The Monadnock Building

“The tallest brick building ever constructed, The Monadnock houses my favorite florist, the fragrant A New Leaf, my hatmaker, the brilliant Optimo Hats, and my shoe repair shop, Shoe Hospital. If it’s your first stop of the day, grab a cup of coffee at their Intelligentsia, and if it’s your last, grab a pint at Cavanaugh’s.” -Max Wastler
Address
53 West Jackson Street, Chicago, IL 60604Contact
312.922.1890http://www.monadnockbuilding.com/
Bavette’s

“A romantic and surprisingly casual setting, Bavette’s is a steakhouse built for vibrant, lively conversations which will occur between bites of the perfect cuts, the most delectable bread, all washed down with balanced cocktails and an impressive wine list. Do not skip the Baked Goat Cheese (Circa 1992).” -Max Wastler
What To Wear To Bavette’s
The Pool at The InterContinental

“At the time of its completion, the fourteenth-story pool was an engineering marvel. Still today, Chicago’s InterContinental boasts one of the most beautiful twenty-five yard pools in the world. Many refer to it as The Johnny Weismuller Pool, after the Olympic swimmer and actor who trained in the pool before originating the role of Tarzan on the silver screen. Adorned with a grandstand, blue Spanish majolica tiles and a terra-cotta fountain of Neptune, it recalls a time when swimming was a popular spectator sport.” -Max Wastler
Address
505 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611Contact
312.944.4100http://www.icchicagohotel.com/
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

“The grand entrance to the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has wood bas-reliefs of early versions of American football over ornately adorned wood-burning fire places, floor-to-ceiling stained glass, and the many restaurants, bars, and shops. This is the most luxurious escape for locals and tourists alike. Athletic-themed rooms feature boxing motifs and pommel horses at the foot of the bed.” -Max Wastler
Address
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603Contact
312.940.3552http://www.chicagoathletichotel.com/
King Spa

“A short drive from downtown, I love getting lost inside King Spa, the 24-hour, 34,000 square foot Korean Spa in Niles, Illinois, which features steam, scrubs, tubs, and gemstones aplenty, not to mention a cafeteria and a screening room.” -Max Wastler
Address
809 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL 60714Contact
847.972.2540http://www.kingspa.com/chicago/