The Ulysses S. Grant Monument in Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most impressive historic statues. Installed in 1891, it honors the Civil War general and 18th U.S. president—and even its direction has meaning. Grant intentionally faces south, symbolizing his leadership during the Civil War and the Union’s path to victory.
Discover the hidden history of the InterContinental Hotel Chicago, once the private Medinah Athletic Club. Explore its lavish gold-tiled pool, ornate dome, and architectural gems on the Magnificent Mile.
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 — and died on April 23, 1616. One of the greatest writers in history left the world on his birthday. Here’s why that surprising fact matters, and the legacy he left behind.
"Explore the hidden history of Virgin Hotel Chicago, once the 1928 Old Dearborn Bank. From original vault doors to Art Deco details, discover a modern hotel with a historic past."
Did you know Berghoff Restaurant holds Chicago’s first liquor license? Founded in 1898, Berghoff not only pioneered downtown dining but also made history in 1969 when women were first allowed at the bar. Today, it’s still serving classic German dishes and freshly poured beer, offering a taste of Chicago’s rich culinary and social history.
Step inside the iconic Drake Hotel in Chicago, where luxury meets history. Explore elegant rooms, the famous Palm Court afternoon tea, and the stories of celebrities and Chicago legends that make this hotel a true city landmark.
Tucked among the trees of Lincoln Park stands one of Chicago’s most iconic works of art — a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln created by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1887. Inspired by a personal memory of seeing Lincoln in person, Saint-Gaudens captured not just the president, but the thoughtful, human man behind the legend.
The Chicago Cultural Center, wasn’t always a place for concerts and art exhibits. When it opened in 1897, this grand Beaux-Arts masterpiece was actually the first home of the Chicago Public Library. Its story begins not just with architecture, but with rebirth.
Two massive bronze warriors guard Grant Park — but neither holds a bow or spear. Discover the story behind The Bowman and The Spearman, Chicago’s silent sentinels on Michigan Avenue.
Standing tall at the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Motor Club Building is a love letter to the golden age of travel. Built in 1928 by the legendary architectural firm Holabird & Root, this 15-story tower perfectly captures the optimism and elegance of the Art Deco era.
There are few places in Chicago where the line between Hollywood and history blurs as perfectly as the Biograph Theater. This charming red-brick building opened its doors in 1914, at a time when movies were silent, tickets were a nickel, and going to the theater was one of the city’s favorite pastimes.
Discover the historic Palmer House in Chicago — the world’s longest continually operating hotel, reborn after the Great Chicago Fire and filled with stories of love, luxury, and a little bit of chocolate magic.
What is now Lincoln Park was once the sprawling city cemetery of Chicago. From the 1840s through the 1860s, tens of thousands of people were buried on this land.
Discover the fascinating artifacts in the Chicago Tribune Building, from historic relics to global treasures, and explore Chicago’s iconic architecture.
Explore Chicago beyond the tourist attractions and discover stories, neighborhoods, and experiences that many visitors—and even locals—often miss? That’s exactly what my new book, Chicago Beyond the Bean, is all about.
