10 Things To See And Do In The Gold Coast, Chicago

Water Tower Place

Across the street from the Chicago Water Tower, is 758,000 square feet of shopping at Water Tower Place, one of Chicago’s largest shopping malls with more than 100 stores. Water Tower Place features stores such as American Girl Place, where you can shop for your favorite doll and then treat you and your children to a special dining experience. Other stores include Macy’s, Abercrombie and Fitch and full service restaurants like Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch, a great sports bar on the top floor of the plaza.

Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, USA 312-440-3166

Broadway Playhouse

After spending a day of shopping and dining, head to the north side of Water Tower Place for the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, originally the Drury Lane Theater in the 1970s. After a makeover in 2010, the Broadway Playhouse has hosted Love, Loss and What I Wore as well as highly acclaimed Broadway hit Colin Quinn: Long Story Shorty. Now playing is Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and upcoming shows include The 20th Anniversary World Tour of Riverdance and The Book of Mormon.

Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL, USA 312-977-1700

Two show day for me and the Peanuts means finding a quiet spot in the theatre to eat the salad I bought in full face. @broadwayinchicago @emeraldcitytheatre #ACharlieBrownChristmas #teamblockhead #BroadwayPlayhouse

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Situated in the vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood but off the beaten path of Michigan Avenue’s restaurants and shops, the Newberry Library is free and open to the public. Researchers and scholars all over the world have visited these collections that include the brilliance of literature, rare books, maps, music and manuscripts that detail six centuries of material. The Newberry was established in 1887 and also provides programs for teachers, adult education seminars and a variety of events on the humanities.

Across the street from the Newberry is the serenity of Washington Square Park, founded in 1842. During the summer months, the park is worth celebrating, with a combination of trees, picket fencing, a Victorian fountain that was added in the 1890s and a beautiful array of floral design. It is a great place to take a breath and relax during your busy trip to the Gold Coast. The park is a registered as an historic landmark in Chicago.

900 North Michigan Shops

For high-end, luxury shopping featuring Gucci, Max Mara, J.Crew and a host of others, visit the 8th tallest skyscraper in the city on Gold Coast’s Magnificent Mile. Exquisite boutiques include designers such as Kate Spade and Karen Millen. An entire day can be spent shopping, starting with a coffee and a pastry at the in-house Oak Tree Restaurant for breakfast and continuing with lunch at Frankie’s Scaloppine for a brick-oven pizza. Finally, celebrate happy hour at Frankie’s or Baisi Thai for a special price.

900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, USA 312-915-3916

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The Driehaus Museum offers collections of awe-inspiring examples of furnishing and interiors the wealthy in America had crafted during the Gilded Age. Beautifully preserved architecture and design grace the museum, from such acclaimed designers as Louis Comfort Tiffany. You can visit exhibits preserved from the early 19th century to show the elegance of front parlor, dining room and even the smoking room from that time. While stepping back in time, you can explore historic events such as the “Changing Fashion for Changing Times” exhibit featuring more than 35 costumes from the popular Downton Abbey series.

Signature Lounge at the 96th and Signature Room at the 95th

Not only does the 96th floor of the John Hancock offer wonderful views of the city, but the Signature Lounge offers a choice of more than 700 wines and specialty cocktails. It also has appetizers that include caprese bruschetta and great chicken wings. If you’re in the mood for dinner, the Signature Room at the 95th floor is known for its romantic atmosphere and has been voted one of America’s Top Tables by Gourmet Magazine. Fresh entrees include Australian rack of lamb and vegetable lasagna.

John Hancock Center, 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, USA

The Drake Hotel is one of the more than 250 hotels recognized by the Historic Hotels of America. The Hotel opened on New Year’s Eve in 1919 with a massive gala of more than 2,000 Chicago citizens. To this day, The Drake provides the grandeur of the early 19th century with more than 500 luxury guest rooms and 74 magnificent suites. Enjoy afternoon tea in the elaborate Palm Court and choose from 17 different tea suggestions.