WOMEN ON THEIR WAY by Wyndham Worldwide

I was just there a few weeks ago. Take advantage of all the free stuff there is to do!! Millennium Park is free to walk about and it is fun in all seasons, with the fountain to play in, in the summer and ice skating in the winter (well this you have to pay for but it's fun to watch too). Almost all the museums have a free day or they have coupons on their website. And one not to miss is Navy Pier; they even have a free shuttle!! Enjoy Chicago it's a beautiful city!!

- Erika, Wyndham Vacation Resorts

Chicago is one of my favorite cities to visit and whenever I go I always try to get tickets to "Second City". Unlike most comedy venues it's not a stand up type show but "Improv" where the comedians act out skits. Its famous for starting the careers of several actors including Gilda Radner, Jim and John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Dan Ackroyd. Tickets range from $10 to about $25 and its open seven days a week.

- Jeffrey, Great Smokies Lodge

I have to start out by saying that if you want to fly to Chicago, IL, then flying into Midway Airport would be the choice.  From Midway you can rent a car, take a taxi or ride the commuter trains into the city.  O'Hare Airport, although famous, can be very intimidating.  If this is your first time to the city, then riding the commuter trains gives you a taste of what the "real" city is all about.  Once into the city, walking or biking, riding the bus, or hailing a taxi is the way to go.  Most attractions can be reached by these means.  Everywhere you look - culture is everywhere.  From internet cafes where you can get a bagel and coffee in the morning, to having a 5 course breakfast in a fancy restaurant --- all in the same block!!  Food is plentiful and from all cultures of the world.  Whatever your pleasure, Chicago has it. They even host "A TASTE OF CHICAGO" during the summertime where they have music from all genres and tons and tons of food to taste.

While there, one of the places of interest to visit is definitely the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is FREE to ALL ages and offers every animal you could think of. This is great for a family with children. You can go as many times as you want. If sports are your thing, there are many attractions to visit. If you are a baseball fan, then Chicago has two different major league teams to choose from to see. You can visit historic Wrigley Field to see the famous Chicago Cubs then have a bite at the famous Harry Carry Restaurant, or walk across the street to the Cubby Bear Bar & Grill for some lite fare after the game. Or if the Southside appeals to you, you can see the Chicago White Sox play. If football is what you choose, then Soldier Field is your choice to see the Chicago Bears play. It is a real tribute to our soldiers with the beautiful waterfall outside the stadium and the bronze wall showing all the emblems from our Armed Forces. You will also find the Shedd Aquarium right there near Soldier Field. Another great attraction is the Sears Tower Skydeck. If you are not afraid of heights, you can take the fastest elevator up to the top for the most spectacular view ever. You can see over 50 miles and 4 states away!! Then of course, you have to go to the Navy Pier. This is for food, fun and more culture. They even have a great IMAX theatre there.

Last but definitely not least, there is Michigan Avenue. This is where you will find the most amazing shopping ever. From Gucci, to Louis Vuitton and some great bargain shopping too, you will not be disappointed. In closing, remember, any time you need to get anywhere, there is an abundance of taxis and the buses are always running. You can purchase a bus pass which makes it easier if you don't carry too much cash. I hope you enjoy your trip!! Good Luck!!

- Jacqueline, Wyndham Vacation Resorts

I recently went to Chicago for a long weekend. We didn't have a lot of time so we took a Double Decker bus tour and we were able to see almost the whole city. We took the whole day getting on and off the bus to see the sites. It was a lot cheaper than taking a cab all over.

There are so many things to do but my favorites were:
Sears Tower- Sky Deck (this was amazing)
Tour of Wrigley Field
The bean at Millennium Park
Navy Pier

I would also suggest taking the subway from the airport because it's hard to find parking at a lot of places. We rented a car for the weekend and it sat in our hotel parking lot the whole time.

- Heather, Wyndham Exchange and Rentals

Oak street beach nearby Lincoln Park Zoo & The Drake Hotel; it is a lovely man-made beach area right next to the highway forming an interesting contrast (you can literally hit the beach within 10 mins from downtown Chicago!)

- Tiffany, Wyndham Hotel Group

Taxies and trolleys are great ways to get around to see the sites. Also can jump on the rail to visit the clubs stadium. Fabulous shopping and places to dine.

- Diane, RCI

There are plenty of things to do in Chicago during the day, like the River walk and shopping, but the city really comes alive at night, the clubs with live music and amazing restaurants there is a reason why this city reminds people of Gotham.

- Kimberly, Wyndham Vacation Ownership

Chicago is a great city with a wonderful combination of culture, sightseeing and entertainment and some of the best food. I went for the first time this year in September and loved it!! Fall into the holidays is a great time to visit. The weather is a nice 60-70 on the average, so a good suggestion for anyone going would be a nice city jacket for the night time and a sweater during the day. A definite must is good walking shoes, between the Magnificent Mile of shopping to the multi-floor museums there is a clear need for good shoes. If you stay within the downtown limits, I do suggest passing on the rental car. Parking is pretty pricey and besides you can catch a quick taxi ride anywhere. Recommendations on things to see and places to eat would have to include going to see the museums during the day, hit the shops on Magnificent Mile and having a traditional Chicago Dog loaded and Giordano's stuff pizza are a must. Don't forget stopping in at any of the local micro breweries for a brew sampler to have a taste of all the beers. Chicago is an amazing city.

- Jolene, Wyndham Vacation Ownership

The Wyndham Airport location - Gorgeous property. The rooms are spacious, with a refrigerator, large closets, puffy blankets that change warm to cool when it touches your skin. There are 4 to 6 pillows on your bed. 2-soft, 2-firm, and 2-medium. Perfect night sleep every time. By-the-way, the attention to service is awesome.

- Kathy, Wyndham Vacation Ownership

The Chicago Wyndham Hotel on St Clair is a great location for a family getaway. The hotel is located one block from Michigan Ave's magnificent Mile and just a few blocks from Navy Pier. The Children's Museum at Navy Pier has activities year around so our family enjoys visiting the city during the summer months while also enjoying the Holiday Season festivities. We love the fact the hotel is so conveniently located and often take advantage of weekend rates!

- Nery, RCI

Chicago, IL - spend some time by the lake as it's the prettiest scenery in town - lots to do in that area, including the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier (full of great shopping ideas for the holidays!) & Soldier Field, just to name a few! plan to ride the famous Chicago El (the elevated railway) to get around the city to avoid heavy traffic & parking headaches! Other great locations to visit include the famed Museum of Science & Industry, the Zoo, & downtown State Street. For a different twist, try the GBLT neighborhood of Belmont or the redlight district on Rush Street!

- Crystal, Wyndham Worldwide