The Gold Coast is Chicago’s most affluent and upscale neighborhood, located on Lake Shore Drive on the banks of Lake Michigan. The Gold Coast gained popularity as a premier residential area after dried goods merchant and owner of the Palmer Hotel, Potter Palmer built a fantasy inspired castle on Lake Shore Drive in 1885. Over the subsequent years many of Chicago’s wealthiest residents followed suit and settled down on what is now referred to as the Gold Coast.  An area designated as the Gold Coast Historic District encompassing historical mansions is an interesting place to visit.

Today the Gold Coast comprises mainly of luxury high rise condominiums on Lake Drive and a series of low rise developments further inland.  The area is known for its breathtaking panorama of the city skyscape and is also the home of the John Hancock building, the Navy Pier and the Water Tower shopping center.

Gold Coast also presents a variety of shopping opportunities offering both big brand names and smaller shops. Big brand shops in the area include names such Adidas, Puma, and Diesel while Gold Coast also houses several luxury stores including Bang and Olfusen, Barney’s New York, Prada and Kate Spade.

Gold Coast is also one of the most famous districts when it comes to dining in Chicago featuring an impressive array of restaurants and pubs. Many of these are located on the illustrious Rush Street which is a densely packed area which stays awake all night long.

Numerous art galleries can also be found here in this prosperous area including the Aaron Galleries, Rosenthal Fine Art, and the Colletti Gallery. The neighborhood further showcases its dedication to art through the Gold Coast River North Art Fair that is held here each year in early August. This fair is a huge cultural event that showcases a variety of music, art and food.

Another fantastic art venue in this area is A Red Orchid Theater which is a sleek and trendy play venue that puts on numerous plays and productions. When in the Gold Coast, visitors should definitely not pass up the opportunity to visit this destination.

The Gold Coast in Chicago offers excellent shopping opportunities at trendy boutique stores, great night clubs and restaurants and a number of world class cultural institutions. The newly renovated Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago offers a gateway into one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the United States.