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The American Girl craze has been captivating young pre-teen girls since the introduction of the series in the mid-1980s. The historical collection of 18-inch dolls, accessories and books originally only featured three girls: Samantha Parkington (1904), Kirsten Larson (1854), and Molly McIntire (1944).

Who Are These Girls? I Wanna' Know More!

With each passing year, the American Girl brand gets bigger: 13 different historical dolls representing a different time period in American History, 28 "Just Like You" Dolls, 6 "Girl of the Year" Dolls, a handful of international models. Numbers are soaring with the brand selling more than 117 million books and 13 million dolls. There is even a major motion picture, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, produced by Julia Roberts and featuring an all star cast including Abigail Breslin, Chris O'Donnell and Joan Cusack. The film was released in Summer 2008 and has gotten rave reviews (and I, for one, adored it).

In 1998, the American Girl Place Store was launched in Chicago, IL. The 35,000-square-foot store at 111 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, contains every young girl's wildest dreams: a cafe where patrons can have brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner; there is a theater that features two shows, "The American Girl Revue" and for younger audiences, "Bitty Bears Matinee: The Family Tree." There is also a photo studio and a Doll Hair Salon, as well as SHOPPING for all different types of American Girl apparel, dolls, books and other merchandise.

Additionally, throughout the year, there are special events that will be occurring in Chicago's American Girl Place. Some exciting things on the agenda for 2008 are Author Meet and Greets, Grandparents' Day, and Cafe Cooking Classes. Most of the events and activities (except for shopping) need reservations, so make sure to check out the website or call the store at 877/247-5223 to inquire about specific dates and times and to reserve your spot before your trip.

I'm A Fan! Where Do We Stay?

With a brand that is exploding such as this one, it is no wonder that local Chicago hotels are jumping on the bandwagon with American Girl Packages that cater to every family's own American girl.

The 417 room Wyndham Chicago (312/573-0300) at 633 North St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611, is offering two different American Girl Packages. Only four blocks away from the Chicago American Place, the Wyndham is conveniently located and its 17 floors offer amazing panoramic views of downtown Chicago. With the American Girl Standard Package, two guests will receive accommodations with turn down service, breakfast buffet coupons, a welcome letter upon arrival and an American Girl pink plush fold-up bed for your doll (that can be taken home), as well as one Wyndham Waffle Weave Doll robe and slippers. And if your real American girl wants her own robe and milk and cookies at night, just upgrade to the Deluxe Package. Both of the Wyndham's American Girl Packages are available on thier site through 2008 and rates vary depending on the season. The Standard Package ranges from $165-$249/N, while the Deluxe option is $265-$349/N.

For American Girl fans traveling to Chicago in groups of four, the Chicago Marriott (312/836-6139) at 540 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 may have the perfect package for you. From now until December 31, 2008, for rates ranging from $199 to $289/N, the American Girl Package includes accommodations for four in one of the 1,194 standard guest rooms with two double beds, 15% off of food and beverages at two of the hotel's eateries, as well as a breakfast buffet for two adults and two children under 12. Finally, your room comes equipped with an exclusive American Girl bed that is not sold in stores! The Marriott recommends leaving room in your suitcase because you can take it home too.

Lastly, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers (312/464-1000) at 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611, will be providing moms and daughters with an exclusive VIP American Girl Getaway. Valid through the end of 2008, the package starts at $179/N. Included is an American Girl travel bed for the child's doll and an American Girl-themed dessert for both the girls and their dolls especially designed by the Chef Omar Martinez, the hotel's Executive Pastry Chef. Another added treat for mother/daughter bonding is swim time in the indoor heated pool with access to the health club. And as your daughter's American Doll sleeps away in its travel bed, you can enjoy comfortable accommodations in Sheraton's Sweet Sleeper Bed in one of this large hotel's 1,209 guest rooms.

And don't forget, although the American Girl Place can be an all-day affair, make sure to check out Chicago's other family friendly attractions. For more information, read FTF's Chicago Family Guide.

by Jillian Ryan