USA Travel Guide

With over 460 stores, 200 restaurants, countless attractions and historic landmarks from wall to wall, Chicago’s renowned Magnificent Mile is a worthy destination for any traveler’s bucket list. With February fast approaching and with it the Mile’s seasonal “TOAST on the Magnificent Mile” celebration, there may not be a better time to visit.

The Magnificent Mile is a section of Michigan Avenue (about a mile long, appropriately enough) beginning just north of the Chicago River and ending at the Oak Street intersection. It is known for being one of the most prestigious retail districts in the world, comparable to New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive. Naturally, then, the principal attraction is the shopping. Upscale department stores are the most famous occupants, including Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Macy’s, but it’s the vast selection of fine boutiques that give the Mile its chic reputation. The options run the gamut, but the fine jewelers are of special note, with Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and so many others within blocks of each other.

If you’d love to browse but your pocketbook can’t handle it, worry not. There’s still plenty to do. Hop the trolley at either Pearson Street or at the Chicago River and take a tour of the many incredible historic sights of the Magnificent Mile. You’ll see the art deco Palmolive Building, the strikingly gothic Chicago Water Tower, Tribune Tower, the skyscraping John Hancock Center, 900 North Michigan Place and a bevy of the nation’s finest hotels, including the famous Drake Hotel, Four Seasons, the Allerton Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.

Since the mid-90’s, the city of Chicago has celebrated the seasons at the Magnificent Mile with seasonal flower displays and special events. Beginning the first of February, this tradition continues with “TOAST on the Magnificent Mile”. Not only will they be providing free champagne all month long, they’ll be lighting up every Saturday with an impressive fireworks display over the Chicago River. All and all, a great time to visit.

Now if those historic luxury hotels I mentioned above had you once again eyeing your wallet nervously, I’ve got it covered. You can stay on the Magnificent Mile for much less than you think and without sacrificing the quality of your experience, by staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago / Magnificent Mile Hotel. Always our choice for Chicago hotels on Magnificent Mile, the Hilton gives you the benefit of location and luxury that the big names offer at a fraction of the rate.

Go ahead, indulge a little bit, and enjoy Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile.