Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world. This iconic section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue features more than 50 major department stores. It also has some of the city’s best hotels and restaurants.
While the mag mile is known for its shopping, the area offers many other activities as well. One of the most popular attractions is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. In 2010, the festival began with a concert series featuring artists such as Michael Franti, Kris Allen and Collective Soul. Another attraction is the John Hancock Center, which provides 360-degree views of the city.
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Many of the stores on the mag mile feature couture collections, special amenities and top-notch customer service. In addition, the area is home to a number of only-in-Chicago boutiques.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of shoes or a snazzy cocktail dress, you’ll find a wide variety of options here. Many of the stores are located in historic buildings, but there are plenty of contemporary facades that give the mag mile a modern edge.
You can easily get to the mag mile from the Loop. However, you’ll have to pay about $20 to $40 to park your car. If you are driving, you may want to drop your bag at one of the many hotels nearby.
Throughout the month, you can enjoy various events at the Magnificent Mile. These include the Walgreens Summer Concert Series on the Avenue. Each year, the event features a different artist, such as Michael Franti and Kris Allen. There is also a Disney themed light display, with 200 trees lit up in bright shades of red, white and blue.
Besides the upscale department stores, the area also features restaurants. Many of the restaurants are located on upper floors. For more casual eats, you can try the Cheesecake Factory, Starbucks or Garrett Popcorn.
Some of the luxury fashion brands in the area include Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Bulgari and Jimmy Choo. The Mag Mile is also home to luxury jewelry brands, such as Tiffany and Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. Besides its shops, the area is also home to several hotels, including the InterContinental Hotel.
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The historic Chicago Water Tower is another landmark. It was once the tallest building in the U.S. and is now the second-tallest in the country.
There are many hotels, restaurants and attractions in the mag mile, such as the Museum of Ice Cream. Many of the major retailers, like Macy’s, Gap and Timberland, have left vacant spaces along the avenue.
The Magnificent Mile is a prime location for holiday shopping. Most stores on the street are located near the best hotels in the city. During the holiday season, you can visit the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival for fireworks and holiday lattes.
You can also visit the famous Water Tower Place, which is the nation’s first mixed-use indoor shopping center. Since its construction, the mall has expanded to seven blocks and now includes more than 200 stores. Other stores on the avenue include Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co. and Banana Republic.