WildHoneyAlways said:
Michigan Avenue ("the Magnificant Mile") is located just west of Lake Michigan. Lots of shopping, theaters, museums are close by. It is in the Loop. (The El trains make a loop) In otherwords, downtown.
OK, I'm sorry, but I can't let you get away with saying that the Magnificent Mile is in the Loop. The loop, which Michigan Ave. actually never technically enters (it runs along side of it a block away) is south of the Chicago River, whereas the Magnificent Mile (it's weird to type that, my ilk usually just refer to it as Michigan Ave.) is north of the river, centered about a mile north of the loop.
But yes, there's tons of stuff to do on Michigan Ave. -- I'd recommend it to out-of-town visitors over the loop, which is more of a business district (though the live theaters are mostly in that vicinity). Michigan Ave., from Oak Street down to the river has tons of great shops, places to eat, etc. The Museum of Contemporary Art, which is a block or two east of the Water Tower, is definitely a place to check out if you're looking to spend some quality time in Chicago. Of course, the Art Institute is also worthwhile, but that's actually on the part of Michigan Ave. that's by the loop.
Anyone looking for some good Chicago fast food should drop by the Billy Goat Tavern, which is under Michigan Ave. Just look for the sign on the west side of the street as you're walking the portion where street level is clearly above ground level, a couple blocks north of the river. Potbelly Sandwiches are also good, there are a few locations around there. There's good pizza available all up and down Rush St. (a block west of Michigan), with Giordano's (personal favorite) and one of the Pizzaria Uno/Due (the other's just a block away, anyway). Tons of other great food, you can find pretty much anything in the neighborhood if you look, including Armenian.
Oh, I miss Chicago food. It's just not the same here in West Lafayette...best food here comes in an aluminum box.
