Chicago Traditions? …. Priceless! Special Access Not Available to the General Public? #PricelessChicago

Photo courtesy of The Redhead Piano Bar

Christmas season

My prettiest dress, my shiniest shoes

Going into the city, tall buildings, hustle and bustle

The decorations, the bright colors, the fancy elevator

Wow, the giant tree, the sparkling lights

The white tablecloths, silver and china

Mommy speaking in hushed tones and treating me like a princess

It’s like a fairy tale.

Those are my memories of the times my mom and I would go into Chicago for lunch at the Walnut Room, under the great tree.  Now that I have a daughter of my own, I continue the tradition that gave me so many special feelings.  Every year, during the Christmas season we have a special day in the city.  We dress in our very best and go to one of the most beautiful department stores in the world.  It started as Marshall Field’s – can you picture those dark green shopping bags? – and now it’s Macy’s.  Customers would write their orders for Chicken Pot Pie or Field’s Special themselves and hand them to servers wearing white gloves.  Things have changed over the years but the feelings are still the same.

The Walnut Room at Macy’s Chicago

Chicago has some of the most amazing architecture, museums, plays, restaurants and more.

Fun at Shedd Aquarium Chicago

Chicago is a wonderful place to create memories.  Whether you live in the city and see it every day or travel a bit to get there, the opportunities for priceless experiences abound.  Do you have special memories of things you did in this glorious city?

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier Chicago

If you are looking for extraordinary things to do in Chicago, to create a memory for your child – or for yourself! – check out the website, Priceless.com/Chicago.  It’s a MasterCard site that highlights some of the available priceless experiences in Chicago.  They range from private shopping access at stores like American Girl to discounts at a funky new restaurant.  You need to be a MasterCard holder to take advantage of the offerings, but if you are it’s easy to register and log in.

Photo courtesy of Spiaggia

Are you a foodie?  Have you always wondered how a master chef creates a signature dish?  With MasterCard Priceless Chicago access, you can have a cooking class and dinner with Tony Mantuano at Spiaggia!  “Try your hand at cooking (and tasting) an amazing Italian meal with Top Chef Masters champion Tony Mantuano. During this deliciously educational evening, you’ll learn the secrets behind making the perfect Gamberi (a dish made with Gulf white shrimp, potatoes, jalapeño and sambuca) and a delectable ricotta sauce for handmade gnocci with Umbrian black truffles. (You’ll even learn how to plate it!) After Chef Tony has wowed you with his demos, you’ll sit back and enjoy a truly decadent dinner with wine.”  Read about more opportunities (Rick Bayless!) in the Culinary category of Priceless Chicago.

The Priceless Chicago site is like having a friend with the inside track to all the best things to do in the city!

Photo Courtesy of The Redhead Piano Bar

Ever wonder how someone gets to sit in the front row at a piano bar?  At The Redhead Piano Bar, Chicago’s premier spot for upbeat music, lively conversation and meeting people, there are two spots right up front in all of the action, unable to be reserved by the general public.  But they are available to MasterCard holders through Priceless Chicago.

Have you been to an event and noticed that some people get to be “inside the ropes” while the public is held back behind barriers?  Why are they allowed inside and what makes them special?  Do you know a golf enthusiast who would love to walk “inside the ropes” at a PGA Tour?  How about the Arnold Palmer Invitational?  A special package from MasterCard not only allows unprecedented access, there is also an opportunity to meet Arnold Palmer.  Yup, priceless!

There are currently Priceless sites for three cities:  New York; Chicago; and Los Angeles.  Explore and dream!

Connect with the Priceless program on Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.  I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and MasterCard #CBias #SocialFabric #LoveThisCity”