Chicago's Magnificent Mile

An entire mile of the greatest shopping! The excitement doesn't stop there, because this famous area in Chicago has much, much more to offer and while the shopping is first rate. But there's sightseeing, dining and lots more.

If you want to be a junior architect, why not start at the LEGO store at 520 N. Michigan Ave and build a skyscraper with your son or daughter. You can buy a table or T-shirt, or get a kit to duplicate the Sears Tower.

If your daughter is more interested in dolls, there's the American Girl Place at 111 East Chicago. See a live theater performance or have a cup of tea while she shops in the boutique.

Visit Hershey's Chicago and see where Milton Hershey first saw the machinery that was the beginning of his candy empire. Ghiradelli's is here, too, in case you didn't overload at Hershey's. If you haven't dropped dead from dessert yet, try some drop-dead delicious cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory at 875 N. Michigan Ave.

Now that you have plenty of sugar, tap dance into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 200 N. Michigan and pick up some tips. Ballroom dancing, tap and every other social style is taught at the world famous studio.

Now that you're ready for the big time, waltz on down to the Drury Lane Theater at 175 E. Chestnut. They may not let you try out, but at least you can see how the professionals do things. Newly remodeled, the theater also offers dinner theater seating.

Not ready to sit down? Walk over to Chicago Ave and Michigan Ave and see the Old Water Tower & Pumping Station, the only historic landmark that survived the Great Chicago Fire near the turn of the 20th century. You get more than you pay for as you will see tons of interesting photos of old time Chicago.

Prefer something a little more modern? Try the Museum of Contemporary Art at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Photography, sculpture and painting galore with a dose of video and film is kept here. Check the schedule to see if you can catch one of the live performances.

Tired from all that walking now? Have a seat at the Grand Lux Cafe at 600 N. Michigan Ave. Styled after the bistros of Europe, there's something on the menu that will delight even the pickiest eater and the bakery will make a dessert to order if you want to wait.

Maybe you prefer food that's a little spicier. Step into Heaven on Seven at 600 N. Michigan Ave instead. The menu is Cajun and Creole. If you've ever been to that area of the south, you'll know this is the real deal.

Italian might be more your style, as it is for thousands of Chicago natives. Step into Cafe Spiaggia at 980 N. Michigan Ave for a glass of wine and some of the finest Italian dishes anywhere in the city.

Oh, and about that shopping… Try Bloomingdale's, Saks, Nordstrom's, Marshall Field, Lord & Taylor or Tiffany's for the upscale experience. Still have some money left? How about Cartier, Burberry, Hermes or Armani? Then head off to Nieman Marcus for the hometown advantage.