Despite the weather warming up and both baseball teams performing well, two weeks ago Chicago was in full football mode. Chicago was turned into Draft Town as the NFL held its 2016 draft at the Chicago Auditorium, with other festivities in Grant Park.
Completed in 1889, the Auditorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It is a spectacular combination of wonderfully ornate and comfortably modern. I heard nothing but praise from the NFL staffers and media.
In Grant Park, along with looking at the beautiful lakefront and Buckingham Fountain, you couldn’t look anywhere without seeing celebrities. Chicago’s very own Jenny McCarthy and her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, were live-chatting at the Sirius booth. Both proved to be pretty knowledgeable on football. At the WSCR booth, Tom Thayer, who played for the 1985 Super Bowl champion Bears, recalled some of those memories with the fans. Neon Deion Sanders was one of dozens of former NFL stars there to broadcast or mingle with the fans. The Draft mascot, Fumbles, and several other mascots roamed the area, talking pictures with the little NFL fans (and some of us big ones, too). 
I also ran into many friends, including Dominique Collins and Deena Fagiano, who were representing their Chicago Bliss football team.
This is such a great event for the fans and the city. Thousands of hotel rooms were booked for the event. Restaurants and other businesses saw a huge increase in sales. It was just one big outdoor party (and hopefully the Bears got some good players). Unfortunately, the draft is moving to another city next year. I might just have to make a roadtrip!
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 5, 2024Don’t Miss Idaho’s Upcoming Fall, Winter Activities and Events
Boise, Idaho, welcomed a new education center, Philip E. Batt Education Building, this October. Named in honor of former Idaho Governor Phil Batt for his contribution to human rights in the state, the building houses offices for Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, along with a classroom, meeting space, catering kitchen, research library, exhibitions room, gift shop and a human rights-themed art gallery showcasing works from Idaho artists. Here, visitors can explore immersive experiences, including a virtual reality tour of Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and an A.I.-powered interactive display featuring Holocaust survivors’ stories.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
November 2024
Nov 5, 2024Set Off on a Tour of Extraordinary Mechanical Clocks Around the World
It’s approaching 3 o’clock in the afternoon in Bern. Jutting slightly into view at the end of the uneven stone street in the Swiss city’s historic heart stands a medieval tower adorned with the famous 15th-century “time bell,” Zytglogge. A small gathering forms at the tower’s base as the clock prepares to announce the hour — an event heralded by the crowing of a golden rooster, music and a dance of mechanical figures that include an assortment of jolly bears.
Daily
Nov 5, 2024Arlo Washington DC to Debut Nov. 18
Arlo Hotels is slated to make its Washington, D.C., debut. Arlo Washington DC will open its doors in the heart of downtown D.C. on Nov. 18. Situated in the city’s oldest surviving apartment building, the property boasts 445 rooms, plus a 12-story addition.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
Daily
Nov 5, 2024AlUla Designated as Gulf Cooperation Council’s First-Ever Dark Sky Park
AlUla, Saudi Arabia, is officially the first destination in Gulf Cooperation Council’s to be designated a Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This destination continues to commit to minimizing light pollution, preserving and protecting the nighttime environment, and ensuring its skies remain crystal clear for stargazers.
7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel
Daily
Nov 4, 20248 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025
Daily
Nov 4, 2024New Boutique Hotel Collection Comes to Tulum
Hotels
Nov 3, 2024Daily
Nov 1, 2024SWISS First Lounge Named World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining
Swiss International Air Lines recently ranked No. 1 in the World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining category for its first-class lounge in Terminal E at Zürich Airport in the 2024 World Culinary Awards.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
November 2024
Nov 1, 2024A Helping Hand
As we edge our way toward winter, I want to remind you how lucky we have been and how we can help those who have not been as fortunate. Please continue to donate to the American Red Cross, which stands ready in any disaster to provide items people need such as water, clothing, food and other supplies.
ShareThis