Tag Archives: tourism

Stand in the sky! Unforgettable Chicago views at The Willis Tower!

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Where can you stand on top of $150 million dollars at 1,353 feet in the air, while overlooking four other states and swaying back and forth by six inches? Answer: The Willis Tower Skydeck .

The Willis Tower and its new and improved observatory atop it all has been taken in with loving arms. The Skydeck’s new addition is called The Ledge and that pretty much says it all. The Ledge consists of all glass and stands over the city of Chicago for those who dare step into its case. From there it extends 4.3 feet from the Skydeck leaving guests on top of the world. Click theskydeck.com/ for more information.

Insider Tip: The Willis Tower, as it has always been, is a major hotspot for visitors in Chicago- and the long line reflects that. Skip the hours wait by paying 30 bucks for the express ticket and go straight to the elevators and up, up, up. Trust us, it’s money well spent.

Segway to Me Baby

Yeah it’s true that Segways will never really look all that normal. See one cruising past at high speed and it’s hard not to have a chuckle. The thing is, they’re just so darn convenient. When it comes to touring Chi-town that is. Walking tours are great but to cover major space and fast, Segways do the trick. Pride aside of course.

If you just can’t handle the Segway, bikes are just as popular and Chi-town was actually voted the #1 bike-friendly city in the US by Bicycling Magazine! So strap on your helmet and get ready to ride!

Chicago Bike ‘n Roll Tours allow tourists to see the best the city has to offer without the restrictions of roadways (i.e. double decker bus tours), or swollen feet (i.e. walking tours).

Bikes for rent are Trek and come in every option you could prefer. Tours adventure through Millennium Park, the lakefront, charming neighborhoods, famous Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and much more. In fact there are 9 tours to choose from so everybody leaves happy.segway-1_jpg_595x1000_q85

It’s All About The Fung Shui Views at Mandarin Oriental

Occupying the top eleven floors of a 48 story building in the Financial District, and bumping windows with the famous Transamerica Pyramid, The Mandarin Oriental hotel is the third tallest building in San Francisco.  The unobstructed views are so awesome they give you binoculars at check-in.

Arriving by taxi but traveling by Picture 18cable car, this hotel’s location is perfect for the business traveler looking for some tourism in the agenda.  The financial district is the hub of the city’s enterprise, but surrounded by the most popular destinations: Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, and North Beach are all within several blocks.

Your time within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental will not be wasted, with Silks Restaurant offering Pacific Rim fine dining, and the Mobar Lounge serving appetizers and Asian-inspired cocktails.  Of course, if the stay is strictly business, there’s a 24-hour staffed business center and event space for your stay-connected needs.

Guest rooms nestled in the top ten floors are colored with clay and chile red hues, dressed with fresh orchids, and a perfectly fung shui’d window and raised bed design that allows you to enjoy the city skyline without even getting up for your binoculars.

Twin Peaks’ Views For Lovers & Sightseers

While the city skyline is beautiful from the balcony of a downtown hotel, nothing can compare to the city’s best views, Twin Peaks Vista Point.  Called Los Pechos de la ChocaPicture 23 (breasts of the Indian maiden) by early Spanish settlers, Twin Peaks is perfect for lovers and sightseers alike.

The drive up is stunning, especially at night, so hire a limousine or taxi to fully enjoy the ride.  Of course, you can also take a bus or hike up during the day– it’s worth the trek in clear weather once you see Ocean Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge all in one sweeping glance!

Twin Peaks are a must for anyone who comes to San Francisco and for anyone who hasn’t been in a while.  Bundle up for the wind, and you’ll enjoy eucalyptus-shrouded hiking, bird-watching, city-watching and the most popular place to snuggle with your loved ones in the city.

Hike Your Way to the Hollywood Sign

You can take tour buses, visit celebrities’ homes, and even put your hands in their handprints, but there’s nothing better than saying you got up close and personal to the famous Hollywood Sign that the average person only sees from a distance.

Picture 6With proper research on which turns to take and where to park, the hike to the Hollywood Sign is an absolute must for tourists and locals alike. When embarking on the hike, make sure to know where that certain “left turn” is; if you accidentally go right you will find yourself in Griffith Park.

The forty-minute hike involves stamina and hiking shoes, but the view is absolutely breathtaking. With cameras left and right protecting the sign, the closest you might get to the white letters is behind a fence. Yet the experience and view are well worth it. This is one tourist spot even a Hollywood tour bus couldn’t get you to.