Last week, O’Hare International Airport officially revealed the new Terminal 5 following a $26 million transformation. Previously, all dining short of a vending machine—95 percent of the terminal’s food and beverage options—was located in pre-security areas. The re-engineered layout has 24 new dining and retail options beyond the TSA checkpoint, including 11 local Chicago brands. This is the first upgrade to the terminal since it opened in 1993.
Here’s what you’ll find the next time you head out of the country via Terminal 5. First, you’ll pass through a new 10,000-square-foot duty-free store. Then, you’ll encounter a row of luxury boutiques, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Vosges Haut-Chocolate, and soon Michael Kors. Finally, the real treat: In a new dining court, you’ll be able to choose from many locally grown options: the Goddess and Grocer, Hub 51, R.J. Grunt’s Burger & Fries, Tocco (upscale Italian from Bruno Abate), Rick Bayless’s familiar but always welcome Tortas Frontera, Kofe by Intelligentsia, Big Bowl, and Wow Bao.
If you want to eyeball the new terminal, check out this promotional video from Westfield, the Australian mall developer behind the improvements.
Travel News
Look for the Golden Egg at This Gold Coast Hotel
If you happen to stay overnight at the 247-room Thompson Chicago (from $233) on Saturday, April 19, keep your eyes peeled for treat-filled eggs, which will be hidden in ten guest rooms. Prizes include a pair of cocktails at Salone Nico, continental breakfast for two, free parking, dessert delivered by room service, and, in one golden egg, a complimentary night stay at the hotel. Before you go, scope out the Thompson’s best rooms.
Tickets on Sale Now for New York City’s 9/11 Memorial Museum
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One Parent’s Reasons for Taking Her Kids to Faraway Places
“I realize that not everyone sees my passion for family travel as charming, or even appropriate. In fact, parents at school and acquaintances I don't know very well generally react to reports of our global escapades with repulsion. After all, who in her right mind takes her kids on vacation to Yunnan Province?” Heidi Mitchell argues for the value of taking your kids along for the ride at Town & Country.