Words: Elaine Glusac
Illustrations: Michael Driver
The best of Chicago — from modern art and architecture to lakeside parks and restaurants made famous on the streaming series The Bear — rounds out this perfect two-day guide to the Windy City.
Day One
10 a.m.
The Impressionism collection alone could consume hours at the Art Institute of Chicago. But after paying homage to Monet, seek out the quirkier corners of the encyclopedic museum, including the Thorne Miniature Rooms devoted to meticulous architectural models from Gothic to modern styles in dollhouse proportions.
12 p.m.
Join the throngs in snapping funhouse selfies and cityscapes in the mirrored surface of Cloud Gate, the kidney-bean-shaped icon of Millennium Park popularly known as “The Bean.” Sculptor Anish Kapoor’s crowd favorite is newly accessible after a renovation of the plaza supporting the 110-ton landmark.
1 p.m.
Chicago’s beloved Italian beef sandwiches shot to stardom with the Emmy-winning TV series The Bear — poised for a season 5 drop this summer — modeled on River North’s humble sandwich shop Mr. Beef. Fans line up for the two-fisted shaved beef subs topped with sweet or hot peppers. Order one dry, wet or dipped for varying amounts of cooking juice — and a delicious mess.
3 p.m.
Work off lunch along Chicago’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail. The paved path follows the Lake Michigan shore, stringing together lively beaches, parks and attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning skyline. Rental bikes are readily available through the city’s Divvy shared bike system.
7 p.m.
Gussy up for a meal that’s a feast for both the eyes and the appetite at Ever. Chef Curtis Duffy’s creative two-Michelin-starred spot plays the world’s best restaurant in The Bear and, in real life, serves eight- to 10-course tasting menus. Its sibling cocktail lounge After invites lingering post-dessert.
Day Two
9 a.m.
Caffeinate in style at the street-art-filled Sawada Coffee in the restaurant-centric West Loop. Founded in partnership with the famed Japanese latte artist Hiroshi Sawada, the industrial-chic coffee shop specializes in east-meets-west matcha lattes alongside treats like buttermilk donuts and rainbow sprinkle cookies.
10 a.m.
Among Chicago’s 77 official neighborhoods, take a trip south to historic Hyde Park, home to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — originally constructed for the 1893 World’s Fair — the neo-Gothic campus of the University of Chicago and the Prairie School architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Tour Wright’s campus-adjacent Robie House with signature leaded-glass windows and cantilevered eaves (the tour is included with the Go City Pass/Card available to HGVClub Members).
12 p.m.
President Barack Obama got his political start here and dined so often at Hyde Park’s 1921-vintage restaurant Valois that the menu includes a list of his favorite foods. Convivial and delicious, the old-school cafeteria has a strong following for substantial daily specials like baked chicken, macaroni and cheese and hamburger steak with onions.
2 p.m.
Valois anchors the east end of 53rd Street, the neighborhood’s bustling retail district, where you can peruse bins full of vinyl at Hyde Park Records. Along the way don’t miss the Silver Room for gifts, accessories and community events like tango lessons, and Suuri Design for jewelry and locally made body care products.
7 p.m.
You can’t leave Chicago without sampling its marquee culinary invention: deep-dish pizza. Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnati’s squabble over who first created the inches-high pie loaded with cheese, but locals love Pequod’s Pizza for its caramelized crusts, as proven by its season 2 cameo in, of course, The Bear.
9 p.m.
Conclude your trip by scoring some memorable souvenirs at Palace Market on Frenchmen Street, a charming night market held seven days a week. Here, you’ll find handmade art, sculptures, clothing and jewelry from more than 80 local artists — perfect for bringing the laissez-faire spirit of the Big Easy back home with you.
7 p.m.
Wind down with a couple of craft beers at the cheekily monikered Brieux Carré Brewing Co, on Decatur Street. Famed for its rotating selection of “Crispy,” “Malty,” “Sour” and “Hoppy” brews, it’s a place to appreciate unique pints while munching on quirky bar snacks like “gator tators” and garlic anchovies.
5 p.m.
As afternoon fades into evening, make a beeline for the Vue Orleans Observation Deck and its extraordinary 34th-floor views of the city. From street level, an elevator whisks you straight up to indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, as well as a handy café and bar. This is the perfect way to wrap up your day in style — ideally just before sunset.
2 p.m.
Walk off your culinary creations with a trip to St. Roch Market — a buzzy local favorite where vendors sell fresh food and ingredients in a grand covered market that’s more than 150 years old. Grab a coffee or dessert and take a moment to sit and enjoy the striking architecture and kinetic energy all around you.
11 A.m.
Get hands-on with New Orleans’ rich culinary scene at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. In a fun, airy space, professional chefs will teach you how to make the Cajun and Creole dishes of your choice, from crawfish etouffee and chicken-and-sausage gumbo to chocolate bread pudding with brandy mocha sauce.
