Walk, walk, walk!
Chicago is the birthplace of today's modern skyscraper and the architecture is absolutely divine. There's much to learn about how this city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1871. So, make sure your tootsies are in top shape, lace up those shoes and join one of the many architectural walking tours. Check out the statues of Roman Goddesses on the top of the Santa Fe Building. Walk by the Studebaker Building, once the headquarters of the Suffragette Movement. Notice how Ceres, Greek Goddess of Wheat watches over the Chicago Board of Trade. There are so many notable buildings and so many good stories that you'll probably want to take more than one of these tours. For further info visit www.architectur.org/.

Shop, shop, shop!
It's world class, it's up-scale, it's a real shopping adventure. Chicago's Magnificent Mile stretches from the 400 block to 1000 block on Michigan Avenue. There's department stores, national chains, shopping plazas and European boutiques. Highlights include Niketown for everything the athletic woman needs or wants (pick up a selection of their free postcards), FAO Schwartz for moms and kiddies, bargains at Filenes Basement, undies at Victoria's Secret, Crate and Barrel Housewares, Williams-Sonoma where the rich and famous buy their kitchen supplies and The Real Nancy Drew boutique for irreverent female-friendly T-shirts.

Jazz fans will be happy fans in Chicago!
It was travel writer Sharon Wingler who suggested a 5:00 PM stop at Andy's on Hubbard just east of State Street. This is where the after-work crowd kicks back, orders a pizza and enjoys some interesting live entertainment. During the summer months, free concerts are scheduled at both the Art Institute and the Shedd Aquarium. And for a super sophisticated evening, check out Pops for Champagne (N. Sheffield Ave.) where jazz plus 100 different champagnes are yours for the asking.

Book wormettes take note!
Women and Children First (on Clark) is the city's women's bookstore -- check out their "Great Girl Stories" section. There's Prairie Avenue Bookstore ( South Wabash) for all your architectural reads. And Borders is the mega shop that probably stocks every book your little Journeywoman heart desires. ( P.S. Ghiradelli's Chocolate Shop & Soda Fountain is located right next door. Why not stop in for a post-browsing treat. Their old-fashioned chocolate malt is guaranteed to make your toes tingle ).

Museums are marvellous in Chicago!
The French Impressionist collection at the Art Institute is world-renowned. Journeywomen will most certainly appreciate their visits with Renoir's "Woman at the Piano" and "The (sultry) Laundress", Morisot's "Woman at her Toilette, Manet's "Woman Reading" and Degas's "Ballet Dancers." Then, pop into the Terra Museum of American Art honoring the works of noted Americans such as Sergent, Chase and Wyeth. This mini collection of 400 paintings is well worth a visit!

You don't have to be a Pisces to enjoy the Shedd Aquarium showcasing over 650 species of aquatic life. Whales, penguins, sharks, eels -- this collection is huge and, fascinating!

The Spertus Museum houses the largest Judaic collection in the Midwest. A recent travel-photography exhibit of synagogues from around the world was a top-notch artistic endevour.

And, a visit to the Museum of Broadcast Communications is a lovely solo-friendly walk down memory lane. Revisit your radio and TV past. There's exhibits to browse, archives to research and the opportunity to video-tape your very own news program. Any aspiring Barbara Walters out there?

Culture Vultures will be in heaven in Chicago!
There's theatre galore-- some large companies and very many smaller ones. Journeywoman enjoyed a pleasant performance at the Steppenwolf Theatre (where both John Malkovich and Gary Senise got their starts) Looking for an all-gal acting ensemble? Check out Footsteps Theatre at 5230 N. Clark.

The diva of talk-show TV is Chicago's own Oprah Winfrey. But everybody wants to see her in action so order your tickets at least a month in advance (312.591.9595) And cinema buffs, you'll be pleased to note that each October Chicago hosts a two week International Film Fest -- a perfectly lovely go-alone opportunity. Call 312.644.3456 for further details.

The lake-front is "happening" in Chicago!
Be sure to spend some time close to the water --that's certainly what the locals do. Jog, walk or bike your way along the lake (Bike Chicago at 944.2337 provides rentals). Pack a picnic. Enjoy the many green spaces --there's tennis courts, baseball diamonds and golf courses, galore. Want the best view of Chicago's skyline? Look out over the water from The Adler Planetarium--it's a real treat! Lastly, stop in at the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's free, it's fun and the gorillas will absolutely delight in watching you.