City Guide: Chicago

October 18, 2016

We’re headed to Chicago for a few days and asked CO-OP PR founders Whitley Bouma Herbert and Susu Block to give us a list of their favorite spots. From restaurants to shopping destinations, here is their guide to the Windy City.

Destination:

Chicago

Describe the city in three words:

Proud. Innovative. Beautiful.

Easiest Way to Get Around:

Walk, bike and Uber.

STAY

The Peninsula Chicago Pool and Spa

Hotel You Recommend:

The Park Hyatt – unparalleled service, beautiful spa, fantastic location, chic restaurant and lounge and a beautiful terrace. You can’t go wrong with The Peninsula either – the recent renovations are stunning.

Favorite Neighborhood:

The West Loop/Fulton Market areas are abuzz right now. If you’re looking for a chic night out and (increasingly) good shopping, then this area is worth a visit.

EAT & DRINK

Three Must-Visit Restaurants:

Les Nomades, Giant and Twin Anchors for an old-school Chicago experience.

Best Place to Grab a Morning Coffee:

Heritage Bicycles in Lakeview and Pierrot Gourmet.

Best Place to Grab a Cocktail:

The Office…and we’d be remiss not to mention the River Shannon, one of Chicago’s all-time great corner bars.

Heritage Bicycles, Chicago.

DO

Millennium Park, Chicago.

Tourist Spots You’ll Always Love:

Chicago Architectural Foundation’s River Cruise, the 606, Millennium Park, the waterfront for a walk or run and the “Viagra Triangle.”

Family Activity:

Maggie Daley Park or visiting the museums, which all have great kids activities.

Best Views of the City:

On the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, overlooking the Chicago River.
The point at the Adler Planetarium.
From an airplane – flying into the city over the water is the best way to get a sense for Lake Michigan’s pure might. It’s also a happy reminder of the genius of preserving Chicago’s lakefront.
Roof of Soho House – everything looks better with a Picante cocktail in hand.

Space 519

Best Shopping:

Space 519 – for the most thoughtful selection of clothing, jewelry, books to cherish, gift items and more.
Ikram and Blake in the city for women’s clothing.
If you happen to be visiting the North Shore, then Athene is a must for chic comfortable clothing and accessories.
If you’re looking for gift items or unique home accessories, don’t miss Gild Assembly. You’ll find treasures from Utopia & Utility, AKMD, Skultuna, Fort Standard and more.