Sweet Home Chicago

Ah, the Windy City. You may not have the hustle and bustle of New York City, the star power of Los Angeles or the attitude of Philly (yeah, I said it—Print Professional magazine is based in the City of Brotherly Love), but you have some interesting things going on.

Chicago doesn't only have ties to infamous mob boss Al Capone and the likes of other Prohibition-era mobsters and a history of corrupt politics; many pretty cool things and people came from The City of Big Shoulders (Chicago has many nicknames).

There are the famous Chicagoans like filmmaker John Hughes, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, actors John Cusack and Bill Murray and TV host/actress, businesswoman extraordinaire Oprah Winfrey. And it's also a city of firsts. Chicago produced the first Schwinn bicycle, the cafeteria, the bowling tournament and get this, print professionals—the window envelope.

So keep this in mind while you stroll along its streets while attending the Printing Services & Distribution Association's 2011 Print Solutions Conference & Expo. After the show, don't forget to check out some famous places on your own.

According to ChicagoSmarts.com, a website dedicated to providing information about Chicago entertainment, there are quite a few places no visitors should miss when they are in Chi-Town.

Here they are:

Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower)

The Sears Tower, completed in 1973, remains the tallest skyscraper in the western hemisphere. The Sears Tower Skydeck offers visitors a spectacular view of the city—visitors can get a peek of four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is located at 233 S. Wacker Drive or if you're adventurous, you can just look for the really tall building.

Navy Pier

Well, for this one, you're in luck. If you are attending the show, you will be in the center of all of it. Navy Pier is 50-acres of parks, gardens, shops, rides, restaurants and attractions and overlooks Lake Michigan. At the Navy Pier, you can ride the 15-story high ferris wheel, visit the Chicago Children's Museum or see a movie at the IMAX Theater. The location is 600 E. Grand Ave.

Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre opened its doors on Oct. 26th, 1921 and was quickly dubbed the "Wonder Theatre of the World."

The theatre closed in 1985, but local and municipal leaders saved the decrepit building from demolition. It reopened in September 1986 after a furious nine-month restoration. The gala that relaunched the hallowed theatre featured a performance by Frank Sinatra.

The theatre is famous for its iconic, six-story high "C-H-I-C-A-G-O" sign and its 29-rank Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. It is located at 175 North State St.

Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is actually a part of Michigan Avenue. It extends from the Chicago River to Oak Street and serves as the main thoroughfare between the business district of the Chicago Loop and the Gold Coast. Along the mile you will find over 450 stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels and a myriad of other worthy attractions.

The Mile also is home to four of the 85 tallest buildings in the world: John Hancock Center, 900 North Michigan, Water Tower Place and Park Tower.

Gino's East

Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, also known as Chicago-style pizza. One of the best purveyors of this delicacy is Gino's East at 633 N. Wells St. Gino's allows patrons to write, or etch, messages on the interior walls of its restaurant—just remember to keep the messages clean.

Wrigley Field

It's not the oldest ballpark in the country, but it's the only park dubbed "The Friendly Confines." It's Wrigley Field and it's home to the Chicago Cubs.

Built in 1914 and re-named Wrigley Field in 1927, this historic ballpark is located at 1060 West Addison St.

With a capacity of just over 41,000, it's the fourth smallest park in the Major Leagues but with its ivy covered walls and 
its famous marquee sign, Wrigley is first in both charm 
and character.