What began as an Indian trading post in the mid-19th Century has become one of the world’s premier shopping destinations. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is resplendent with great shopping, first class dining, and top-notch hotels.
Twenty-two million people visit the Magnificent Mile yearly. The Magnificent Mile district features mature trees, flower-filled medians, over 40 parkway gardens, and two museums. All of them combining to complement the unique architectural beauty of the city. It is truly a unique space.
Flourishing within a one-mile area of tree-lined streets, from the Chicago River north to Oak Street, just a few yards away from Lake Michigan, visitors can experience:
Department and Specialty Stores
With 3.3 million square feet of retail space the mile contains 460 stores. Elite retail establishments such as Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field’s and Nordstrom’s can more than keep you off the streets. Chicago also has a Neiman Marcus, known for it’s “the sky’s the limit” Christmas catagloue—literally. The 2006 catalogue featured a $140,000 BMW and a charted trip for six to space for a mere $1.7 million.
On the Mile unique experiential retail offerings include: American Girl Place, The Official NASCAR Store, Niketown, and The Lego Store. Remember that episode of I Love Lucy, where she worked in the chocolate factory? You can get a “taste” of that experience at Hershey’s Chicago where you can be a chocolate factory worker for a day. Or perhaps you are in need of a $1,200 moisturizer; Saks Fifth Avenue is where you’ll find one.
Boutiques
Unique boutiques line the Mile, including Tails in the City, where you can find designer doggie dresses, hair accessories, and bling for your bow-wow. World class shops include Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Armani, Hermès, Anne Fontaine, La Perla, Tiffany’s, Ermenegildo Zegna. Plus, many more internationally recognized names, Look out Rodeo Drive.
Dining
The Mile hosts 275 restaurants including the critically acclaimed: Spiaggia, Tru, and the Signature Room at the 95th (floor of the John Hancock Center, that is). A truly international representation of cuisine greets you. From fondue to curry, there’s a something to satiate your appetite.
Hotels
Fifty hotels cater to almost any demand. They include four-and five-diamond hotels such as: the Conrad, the Ritz-Carlton, the Peninsula, the Four Seasons, and the Park Hyatt. If the (four-star) conference hotels aren’t up to your standards, how about staying in one of these hotels where the guest list is so exclusive, even we couldn’t get it.
So, if shopping or dining is your bag, the Magnificent Mile is your venue. For more information on the Magnificent Mile contact the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) @ 312-642-3570. Or sign up for the newsletter.
