Chicago

When seeking a travel guide to Chicago, you want one penned by someone who understands the El’s Orange, Red, and Purple lines, knows the architecture of Chicago like the back of his or her hand, and is willing to share extensive knowledge of the best places to eat. Ryan Ver Berkmoes’s guide provides all this flawlessly–plus all the vital information on where to stay, what to do for fun (from theater and opera to dance clubs, bars, and sports), where to shop, plus the lowdown on history, wildlife, and climate (especially climate), politics, languages, special events, and where to do your laundry. Berkmoes goes beyond the stuff of standard guidebooks with his feel for the tone and attitude of this town. He calls it the most American of cities and lauds its Magnificent Mile and Art Institute, its kaleidoscope of ethnic neighborhoods, its mixes of blue-collar and yuppie and immigrant populations. He talks about Chicagoans’ brash self-reliance, their lurking insecurity, and the pride in their growing population and dwindling crime. While dishing up all the relevant details, Berkmoes’s guide resonates with the vitality, humor, and style of Chicago. –Stephanie Gold