FALL 2017/WINTER 2018 CHOOSECHICAGO.COM

EXPLORE THE CITY’S WORLD-CLASS THEATER SCENE

DISCOVER DIVERSE CULTURAL EVENTS, HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AND MORE

GET OUT! ENJOY THE OUTDOORS THIS FALL & WINTER

DRINK IN CHICAGO’S CRAFT BEER BOOM

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Over the years, Chicago has been described as many things: The City That Works, The City of Big Shoulders, The Windy City. Lately, we’ve added another descriptor: World Champions. While all of these descriptions fit,

there’s a great deal more to our city and we hope you take the time to experience it all.

Your visit is important to us. Chicago welcomed more than 54 million people last year. We’re proud of that. Tourism creates jobs and investment, which in turn generates economic opportunities that reach every neighborhood.

Whether you’re spending time in one of the city’s 77 neighborhoods, strolling along Chicago’s world-famous lakefront, enjoying a play at one of Chicago’s more than 200 theaters, or experiencing some of Chicago’s exceptional cuisine at one of the city’s world-renowned restaurants, Chicago has an unparalleled experience waiting for you.

Enjoy your visit to Chicago.

Welcome to Chicago — Welcome Home.

Home is a place where you can feel comfortable, where you can be yourself. Where you are free to explore, enjoy and immerse yourself in the things that

matter most to you or those who matter most. That’s Chicago.

The heart and soul of our city lives in our 77 vibrant neighborhoods, each with their own mix of historical sights and sounds, attractions, arts and culture, dining, nightlife, shopping and theater. Each neighborhood with a vibe all its own — all where you’ll feel welcome.

The Chicago Official Visitors Guide is your guide to learning more about this amazing community, and it is full of informative features and listings on much that is uniquely ours, as we are home to so many amazing experiences — each waiting for you.

We want to thank you for being here — and thank you for creating memories that perhaps you’ll share, but hopefully will also bring you back in the future.

We’re glad you’re here.

RAHM EMANUEL Mayor of Chicago

DAVID WHITAKER President and CEO, Choose Chicago

local contributors

JANICE DEAL Janice Deal regularly writes content for various Midwest travel and lifestyle sites, in addition to publishing her own fiction work.

AMBER GIBSON Amber Gibson writes for Forbes, Saveur, Four Seasons Magazine, Hemispheres and American Way.

KELSIE OZAMIZ Kelsie Ozamiz has written about travel for The Huffington Post, Orbitz Travel blog and Travelzoo’s U.S. blog.

JOE MILLS Joe Mills is an elementary art teacher and freelance illustrator specializing in Chicago-themed art.

CLOUD GATE AT MILLENNIUM PARK

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WELCOME TO CHICAGOWELCOME TO CHICAGO

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RAVENSWOOD CORRIDORTree-lined residential streets and charming converted industrial buildings are the picturesque backdrop in this North Side neighborhood that welcomes lovers of a fine-crafted brew to “Malt Row.”

STOP 1: CHAT OVER A DAISY CUTTER

Grab a burrito with that beer (did you know they’re the perfect duo?) in the rustic-chic Half Acre Beer Company. Its Daisy Cutter pale ale is a cult fave nationwide, so it’s a special honor to enjoy it in its sweet home, Chicago. Raise a glass at one of the taproom’s communal tables and make new friends.

Craft Beer SceneSTOP 2: EXPERIENCE A GRASSROOTS EFFORT

Start your Ravenswood beer trek at Chicago’s first community-supported brewery, Begyle Brewing Company (it’s owned by member shareholders). There’s a retail store and tours every Saturday at noon, which includes three pours (try the Blonde Ale) and a souvenir glass.

STOP 3: GO EURO

Pair a beer flight with a Dinkel’s pretzel and imagine yourself in Europe at Dovetail Brewery. Hefeweizen is just the start of the Euro-inspired quaffs up for grabs at this rustic spot that you’ll want to return to again and again (and you’re welcome to bring your dog!).

Sample artisan brews in three of the city’s hottest neighborhoods.BY KELLY AIGLON

STOP 4: TRY SOMETHING BOHO

A vibrant mix of flavors and colors come together at Band of Bohemia. The dining room is beautiful, but you can’t go wrong with a seat at the bar drinking spice-infused beer (the guava-pink peppercorn is a can’t-miss) and digging into duck confit.

STOP 5: DARE TO EXPERIMENT

In addition to its popular favorites, Empirical Brewery introduces one new “experimental” beer every week. Using a scientific approach and “empirical observations,” the brewery introduces a continually changing beer lineup (such as the Down Quark Session Black IPA with raspberries). The decor is industrial; the mood is uplifting and social. Bonus: food trucks on the weekends.

BEGYLE BREWING COMPANY

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