Visiting Chicago and Northern Illinois

Chicago, the Windy City, stretches west from the shores of Lake Michigan creating the mid-west's largest and arguably most exciting city. A global business and financial center, the downtown Loop's buildings include the historic Chicago Board of Trade Building, Fine Arts Building, and the Chicago Building. Chicago's skyline features the Willis Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower, the two tallest buildings in the US. A diversity of ethnic neighborhoods provide travelers to Chicago an wonderful variety of experiences; Greektown, is along Halsted Street in the West Loop neighborhood, Chinatown is near Chicago's South Side and Little Italy is near the University of Illinois-Chicago in the West Side.

Fall brings Chicago Bears NFL football to the city. Having defeated long time rivals the Green Bay Packers it is an exciting 2010 season. The 62nd Mum Bowl – the Junior Bear championship game - is October 30th, 2010. Held at Soldier Field, home turf for the Bears, come cheer on Chicago's finest boys and girls play at the home of the big boys. The Best Western Grant Park Hotel is ideal for travelers to Soldier Field or a Bear's home game. Located within walking distance of the field and other downtown attractions, enjoy your time in the city and stay at the Best Western Grant Park Hotel.

October brings Chicagoween to the city. Throughout the month, look for activities, decorations and events at local parks and buildings. Daley Plaza gets transformed into Franken Plaza the last three days of the month. Dress up with the kids and bring them downtown for Halloween performances, a Monster Bash along with hayrides, trick-or-treating and prizes. The Midnight Circus will perform their amazing acrobatics and there will be a costume contest with prizes – get ready for a great time. Visit Navy Pier for Carnival of Curiosities and the Fear Haunted house October 9th through the 31st.

Chicago hosts the 21st Chicago Humanities Festival November 3rd through the 14th at various locations citywide. With a goal of making artistic, cultural and educational opportunities to the Chicago area community, the festival has a variety of outstanding events scheduled - an amazing opportunity to hear lectures and participate in discussions with scholars, athletes and artists, and enjoy performances by cutting edge dancers and musicians. The 2010 theme is the Body and features guests like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and brothers Dan and Bill Savage.

The 2010 holiday season kicks-off with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, November 20th, in downtown Chicago. Mickey Mouse leads his friends down North Michigan Avenue illuminating over 200 trees with over a million lights. A spectacular and fun way to begin the holidays, bring the family downtown to watch the fun and enjoy the entertainment. The Best Western River North Hotel is just minutes from Michigan Avenue and the festivities. Create a family holiday tradition with a trip downtown to enjoy the sites and sounds and a stay at the Best Western River North Hotel.

Chicago and Northern Illinois Hotel Map