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<ul class="summary-list"><li>My family and I spent about $750 to take a roundtrip ferry across Lake Michigan.</li><li>We <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/car-ferry-victoria-canada-seattle-washington-review-photos-2024-4">took our car on the ferry</a>, which accounted for a good portion of our expenses.</li></ul>As one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Whats-the-largest-US-city-by-population">most populous cities in the US</a>, Chicago has some pretty terrible traffic. However, I have to brave it several times a year when traveling between <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visit-midwest-doors-county-wisconsin-best-fall-foliage-2024">Wisconsin</a> and Michigan for work and family events.<br /><br />By the time I reach my destination, I usually have a migraine, my kids have motion sickness, and my husband is crabby and exhausted.<br /><br />So, when I found out we could take the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ferry-ride-michigan-lake-express-review-milwaukee-muskegon-2023-8">Lake Express</a> from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan, with our car and entirely avoid traveling through <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-restaurants-in-chicago-from-local-foodie-2024-5">Chicago</a>, I was thrilled.<br /><br />Over the summer, my family gave the ferry a try. Here's what our experience was like.<br /><br /><h2>We booked our tickets in advance and took advantage of a few discounts</h2>I purchased our tickets a few days in advance and used a college-student discount since I was taking a graduate-school course. We also saved almost $200 with a summer "kids ride free" promotion.<br /><br />After these discounts, we only spent $187 each way for the four of us.<br /><br />However, on each leg of the trip, we also had to pay $72 for port, security, and fuel fees, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amtrak-auto-train-brought-car-worth-it-moving-review-2023-10">bringing our car</a> cost us $115 each way. In total, we spent $748 roundtrip.<br /><br /><h2>We boarded the ferry with our car</h2>  <div type="image" title="Lines of cars parked closely together in a covered lot." height="878" width="1170" msid="114781330" hostid="261"></div>For our departure, we arrived at the terminal half an hour early and waited in a line of cars until it was time to board.<br /><br />Driving onto the ferry was easy, but parking required guidance since the cars were packed in like sardines. Thankfully, the Lake Express employees eased us into our space with hand signals.<br /><br /><h2>The ferry was much more comfortable than driving</h2>  <div type="image" title="A mix of blue and black seats on a ferry, with a snack bar in the background." height="773" width="1031" msid="114781339" hostid="261"></div>I was pleased to find lots of comfy cushioned seating on the Lake Express, even in the most basic cabin. My kids love coloring, card games, and messy snacks, and I like to crochet, so we grabbed a large table with aisle access.<br /><br />My husband and I didn't pack enough snacks for ourselves, but thankfully, there were plenty to purchase at the onboard café. Its menu included sandwiches, salads, coffee, and even beers by Bell's Brewery and Milwaukee Brewing Co.<br /><br /><h2><strong>The trip wasn't stress-free, but the views made up for it</strong></h2>  <div type="image" title="A sailboat on a lake on a sunny day." height="2071" width="2761" msid="114781335" hostid="261"></div>Throughout the majority of the voyage, my stress melted away. Despite moderate winds, the rooftop deck's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-us-2024-1">gorgeous views</a> of the sky and shoreline were a treat. Sailboats, lighthouses, waterfowl, and other surprises delighted my kids throughout the ride.<br /><br />However, the deboarding process was stressful. Because the cars were parked so close together, we found it tricky to maneuver out of our space. Plus, walking between the cars required some minor acrobatics.<br /><br />However, dealing with these minor inconveniences was still better than driving through Chicago. Next time we <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venice-vaporetto-ferry-pass-not-worth-it-family-2024-10">take the ferry</a>, though, we'll borrow someone else's car at our destination or rent one at the terminal.<br /><br />After all, the vehicle fees were an expensive part of our booking, and leaving our car at home could've saved us hundreds of dollars.<br /><br /><i>Correction: November 6, 2024 — An earlier version of this story overstated the cost of the vehicle fees on the author's ferry trip. The car accounted for less than half the trip's expenses, not a majority of them.</i><br />

We spent $374 to take a ferry across Lake Michigan with our car. The journey was nice, but I'll do things differently next time.

I took a high-speed ferry across Lake Michigan, and the beautiful shortcut saved me from hours of traffic

<ul class="summary-list"><li>34 people were rescued after an <keyword id="12922523" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ice-sheet" source="Orion">ice sheet</keyword> drifted into a <keyword id="11899150" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wisconsin" source="Orion">Wisconsin</keyword> lake on Saturday, authorities said.</li><li>The ice fishermen were cut off for 90 minutes and later rescued by Brown County sheriff's deputies.</li></ul><p>Thirty-four people were rescued after becoming stranded on an ice sheet that had drifted out into a Wisconsin lake, authorities said Saturday.</p><p>The group of ice fishermen were cut off from the shore for around 90 minutes near Green Bay, <keyword id="12532475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lake-michigan" source="Orion">Lake Michigan</keyword>, on Saturday morning, deputies with the Brown County Sheriff's Office <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVQVXLAuee4">told Fox 11</a>. </p><p>By the time the last person was rescued, the ice had drifted about a mile from the shore, Lt. John Bain said.</p><p>Two of the rescued men, Shane Nelson and Robert Verhagen, told Fox 11 they heard a noise like a loud gunshot before the ice started to break away.</p><div type="image" title="rescue crews at green bay after peopel got stuck on ice sheet" height="750" width="1500" msid="88811242" hostid="261"></div><p>"People were yelling on the ice 'we're separating,'" Nelson said, adding that it was his first-ever ice fishing trip.</p><p>"Didn't catch any fish, ran out of propane early and got stranded on the ice," he said.</p><p>Footage of the incident, published by Fox 6 <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">News</keyword>, showed rescue crews ferrying the fisherman back to land.</p><p>Another of the stranded fishermen, Darin Grieger, told <a href="https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/01/09/34-fishermen-rescued-after-ice-shelf-breaks-off-green-bay/">WCCO4</a> that there was little chance to get back onto safe ice once it started breaking up.</p><p>"This gap started to grow and grow and grow," Grieger said. "Within probably 30 seconds it was 10 feet, where you're not going to get across."</p><p>The reason for the ice separation is not immediately known, but Bain told Fox 11 that it could have been caused by a passing ship.</p><p>"A barge may have come through and that may have disrupted the ice. The disruption of the ice along with natural occurring conditions may have led to that," Bain said.</p><p>"The current and the winds, things can change fast, and you're not always aware that they are changing."</p><p> The US Coast Guard also responded to the incident, the sheriff's office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=288175553352565&amp;set=pb.100064803665650.-2207520000..">said on Facebook</a>.</p><p>"Happy to report a good ending to this extremely dangerous situation!" the sheriff's office said.</p><p>In February 2020, deputies with the nearby Door County Sheriff's Office <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/66-ice-anglers-rescued-after-getting-stranded-floes-wisconsin-n1256829">rescued 66 anglers</a> from an ice sheet on Lake Michigan that broke away in similar fashion near Green Bay.</p>

