Home  >  Illinois

Illinois Favorite Vacation Rentals by Owner.

Bright lights. Big city. When blues great Jimmy Reed sang those lines, he no doubt was talking about his adopted hometown of Chicago. Known variously as the Second City, the City of Big Shoulders, and the Windy City, when it's not leading the US in nicknames, it's one of America's leading cities for fun. One of America's great cities, Chicago is great for families, great for young couples--great for everyone.

There are free big-name concerts in Grant Park, the world-class Art Institute, great jazz, blues, great sports, and, of course, great food. And with a number of Illinois vacation rentals by owner units in all price ranges, enjoying the Windy City is easier than ever.

Popular images of Chicago range from Al Capone in the past to Michael Jordan in most recent years. Lately, though, a popular image, especially with European visitors, is of Buckingham Fountain that frames the downtown skyline. Besides being one of the best views in the entire city, especially at night, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is a great jumping-off point to other attractions. At the base of the fountain, across Lake Shore Drive, you can jump aboard one of the several boat cruises that cruise out on Lake Michigan and ply the Chicago River. The views from the boat of the skyline are simply spectacular.

In Grant Park, you can take in a concert, as the city plays host to some of the biggest names in music. Acts as diverse as Radiohead, Wilco, and Ray Charles have graced the Petrillo Bandshell stage in the park--all for free. The acclaimed Grant Park Symphony Orchestra plays a free weekly program throughout the summer. One of the greatest Chicago pleasures is spreading out a blanket and a picnic and watching the sun set over downtown as you listen to the pleasant strains of a Beethoven symphony. There are a number of Illinois vacation rentals by owner units nearby to get you close to the downtown action.

On the edge of Grant Park is the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Home to American iconic paintings such as Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic", the Art Institute also houses one of the best French Impressionist collections in the world.

 After dark, Chicago comes alive with the sound of music. Downtown, Buddy Guy's Legends plays host to some of the biggest names in the blues. Chances are good that you'll even spot the blues legend himself at the club, a man Eric Clapton dubbed "the greatest living guitarist in the world". A cab ride Uptown is a must to see jazz vocal master, Kurt Elling, perform his weekly Wednesday night stand at the famed Green Mill.

In nearby Lincoln Park, there are a number of Illinois vacation rentals by owner units from which to choose. Speaking of Lincoln Park, this is one of the city's most delightful neighborhoods and a fine place to base yourself for your Chicago sojourn. A leafy neighborhood full of historic brownstones and quaint areas, Lincoln Park is also home to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free and boasts, besides the zoo, an impressive atrium, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and impressive flower displays on the grounds. There are a number of Illinois vacation rentals by owner units nearby that get you close to the park and the zoo.

Just north of Lincoln Park is a virtual shrine to baseball--and losing. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, has been home to these lovable losers for nearly a century. Wrigley Field was recently voted by citysearch.com one of the top 10 things to do in America before you die. Long on tradition and history, Wrigley is an absolute must for any sports fan. There is plenty more to do in the state of Illinois.

From the waterfalls and rocky ledges of Starved Rock Sate Park, to the quaint antique-hunters mecca of Galena near the Mississippi River, these places make for good day-trips from the state's star attraction: Chicago. And with a number of Illinois vacation rentals by owner units from which to choose, enjoying the Land of Lincoln is a snap.