Book excerpt: You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us! Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Chicago features gorgeous color photos of the sights and experiences that await you. Written and personally researched by a lifelong resident, it covers all the traditional tourist favorites but also lets you in on local finds, neighborhood hangouts, and little-known gems. Our author has inspected every hotel, and knows the city intimately. There's something for every taste and budget, from world-class dining at Charlie Trotter's to killer barbecue at the most authentic rib shacks in town. With Frommer's in hand, you'll have tons of fun: shopping along the Magnificent Mile, watching Sammy slug homers at Wrigley, admiring the groundbreaking architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, taking in the masterpieces at the Art Institute, dancing at a down-and-dirty blues club, and strolling the gorgeous lakefront. You'll even get a color fold-out map and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap! Another helpful guide for your trip is Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Chicago.