enjoying tourism on a super cheap budget
'An irresistible page-turner that reads like the most compelling, sleep defying fiction' TIME OUT One was an architect. The other a serial killer. This is the incredible story of these two men and their realization of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, and its amazing 'White City'; one of the wonders of the world. The architect was Daniel H. Burnham, the driving force behind the White City, the massive, visionary landscape of white buildings set in a wonderland of canals and gardens. The killer was H. H. Holmes, a handsome doctor with striking blue eyes. He used the attraction of the great fair - and his own devilish charms - to lure scores of young women to their deaths. While Burnham overcame politics, infighting, personality clashes and Chicago's infamous weather to transform the swamps of Jackson Park into the greatest show on Earth, Holmes built his own edifice just west of the fairground. He called it the World's Fair Hotel. In reality it was a torture palace, a gas chamber, a crematorium. These two disparate but driven men are brought to life in this mesmerizing, murderous tale of the legendary Fair that transformed America and set it on course for the twentieth century . . .
The ultimate guide to Chicago's food scene provides the inside scoop on the best places to find, enjoy, and celebrate local culinary offerings. Written for residents and visitors alike to find producers and purveyors of tasty local specialties, as well as a rich array of other, indispensable food-related information including: food festivals and culinary events; specialty food shops; farmers markets and farm stands; trendy restaurants and time-tested iconic landmarks; and recipes using local ingredients and traditions."