Day two
8 a.m.
Start your day with a wander through the quirky Marigny district, the French Quarter’s colorful neighbor. Amid the Caribbean vibes and vibrant street art, you’ll find one of the best breakfasts in town at Hotel Peter & Paul, a renovated former church and convent. Whatever you order, make sure you get the heavenly homemade focaccia and honey butter on the side.
9 p.m.
Playing traditional New Orleans jazz for more than 60 years, Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street is an absolute must for music lovers. Buy your tickets online to secure a good spot, then sit back and enjoy a venue that has hosted — and continues to host — some of the all-time greats. Just make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes: it’s hard to sit still in this place.
6 p.m.
Back in the city, it’s time for a drink. New Orleans is America’s cocktail capital, and there’s an overwhelming number of bars to choose from. Cut through the noise and follow the locals to Jewel of the South — an award-winning mixology temple hidden in one of the French Quarter’s quieter corners. Renowned for its signature Brandy Crusta cocktail, it also serves a delectable lobster bisque.
2 p.m.
New Orleans was carved out of the swamp by French emigres in 1718, and the modern city is still surrounded by bayou country today. Explore this unique ecosystem on an airboat tour with Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours, just a 25-minute drive from downtown. During your two-hour ride, look out for everything from baby turtles to monster alligators as you glide under moss-draped branches and meander down misty waterways.
12 p.m.
Once you’ve worked up a genuine appetite, make your way to the Garden District for one of the most famous (and fun) brunches in town. Set in an old Creole cottage, Atchafalaya is renowned for its delicious twists on traditional plates — including crab cake benedict and risotto with bacon crackling gremolata — served with a healthy side of live music.
Day one
9 a.m.
Get your bearings with an early-morning stroll through the city’s picturesque colonial heart, the French Quarter. Also known as Vieux Carré, this is the oldest part of New Orleans and its social epicenter, particularly Bourbon Street. Look out for lively Jackson Square and stately St. Louis Cathedral as you soak in the atmosphere, stopping by Killer PoBoys for a half “po’boy” sandwich if you need an energy boost.
7 p.m.
You can’t leave Chicago without sampling its marquee culinary invention: deep-dish pizza. Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnati’s squabble over who first created the inches-high pie loaded with cheese, but locals love Pequod’s Pizza for its caramelized crusts, as proven by its season 2 cameo in, of course, The Bear.
2 p.m.
Valois anchors the east end of 53rd Street, the neighborhood’s bustling retail district, where you can peruse bins full of vinyl at Hyde Park Records. Along the way don’t miss the Silver Room for gifts, accessories and community events like tango lessons, and Suuri Design for jewelry and locally made body care products.
12 p.m.
President Barack Obama got his political start here and dined so often at Hyde Park’s 1921-vintage restaurant Valois that the menu includes a list of his favorite foods. Convivial and delicious, the old-school cafeteria has a strong following for substantial daily specials like baked chicken, macaroni and cheese and hamburger steak with onions.
10 A.m.
Among Chicago’s 77 official neighborhoods, take a trip south to historic Hyde Park, home to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — originally constructed for the 1893 World’s Fair — the neo-Gothic campus of the University of Chicago and the Prairie School architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Tour Wright’s campus-adjacent Robie House with signature leaded-glass windows and cantilevered eaves (the tour is included with the Go City Pass/Card available to HGVClub Members).
Day two
9 a.m.
Caffeinate in style at the street-art-filled Sawada Coffee in the restaurant-centric West Loop. Founded in partnership with the famed Japanese latte artist Hiroshi Sawada, the industrial-chic coffee shop specializes in east-meets-west matcha lattes alongside treats like buttermilk donuts and rainbow sprinkle cookies.
7 p.m.
Gussy up for a meal that’s a feast for both the eyes and the appetite at Ever. Chef Curtis Duffy’s creative two-Michelin-starred spot plays the world’s best restaurant in The Bear and, in real life, serves eight- to 10-course tasting menus. Its sibling cocktail lounge After invites lingering post-dessert.
3 p.m.
Work off lunch along Chicago’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail. The paved path follows the Lake Michigan shore, stringing together lively beaches, parks and attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning skyline. Rental bikes are readily available through the city’s Divvy shared bike system.
1 p.m.
Chicago’s beloved Italian beef sandwiches shot to stardom with the Emmy-winning TV series The Bear — poised for a season 5 drop this summer — modeled on River North’s humble sandwich shop Mr. Beef. Fans line up for the two-fisted shaved beef subs topped with sweet or hot peppers. Order one dry, wet or dipped for varying amounts of cooking juice — and a delicious mess.
12 p.m.
Join the throngs in snapping funhouse selfies and cityscapes in the mirrored surface of Cloud Gate, the kidney-bean-shaped icon of Millennium Park popularly known as “The Bean.” Sculptor Anish Kapoor’s crowd favorite is newly accessible after a renovation of the plaza supporting the 110-ton landmark.
