Karen and Johnny's Brief Guide to Chicago

About We created most of these short guides for out-of-town guests to our wedding in August 2006. Thus, these guides are for visitors who're in Chicago for just a day or two. And some of the information, particularly about things to do, is dated. The restaurant recommendations, however, have a longer life-span. Guides Dining Hotels Things To Do Transportation

The Chicago Skyline from Grant Park at Night Credit: Johnny Lin

Here's a glossary of special Chicago names you'll see throughout this guide:

• The "El": The generic name for the subway and elevated CTA train lines.
• The Lake: This is Lake Michigan, which is east of Downtown Chicago.
• The Loop: This means Downtown. All subway lines go to Downtown.
• The Magnificent Mile ("Mag Mile"): This is the part of Michigan Ave. running N/S from the mouth of the Chicago river to E. Lake Shore Dr. There's a lot of upscale shopping and hotels along this street.