Get Off the Beaten Path and Enjoy the Real Chicago

You only discover a place’s real magic when you get off the usual tourist paths and carve your own groove. A city known for its sports, history and green spaces, Chicago is no exception and is full of many interesting districts, streets and hidden nooks that perhaps aren’t advertised in the guide books.

For years Chicago’s motto has been ‘Urbs in horto’ which translates as ‘city in a garden’, which sums it up quite well, as busy and modern city streets flow passed vast stretches of green parkland and, of course, the shores of Lake Michigan. Whether you stay within the central city limits, or choose to meander further afield, here’s some of Chicago’s less well known but rewarding highlights.

A little known fact about Chicago is that this was where Hugh Hefner built the original Playboy Mansion in the Near North quarter of the city, before upping sticks to Los Angeles, leaving some much revered condominium apartments in his wake. Not far outside the city limits, in the tranquil Oak Park, is the Frank Lloyd Studio. A Mecca for architectural aficionados, the studio site is an array of architectural pieces championing Wright’s own version of ‘shabby-chic’. Not far away is the Earnest Hemmingway Home & Museum, the birthplace of the great American writer who once called his home a “village of wide lawns and narrow minds”.

Stop by the West Fulton Market, in Near West Wide, to experience development in progress as the city’s meatpacking district has recently seen a flood of stylish, contemporary art galleries move in. In a fascinatingly avant garde twist, on a walk through the district you are just as likely to see a freezer truck unloading its haul as you are an $80,000 painting or bespoke furniture piece.

In the north suburbs lie the Chicago Botanic Gardens; 385 acres and more than 25 gardens of native and exotic flowers, sensory walks, water features and tours. In the same district you’ll also find the beautiful landmark of B’hai Temple; which is one of the only temples of this 19th century Persian faith in the world.

Come evening time head to Ravinia for some good outdoor live music and food, or instead sample one of the city’s many comedy clubs like the Second City, Zanies Stand-up Comedy Club or The Annoyance Theatre. For a taste of real Chicago nightlife, head to The Old Town Ale House and The Green Mill, where jazz is on the jukebox and once the bars get jumping they can often stay open all night.

Superb views can found on a sunset drive along Lake Shore Drive, or perhaps take a city architecture tour to see the full spectrum of Chicago’s built environment. Good value Chicago hotels can be found throughout the city, saving you money to see all the attractions you want to.