Lori Rackl

The 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant in the parking lot of the Launching Pad is one of hundreds of fiberglass "Muffler Men" who once lined roadways like Route 66, cradling car mufflers and assorted props in their brawny arms.

Best of the Midwest: 10 places to go in 2020

January 8, 2020 at 5:19 p.m.

The new year means a fat bank of vacation days just sitting there, waiting to be taken. We're here to help you put them to good use with our list...

A tourist jumps on the photo-friendly glass box Ledge at Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower. The Skydeck ranks as one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, according to TripAdvisor booking data.

Chicago spot makes TripAdvisor’s list of world’s top tourist attractions in 2019

December 16, 2019 at 2:18 a.m.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower has reached new heights in popularity with TripAdvisor users. The 1,353-foot-high observation deck in the city's tallest skyscraper ranks among the world's most sought-after tourist...

The hotel's restaurant and lounge, Travelle, is on the second floor of The Langham, which transformed Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's IBM Building into a high-end hotel.

Chicago hotel named one of the world’s best by Condé Nast Traveler

December 12, 2019 at 6:50 p.m.

Condé Nast Traveler on Thursday unveiled its 2020 Gold List, the magazine's roster of the best hotels and resorts on the planet. With an unprecedented total of 129 entries spanning...

Santa's suit and boots hang in the suite's closet.

Santa Days are back at Swissotel, with a ski chalet theme and new adults-only hours

November 25, 2019 at 6:00 a.m.

Old St. Nick is once again checking into his roomy 41st floor digs at the Swissotel Chicago this December, when revelers — young and old — have more opportunities than...

Pine needle garland and Christmas wreaths add a holiday air to Camp Zachary, which will stay open until late February.

Hotel Zachary opens ‘glamp’ site on its terrace, with hot toddies, a hygge vibe and views of Wrigley

November 22, 2019 at 3:36 p.m.

Camping in the shadow of Wrigley Field — that's the concept behind a trio of tricked-out, safari-style tents debuting Friday on the terrace of Hotel Zachary. The new "Camp Zachary"...

Time’s up: Cell Block 7, a museum within a Michigan prison complex, will close at the end of the year

November 21, 2019 at 4:03 p.m.

The chance to spend time behind bars in a Michigan prison — without being convicted of a crime — is coming to an end. Cell Block 7 Museum, a tourist...

Patricia Schultz says Botswana's Chobe National Park, regarded as one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations on the planet, deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists. It's one of the 1,000-plus places showcased in her new hardcover book.

‘1,000 Places to See Before You Die’ author Patricia Schultz talks about her new book — and where she’d go if she only had one more trip

November 27, 2019 at 12:13 a.m.

Back in 2003, a little book called "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" hit the shelves, spawning a wave of wanderlust and ushering in the era of bucket-list travel....

Lori Rackl

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