Photos show 34 people being rescued after a chunk of ice broke away and drifted 1 mile into a Wisconsin lake

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="483799" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mackinac-Island">Mackinac Island</keyword> is in Lake Huron in <keyword id="18877" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Michigan">Michigan</keyword> and it feels like it's part of a fairy-tale.</li><li>The island has no cars and is filled with historic structures, sweet shops, and pretty cottages.</li><li>The island's Grand Hotel is famous and has fancy dinners, high tea, and some formal dress codes.</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/">Mackinac Island </a>- pronounced "mack-in-awe" - sits in Lake Huron and is located directly between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. </p><p><a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/where-is-mackinac-island-get-there-by-car-bike-ferry-flight/">To get to the island</a>, you <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-wasting-money-on-plane-tickets-common-mistakes-2021-6">fly into the small airport</a>, or take a ferry from Mackinaw City and get dropped off downtown. From there, you can walk on foot, rent a bike, or take a horse-and-carriage "taxi."</p><p>Mackinac only has about 500 <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/10-%C2%BD-mackinac-island-fun-facts/">year-round residents</a> and over <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/06/17/mackinac-island-looks-reopen-right-way-season-truly-begin/3202531001/">1 million people visit each year</a>. It's also home to over 500 horses because motorized vehicles <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/history-of-cars-er-horseless-carriages-on-mackinac-island/">have been prohibited</a> since 1898 because they scare the horses. </p><p>Keep reading to see what it's like. </p><h2>There are a few places to stay, but the historic Grand Hotel is worth a visit no matter what</h2><div type="image" title="The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, a white building surrounded by flowers" height="2274" width="3024" msid="84990847" hostid="261"></div><p>Grand Hotel is one of the few remaining wood-frame hotels in the US and is a National Historic Landmark.</p><p>The property overlooks the lake and its <a href="https://www.mlive.com/travel/2017/02/grand_hotel_2017_worlds_longes.html#:~:text=to%20Main%20Content-,The%20660%2Dfoot%20Grand%20Hotel%20front%20porch%2C%20the%20world's,longest%2C%20is%20getting%20a%20redo&amp;text=Mackinac%20Island's%20famed%20Grand%20Hotel,660%2Dfeet%20long%20Front%20Porch.ont%20Porch.">porch is said to be the longest in the world</a> at roughly 660 feet in length.</p><div type="image" title="Grand Hotel's interior with chandeliers, checkered floors and green velvet couches" height="2215" width="2954" msid="84990853" hostid="261"></div><p>The property, <a href="https://www.insider.com/staying-at-madonna-inn-california-tour-photos">where no two rooms are decorated alike</a>, was built by steamship and train companies in the late 19th century. Back then, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-hotels-really-like-during-the-off-season-photos">the hotel catered to the ultra-elite, wealthy guests</a> who would spend their entire summers on-site. </p><p>In honor of the historic site's grand history, there's still a dress code after 6:30 p.m. - guests must wear a coat, tie, slacks, dress, skirt, or pantsuit in the common areas. </p><div type="image" title="The Grand hotel's downstairs with bring green walls and bright green and red carpets" height="3024" width="4032" msid="84990860" hostid="261"></div><p>If you spend a night on-site, you'll have the chance to attend a spectacular three-course dinner in the grand <a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/main-dining-room/">main dining room</a>.</p><p>There's also a high tea in the parlor each afternoon. </p><div type="image" title="Trays of desserts and pots of tea at the hotel, which has floral couches and brightly-colored furniture." height="1033" width="1374" msid="84990861" hostid="261"></div><h2>There are also stables, museums, and outdoor attractions </h2><p>Visitors can also check out <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/things-to-see-and-do-at-mackinac-islands-surrey-hill/">Surrey Hill</a>, home to attractions like the Grand Stables, where the Grand Hotel's current working horses reside. </p><div type="image" title="The green and red Grand Stables barn" height="3024" width="4032" msid="84990862" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also a museum with antique carriages and sleighs on display dating back hundreds of years.</p><p>Some have been previously owned by prominent figures of the 19th century, like William Vanderbilt. </p><div type="image" title="Antique carriages in a museum" height="3024" width="4032" msid="84990863" hostid="261"></div><p>Across the way is the <a href="https://www.wingsofmackinac.com/">Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory</a>, which hosts hundreds of native and tropical; butterflies.</p><p>The area also houses historic landmarks, like <a href="https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/fort-mackinac/">Fort Mackinac</a>, the oldest building in Michigan that was founded in 1780. </p><p>The cluster of military buildings sits high on a coastal bluff and is no longer active, but it still serves as a historical attraction that's open to the public. </p><div type="image" title="A group of tourists on a horse and carriage" height="1374" width="1832" msid="84990864" hostid="261"></div><p>You can also <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/bike-rentals/">rent a bike</a> and pedal around the outer rim of the island. It's a flat, leisurely 8.2-mile route that hugs the coastline and has so many <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-campsites-in-the-world-2018-7">gorgeous lake views</a>. </p><div type="image" title="View from Arch Rock, blue waters and green trees" height="2274" width="3024" msid="84990869" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also worth visiting Mackinac Island State Park, which offers <a href="https://www.insider.com/sites-in-danger-of-disappearing-2018-3">miles of walking trails</a>, woods, and the signature <a href="https://visitmichiganupnorth.com/stories/arch_rock_mackinac_island_michigan_lake_huron_limestone">limestone Arch Rock formation</a>.</p><h2>The area's also known for its fudge and live music</h2><div type="image" title="A cottage with a white picket fence on Mackinac Island" height="2994" width="3992" msid="84990873" hostid="261"></div><p>When you're downtown, be sure to grab some famous <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/fudge-making/">Mackinac Island fudge</a> at one of the sweet shops on the main street.</p><p>You can watch people make fudge, and the shops are pretty generous with samples. </p><div type="image" title="Someone in a shop making fudge" height="2274" width="3024" msid="84990879" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also worth visiting the <a href="https://www.pinkponymackinac.com/">Pink Pony</a>, one of the island's most popular restaurants, bars, and music venues that has fabulous views of the lake from its patio.</p>

