Trip Planner
PLAYING Chicago has one of the finest collections of public courses of any big city in America. Start with seventy-two-hole Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (866-264-4455) on the outskirts of town; its Dubsdread course hosts the Western Open. Harborside International Golf Center (312-782-7837) is a linksy oasis in an industrial section of the South Side. Also make a trip to Studio B (708-802-7400), a state-of-the-art putter-fitting center in suburban Tinley Park where Bob Bettinardi will build a custom blade for you.
STAYING Book a room at the tony Peninsula Chicago (866-288-8889; rooms from $440) along North Michigan Avenue. Its fitness center and spa offers panoramic views.
DINING Gibson's Steakhouse (312-266-8999, $$$$) at Bellevue and Rush streets keeps the city's slaughterhouse roots alive. Try the Chicago Cut, a bone-in rib eye.
High NotesThe second oldest ballyard in the big leagues (after Fenway Park), Wrigley Field is deservedly considered a shrine. See a day game if you can, and don't despair if there's a sellout—standing-room-only tickets are often still available. The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the world's best collections of Impressionist paintings. For a taste of the blues, hit Buddy Guy's Legends.
For more information on where to stay and eat in Chicago, visit Travel + Leisure's Chicago Destination Guide.
