Obama Flockspots

The Honolulu Skyline glitters at night 1

As the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama has inspired millions with his humble beginnings, positive message, and grass roots approach to politics. His global popularity has sparked touristic interest in the cities he has lived, including Honolulu, Chicago, and Washington DC. As the child of an academic mother, Obama spent many of his formative years in Hawaii, before attending Columbia University in New York City, then the Harvard School of Law in Boston. He later settled in Chicago, where he began his political career and met his wife, Michelle. Obama now resides in the White House in Washington, DC.For those interested in following in Obama's footsteps, Worldweb.com has assembled a guide to the places the President has called home, along with a selection of notable attractions, dining, and accommodations.

HONOLULU

The Formative Years
As a young man, Obama attended the Punahou School in Honolulu, where he enjoyed basketball and pumpkin carving. His parents met at the University of Hawaii, which has grown to several campuses throughout the islands, and members of his extended family still call the Aloha state home. The serenity of the botanical gardens offer an inspiring and thought provoking oasis and may have provided a setting for the President to contemplate the future.

	Tropical palm trees at Waikiki Beach2

There is an overwhelming choice of accommodations for visitors to Honolulu, including the Ala Moana Hotel, which provides luxurious accommodations in the heart of the city, while the boutique hotel Aqua Palms is a retro-centric facility with a deluxe spa and restaurants specializing in regional cuisine. Many local restaurants offer international menus, reflecting the diversity and emerging cosmopolitan lifestyles of residents and visitors alike.

Perhaps one of the best known beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach is famed for its white sand, cooling blue waters, and soothing ocean breezes and it may well have provided a place for relaxation and reflection for Obama during his teen years on the island.

CHICAGO

Discovering Destiny
After settling in Chicago, Obama received generous support from the University of Chicago in the form of a fellowship, enabling him to pen his best-selling memoir, Dreams from My Father, which was published in 1995. He was also a professor at the school for 12 years, teaching constitutional law.

During their first date, Obama and his wife-to-be Michelle perused the impressive art collections at the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a stroll down the Magnificent Mile. Two years later, Obama proposed at an upscale restaurant on Clarke St. The city has an eclectic restaurant scene, covering the gamut of cuisine, from Chicago-style stuffed pizza, to the famed hot dogs, never broiled and served on poppyseed buns. The city is also home to a vibrant music scene, with a bounty of blues and jazz clubs.

The glittering Chicago skline at night 3

Over the years, Obama was often seen walking the streets of Chicago with his wife and their two daughters. The family home, on the South Side neighborhood of Kenwood, has become something of a photo Mecca for supporters who drive by, eager to get a snap of the now famous residence. Obama was elected senator of Illinois in 2004 and held the position until 2008, at which time he resigned to accept the role of President.

	The famed Chicago Bridges4

On election night, millions watched the powerful acceptance speech from Grant Park, which is also home to a wide range of public art. During the summer months, the area blooms with flowers while clusters of strollers enjoy the gentle weather . Nearby, Lake Michigan stretches for as far as the eye can see, with photo ops aplenty. In addition, the Chicago River Bridges are world renowned and worthy of a cruise on one of the many tour boats.

Chicago has a rich and colorful history and boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the United States. A variety of downtown hotels offer exceptional service and sumptuous surroundings, including the Omni, situated in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. With its distinctive design, the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is a landmark building with spectacular views. The opulence of the Peninsula Chicago is world renowned, with marble bathrooms and deluxe amenities, while the hip and modern Hotel Burnham caters to guest with pets.

WASHINGTON

The Lincolm Memorial5

Rising to the Occasion
Barack Obama delivered a riveting and rousing speech the day before his inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial, and millions watched as his wife Michelle held the bible while he took the oath of office.

The Obama family now resides at the prestigious address, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, or as most people know it, the White House.

As the hub of policy making in the U.S., Washington boasts a bounty of historical landmarks, including Congress, Union Station, and the Smithsonian Institute. Cruises are offered along the Potomac River, affording sensational views of the wide range of monuments.

Built in 1800, the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is an historical treasure within walking distance of the White House.. The infamous Watergate Hotel harkens back to a dark period in American politics, and has undergone an extensive renovation, re-opening in late 2009. An official historic site, the storied Willard Hotel has been a home away from home for a variety of presidents and Martin Luther King penned his famous I Have a Dream speech in one of its well-appointed rooms. For those seeking modern accomodations, L'enfant Plaza Hotel is a sophisticated marvel, with stunning views of the National Mall.

	The Capital Building, home of Congress6

Many local restaurants have capitalized on the President's popularity by naming menu items after the iconic leader. Acadiana offers a warm cocktail, simply dubbed the Dream in honor of Obama, while Mie n Yu, with its clever name, is an enduringly popular hot spot that has created a special cocktail called Hail to the Chief, a strong beverage featuring bourbon, peach juice, and fresh ginger.

Following in the footsteps of Obama, intrepid travelers are sure to find a plethora of riveting sights, unique dining, and diverse accommodations. Some lucky folks may even get a glimpse of the man himself.

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