Ferris Bueller, You're My Hero!
Hey guys! My name is Alyssa, and I am a Marketing Intern for The Magnificent Mile Association. I was born and raised in Chicago, and my all-time favorite movie is the classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” I decided to take my own day off and experience Chicago as Ferris and his pals did, just in time for the 30th anniversary of the film!
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Blackhawks Store
333 N. Michigan Avenue
My first stop of the day was the Blackhawks Store. In the movie, Ferris’ best friend Cameron sports a Detroit Red Wings jersey. Before I could start gallivanting around Chicago, I made sure to check out the best place to replace his wings jersey with a more city-appropriate Chicago Blackhawks one. The Blackhawks Store, just a few doors down from the site of Fort Dearborn, is home to exclusive merchandise that cannot be found anywhere else, including signed memorabilia and limited-edition apparel. If you can’t make it to one of their various events or autograph signings throughout the year, you can take a photo with your favorite player on their interactive green screen or test your knowledge on one of the trivia screens. From back-to-school accessories to adorable pet clothes and comfy sweatshirts, the Blackhawks Store is definitely a one-stop shop for sports fans.
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Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Next I headed to the Art Institute of Chicago to check out all of the classic pieces Ferris and his friends mused over. My favorites include Marc Chagall’s America Windows, featuring six stained glass windows representing the arts and the Chicago skyline, and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, the pointillism painting that Cameron famously stares down while at the museum. The museum is home to thousands of pieces of art that will captivate any visitor for their entire day off! Ask at the information desk for their exclusive Ferris Bueller's Day Off guide to the museum.
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360 Chicago
875 N. Michigan Avenue
After a lovely stroll down The Mag Mile, I went to 360 Chicago Observatory for a sky-high view of the city. While Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane go to the top of the Sears Tower, I thought it would be fun to get a different perspective from the top of the John Hancock Center. You can’t beat the outstanding view of our beautiful city from 1,000 feet up!
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Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison Street
Following in Ferris’ footsteps, I hopped on the train and went to Wrigley Field for a tour of the Friendly Confines. The tour takes you all around the ballpark, from the field to the bleachers and even into the dugout! I also learned a ton of awesome stuff about the ballpark: it was built in 1914; it seats just under 39,000; and it is the second-oldest ballpark behind Boston’s Fenway Park. While you’re there, make sure to stay to grab a hot dog and stay for a game. Who knows, you might catch a ball like Ferris did!
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Lou Malnati's
1120 N. State Street
After Wrigley Field, I headed back to The Mag Mile for lunch. I am not the Sausage King of Chicago, so I opted for a deep dish pizza instead of a five-star meal. The obvious choice? Lou Malnati’s of course! Their flaky butter crush and fresh toppings make for the quintessential Chicago meal.
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Fairmont Chicago mySpa
200 N. Columbus Drive
For my last stop of the day, I went to the Fairmont Chicago Hotel. While Ferris and his friends relaxed in a pool towards the end of the movie, I chose to relax in the Fairmont’s beautiful mySpa! Created in 1987, the luxurious Fairmont boasts an 11,000-square-foot urban oasis, featuring massages, an infinity edge soaking tub, and a nail salon. It was the perfect way to end my day off on The Magnificent Mile!
