Dear Traveler:

On behalf of the people in the greatest city in the world, it is my privilege to welcome you to Chicago!

We’re coming off yet another wonderful summer, but we’re just as excited about our city come autumn. Let this new edition of Air Chicago be your guide to enjoying all that the Windy City has to offer during the season!
 

If you ever wonder what makes up the essence of Chicago, our city’s legendary comedy scene is a great place to start. From The Second City — the groundbreaking improv troupe whose famed alums include Bill Murray, Tina Fey and the late John Belushi — to the late, beloved funnyman Bernie Mac, and to the clubs and stages of Chicago’s past and present, our city’s history of humor continues to influence comedians from around the world. For a fun-filled romp through Chicago’s comedy scene, go to Page 10. And, before or after a show at The Second City, check out the surrounding Old Town neighborhood, a lively area for dining and shopping that is also home to the troupe and the longtime comedy club Zanies. Discover more about Old Town, starting on Page 32.
 

Fall is a great time for our city’s beer scene, which in recent years has been named one of the 10 best in America by Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. Wherever you are in the city — North Side, South Side, West Side or downtown — you aren’t too far from hops on tap at more than 160 breweries. To find out where to wet your whistle, go to Page 38. (Of course, please drink responsibly!)
 

One of America’s quintessential landmarks is Route 66, the famous highway that runs for more than 2,400 miles. The highway begins in downtown Chicago with a historic marker in the Loop and at our iconic Navy Pier, and ends at the Santa Monica Pier, just west of Los Angeles. Along the way, road trippers can enjoy fascinating sights and meet great people. We’re proud to be the starting point for this historic route that opened up our nation to the West, and you can learn about it by going to Page 37. 

 

Whether you want to laugh, enjoy craft brews or hit the road, Chicago is where it’s at this fall. We hope your time with us will be a memorable one, and thank you for coming — we’re glad you’re here!

 

Sincerely,

Brandon Johnson

Mayor