See what the experts are saying about Holland. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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The best authentic experiences
Shopping the Town: Michigan Avenue is often touted as a shopper's paradise, and I'll admit it has a great lineup of big-name designer boutiques and multilevel high-end shopping malls. But that's all stuff you can find in any other big city. F... Continue reading »
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The best museums
Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.; tel. 312/443-3600): A must-see for art lovers, the Art Institute manages to combine blockbuster exhibits with smaller, uncrowded spaces for private meditation. Internationally known for its Fren... Continue reading »
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The best nightlife
Getting the Blues: Here, in the world capital of the blues, you've got your pick of places to feel them, from the touristy but lively atmosphere of Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park, where musicians perform continuously on two stages, to the roa... Continue reading »
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The best shopping
The Best One-of-a-Kind Shops ArchiCenter Shop (224 S. Michigan Ave.; tel. 312/922-3432): Looking for unique, well-designed souvenirs? This store, run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, should be your first stop. You'll find Frank Lloy... Continue reading »
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Best free things to do
Bonding with the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo: You have no excuse not to visit: Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and -- astonishingly -- remains completely free, despite many recent upgrades. Occupying a prime spot of Lincoln Park clos... Continue reading »
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The best websites
www.metromix.com: Operated by the Chicago Tribune, this site features expanded versions of the newspaper's entertainment and restaurant coverage. It's a good place to check restaurant reviews and get an early look at new bars and nightclubs.... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
After choosing a destination, most prospective travelers have two fundamental questions: "What will it cost?" and "How will I get there?" This chapter answers both questions and resolves other important issues including when to go and where t... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- Travel-service offices are located in the Loop at 55 W. Monroe St. (tel. 312/541-5440) and just north of the Tribune Tower at 605 N. Michigan Ave. Area Codes -- The 312 area code applies to the Loop and the neighborhood... Continue reading »
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When to go
The Climate When I tell people from more temperate climates that I live in Chicago, their first question is how I handle the winters. In reality, the winters here are no worse than in other northern cities, but it still isn't exactly prime... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
The best way to stay on top of the city's current crop of special events is to ask the Chicago Office of Tourism (tel. 877/CHICAGO; www.choosechicago.com) or the Illinois Bureau of Tourism (tel. 800/2CONNECT; www.enjoyillinois.com) to mail yo... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane O'Hare International Airport -- Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (tel. 773/686-2200; www.flychicago.com; online airport code ORD) has long battled Atlanta's Hartsfield for the title of the world's busiest airport. O'Hare is... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Passports For information on how to get a passport, go to "Passports" in the "Fast Facts" section of this chapter -- the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing passport applica... Continue reading »
