Elite Traveler May-June 2016

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2016 133

Chicago River (left) I love this shot of kayakers peacefully paddling under the bridge carrying the “L” train over the Chicago River. Lincoln Park Zoo (right) The zoo is a free oasis for animal lovers in the shadow of the skyscrapers. This structure, designed by Jeanne Gang to resemble a turtle shell, transforms a 19th-century pond into an ecological habitat. lpzoo.org

STAY: The Hilton Chicago Since opening its doors in 1927, every president of the US has stayed here. With its grand lobby, just two blocks from Lake Michigan and overlooking Grant

Park, you can see why they all chose this hotel. hiltonchicagohotel.com

EAT: The Heartland Café I like to indulge in a slice of history. Good, wholesome food for the mind and the body has been served here for 40 years. heartlandcafe.com

SHOP: Alcala’s Western Wear Just blown in to the Windy City? Look the part. Boots, buckles, shirts, spurs and cowboy hats can be found at Alcala’s, inWest Town. alcalas.com