Select Chicago is a brand-new, full-color guide to this vibrant city, offering authentic experiences, fresh discoveries, and a good dose of local culture, all brought together in an engaging narrative style by a writer who knows the city inside-out. The guide begins with an inspirational In the mood for... section, filled with suggestions covering a wide range of things to do, places to eat, drink and shop - all grouped by mood. Whether you're looking for a gourmet blow-out, wee-hours entertainment, views from the top, or a quintessential Chicago experience, there's a list of options to match your mood. The heart of the guide, The Selection, offers a collection of over 100 inspiring ideas for a memorable stay in Chicago, with plenty of secret gems and off-beat haunts in the mix. Take a different angle on the skyline from the Willis Tower Skydeck or the Architecture Foundation's river boat tour; shop for vintage threads, then learn the art of cocktail-making in Wicker Park; sample prairie-grown or Mexican street food at one of the city's many markets; revel in the glamour of the Gold Coast's architecture and nightspots; or explore the sunlight-drenched Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. The selections are organized by city neighborhood, from the northern districts of Lakeview and Old Town, through the Loop in the heart of the city to the South Side. So wherever you are and however much time you have, you can dip in and find inspiration, packed with insider tips and backed up with clear and detailed mapping, and a wealth of practical information. Hotels is a separate section offering a hand-picked selection of great places to stay in Chicago, organized by theme, whether you are seeking somewhere historic, small and stylish, quirky, luxurious and grand, or with a top-notch view. Finally, the Essentials section incorporates a user-friendly run-down of information on getting around Chicago and other key practical points, plus thematic and general indexes.