Day one
10 a.m.
The Impressionism collection alone could consume hours at the Art Institute of Chicago. But after paying homage to Monet, seek out the quirkier corners of the encyclopedic museum, including the Thorne Miniature Rooms devoted to meticulous architectural models from Gothic to modern styles in dollhouse proportions.
Words: Jonathan Thompson
Illustrations: Michael Driver
New Orleans isn’t just a city. It’s a vibe. From live jazz to soul food, here’s how to enjoy the perfect weekend in the Big Easy
New Orleans isn’t just a city, it’s a vibe. From live jazz to soul food, here’s how to enjoy the perfect weekend in the Big Easy
Day one
9 a.m.
Get your bearings with an early-morning stroll through the city’s picturesque colonial heart, the French Quarter. Also known as Vieux Carré, this is the oldest part of New Orleans and its social epicenter, particularly Bourbon Street. Look out for lively Jackson Square and stately St. Louis Cathedral as you soak in the atmosphere, stopping by Killer PoBoys for a half “po’boy” sandwich if you need an energy boost.
12 p.m.
Once you’ve worked up a genuine appetite, make your way to the Garden District for one of the most famous (and fun) brunches in town. Set in an old Creole cottage, Atchafalaya is renowned for its delicious twists on traditional plates — including crab cake benedict and risotto with bacon crackling gremolata — served with a healthy side of live music.
2 p.m.
New Orleans was carved out of the swamp by French émigrés in 1718, and the modern city is still surrounded by bayou country today. Explore this unique ecosystem on an airboat tour with Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours, just a 25-minute drive from downtown. During your two-hour ride, look out for everything from baby turtles to monster alligators as you glide under moss-draped branches and meander down misty waterways.
6 p.m.
Back in the city, it’s time for a drink. New Orleans is America’s cocktail capital, and there’s an overwhelming number of bars to choose from. Cut through the noise and follow the locals to Jewel of the South — an award-winning mixology temple hidden in one of the French Quarter’s quieter corners. Renowned for its signature Brandy Crusta cocktail, it also serves a delectable lobster bisque.
9 p.m.
Playing traditional New Orleans jazz for more than 60 years, Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street is an absolute must for music lovers. Buy your tickets online to secure a good spot, then sit back and enjoy a venue that has hosted — and continues to host — some of the all-time greats. Just make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes: it’s hard to sit still in this place.
Day two
8 a.m.
Start your day with a wander through the quirky Marigny district, the French Quarter’s colorful neighbor. Amid the Caribbean vibes and vibrant street art, you’ll find one of the best breakfasts in town at Hotel Peter & Paul, a renovated former church and convent. Whatever you order, make sure you get the heavenly homemade focaccia and honey butter on the side.
11 A.m.
Get hands-on with New Orleans’ rich culinary scene at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. In a fun, airy space, professional chefs will teach you how to make the Cajun and Creole dishes of your choice, from crawfish etouffee and chicken-and-sausage gumbo to chocolate bread pudding with brandy mocha sauce.
2 p.m.
Walk off your culinary creations with a trip to St. Roch Market — a buzzy local favorite where vendors sell fresh food and ingredients in a grand covered market that’s more than 150 years old. Grab a coffee or dessert and take a moment to sit and enjoy the striking architecture and kinetic energy all around you.
5 p.m.
As afternoon fades into evening, make a beeline for the Vue Orleans Observation Deck and its extraordinary 34th-floor views of the city. From street level, an elevator whisks you straight up to indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, as well as a handy café and bar. This is the perfect way to wrap up your day in style — ideally just before sunset.
7 p.m.
Wind down with a couple of craft beers at the cheekily monikered Brieux Carré Brewing Co. on Decatur Street. Famed for its rotating selection of “Crispy,” “Malty,” “Sour” and “Hoppy” brews, it’s a place to appreciate unique pints while munching on quirky bar snacks like “gator tators” and garlic anchovies.
9 p.m.
Conclude your trip by scoring some memorable souvenirs at Palace Market on Frenchmen Street, a charming night market held seven days a week. Here, you’ll find handmade art, sculptures, clothing and jewelry from more than 80 local artists — perfect for bringing the laissez-faire spirit of the Big Easy back home with you.
Words: Elaine Glusac
Illustrations: Jonathan Thompson
Where to Stay
Tall, elegant and stylish, The Marquee is a 17-story oasis above the thrum of New Orleans’ Theater District. When you’re ready to venture out of your well-appointed Suite, head straight for the rooftop, where the pool has some of the best views in town — and the fire pit becomes a social hub each night. With the French Quarter’s historic charm just steps away, you'll have the perfect balance of serene retreat and easy access to the city.
The Marquee is just steps away from New Orleans’ legendary music, cuisine and culture
Book your trip to New Orleans today.
Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!
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