Must See Sights and Landmarks in Itasca Area

"Navy Pier and its surrounding attractions are full of fun activities for kids and adults alike (see above for some more details on all the stuff you can enjoy while there). Take a stroll around the pier, sample some classic boardwalk eats, and take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Use your Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive Pass to get a 4-Ride pass for Navy Pier attractions, including the ever-popular Centennial Wheel."

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."

"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."

"Potter Palmer, Marshall Field, Daniel Burnham, David Adler and Bruce Graham are just a handful of the notable burials at Graceland Cemetery in the Uptown neighborhood. While cemeteries may creep some people out, this one is notable for being a lush, tranquil place for Chicagoans to relax and enjoy the silence. The 2,000 trees and 50 species here are certified by the Morton Arboretum and carefully maintained."

"Although cemeteries can be eerie to some, this spot is anything but scary. Bring a blanket, your favorite book and pop a squat under one of the many honey locust trees for a relaxing day in the shade."

"Near Irving Park Road, this graveyard has crypts that are almost as strikingly designed as the city skyline. A number of Chicago's most…"

"Hunkered down across from Grant Park, this 110,000-ton granite-and-limestone behemoth was an instant star when it debuted in 1899, and…"

"Lincoln ParkThe views don’t get much better than Theatre on the Lake, where your outdoor table is parked just steps from the softly crashing waves of Lake Michigan. With seating for 80 and a focused selection of entrées from chicken tinga tacos to brisket dip, Theatre on the Lake continues to serve as something of a mental health break come to life. Stop by for weekend brunch served from 10 am to 3 pm.How to book: Reserve via OpenTable."

"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."

"The best deep dish in Chicago is a hotly debated topic, but it really comes down to whether you prefer your ‘za saucier or cheesier. Personally, I’m a coat that pie in as much tomato sauce as possible kind of girl. If you’re all about that cheese life, Lou Malnati’s will be more your style."

"Address: 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, 223 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606, 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, & 700 E."

"After we were done at the MSI (Museum of Science and Industry) or I should say once they kicked us out when they closed ."

"Chicago Bagel Authority — lovingly known as CBA — isn't just the perfect Insta, it's also the perfect bagel sandwich. As the NYC bagel trend has made its way to Chi, these bagels give the Big Apple a run for its money. Their Steamwiches offer almost every sammie combination you can imagine."

"Eat This Right Now:  Chia Bagel – Vegan Loaded Bagel ($7.50). I’m not sure what is the best part of Chicago Bagel Authority. Their laid back atmosphere with couches, writing on the wall, and board games paired with their extra late hours makes it a great place to hang out."

"New Yorkers might think that they have America’s best bagels… but they’ve probably never heard of CBA. CBA is the Chicago Bagel Authority. They serve mouthwatering steamed bagel sandwiches in seemingly endless varieties."

"Everyone has their favorite pizza joint, but the biggest rivalry in the city is between Giordano’s and Gino’s East. Luckily both have locations near Navy Pier, making for a convenient lunch stop. I personally prefer Gino’s East both for the food and because you can write a message on the walls (and read thousands of others while you wait for your meal)."

"Chcago is well-known for creating the deep dish style pizza. What was created and is still served in Chicago is not the deep dish pizza you’ll find at a Pizza Hut or Little Caesar’s. True Chicago deep dish pizza is actually “deep” or thick and filled with toppings which are assembled upside down, with sauce on top."

"Whenever you mention deep-dish and pizza in the same sentence, Giordano’s should be included. This restaurant and pizzeria has been around since 1974 and is one of the best pizzerias in the Chi. Giordano’s can be found in several locations throughout the best neighborhoods in 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."

"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."

"3162 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 281-6111 www.hisstuffchicago.com. His Stuff offers attire for men who are in touch with their inner fashionisto. The clothing in this boutique can be gaudy, or casual, but they will never be outdated."

"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…"