I visited Mackinac Island in the Midwest, and the car-free Michigan spot felt like a fairy-tale

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Mackinac Island is in Lake Huron in Michigan and it feels like it's part of a fairy-tale.</li><li>The island has no cars and is filled with historic structures, sweet shops, and pretty cottages.</li></ul><p>On Wednesday, USA Today announced its <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-summer-travel-destination-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No.1 Best Summer Travel Destination</a> as part of its 10Best Readers' Choice awards for 2024. Topping the list is one of the most beautiful islands in the Midwest: Mackinac Island.</p><p>Mackinac Island — pronounced "mack-in-awe" — sits in Lake Huron, directly between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas. </p><p>To get to the island, you <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ways-wasting-money-on-plane-tickets-common-mistakes-2021-6">fly into the small airport</a>, or take a ferry from Mackinaw City and get dropped off downtown. From there, you can walk on foot, rent a bike, or take a horse-and-carriage "taxi."</p><p>Mackinac only has about 500 <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/10-%C2%BD-mackinac-island-fun-facts/">year-round residents</a>, and over <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/06/17/mackinac-island-looks-reopen-right-way-season-truly-begin/3202531001/">1 million people visit each year</a>. It's also home to over 500 horses because motorized vehicles <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/history-of-cars-er-horseless-carriages-on-mackinac-island/">have been prohibited</a> since 1898 because they scare the horses. </p><p>Keep reading to see what it's like. </p><h2>There are a few places to stay, but the historic Grand Hotel is worth a visit no matter what</h2><div type="image" title="The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, a white building surrounded by flowers" height="2274" width="3024" msid="107242782" hostid="261"></div><p>Grand Hotel is one of the few remaining wood-frame hotels in the US and is a National Historic Landmark.</p><p>The property overlooks the lake, and its <a href="https://www.mlive.com/travel/2017/02/grand_hotel_2017_worlds_longes.html#:~:text=to%20Main%20Content-,The%20660%2Dfoot%20Grand%20Hotel%20front%20porch%2C%20the%20world's,longest%2C%20is%20getting%20a%20redo&amp;text=Mackinac%20Island's%20famed%20Grand%20Hotel,660%2Dfeet%20long%20Front%20Porch.">porch</a>, at roughly 660 feet in length, is said to be the longest in the world.</p><div type="image" title="Grand Hotel's interior with chandeliers, checkered floors and green velvet couches" height="2215" width="2954" msid="107242783" hostid="261"></div><p>The property, where no two rooms are decorated alike, was built by steamship and train companies in the late 19th century.</p><p>Back then, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-hotels-really-like-during-the-off-season-photos">the hotel catered to the ultra-elite, wealthy guests</a> who would spend their entire summers on-site. </p><p>In honor of the historic site's grand history, there's still a dress code after 6:30 p.m. — guests must wear a coat, tie, slacks, dress, skirt, or pantsuit in the common areas. </p><div type="image" title="The Grand hotel's downstairs with bring green walls and bright green and red carpets" height="3024" width="4032" msid="107243105" hostid="261"></div><p>If you spend a night on-site, you'll have the chance to attend a spectacular three-course dinner in the grand <a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/main-dining-room/">main dining room</a>.</p><p>There's also a high tea in the parlor each afternoon. </p><div type="image" title="Trays of desserts and pots of tea at the hotel, which has floral couches and brightly-colored furniture." height="1033" width="1374" msid="107243107" hostid="261"></div><h2>There are also stables, museums, and outdoor attractions </h2><p>Visitors can also check out <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/blog/things-to-see-and-do-at-mackinac-islands-surrey-hill/">Surrey Hill</a>, home to attractions like the Grand Stables, where the Grand Hotel's current working horses reside. </p><div type="image" title="The green and red Grand Stables barn" height="3024" width="4032" msid="107243110" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also a museum with antique carriages and sleighs on display dating back hundreds of years.</p><p>Some have been previously owned by prominent figures of the 19th century, like William Vanderbilt. </p><div type="image" title="Antique carriages in a museum" height="3024" width="4032" msid="107243113" hostid="261"></div><p>Across the way is the <a href="https://www.wingsofmackinac.com/">Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory</a>, which hosts hundreds of native and tropical butterflies.</p><p>The area also houses historic landmarks, like <a href="https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/fort-mackinac/">Fort Mackinac</a>, the oldest building in Michigan, founded in 1780. </p><p>The cluster of military buildings sits high on a coastal bluff and is no longer active, but it still serves as a historical attraction open to the public. </p><div type="image" title="A group of tourists on a horse and carriage" height="1374" width="1832" msid="107243116" hostid="261"></div><p>You can also <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/bike-rentals/">rent a bike</a> and pedal around the outer rim of the island. The flat, leisurely 8.2-mile route hugs the coastline and offers <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-campsites-in-the-world-2018-7">gorgeous lake views</a>. </p><div type="image" title="View from Arch Rock, blue waters and green trees" height="2274" width="3024" msid="107243121" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also worth visiting Mackinac Island State Park, which offers <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sites-in-danger-of-disappearing-2018-3">miles of walking trails</a>, woods, and the signature limestone Arch Rock formation.</p><h2>The area's also known for its fudge and live music</h2><div type="image" title="A cottage with a white picket fence on Mackinac Island" height="2994" width="3992" msid="107243123" hostid="261"></div><p>When you're downtown, grab some famous <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/fudge-making/">Mackinac Island fudge</a> at one of the sweet shops on the main street.</p><p>You can watch people make fudge, and the shops are pretty generous with samples. </p><div type="image" title="Someone in a shop making fudge" height="2274" width="3024" msid="107243126" hostid="261"></div><p>It's also worth visiting the <a href="https://www.pinkponymackinac.com/">Pink Pony</a>, one of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-restaurants-where-to-eat-canary-islands-spain">island's most popular restaurants</a>, bars, and music venues with fabulous lake views from its patio.</p><p><em>This story was originally published on August 2, 2021, and most recently updated on May 24, 2024.</em></p>

