Arlington Heights Author Pens Book Touting 'Indelible' Chicago

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Chicago is regarded as one of the world's best cities for a myriad of reasons. For those visiting the Windy City, having a detailed itinerary or guide can help, especially if you're only there for a day.

Wendy Altschuler, of Arlington Heights, wants to help people make the most of their time here. The seasoned travel and adventure writer's first book, "Perfect Day Chicago," publishes next month.

"Whether you're exploring the Windy City with kids in tow, solo, or with your partner or pals, you'll find something new and exciting to do in Chicago — I promise," Altschuler recently told Patch.

Altschuler knows a thing or two about travel as her career has brought her to nearly 50 different countries. Among the highlights, according to Altschuler, was visiting Hong Kong solo, trying surfing in Bali, swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, meeting tea pickers in Sri Lanka, hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim, and riding a camel through the Sahara Desert.

Altschuler, who is a contributing writer for TripSavvy, Forbes, Parents and Travel + Leisure, has spent over half her life living in Chicagoland. Originally from Montana, she moved here for college at DePaul University and has never left, raising her family in the area.

With "Perfect Day Chicago," Altschuler highlights 29 diverse Chicago neighborhoods. She said readers can expect to find interesting itineraries in the book that will assist in exploring many of Chicago's most "dynamic" neighborhoods, from Andersonville to Pullman. Altschuler added that the diverse activities available in the city make it "indelible for visitors and dyed-in-the-wool locals."

"For several months, while researching and photographing the places I wanted to include in my book, I was able to get a more in depth understanding of some of Chicago's less touristy neighborhoods, which was incredibly rewarding to highlight some of the local small businesses that make the city so unique and diverse," Altschuler said.

The softcover book is 192 pages and will cost $27. "Perfect Day Chicago" can be pre-ordered hereand it ships March 15. Altschuler calls it the perfect gift for graduates, people new to the city, solo travelers, family travelers, gift baskets, Mother's or Father's Day gifts, ahead of spring or summer travel and welcome gifts.

"Anyone who has read, 'Devil in the White City,' can appreciate Chicago's history," Altschuler said. "Whether you adore architecture, world-class museums, festivals, sporting events, deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and jibarito sandwiches, you'll find something fun to do in the city year round," Altschuler said.

Upcoming book signing are scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. April 22 at Wills Tower's Sky Deck and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 6 at Chicago's Museum of Illusions.