Looking for the best views of Chicago? From observation decks soaring 1,000 feet in the air (like Skydeck Chicago or 360 CHICAGO) to rooftop bars with sweeping skyline views, we’ve compiled five of our favorite ways to see Chicago from above.Observation decksWhen it comes to the best views in Chicago, it’s hard to beat the city’s dramatic observation decks. Take a trip up 103 floors to Skydeck Chicago, located atop the Willis Tower, where you’ll find a thrilling feature:

Whether you’re visiting over Memorial Day or Veterans Day holiday weekends, or just have an interest in the armed forces, Chicago has a number of sites honoring U.S. veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving. Celebrate the country’s military past with these Chicago attractions, museums, and memorials.Pritzker Military Museum & LibraryThe Pritzker Military Museum & Library houses more than 35,000 books, posters, photographs, videos, and artifacts ranging

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruis

Nature lovers, architecture buffs, public art aficionados — Grant Park has something for everyone. And so does Buckingham Fountain, the park’s centerpiece. Located right along the lake in the heart of the park, this majestic fountain is the one Grant Park attraction you shouldn’t miss. Here’s why.It’s one of the biggest in the worldThe crown jewel of Grant Park is fit for a king — literally. The design was inspired by one of the ornate fountains at the Palace of Versailles in France, built for L

Seven of Chicago’s must-see museums, all in one breathtaking setting. Chicago’s Museum Campus South is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural areas, home to museums that delve into everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge science.Museum Campus South is located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, which means you’ll be surrounded by beautiful parks, historic buildings, and the University of Chicago’s striking campus.Take your pick from any of the seven or spend a weekend exploring all t

You can see Chicago from any angle: from high above in the sky, along the shores on a boat and on the ground with your own two feet. So it stands to reason that you can also explore the city on wheels. Take your pick of vehicle — bus, bike, Segway, or Trikke — with these Chicago tours.Tour Chicago by busEnjoy panoramic views of Chicago’s sights and skyscrapers with Big Bus Tours. Their sightseeing tours on double-decker buses cover the city’s top landmarks, from The Magnificent Mile

When Christmas comes around, Chicago lights up. There’s no shortage of glowing, glittering lights displays, holiday markets, seasonal treats, snowy sights, and exciting events all season long. So how do you see and do it all? With a holiday tour of the city! Whether you’re looking to walk, ride, or cruise, these tours cover the very best of the season, from the most dazzling light shows to the very best hot chocolate and beyond.Here are a few ways to see Christmas lights and more with holi

You never know where a tour of Chicago might take you. You might find yourself sitting in the Chicago Cubs dugout, looking for ghosts in a haunted alleyway, kayaking through a skyscraper canyon, or eating the best brownie you’ve ever had in a historic hotel. No matter what you’re looking for, these unique Chicago tours guarantee a one-of-a-kind, off-the-beaten-path perspective of the city.Chicago DetoursChicago Detours are no ordinary walking tours. Their tours take a creative approa

Headed to Chicago? You’ve got a lot of ground to cover. This guide breaks down all the best parts of our city, from our stunning waterfronts to our bustling neighborhoods to our vibrant theatre district. Don’t leave before you check these must-sees off your list.Eat and drink in Chicago: dive bars to Michelin starsGourmet to street food, Italian to Indonesian, cheap eats to fine dining. The variety of Chicago’s culinary scene is astounding. We’re home to more than 7,000 r

Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”, is one of Chicago’s most popular sights. The monumental work of art anchors the city’s downtown park, reflecting the city’s famous skyline and the surrounding green space. Here’s everything you need to know about The Bean, including where it came from and where to see it.What is The Bean?The Bean is a work of public art in the heart of Chicago. The sculpture, which is officially titled Cloud Gate, is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations. The

Wedding Rocks on the PNW Coastline After seven years in Seattle, I had never truly explored the Olympic Peninsula until my boyfriend surprised me with an overnight backpacking trip to the coast. Our trail: The Ozette Triangle, an easy nine-mile loop with little elevation gain. The highly-accessible terrain makes it a great trail for families with children and the sights along the way are a terrific introduction to the Washington coastline for hikers of all skill levels. The whole trek can be

