It’s not the type of city that features a tropical climate. Aside, from its far reaching lake, there aren’t many macrocosms of nature. Nonetheless, the excessively level terrain boasts a skyline more majestic than that of the Big Apple. For any visitor, the Windy City or third city features a tourist haven of exquisite dining, culture, history and a plethora of sites to visit.
In another time, Chicago was the original Hollywood per se. Silent moving images made their debut during the World’s Columbian Exposition — Chicago in 1893. In its other life, outfit’ icons: Al Capone and Frank Nitty were allowed to run corruption in the largest Midwestern city. Today, the only traces of Hollywood are the random blockbuster productions of movies and Harpo Studios. The remnants of organized crime can be experienced on the Untouchable Tours – available to any person curious about the notorious times of Chicago.
7-Chicago Sites Not to Miss
Skyscraper, The John Hancock
Symbolic of the ‘Magnificent Mile,” the skyscraper is the highest architectural structure in the area. Not including, the Sears Tower or the new edition, the Trump Towers, the John Hancock showcases spectacular views that encompass four states, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan and obviously Illinois. Mornings, from 9-10 and after four, make for the best viewing times. Children under 4 are free and senior citizens are entitled to a discount. Tickets for adults are under $10.00.
Travel Suggestion: To get the most out of the view, take a tourist’s break. View the spectacular views at the Signature Room® on the 95th floor with a delightful meal. As an alternate, the Signature Room’s ® lounge on the 96th floor can provide a fast thirst quencher.
Water Tower Place
For the shop-aholics to history buffs, Chicago’s historical Water Tower and Water Tower Place represent the central aorta of Chicago. During the dry fall of October 8, 1871, a devastating fire burned the majority of the city; one of the few buildings left standing was the Water Tower. Adjacent to the landmark on Michigan Avenue, is its namesake Water Tower Place. Since, the renowned shopping center is conveniently located next to the Ritz and in close proximity to other 5 star hotels, there’s no telling who one might stumble into – in the way of celebrity sightings.
Talk Show Television
A little organization and proper planning can present the opportunity to see the Oprah Show. Although tickets are free, show schedules vary. Tip: If you are unable to score tickets to the show, check-in with the concierge of your hotel to see if there are any available seats. Jerry Springer fans can always try to catch a show at NBC Towers.
Navy Pier
Down the street from NBC Towers on the lake is the perfect place to amuse the young ones — at Navy Pier. The family-oriented venue hosts a bravura backdrop of the vast Lake Michigan. The crowning jewel of Navy Pier is its 150-foot high Ferris wheel. It seats 6 people per Gondola car. The Carousel, Wave Swinger, Miniature Golf, Cliff Climb, Funhouse Maze, and Children’s Museum are just a few of the many other attractions on the entertainment isle. Not to mention, there are over 15 places to dine.
Boat Tours
To take a load off, there are an unlimited number of boat tours. The Chicago Architectural Tour is a succinct and gorgeous way to take in the history and architecture all at once. The tour boards across from the Wrigley building.
Travel Suggestion: Plan a minimum of an hour and 45-minutes. Be sure to carry your camera to capture the awe-inspiring views of the city.
Chicago Lake Front and Millennium Park
For the tourist drawn to nature, Chicago’s lakefront with beige medium coarse sand features tranquility of greenish-blue waters. The most recent public architectural attraction is Millennium Park. The new addition is a park filled with botanical wonders and a textbook landscape for a midday picnic.
Art Institute – Chicago
Right down the street, from Millennium, art from the Renaissance period, art deco furniture and any new exhibits are opened to the public at the Art Institute Chicago. The exhibits cover a wide spectrum of mediums and artists.
Travel Suggestion: If you are on a tight budget, visit the Art Institute on Tuesdays (because, it’s free). Nonetheless, don’t forget to leave a donation.
Chicago’s Famous Dining Haunts
For the tourist in quest of where Chicagoans dine or the city’s longstanding eating haunts – try to check these famous eateries:
- Popular Breakfast Joint
Tempo – Breakfast Restaurant - Best Kosher Sandwiches
Manny’s – Best Pastrami - Famous Hot Dog Stand
Maxwell Street Dogs – Legendary Street Faire - Best Outdoor Pick-up Joint (Summer Only)
Melvin B’s — - Best High Tea Time
Drake Hotel — hoity - Decadent Nibbling
Cru – Wine appetizer with casual-chic ambiance - Reliable Famed Pizza
Due’ Best Pizza - Famous Steakhouse
Gibson’s – Steakhouse — (good people watching) - Legendary Cheeseburger
Miller’s Pub – Legendary – inspired SNL’s “Cheeze Burger”
Although the frigid temperatures during the winter may seem unwelcoming, the Midwesterner hospitality is quite warm. From May 30th through Labor Day weekend, every weekend is packed with a street festival or lakefront activity. To experience the passion of Chicagoan fanaticism, catch a ball game (north, Wrigley Field – Cubs or south US Cellular Park – White Sox). During the summer months, there’s always something do. It’s the best time to travel – Chicago style.
