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The holiday season is upon us and that means one thing - shopping! From the diverse shopping districts and quaint boutiques of Chicago, to Minnesota's renowned Mall of America, the spirit of giving is alive and well! So get out the winter clothes and credit cards, it's time to "shop 'til you drop." The following three-day road trip will take you on a spending extravaganza from the Windy City north to the popular discount outlets of Wisconsin. The final stop is the Twin Cities' Mall of America - one of the largest malls in the world and the most visited with more than 40 million shoppers annually.
Day One: Chicago, Illinois
Start your shopping safari in the retail mecca of Chicago. Many of the world's most exclusive stores can be found along the northern part of Michigan Avenue, known as the "Magnificent Mile" (which runs from the beginning of the Chicago River to Oak Street).
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile features such high-end department stores as Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom. Alongside these offerings lie a host of specialty shops where you're sure to find that perfect, unique gift. If it's too cold outside, head to one of the Mile's indoor shopping malls, such as Water Tower Place.
Oak Street
Oak Street is renowned for its historic brownstones and glamorous style. It is also known as an international fashion center, attracting shoppers from across the globe with stores including Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Barneys New York.
Where to Stay :
- 125 West Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois
- Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Best Western River North is just minutes away from the Navy Pier. It is the only downtown hotel to offer free parking. Other features include free high-speed Internet access, an indoor pool, restaurant, room service, lounge, concierge and a fitness room.
Day Two: Chicago, Illinois; Madison, Wisconsin and Eau Claire, Wisconsin
After spending a day in ritzy downtown Chicago, it's time to hit the area's discount shopping venues such as Jewelers Row, before heading north to Wisconsin.
Jewelers Row
Located on Wabash Avenue just east of State Street, Jewelers Row hosts merchants from all over the world and has become a major hub in the trade. Name the bauble and you are likely to find it here.
Next, drive to the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Ill. To get there from the city, take I-290 West (Eisenhower Expressway) to I-88 West. Exit Aurora and head to Farnsworth Avenue North. The Outlets are located at 1650 Premium Outlets Boulevard.
Chicago Premium Outlets
With more than 120 stores including Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren, these outlet shops offer a wide selection and super savings for many different tastes and ages.
Wisconsin's lively capital city of Madison is the next stop. From Aurora, take I-94 West to Exit 1B Madison, and head to the west side of the city to Monroe Street.
Monroe Street
More than 1.5 miles of locally-owned and diverse specialty shops make Monroe Street one of Madison's best-known and distinctive retail districts. Among the options are clothing boutiques, interior design shops, art galleries, antique establishments and domestic goods stores.
After a fantastic day of retail therapy, head to Eau Claire, Wis. to spend the night. To get there, take I-90 West/I-94 West from Madison and take US 53 Exit 70 to Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls.
Where to Stay :
- 3340 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- The Best Western Trail Lodge Hotel & Suites is adjacent to the bike and jogging trail along the scenic Chippewa River. This custom-built property overlooks the Chippewa Valley and features upscale rooms, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, in-room spa and an indoor pool/whirlpool.
Before retiring for the evening, head over to local favorite Houligan's Steak and Seafood - Eau Claire's premier steak and seafood restaurant that boasts its own famous "Candied Garlic Sauce™".
Day Three: Bloomington (Minneapolis), Minnesota
From Eau Claire, Wisconsin, travel west on I-94 until you reach St. Paul, Minn. From there, take I-494 South to Exit 24th Avenue South, which will lead you to the Mall of America.
Mall of America tidbits:
- Two hundred fifty-eight Statues of Liberty could fit inside
- Seven Yankee Stadiums could fit inside
- It is big enough to hold 32 Boeing 747s
The Mall of America covers more than 4.3 miles and contains more than 520 stores and 20 sit-down restaurants. In addition to shopping, the Mall offers several attractions that appeal to family members of all ages:
- Its NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway features a full-motion simulator stock car with a 700 HP engine that goes up to 195 MPH.
- During the holidays, shoppers can witness the World's Largest Gingerbread House. The House encompasses 1,496 square feet and consists of 14,250 pounds of gingerbread and 4,750 pounds of icing.
- More holiday cheer can be found on the stage in the Rotunda and Nordstrom/Sears courts where community, professional and school groups put on festive shows.
Where to Stay :
- 3450 Washington Drive, Eagan, Minnesota
- Guests staying at the recently-remodeled, pet friendly Best Western Dakota Ridge can enjoy a hot breakfast every morning that features malted Belgian waffles. Take advantage of its 24-hour courtesy shuttle service to the Mall of America.
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