Chambers Bay on Puget Sound will host the 2015 U.S. Open. Photo credit: Aidan Bradley. by John Boesche Walking the fairways of a golf course set to host a major championship is a claim few can make. In less than three years, Chambers Bay will welcome the world’s best golfers, some 250,000 spectators, and a television audience of millions when it hosts the 2015 US Open.  Until its debut on the world’s stage, though, Chambers Bay provides the common golfer—both visitors and locals alike—an exp

Daniel and Joe Decker reach the 14,410 summit of Mt. Rainier. by Danielle Decker For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the thought of summiting Washington State’s highest peak, 14,410-foot Mt. Rainier. Growing up, my family and I would take annual summer trips to camp at Cougar Rock and hike around the lower flanks of the mountain just outside of Paradise. I recall “gearing up” alongside the true mountaineers at the trail head, fantasizing that we would all reach the same lo

Marathon training.  It’s not glamorous.  It’s full of phrases like shin splints, blisters, anti-chafe cream, ice baths.  So it’s no surprise people aren’t leaping out of bed every morning to register for a race.  In fact, only about 0.1% of Americans have ever run a marathon. So, why am I deep into training for my eighth marathon?  Simple, I’ve discovered a highly guarded secret that brings such joy to my life that it completely neutralizes the thoughts of pulled muscles, excess applications

Walking the beach at Iron Springs Resort. by Tracey Wickersham I did something this past spring that changed my lifestyle pretty substantially: I got a dog. Adopted from the Seattle Humane Society, our 12-year-old but still spunky Blue Heeler has quickly assumed a prominent role in both our household and our hearts. Suddenly I find myself asking questions I never had before. Does that park allow dogs? What about that beach?  What hotels are pet friendly? What excursions would be fun for huma

NASA’s Space Shuttle Trainer, now on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. by David Blandford I’ve had a lifelong fascination with space exploration.  I grew up on Tang, had an Apollo 11 lunchbox and watched NASA moon missions from my elementary school class room. A couple of years ago, I had a rare chance to go inside the original Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.  I had my picture taken in the flight director’s chair and – boom – I was seven years old agai

By Ali Daniels For the first year ever we are taking Thanksgiving off.  We’re leaving the cooking, and most importantly, the clean up to the professional chefs of Seattle. When I finally talked myself (and my family) into the fact that it’s okay to dine at a food establishment over the holidays, my eyes were opened to a whole new world.  People DO eat out on holidays – and not just Ralphie’s family after dogs destroyed the Christmas bird. Nearly 30 restaurants in Seattle serve a Thank

Photo by Frank Huster by John Boesche Most people volunteer time or resources to a worthy cause at some point in their lives.  We all have our own reasons for volunteering, but a common theme is the desire to help foster positive change.  I recently had the opportunity to volunteer as a server at FareStart during their incredibly popular Guest Chef Night program.  The experience was unparalleled and the impact was unforgettable. Having seen an opportunity to bridge the gap between homelessn

By Tracey Wickersham Jeune fille en vert (Young Girl in Green Dress), 1927-30, Tamara de Lempicka, oil on canvas, Centre Georges Pompidou, Musée national d’art moderne, Paris. © 2012 Tamara Art Heritage / ADAGP, Paris / ARS, NY. From Elles exhibit at SAM. Paris, Seattle, or both? Recently, I had the opportunity to attend exhibitions that opened just days apart at two of our primary art museums. I think the contrast between these shows is illustrative in defining the breadth and appeal of Sea

Photo Credit: Pacific Science Center. by Tracey Wickersham We are so proud and pleased that Seattle was chosen as the host city for the final North American appearance of Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, which opened here in May. Our nationally recognized Pacific Science Center has already seen more than half a million people come through its doors to view this magnificent exhibition, which features upwards of 100 striking objects spanning 2000 years of ancient Egyptian h