I visited Mackinac Island, voted the No. 1 travel destination this summer. No cars are allowed on the dreamy Midwest island.

Bed Bath & Beyond is closing nearly 150 more locations as it whittles its footprint down to just 360. Here's the full list of closing stores.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I visited <keyword id="11922327" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chicago" source="Orion">Chicago</keyword> for the first time, and there was a lot to love about the Windy City.</li><li>The city felt bigger than I expected, and I found the art and architecture all around fascinating. </li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/review-noodles-and-company-for-first-time-photos-midwest-chain-2022-2">As a Californian</a>, I knew Chicago was an international metropolis. But I was pretty blown away by the Windy City throughout my first visit.</p><p>Read on for the things that surprised me most.</p><h2><strong>My first impression was that Chicago really felt like a huge city</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="molly at the sears tower in chicago" height="1633" width="2178" msid="89548978" hostid="261"></div><p>Before my visit, <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-youll-know-if-youve-been-to-the-midwest-2020-3">I associated Chicago</a> with architecture, railroad history, baseball, Lake Michigan, and, of course, pizza. </p><p>But I wasn't expecting it to feel like such a huge city. </p><p>In <keyword id="12021660" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="la" source="Orion">LA</keyword>, the buildings are on the newer side because the area didn't really become a populated destination until the 1900s. Chicago's population and skyline, on the other hand, have been growing since the 1830s. </p><p>My first impression of the city was at O'Hare airport. It was clear how enormous the hub was when it took our plane more than 20 minutes to taxi to our gate after landing.</p><p>Then in the car on the way to the hotel I thought, "Holy moly, this city skyline is the biggest I've ever seen."</p><p>It's nothing like New York or San Francisco, which are geographically constricted, or <a href="https://www.insider.com/surprising-things-i-noticed-moving-from-nyc-to-la-2020-3">Los Angeles</a> where there's technically a downtown neighborhood but the city itself is so sprawling.</p><h2><strong>I knew Chicago was known for its architecture, but there were so many layers to the history</strong></h2><div type="image" title="portion of the chicago skyline from the river at sunset" height="2274" width="3024" msid="89548980" hostid="261"></div><p>Architects are like celebrities in Chicago. My mouth was literally hanging open at the beauty of the buildings that surrounded me.</p><p>To really soak in the culture, I went to the <a href="https://www.architecture.org/">Chicago Architecture Museum</a> to learn more about the city's skyline. Then, I went to the <a href="https://www.chicagohistory.org/">Chicago History Museum</a> to learn how much of this city was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Finally, I went on an <a href="https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-foundation-center-river-cruise-aboard-chicago-s-first-lady/">architecture-focused tour</a> on the Chicago River, where I gained a "new perspective" on these towering buildings from the water. </p><p>No buildings in <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-that-surprised-brit-visiting-la-for-first-time-2020-2">Los Angeles</a> come close in height to <a href="https://www.willistower.com/history-and-facts">Chicago's Willis Tower</a> (formerly known as Sears Tower). The 108-story building is the third-tallest in North America.</p><div type="image" title="molly on the sky deck at the sears tower in chicago" height="2592" width="1944" msid="89548983" hostid="261"></div><p>If you're not afraid of heights, be sure to check out the <a href="https://theskydeck.com/">"Skydeck" experience and "The Ledge,"</a> where you can hover over the city at 1,353 feet. </p><p>Go as soon as it opens up at 9 a.m. because the lines can get long on weekends. </p><h2><strong>The 77 neighborhoods in Chicago offer a diverse expanse of culture to explore</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="map of chicago's 77 neighborhoods" height="4032" width="3024" msid="89548985" hostid="261"></div><p>If you're trying to get around a single neighborhood in Chicago, the city is pretty walkable. Otherwise, there's a train system that can take you to pretty much wherever you need to go. </p><p>Even though I was visiting from <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/21/american-diversity-cities-where-it-works.html">LA, which is very diverse</a>, I was enthralled with the different sites and scenery within <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/arts-culture-entertainment/world-in-a-city-chicagos-culturally-diverse-neighborhoods/">Chicago's 77 distinct neighborhoods</a> — each boasting its own impressive history and background.</p><p>Our hotel was located on the border of the Loop district within the New Eastside community. </p><h2><strong>I had no idea Chicago's flag had so much symbolism</strong></h2><p>I've never been to a city where people are as passionate about <a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/august-2013/chicago-city-flag/">their flag</a>. I didn't even know what LA's flag looked like before I sat down to write this.</p><p>Chicago's design has an impressive amount of historical significance. The three white stripes represent the North, West, and South sides. The top blue stripe represents Lake Michigan and the north branch of the Chicago River. The bottom blue stripe represents the south branch of the river and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. </p><p>The four six-pointed red stars represent major historical events: <a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/December-2009/The-True-Story-of-the-Deadly-Encounter-at-Fort-Dearborn/">Fort Dearborn </a>(the origin of the modern city), the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, and the Century of Progress Exposition of 1933–34.</p><h2><strong>Deep-dish pizza is worth the hype, but there are so many other Chicago </strong><strong>delicacies</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="chicago deep dish pizza" height="1461" width="1944" msid="89548987" hostid="261"></div><p>You simply can't go to Chicago without <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-foods-to-try-when-visiting-chicago">eating deep-dish pizza</a>.</p><p>I went to <a href="https://www.loumalnatis.com/about">Lou Malnati's Pizzeria</a>, where each pie is handmade. There are multiple locations, so you can't miss it.</p><p>I ordered "The Lou" deep-dish style, and it was heavenly. My taste buds were seriously singing as I took my first bite.</p><p>They definitely don't make pizza like this in <keyword id="11940480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="los-angeles" source="Orion">Los Angeles</keyword>. </p><div type="image" title="italian beef and a hot dog from portillos in chicago" height="1461" width="1944" msid="89548989" hostid="261"></div><p>There's also <a href="https://www.portillos.com/index.html">Portillo's</a>, which serves authentic Chicago-style hot dogs (no ketchup allowed) and Italian-beef sandwiches.</p><p>For something sweet, head to <a href="https://www.garrettpopcorn.com/">Garrett Popcorn</a>. The sugary smells drifting from the shop can lure people from streets away.</p><p>But if you're looking for something fresher, I was impressed by a trendy convenience store-type shop called <a href="https://foxtrotco.com/">Foxtrot</a>. It sold tasty goodies like premade salads, sushi, and warm bowls and also crafted espresso drinks and smoothies on-site. </p><h2><strong>You can't go anywhere without running into famous artworks </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="shot of the &quot;bean&quot; or the cloudgate statue in chicago" height="1944" width="2592" msid="89548991" hostid="261"></div><p>It's not just the buildings in Chicago that are well-designed and nice to look at. There are impressive indoor and outdoor art scenes here.</p><p>Perhaps the most famous destination to check out is the <a href="https://www.artic.edu/">Art Institute of Chicago</a>, which is an absolute can't-miss for art lovers.</p><p>Famous works like "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," have been featured in movies like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The museum also houses classics, like "American Gothic," and rotating contemporary exhibits.</p><p><a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/">The Bean</a> — or Cloud Gate, as it's more formally titled — is a famous work of urban art.</p><p>Luckily, it's very close to the Art Institute for those who are interested in saving a trip. Plus, it's totally free to visit and take pictures, just head over to <a href="https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/parks-outdoors/millennium-park-campus/">Millennium Park</a>.</p><p>Though I thought the Bean was cool, I can see how some might find it underwhelming if their expectations are too high. But it was much larger than I expected, and the way it reflects the city skyline on a clear blue day is beautiful.    </p><h2><strong>I definitely needed more than 3 days to explore the whole Midwestern city</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="molly sitting on a slice of chicago style deep dish pizza" height="1944" width="2592" msid="89548993" hostid="261"></div><p>I was only <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-people-get-wrong-chicago-2018-2">in Chicago</a> for three days, and I had the chance to do and see a lot. But there was still so much left to explore.</p><p>It's the kind of city where you can always find something new each time you visit.</p><p>I only really explored the Loop area, where many of the city's famous attractions are, but I was grateful that it made my trip so walkable, which is nothing like where I live in Los Angeles. </p><p>Overall, I can't wait to get back and see different parts of the city. </p>

