Obama's Chicago; not just windy, cool to visit

The presidential victory of Barack Obama didn't just mean the instantaneous restoration of love, harmony, happiness and an end to all worldwar, it also gave his adopted home city of Chicago something to be positively associated with.

For a town still most famous for Al Capone, the St Valentine's Day massacre and the plodding hip-hop of Kanye West, being home to the first black President of the USA is a something of a boon.

Chicago (or Chi-Town if you're feeling particularly street) already had more than enough to warrant repeat visits from slack-jawed British tourists mind you, especially with the Chicago City Pass currently half price at $59 for adults and $49 for the nippers.

The pass gets you into five of the Windy City's best known attractions, including VIP access to the world famous Shedd Aquarium, and a choice of the Hancock Building and Sears Tower. Best of all it's valid for nine days, so you don't have to rush around from site to site, ticking them off your 'must-see' list.

Oh and a personal tip: Go to Hot Doug's, the best hot dog place in Chicago , bar none. It's a bit out of the way if you're staying in the centre of town, but trust me, it's worth it, despite the fact the queues are looooong and it's only open from 10am-4pm. It's a Chicago institution.