Chicago's central U.S. location makes the city incredibly accessible by car, air and rail. Amtrak's national rail service brings visitors into Chicago's Union Station, located on Canal Street between Adams and Jackson, to the west of the Loop.
Two main airports serve the region: O'Hare International and Midway. O'Hare International Airport is a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Savvy and cost-conscious travelers will enjoy the convenient Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains that connect both airports to most of downtown. From either airport, follow the overhead ³Trains to the City² signs to find high-speed trains that depart every five to 15 minutes during the day and evening. From O'Hare, the Blue Line train takes approximately 45 minutes to the Loop. The Orange Line train from Midway to the Loop takes 30 minutes.
The CTA network is a convenient, fast, safe and cost-effective way to traverse the city and bordering areas. The best value can be found in one-, two-, three-, five- or seven-day Visitor Passes, which allow unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains for the designated number of consecutive days. Visit www.ctabrownline.com or call 1-888-YOUR-CTA for advance purchase of Visitor Passes, maps or CTA information.
Visitors who prefer to explore by bike will love Chicago's bike-friendly initiatives. Bike lanes are marked on streets and by directional signs, and a variety of off-road paths provide scenic routes along the lake and through parks. Be sure to request a city bike map at the Visitor Information Centers. Bikes and rollerblades can be rented at Navy Pier, Millenium Park and several beach locations; visit
www.bikechicago.com for advance reservations.
Sitting pretty at the head of the Mississippi River Delta, just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is easily accessible from all points. Interstate 10 leads drivers directly into the heart of the city.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (flymsy.com) is just 11 miles from Downtown. A cab ride costs $28 for one or two persons and $12 for each additional passenger. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that makes loops to major hotels for $15 each way (reservations: 866-596-2699).
If you are on a budget, or wish to get the flavor of local transit, the Jefferson Transit Airport-Downtown Express (jeffersontransit.org), Route E-2, picks up outside airport entrance #7 and costs $1.10 to ride into the Central Business District.
If you are staying Downtown, you will not need a car to enjoy the majority of sites, neighborhoods or shopping districts. Many of the Downtown attractions and neighborhoods are walking distance to one another, and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority buses and streetcars connect Downtown with the Garden District, Uptown and the Superdome. One-ride fares are $1.25; VisiTour passes are available for one ($5) and three ($12) days.
One of the most colorful modes of transportation is the St. Charles Streetcar Line - one of the oldest running streetcar systems in the country.
Located at the crossroads of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, Philadelphia is easily accessible by air, rail and car.
By Plane: Philadelphia International Airport, rated one of the best airports in the nation by The Wall Street Journal, is served by all major domestic carriers. For arrival or departure information, call 800-PHL-GATE or visit
www.phl.org
The airport is located just eight miles from Center City. A taxi between the airport and Center City locations takes 15-25 minutes. For travelers on a budget, the SEPTA R1 regional rail line makes stops at all airport terminals, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station near City Hall and Market East Station attached to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For SEPTA information, call 215-580-7800 or visit
www.septa.org
By Train: Amtrak operates trains to Philadelphia¹s 30th Street Station from the Northeast Corridor (Boston, New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C.) and cities across the U.S.
By Car: Philadelphia is easily accessible by interstates 95 and 76 and the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes. And, there are plenty of places to park.
Pittsburgh's neighborhoods offer an endless array of destinations, each with its own personality and favorite retail and dining options. Plan your day around the attractions du jour, weaving around town to enjoy the memorable shops and eateries along the way. Downtown is not only the heart of the business community, but also the soul of many cultural, dining and shopping destinations. Department stores such as Macy's beckon retail mavens looking for the latest fashion or finest bargains. And don't miss the inventive and colorful window displays. Some of the region's standout eateries can be found in and around the Cultural District, but be sure to make reservations during the pre and post-theater rush. If you prefer scenery with your fine dining, head up to Mt. Washington to enjoy the one of the most beautiful views in the country.
Stretching a mile west from Downtown, the Strip District is famous as one of the city's premier destinations for dining and entertainment. Industrial and warehouse spaces have been converted into a bustling marketplace by day and trendy nightclubs, microbreweries and restaurants all night long. Leave time for a pilgrimage to the original Primanti Brothers for the ultimate Pittsburgh sandwich.
One of Pittsburgh's largest neighborhoods is also home to a vibrant gay community. Lawrenceville is home to a diverse mix of people who are attracted by the architectural gems, affordable homes and burgeoning business corridors. Butler Street, Liberty Avenue and Penn Avenue connect The Strip, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and numerous gay-owned and gay-friendly restaurants, designer businesses, art galleries and coffee shops.
Check out the 46 blocks of the 16:62 Design Zone for home furnishings, antiques and art that can only be found in this interior design district. An easy walk or subway ride across the Monongahela River from Downtown (across the Smithfield Street Bridge) takes you to Station Square, a shopping and entertainment complex on the site of a former railroad station. Recently expanded, Station Square includes a host of restaurants and entertainment venues, riverside and skyline views, and a lighted musical fountain. The Freight House Shops include dozens of specialty stores, including some of the best in local merchandise.
Along the South Side of the river, bustling East Carson Street is chock full of small galleries, live music clubs, eclectic restaurants, vintage clothing stores, coffee shops and an endless row of bars. The new SouthSide Works offers a growing number of big-name shopping and dining options along the "Mon" River. Further east is The Waterfront, a new shopping and entertainment destination with more than 60 shops and restaurants on more than 300 acres. Built on the site of a former steel mill, the complex's towering inert smoke stacks provide a regal landmark and nod to the region's heritage.
Heading west, The Mall at Robinson offers 1.2 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment options, including IKEA. Oakland is Pittsburgh's college town, full of University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon students and the dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs they frequent.
Also on this side of town, Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh's finest neighborhoods and is home to the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh and many gay-owned businesses. Artsy Shadyside is another walkable neighborhood with an upscale flavor, plenty of shopping and dining. Here, a number of gay bars, gay-owned businesses and magnificent art galleries can be found along Ellsworth Avenue. Visit the city's newest Family District on Pittsburgh's historic North Side where you'll find the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Science Center, National Aviary, New Hazlett Theater, Allegheny Commons Park, Andy Warhol Museum, Mattress Factory and Pittsburgh's great sports stadiums - PNC Park and Heinz Field.
