Palm Court Fountain (image courtesy of Drake Hotel)

Outside, it was warm and humid – unusual for an early autumn afternoon in Chicago.  As I arrived at the Drake Hotel and proceeded into the hotel lobby, I couldn’t help but relax after sensing the palpable calm inside.  Leaving the noise of the city behind, the interior of the Drake was a welcome oasis.

As I walked up a short flight of stairs, I could already hear faint harp music drifting through the air. “Afternoon Tea, Sir?”  “Yes,” I said, “Thank you.” I was shown to my table and immediately began to unwind.

The Drake Hotel is located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile overlooking Lake Michigan and was built in 1920, designed in the Italian Renaissance style. Visitors to Chicago are often advised to take Afternoon Tea at the Drake as one of the not-to-be-missed things to do in the city. Past visitors to the hotel include Winston Churchill, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra. Continue reading →