Watch CBS News

See A Different Mag Mile

You're barreling down Michigan Avenue. You've got a healthy pace going and you've got only minutes to make it to your destination. Wham-o. You get stuck behind a tourist.They're walking at the speed of a snail, dangling a Garret's Popcorn bag, sporting a wild print shirt, some kind of island theme. Sandals and socks. Blueblockers and crocs. Bedazzled fanny pack? You're damn right.

It's summer time baby and the vacationers are out in full-force.

To all of my dear sightseers and adventurers-

Chicago is a city of world class museums, stunning architecture, and amazing food. I love you all, but we've got more to offer than the Disney Store and American Girl Place, so if you're headed to Michigan Avenue, check out some of these great options instead. I promise you'll be glad you did.

Chicago Detours
(credit: www.chicagodetours.com)

Chicago Detours

An interactive tour that uses multi-media? Yes. You better loose that stigma attached to "walking tour" because this experience is a must on your list. Chicago Detours was recently recognized as one of the city's best tours in the Chicago Reader's "Best Of Chicago 2011" feature.

Learn about the fabric of Chicago from the past to the present and imagine the city during many thriving decades. We're talking—art deco, prohibition, Playboy mansion, old-timey social clubs, theater, present day culture, and dining out.

Yes, you will learn and explore, but how often are you totally inspired by a tour? Chicago Detours has got the goods folks.

Good Times Around Michigan Avenue
When: Tues & Sat 10:00am, Sat 8:00pm, Fri & Sun 1:30pm
Tickets: $26, $24, $18 age 5-12, Under 5 is free!
Run Time: Tours run for 2 hours
www.chicagodetours.com

Our Chicago Sound: Jazz, Blue, and Beyond

You have a lot of ground to cover, so check out "Our Chicago Sound: Jazz, Blues, and Beyond" and learn the cultural history of Jazz and blues, exploring neighborhoods north to south, visiting landmarks like clubs and recording studios. On a bus? Very cool.

When:Saturdays 10am-12:30pm & 1:15-3:45pm
Tickets: $70, $65 discount, $60 age 5-12
Reserve all tours here: www.chicagodetours.com/tours

Francescas
(credit: www.miafrancesca.com)

Disotto Enoteca

I dream about Italy probably twice a week. This spot has satisfied my longing for Europe on several occasions and is just steps away from Michigan Avenue. All of your wine dreams will come true when you venture into the basement of this "Italian wine cellar."

Relax. Drink wine. A lot of wine. Disotto's list is IN-credible. I mean, I take notes. Of course it's all about the vino here—the food is limited to antipasti, bruschette, formaggi and salumi. Cin cin.

(Below Francesca's on Chestnut)
200 E Chestnut St
Chicago, IL 60611
312-482-8800
www.miafrancesca.com/index.asp

Hours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Sunday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday

Disotto Enoteca
(credit: www.driehausmuseum.org)

The Driehaus Museum

There you are. It's the late 1800's and you are dripping with money and shrouded in cloth-of-gold trimmed with black thread lace and diamond and onyx jewelry—smoking, dancing, eating, and partying your life away.

The Driehaus Museum immerses visitors in the culturally and historically significant setting of one of the grandest residential buildings of 19th-century Chicago. Just wait until you see this place, it's stunning.

General Public Tours are available on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. Advance reservations can also be made by calling 312 482 8933, ext. 21 at least 24 hours in advance.

To ensure that all guests enjoy an intimate experience, capacity is limited to 15 people. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Tour Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday / 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Admission: Adults, $25.00
Seniors aged 65 and over, $17.50
Students with valid ID and children aged 12 to 16, $12.50

For additional information and reservations, please call:
312 482 8933, ext. 21 or email info@driehausmuseum.org
www.driehausmuseum.org

L'Appetito
(credit: www.lappetito.com)

L'Appetito

Tucked away on Huron, just a hop and a skip from Michigan Avenue is a little gem I like to call, forget-that-salad-for-lunch-it's-go-time. Better known as—L'Appetito. Sandwiches, paninis, pastries, cookies, cappuccinos. Did I mention fresh arancini? Hello? So good. Check out this authentic deli for a quick bite or latte. Their patio is charming and they have great imported food too.

30 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611-2766
312-787-9881
Hours: Lunch, Dinner: Monday-Saturday / Closed: Sunday
www.lappetito.com

Stephanie Lu Jokich is a corporate concierge and lover of all things food and drink. She encourages you to invite her to dinner with her project Good Food.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.