I'm a Californian who visited Chicago for the first time. Here are 7 things that surprised me most.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption"> A student of Anahuacalmecac International University Preparatory of North America school for indigenous students holds incense during an event celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in the Hollywood area on October 8, 2017 of Los Angeles, California. </p></div><p></p></div></div>On October 9, the United States recognizes Columbus Day as a federal holiday. Established in 1937, the day celebrates Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's docking on the Americas in 1492.</p><p>But this year, cities and states are replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day, which commemorates the history of Native American people.</p><p>Advocates for abandoning Columbus Day recognize that Native Americans first inhabited the land that's now the present-day US. They argue that Columbus did not discover the Americas, but instead started the European colonization of it. </p><p><span>Some estimates </span><a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/10/11/the-case-for-renaming-columbus-day/">say</a><span> that about 18 million Native Americans resided in what's now the US before Columbus and the colonists came. </span><span>"By 1800, that number had crashed to 900,000," <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/10/11/the-case-for-renaming-columbus-day/">Reuters columnist Peter Apps</a> wrote. By 1900, only 250,000 remained - this at a time when the population descended from Europeans was skyrocketing." </span></p><p>As The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/09/us/columbus-day-protest.html">notes</a>, Americans have long questioned Columbus's legacy, even before there was a holiday in his name.<span> But it wasn't until 1977 that the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas started to discuss swapping Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples Day.</span></p><p><span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-columbus-day-more-cities-recognizing-native-americans/">South Dakota renamed</a> Columbus Day as Native American Day in 1990. Two years later, Berkeley, California started recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, and implemented related programs in schools, libraries, and museums. </span><span>Earlier this month, a member of Washington, DC's city council <a href="http://wtop.com/dc/2017/10/dc-council-member-says-columbus-day-needs-go/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-reactid="508">proposed a bill</a> to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, Time <a href="http://time.com/4968067/indigenous-peoples-day-columbus-day-cities/">reports</a>.</span></p><p><span>The abandonment of Columbus Day follows <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/confederate-statues-meaning-timeline-history-2017-8">an ongoing national conversation</a> about the celebration of historical figures with controversial pasts. There have been </span>calls from residents of several cities, from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjlrc6p-ePWAhVlzIMKHTUCAPEQFggmMAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2017%2F08%2F16%2Fus%2Fbaltimore-confederate-statues.html&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mmtyVrjUz3DrAVKkGMRk8">Baltimore</a> to <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-confederate-hollywood-20170816-story.html">Los Angeles</a>, to remove monuments of Confederate leaders.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>States, cities, and universities that are celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day are below:</strong></h3><p data-reactid="281"><strong>States:</strong></p><div data-reactid="283"><ul data-reactid="284"><li data-reactid="285">Hawaii</li><li data-reactid="288">Vermont</li><li data-reactid="288">Oregon</li><li data-reactid="291">Alaska</li><li data-reactid="294">South Dakota*</li></ul></div><p data-reactid="298"><strong>Cities:</strong></p><div data-reactid="300"><ul data-reactid="301"><li data-reactid="302">Los Angeles, California (and Los Angeles County)</li><li data-reactid="308">Berkeley, California</li><li data-reactid="311">Santa Cruz, California</li><li data-reactid="314">San Fernando, California</li><li data-reactid="317">Burbank, California</li><li data-reactid="320">Long Beach, California</li><li data-reactid="323">San Luis Obispo, California</li><li data-reactid="326">Watsonville, California</li><li data-reactid="329">Seattle, Washington</li><li data-reactid="332">Olympia, Washington</li><li data-reactid="335">Spokane, Wash<span>ington</span></li><li data-reactid="338">Bainbridge Island, Wash<span>ington</span></li><li data-reactid="341">Minneapolis, Minnesota</li><li data-reactid="344">Grand Rapids, Minnesota</li><li data-reactid="347">St. Paul, Minnesota</li><li data-reactid="350">Denver, Colorado</li><li data-reactid="353">Durango, Colorado</li><li data-reactid="356">Boulder, Colorado</li><li data-reactid="359">Phoenix, Arizona</li><li data-reactid="362">Ann Arbor, Michigan</li><li data-reactid="365">Traverse City, Mich<span>igan</span></li><li data-reactid="369">Alpena, Mich<span>igan</span></li><li data-reactid="372">East Lansing, Mich<span>igan</span></li><li data-reactid="375">Ypsilanti, Mich<span>igan</span></li><li data-reactid="378">Albuquerque, New Mexico</li><li data-reactid="381">Santa Fe, New Mexico</li><li data-reactid="384">Portland, Oregon</li><li data-reactid="387">Eugene, Oregon</li><li data-reactid="390">Newstead, New York</li><li data-reactid="393">Village of Lewiston, New York**</li><li data-reactid="397">Ithaca, New York</li><li data-reactid="400">Anadarko, Oklahoma</li><li data-reactid="403">Norman, Okla<span>homa</span></li><li data-reactid="406">Tulsa, Okla<span>homa</span></li><li data-reactid="409">Tahlequah, Okla<span>homa</span></li><li data-reactid="412">Carrboro, North Carolina</li><li data-reactid="415">Asheville, N<span>orth Carolina</span></li><li data-reactid="418">Belfast, Maine</li><li data-reactid="421">Bangor, Maine</li><li data-reactid="424">Orono, Maine</li><li data-reactid="427">Brunswick, Maine**</li><li data-reactid="431">Portland, Maine</li><li data-reactid="434">Bexar County, Texas</li><li data-reactid="437">Cambridge, Massachusetts</li><li data-reactid="440">Amherst, Mass<span>achusetts</span></li><li data-reactid="443">Northampton, Mass<span>achusetts</span></li><li data-reactid="446">Harpers Ferry, West Virginia</li><li data-reactid="449">Lawrence, Kansas</li><li data-reactid="452">Davenport, Iowa</li><li data-reactid="455">Durham, New Hampshire</li><li data-reactid="458">Moscow, Idaho</li><li data-reactid="461">Oberlin, Ohio</li><li data-reactid="464">Salt Lake City, Utah</li><li data-reactid="467">Austin, Texas</li><li data-reactid="470">Nashville, Tennessee</li></ul></div><p data-reactid="486">*Celebrates Native American Day.</p><p data-reactid="488">**Celebrates both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-pixel-event-made-fun-of-apple-products-new-iphone-2017-10">Watch Google repeatedly mock Apple at its October Pixel event</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

