Historic Sites in Western Springs

"The Rookery is an iconic building, positioned in heart of downtown Chicago's financial district. The building, a mashup of modern building techniques (elevators and fireproofing) and traditional design (ornamental brick facades), was completed in 1888 by Burnham and Root. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the lobby with white marble and Persian-style ornamentation."

"Before even visiting Chicago I knew about the famous stairs of the Rookery Building. If you want to take a picture of them (from the bottom) you’ll need to go on a tour of the building. Since the whole building is amazing, it’s well worth the admission…plus it goes to a good cause."

"Circle back toward the river, making a quick stop inside Macy’s State Street which is designated as a National Historic Landmark thanks to magnificent touches that make it feel more like a museum than a department store. Of note are the Great Clocks which weigh seven tonnes each, granite pillars that are the second-tallest of their type in the world, and the ornate Tiffany Ceiling which was painstakingly designed from 1.6 million pieces of hand-fired iridescent glass."

"Further down Randolph is Macy's on State Street, another stunning landmark building boasting seven floor of retail space and great dining options. Across the way, Block 37 is a five-story modern urban mall boasting its own gourmet food hall Latinicity and new Dine-in AMC Movie Theatre."

"One of the biggest department stores in the world and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Flex your plastic around eight floors of amazing fashion, from DKNY to Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors."

"Of the numerous buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed around Chicago, none is more famous or influential than Robie House. Because its horizontal lines resembled the flat landscape of the Midwestern prairie, the style became known as the Prairie style. Inside are 174 stained-glass windows and doors, which you'll see on the hour-long tours (frequency varies by season, but there's usually at least one tour per hour). Advance tickets are highly recommended."

"Named one of the 10 most significant buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects, the 9,000-square-foot Robie…"

"Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, video consultant, three-time Emmy®-award winning TV producer, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical and traveled around the world for three years. She has been blogging atLLworldtour.comsince 2006."

"The timeless Chicago hotel has all the fame and historic charm to make your green-eyed followers even more envious of your travels."

"Wright designed and built his first home in 1889, on the strength of a $5,000 loan from his then employer and mentor, seminal Chicago…"

"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."

"This 1951 minimalist dwelling by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe sits just down the Fox River from Aurora. Constructed of steel, wood, and travertine…"

"Located on the Northside in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica comes from our friends at the ever-growing Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant group. There’s a front patio, but the whole vibe is like you’re outdoors. With whitewashed wood walls, gauzy white curtains, and a huge atrium in the middle open to clouds and sun, there is so much natural light in here, it truly feels like  you are in Santa Monica."

"Even in the depths of winter this Lincoln Park restaurant is full of sunshine and joy. Channeling its inner Cali, the food here is light and bright – ahi tuna and watermelon tostadas, handmade local burrata and fresh salads. The kids’ menu mirrors that with fresh berries accompanying most dishes."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"Le Macaron found on West Armitage Avenue invites guests to experience the best of French cuisine. The coffee shop’s website describes its macarons as the perfect delicacy, original and elegant, and we think they’re 100% correct. Le Macaron does offer some really fun flavors alongside the more traditional choices, though: including bubblegum, violet cassis, gingerbread, and strawberry key lime."