Hello Chicago! I truly loved our whirlwind trip to the Windy City to shoot our latest half-hour national ABC Travel Show “Best of Chicago!”
Even though we were only in town two action packed days we were able to hit so many great hot spots and profile some really unique finds from the best Chicago restaurants, to top hotels in Chicago and profile the best Chicago attractions and things to do!
During our trip we stayed at the legendary Blackstone Hotel that’s celebrating its 100 year birthday. I had a room on the very top floor where they use to house the staff back in the early 1900’s. When the Blackstone spent 128 million and completely renovated the property in 2008 they decided to open up this top floor and build guest rooms.
The rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are a unique blend of old and new, with the gold, blue and red fabrics used beingn inspired from men’s wear. I had the corner room, 2319 that had this huge vaulted ceiling with skylights and an amazing view and you just felt like a part of history sleeping there.
The hotel opened in 1910 and was known as a favorite address for celebrities like Joan Crawford, Rudolph Valentino and Betty Davis and the famed ganster Al Capone was also said to hang out in the barber shop.
One of my favorite parts of the hotel is the hip and mouthwatering restaurant Mercat a la Planxa where you feel as if you’re in Barcelona. Inspired by James Beard award-winning chef Jose Garces the menu is bursting with flavor the home-made sangaria is to die for. A word of warning, come hungry! The tapas dishes as addicting!
After checking out our hotel and restaurant we hit the street to start shooting some Chicago landmarks that included some pretty special culinary finds.
You can find all the highlights in our ABC Travel Show Best of Chicago! Check it out below and we would love to hear your feedback! Also, keep an eye out for the TRAVEL THERALY: Where Do You Need to Go? book that makes an appearance in the show!
Karen Schaler Hosts ABC National Travel Show “Best of Chicago”
Part One: Overview of Chicago
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/video/explore-chicago-vacation-guide-tips-karen-schaler-11390109
Part Two: Food Lovers Paradise!
Part Three: Chicago History and Blackstone Hotel & Nightlife!
For more ABC Travel Shows be sure to check our the PRESS page on this website for links to all the shows!
Stay tuned for our next show coming up soon!
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