'Perfect Day Chicago' author, Wendy Altschuler, shares her 5 favorite spots in the Windy City

Wendy Altschuler graduated at the top of her class from DePaul University and has been in the travel industry, writing and exploring the globe, ever since. Her articles have appeared in the Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Fodor’s Travel, Chicago Magazine and Modern Luxury, to name a few. She has also appeared as a panelist, public speaker and thought leader, contributing to many journalism and tourism discussions as well a being a guest writer/speaker at Chicago high schools.

She has written a very helpful guide honing in on quintessential experiences that are waiting to be discovered in Chicago. “Perfect Day Chicago” showcases our city’s neighborhoods, skyscrapers, Lake Michigan beaches, parks, museums, sports teams and live entertainment- just to name a few. The book also chronicles the Windy City as a non-stop buffet of “gut busting chow festivals celebrating everything from barbecue to deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs (layers with mustard, never ketchup, and jibarito sandwiches.”

Wendy says, “While it’s easy to whittle away the day discovering the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel, and Cloud Gate at Millennium Park, it’s also rewarding to experience the lesser-known charms, some that are completely free of charge. But with so many incredible options, how could you possibly make the most of just one day in town? Allow ‘Perfect Day Chicago’ to add the ideal daily itineraries to your next visit. Follow along for a day or string together a few for a well curated week in the Windy City. See tucked-away gems like Oz Park, the Chicago Cultural Center’s Tiffany dome, the Violet Hour speakeasy, or Humboldt Park’s 55-foot steel Puerto Rican flags. Hunt down the resting places of famous Chicagoans at Graceland or spend the day marveling at the street art in the Wabash Arts Corridor.”

With over two decades in Chicagoland, author Wendy Altschuler has delved deep into Chicago’s communities. Her extensive knowledge of the city she loves will be your guide to a unique day in a city with limitless potential for adventure. Lead on Wendy!

 We spoke with Wendy and asked her to share her five favorite spots in Chicago:

1. Women and Children First bookstore (5233 N. Clark)
2. Stanley’s on Ashland (Bar and grill at 4258 S. Ashland)
3. The Robey Hotel (1600 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
4. Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western Ave.)
5. Cindy’s Rooftop  (12 S. Michigan)

(Follow Wendy on Instagram @wendyaltschuler)

(Article updated 4/4/24)