HOTEL INFORMATION
The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers sophisticated, modern luxury in the heart of downtown Chicago. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Grant and Millennium Parks, and the legendary skyline, the Fairmont Chicago is the perfect backdrop for FOCAL 2023.
Fun Things to Do
Insta-credibity
Chicago is one big playground that will make your social media shine. The spectacular Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) sculpture delivers cosmic curvy reflections. For fun photos from 100+ stories up, step into the Willis Tower Skydeck or John Hancock’s TILT. If colorful murals by local artists fit the bill, Wabash Arts Corridor is the go-to place. Chicago is also resplendent with famous marquees, including the Chicago Theatre, the beloved Wrigley Field marquee, or the jazz-era sparkle of the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. For knock your socks off vintage backgrounds, the landmark Rookery Building is a must. And if you return home without a deep-dish pizza cheese stretching photo, were you even in Chicago??
A Shopping Meca
With myriad shopping options, Chicago is the ideal place for a splurge! State Street (that great street) is home to trendy shops, boutiques, and Macy’s, which is part architectural tour and part retail heaven. Just across the street, Block 37 is a hip hub of cool stores and eateries. Iconic Magnificent Mile is a history-packed luxury retail center with Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Water Tower Place. And don’t forget to pick up a Chicago souvenir for the peeps back home at My Chicago!
Libations Galore
Chicago’s hop culture is thriving. If a busy day of learning and mingling with your FOCAL fam has you craving a Snoochie Boochie, head to Forbidden Root Brewery, or stop by On Tour Brewing for a Mama Tried Brown Ale. For artisanal cocktails in cool, modern settings check out Berkshire Room, the mixology of Broken Shaker, or the impressive gin stash at Scofflaw. The hottest Tiki ticket in town is Three Dots and a Dash, and The Drifter is an actual speakeasy from the tragically thirsty days of Prohibition. GoodFunk boasts wines from around the globe, and The Press Room offers a robust selection by glass or bottle. If coffee is your fuel of choice, Intelligentsia Coffee is heaven for bean afficionados, while the Nitro Cold Brew at Goddess and the Baker is certain to get you where you belong. Chicago also offers cold-pressed juices and shakes to support wellness, including gourmet juice blends at Meli Cafe & Juice Bar, or super health mix-ups at Loop Juice.
Foodie Central
If you’re craving red meat with a 1920s speakeasy vibe, Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf has you covered. For bone-in prime rib with a side of river views Chicago Cut Steakhouse will not disappoint. The oldest steakhouse in Chicago, Gene & Georgetti (since 1944) is a great spot to order a big steak with a side of spaghetti and meatballs, or crack open crab claws and dunk lobster tails in butter at Shaw’s Crab House. And if no trip is complete without a taste of local BBQ, head to Chicago q for award-winning fare paired with rare bourbons. Glitz & glam meet surf & turf at Ocean Prime, and the seafood boil is on point at Lowcountry Chicago. If sushi is how you roll (har har) check out Ryo Sushi, or the culinary immersion of Nobu Chicago. For Mother Earth approved comfort foods to amp up your superpowers, enjoy the offerings at True Food Kitchen or the 100% vegan options at Native Foods or Chicago Raw. The politics of pizza in Chicago always spark fierce debate, but deep dish or thin crust Chicago has pizza options for everyone!
Get Outside!
If a brisk fall hike is on your mind, Chicago’s iconic Lakefront Trail stretches along Lake Michigan. Or get your steps in while immersing yourself in history on a Chicago Loop Walking Tour. Explore famous landmarks at your own pace on a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, or step into the dark side on a Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. Chicago museums are home to collections you won’t see anywhere else, and the magnificent Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier provides soaring views of the skyline, year-round!
We look forward to meeting with you in Chicago!