When On Travel

header

Chicago is All That Jazz and More!

By Rebecca Sebek

Oprah, the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, and the Field Museum of Natural History are only a few of the sites to see when visiting Chicago, IL. After a visit to this windy city, Chicago will be everyone’s kind of town.

When it comes to cities in the state of Illinois and the United States of America, Chicago is the largest city by population in the Midwest. The city hosts 3 million residents of which 59 million live within a one day drive. Chicago dominates as a center of finance, industry, and culture. In fact, it is home to 30 "Fortune 500" headquarters that make Chicago a capital enterprise.

Chicago is filled with vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, fine dining, and world class hotels. One meal Chicago is well known for is their deep dish pizza. For those who love pizza, eat at Gino’s East and Pizzeria Uno. Both have been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network.

Theater enthusiasts can take-in a show in Chicago’s theater district. Baseball fans will no doubt enjoy a game at historic Wrigley Field showcasing the MLB Cubs, and don’t forget about the Lincoln Park Zoo. Adults can polish off their night with a visit to a blues club or jazz bar.

Before you leave Chicago, visit The Second City comedy club. This is the club where famous comedians like John Candy, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Stephen Colbert, and countless others performed. Who knows, the performers of the night may be famous one day and you can say that you saw them in Chicago.

Chicago has a plethora of museums that will melt the heart of art and culture lovers everywhere. Visit the prestigious Art Institute, The Museum of Contemporary Photography, and the Chicago Historical Society. These museums will inspire artists and non-artists alike.

One of the most important destinations for "Fashionistas" is the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. This eight block stretch is the location of 460 stores that offer luxury items, fabulous bargains, and everything in between. Try to keep a firm hold on the "shop until you drop" frame of mind. Take one store at a time. Consider window shopping first and then go back to the stores that caught your eye.

Chicago is one of America’s favorite cities. The best part about Chicago is that it is a walkable city. The city’s CTA is easy and convenient. Choose the bus system or the L-Train, Chicago’s famed elevated train system. Free trolley service is also offered between Navy Pier and State Street. Visitors can also hail a taxi or use a water taxi which runs along the Chicago River.

Here’s a secret from http://www.choosechicago.com: "Chicago’s downtown pedestrian walkway system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges links 40-plus blocks in the heart of the city." Not only is Chicago a great place to get a slice of pizza, but it’s an environmentally friendly city as well!