Cities and states across the US are abandoning Columbus Day - here's the list

Here's the full list of every Walmart in 22 states offering the COVID-19 vaccine

<p>On Wednesday morning, the Earth's shadow blocked out the moon, causing it to glow red, also known as the "Blood Moon."</p>
<p>Photographers around the world captured images of the total luncar eclipse. We've rounded up some of the images below.</p>
<p><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">Earth's shadow has blotted out part of the moon, seen in the background of a Ferris wheel in Tokyo. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Here's how the moon looked from Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Wednesday is also the night of the Hunter's moon - the first full moon after the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/super-harvest-moon-september-2014-2014-9">Harvest Moon</a>.  </strong></p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Here's the view from eastern China. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>And another from Tokyo. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>A reader sent us this picture from Emerald Isle, North Carolina.<br /></strong></p>
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<p><strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This is how the red moon looked above Lake Michigan Wednesday morning. </span></strong></p>
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<p><strong>We hope you caught this last total eclipse - there won't be another one until April 2015. </strong></p>
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The Best Pictures Of The 'Blood Moon' From Around The World

<p>If you and your significant other are having a hard time being, well, "coupley," it may have something to do with where you live. According to the experts at <a href="http://www.rent.com/">Rent.com</a>, some cities cater more toward couples than others.</p>
<p>With data from Onboard Informatics, Rent.com put together a list of the 15 best cities for couples to live in.</p>
<p>To create this list, Rent.com looked at cities with populations of at least 75,000 where over one quarter of all households are rental dwellings. Other criteria include crime rate, divorce rate, school systems, dining, entertainment, nearby cities, and recreation spaces.</p>
<p>Here are the 15 best cities for couples: </p>
<h3>15. Torrance, California</h3>
<p></p>
<h3>14. Farmington Hills, Michigan</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>With college town Ann Arbor a quick drive away and the median rental rate of a one-bedroom apartment at a mere $900, Farmington Hills is a great place for couples. Out of a population of 79,808, 55% of adults are married.</p>
<h3>13. Newport Beach, California</h3>
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<h3>12. Columbia, Maryland</h3>
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<h3>11. Woodbridge, New Jersey</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Right outside of New York City, Woodbridge has a population of 101,842 with 53% of its adult population married. Woodbridge is ideal for couples looking to start a family because of the strong public school system and over 400 amusement options.</p>
<h3>10. Bellevue, Washington</h3>
<p></p>
<h3>9. San Mateo, California</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>San Mateo has a population of 99,643 with 50% of its adult population married. Right near San Francisco and Silicon Valley, this sustainable city offers over 800 shops and restaurants as well as its own Central Park, which features a romantic Japanese tea garden. San Mateo has a population of 99,643 people. Half of the adult population is married.</p>
<h3>8. Irvine, CA</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Irvine has a population of 216,417 with 49% of its adult population married. Who wouldn't want to live in a city whose mission is to create a safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing environment? As an added bonus, it's often the site used to film Hollywood movies.</p>
<h3>7. Troy, Michigan</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Troy has a population of 81,060, and 61% of its adult population is married. A Detroit suburb, Troy attracts couples because of its excellent public services and safety, as well as its exceptional school systems.</p>
<h3>6. Sunnyvale, California</h3>
<p></p>
<h3>5. Arlington Heights, Illinois</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>This Chicago suburb is full of entertainment options including the Arlington Racetrack, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and the Mitsuwa Marketplace. Arlington Heights has a population of 75,358 people. Sixty percent of the adult population is married.</p>
<h3>4. Fremont, California</h3>
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<h3>3. Edison, New Jersey</h3>
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<h3>2. Staten Island, New York</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Staten Island is just a short ferry ride away from everything New York City has to offer, with the distance still allowing couples to experience the best parts of suburban life. With a population of 478,653, 51% of the adult population on Staten Island is married.</p>
<h3>1. Newton, Massachusetts</h3>
<p></p>

