WHERE IN THE WORLD Top Tours A longstanding partnership between First Lady Cruises and the Chicago Architecture Center, their 90-minute boat tour on the Chicago River chronicles the city’s history and evolution through its most noteworthy architectural feats and figures who built them. Led by highly knowledgeable docents, the trip is never the same way twice but always entertaining. Bobby’s Bike Hike’s Chicago Favorites Walking and Food Tour chronicles the city’s most iconic flavours—from deep-dish pizza and Italian beef to its classic hot dog—while expert local guides lead guests through celebrated sites, including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate (a.k.a. The Bean), the Chicago Theatre and State Street. COMING SOON In 2027, Bally’s Chicago Casino will open along the Chicago River in a 34-storey, 500-room hotel, featuring a 3,000-seat theatre, pool, spa, fitness centre and rooftop restaurant and bar. FLOWER POWER Southside Blooms brings purpose-driven beauty to corporate events, offering floral designs with measurable social and environmental impact. Named CNN’s Hero of the Year, the organization transforms abandoned southside Chicago lots into organic, solar-powered flower farms, creating jobs for at-risk youth and fostering sustainable economic development. SUPER STAYS A striking new addition to the city’s skyline, the five-star St. Regis Chicago offers a range of event spaces suited to everything from intimate board meetings to high-style galas, all delivered with the brand’s signature sophistication. Guests can also unwind in its expansive spa and athletic club or dine at one of its standout restaurants, including a Japanese-inspired eatery and a contemporary Tuscan steakhouse. marriott.com Steps from the Magnificent Mile in the upscale Gold Coast neighbourhood, Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt, boasts 247 rooms and suites and delivers a strong mix of flexible meeting and event spaces. Its largest venue, the Chicago 7 Ballroom, can host up to 220 guests. The guest experience is rounded off with a fitness centre, cafe and full-service restaurant. In the heart of the Loop, the city’s central business district, L7 Chicago by Lotte brings a polished, contemporary vibe to its 169 rooms, 22 suites and three versatile meeting spaces: a 2,700-sq.-ft. ballroom that can host up to 300 guests, the more intimate 960-sq.-ft. Athens Room for groups of 80 and the sleek 487-sq.-ft. Seoul Boardroom, ideal for executive sessions of up to 20. A Korean American steakhouse serves up table-side grilling experiences and event catering. Flying High Vertiport Chicago will elevate event experiences. Its panoramic helicopter tours showcase Chicago’s sweeping lakefront, architectural icons and unmistakable skyline, adding a memorable twist to any itinerary. Back on the ground, Vertiport’s 18,000-sq.-ft. hangar event space and adjoining tarmac provide a flexible, industrial-chic setting for receptions and celebrations. Opening on June 19, the Obama Presidential Center (OPC), on the South Side, will be an exciting addition to the city’s roster of venues. At the forefront of the 19-acre campus is the Museum Building, offering world-class exhibitions exploring leadership, civic engagement and the Obama presidency. The Forum Building features flexible meeting rooms, a media suite and the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, ideal for conferences, presentations and corporate sessions. The campus will also include Home Court, an athletic and multipurpose events centre capable of hosting workshops, large-scale gatherings or creative teambuilding activities. obama.org/presidential-center L7 Chicago St. Regis Chicago First Lady Cruises Thompson Chicago Summer 2026 | Ignitemag.ca | 71
