Sip Hot Chocolate in These 4 Historic Spots
Cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate is an absolute must in the midst of a long Chicago winter. So why not check out some fascinating historic architecture while tracking down that mug of bliss? Here are four places to enjoy excellent hot chocolate in fascinating historic spots. Cheers! We research stories from Chicago history, architecture […]
Five Creative Ideas for a Chicago Girlfriends Getaway
A girlfriends getaway to Chicago is not foreign here at Chicago Detours. We are a female-owned and operated business. We know all about the importance of a good #girlsquad and a good girlfriends getaway. The best part of being in a girl squad, of course, is that they make the best travel companions. Who better […]
Chicago Gay Neighborhood History
I started thinking about how Chicago being the “City of Neighborhoods” has intersected with the city’s LGBT history. Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood made history in 1997 when Mayor Richard M. Daley designated it the city’s official gay neighborhood. It was the first such designation in American history. Chicago gay neighborhood history stretches back over a century […]
New Buildings in Chicago – Vista, One Bennett Park and More in 2019
2019 may turn out to be the peak of the current building boom in Chicago. As a professional tour guide here with Chicago Detours, it can be dizzying at times to keep up with all these changes! To take account of the frenzy, I’m highlighting some of the new buildings in Chicago. Some of the big […]
Art on the Mart and More New Public Art in Chicago
Art on the Mart, a gigantic new public art installation, is set to debut on September 29th. Video projectors on the Chicago Riverwalk will light up the river-facing walls of the Merchandise Mart with dazzling, dynamic designs. The Art on the Mart installation is the latest in a wave of public art installations, often using […]
Overlooked Historic Architecture on the Mag Mile
World-famous skyscrapers bookend the Magnificent Mile and the Water Tower is a legendary presence, but today I want to highlight some of the lesser-known historic architecture on the Mag Mile. They don’t call us “Chicago Detours” for nothing! Of course the architectural boat tours talk about the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, and your hop-on […]
How Do We Reckon with Orientalist Architecture in Chicago?
Chicago is famous for its different schools of architecture. The First Chicago School created the skyscraper and gave our city its architectural identity. The Second Chicago School, the Modernists of Mies van der Rohe with their austere steel and glass facades, completely redefined how we think of buildings. Today, contemporary architects like Jeanne Gang blaze […]
Scenic Sips: Bars with Great Views in Chicago
Grabbing drinks with friends isn’t just about the cocktail– the location is equally important. Luckily Chicago has some of the best “scenic sip” options out there thanks to its stunning architecture. If you’re looking for a new place to try around the city, check out one of these bars with great views in Chicago. While […]
Five Real Historic Irish Pubs in Chicago
Irish pubs are the stalwarts of Chicago’s drinking scene. Easily found in many parts of town, these public houses are an abode of questionably-authentic Irish drinks and décor. Only some historic Irish pubs really love up to the name, though. So we tracked down five authentically historic pubs filled with craic. The lovely dives we’ve rustled […]
Best Neighborhood Hotels for a Winter Chicago Staycation
Everyone is looking to get away by the middle of a Midwestern winter. Instead of jetting off to the tropics, we recommend a weekend at these neighborhood hotels for a great Chicago staycation. Of course, you can always sign on for a private tour with us if you’re sticking around town! We research stories from […]