The 15 Best Cities For Couples 

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>On Friday, we got a good <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/november-jobs-report-december-4-2015-12">US jobs report,</a> and that's great.</p><p>US companies added 211,000 payrolls in November, which was better than the 200,000 expected by economists. Furthermore, October's number was revised up to 298,000 from 271,000.</p><p>At <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/november-2015-precise-unemployment-rate-2015-12">5.0%, the unemployment rate</a> is at its lowest level since <a href="http://data.bls.gov/pdq/SurveyOutputServlet?request_action=wh&amp;graph_name=LN_cpsbref3">April 2008</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/wage-growth-november-2015-2015-12">wage growth seems to be trending higher</a>.</p><p>For most economists, this is <a href="read.bi/1leOdxb%20">enough to clear the way for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates</a> for the first time since June 2006. This position was only reinforced by the tone of Fed Chair Janet Yellen when she spoke to the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/federal-reserve-interest-rate-increase-signal-2015-12">Economic Club of Washington</a> on Wednesday and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/janet-yellen-congressional-testimony-december-3-2015-12">the Joint Economic Committee of Congress</a> on Thursday.</p><p><span>"The runway has been cleared for liftoff," Barclays' Michael Gapen said.</span></p><p><span>During the darkest hours of the financial crisis, the Fed pulled their benchmark rate down to a range of 0.00% to 0.25% in December 2008 in an effort to stimulate the economy. </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The Fed meets on December 15 and 16, which is when economists expect the rate hike announcement to happen.</span></p><p>While there are no other major economic events on the calendar between now and then, bad news has a habit of happening unscheduled. So, as we hold our breath until the next Fed meeting, h<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">ere's your Monday Scouting Report:</span></p><p><strong>Top Stories</strong></p><ul><li><strong>'No more excuses'</strong>. That's <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/federal-reserve-rate-hike-december-2015-2015-12">what Renaissance Macro's Neil Dutta said</a> immediately after Friday's jobs report was released. He was talking about the Fed and what has been months of delays as the Fed has been reluctant to raise rates amid uncertainty in the jobs and inflation data. Most economists on Wall Street share Dutta's tone ahead of the Fed's December 15 and 16 Federal Open Market Committee Meeting.<br><br>Here's some of what the pros are saying: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Barclays' Michael Gapen</span>: "The runway has been cleared for liftoff." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">BNP Paribas</span>: "All systems go." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">HSBC's Kevin Logan</span>: "There is nothing in the report, in our view, that would deter the FOMC from starting the so-called "normalization" process with a 25bp rate hike at the 15 - 16 December policy meeting." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">UBS's Sam Coffin</span>: "The momentum in employment support a Dec Fed tightening." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Citi's Peter D'Antonio</span>: "We believe today's report solidifies the case for a Fed rate hike later this month." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">PNC's Gus Faucher</span>: "The better-than-expected November jobs report seals the deal!" <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Ethan Harris</span>: "With a solid November employment report in the bag, a December Fed hikes seems almost certain." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Société Generale's Aneta Markowska</span>: "Needless to say, there was nothing in last month's employment report to alter our expectation that the Federal Open Market Committee will begin the liftoff in administered rates at the December 15-16 meeting." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Credit Suisse's Jeremy Schwartz</span>: "With the FOMC already guiding the market towards a December rate lift-off, these numbers will only increase confidence that zero rate policy will be over before the new year." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Goldman Sachs</span>: "Another month of above-trend job gains should solidify the case for a rate hike at the December 15-16 FOMC meeting." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pantheon Macroeconomics' Ian Shepherdson</span>: "More than enough to seal the deal for the 16th." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Deutsche Bank's Joe LaVorgna</span>: "With a December hike all but sealed at this point, the question is more about the pace of rate hikes next year."</br></br></li></ul><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong>Federal Reserve speakers</strong> </p><ul><li>There's almost no Fed speakers on the calendar as members enter a blackout period ahead of the December 15-16 FOMC meeting. Here's Wells Fargo's Sam Bullard with this week's Fedspeak: "Squeaking in before the Fed's media blackout period ahead of the December 15-16 FOMC meeting, St. Louis Fed President Bullard (2016 voter, hawk) speaks Monday in Muncie, IN on the U.S economy and monetary policy (12:30 pm, EST). At a Philadelphia Fed conference last Friday, President Bullard continued to advocate for the beginning of policy normalization-seeing the current level of U.S. monetary policy as "extreme."  President Bullard also stated that the FOMC sees the pace of policy tightening to be gradual, noting, "I think you have to take the committee at its word." Given last week's solid November employment report performance and explicit language from Fed Chair Yellen, the case seems to be made that the FOMC will raise interest rates at the December meeting."</li></ul><p><strong>Economic Calendar</strong></p><ul><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Consumer Credit (Mon)</span>: Economists estimate consumer credit balances increased by $19.0 billion in October. Here's Nomura: "Consumer credit growth has been robust this year, primarily due to growth in nonrevolving credit, but revolving credit growth has also been holding up well relative to earlier in the recovery. Sustained growth in revolving consumer credit would suggest that consumers are more confident about their finances and could provide more of a boost for spending going forward. "</li><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Job Openings &amp; Labor Turnover Survey (Tues)</span>: Economists estimate US employers had 5.54 million job openings in October. Here's Credit Suisse: "Job openings rose sharply in September to 5.5M after falling from a cycle-high level of 5.7M registered in July. The ratio of vacancies to unemployed workers moved up to 0.70 - above the 2006-2007 peak and the highest since the middle of 2001. However, measures of job turnover, which tend to lead wage acceleration, were disappointing. The quits rate was unchanged and has now stagnated for nearly a year. The hires rate declined for the second time to an eight-month low."</li><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Initial Jobless Claims (Thurs)</span>: Economists estimate initial claims declined to 268,000 from 269,000 a week ago. Here's HSBC: "Weekly initial jobless claims have trended lower this year, a sign that businesses remain fairly confident about the economic outlook. Last week's reading was 269,000, and the 4-week average also stands at 269,000. Jobless claims are sometimes more volatile towards the end of each calendar year due to holidays and seasonal fluctuations."</li><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Retail Sales (Fri)</span>: Economists estimate retail sales increased by 0.3% in November. Excluding autos and gas, core sales are estimated to have increased by 0.3%. Here's RBC's Tom Porcelli: "November retail sales will be closely watched as an early read on the holiday shopping season. Reports thus far have been constructive. Despite what was seemingly a deceleration in buyer traffic at brick-and-mortar for the Black Friday weekend, Redbook noted same-store sales jumped to a +3.9% y/y pace for that period (vs. just above a 1% pace earlier in the month). Online sales looked even better for the weekend and estimates ranged from 10- 20% y/y growth."</li><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Producer Price Index (Fri)</span>: Economists estimate PPI went nowhere month-over-month in November, reflecting a 1.4% year-over-year decline. Excluding food and energy, core PPI is estimated to have increased by 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively. Here's BNP Paribas: "We expect producer prices to have been flat in November. Services price gains-namely trade services margins-are projected to have increased, following recent weakness. However, food prices were likely soft and energy prices likely declined; we expect both to have weighed on headline inflation. Core producer prices likely posted a moderate gain."</li><li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">U. of Michigan Sentiment (Fri)</span>: Economists estimate this index of sentiment improved to 92.0 in December from 91.3 in November. Here's Wells Fargo's Sam Bullard: "With gasoline prices continuing to fall, the S&amp;P 500 edging higher and an improving labor market, expectations are for a modest increase in the December reading of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. If realized, it would mark the third straight monthly increase in confidence, but would also remain below the YTD average."</li></ul><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong>Market Commentary</strong></p><p>As 2015 continues to wind down, more and more of the pros on Wall Street are looking ahead to 2016.  Here's some of what they said last week:</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/morgan-stanley-2016-stock-market-outlook-2015-11">Morgan Stanley (S&amp;P 500 target: 2,175)</a>: "We are viewing this as a mid-expansion period where equity returns are not strong (much like 2015 so far), instead of the end of the expansion. Should investors regain confidence that the US economy and corporate behaviors will not lead to a substantial earnings correction, we think the market could begin a more meaningful acceleration path."</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/socgen-calls-for-end-of-the-bull-market-2015-12">Societe Generale (S&amp;P 500 target: 2,050)</a>: "2016: another good year for equities. We expect the global equity market to deliver a good performance in 2016, despite some volatility on the first Fed rate hikes, with an end to the bull market in H2 2017 ahead of the business cycle peak forecast for H2 2018. The S&amp;P 500 should absorb the Fed rate hike and finish the year flat. US dollar strengthening and high bond yields offset the strong US GDP growth already priced in. The presidential election in November 2016 could also be a source of volatility for US equities."</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/credit-suisse-2016-stock-market-outlook-2015-12">Credit Suisse (S&amp;P 500 target: 2,150)</a>: "We reduce our weighting in equities to a small overweight, our most bearish strategic stance on the asset class in seven years … Our concerns are: increasing macro headwinds (deflation exported by China, the first Fed rate rise in 9.5 years); US equity valuations are now at fair value; there are several warning signals (credit spreads widening, buybacks as a style underperforming, M&amp;A activity reaching problematic levels, a decline in market breadth, earnings momentum at a 4-year low); the shift of power from capital to labour; and conventional business models are being disrupted."</p><p>But before you decide to go all in on any of these calls, we recommend you read the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/morgan-stanley-on-how-market-multiples-are-unpredictable-2015-12">disclaimer provided by Morgan Stanley's Adam Parker</a>.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/james-altucher-american-dream-college-housing-debt-career-2015-11">JAMES ALTUCHER: The American Dream is a lie</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="pxa24weTqtZQduLr4vlODX7xiO2oUVG5" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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You Searched For "Lake Michigan ferry" and got 12 results

We spent $374 to take a ferry across Lake Michigan with our car. The journey was nice, but I'll do things differently next time.

Jessica Steinhoff

I took a high-speed ferry across Lake Michigan, and the beautiful shortcut saved me from hours of traffic

Adam Dietz

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Bill Bostock

I visited Mackinac Island in the Midwest, and the car-free Michigan spot felt like a fairy-tale

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I visited Mackinac Island, voted the No. 1 travel destination this summer. No cars are allowed on the dreamy Midwest island.

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Bed Bath & Beyond is closing nearly 150 more locations as it whittles its footprint down to just 360. Here's the full list of closing stores.

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