Ohh my beloved city. I've been to New York, I've been to LA, but in my opinion, Chicago is just as wonderful. It's exciting, comforting, and classic all wrapped in to one. If I may suggest, here are my top 10 places to visit in the Windy City.
10. Navy Pier
10. Navy Pier
Always something going on, always something to see, and always something to buy. The shops are fun, the cruises on Lake Michigan are great for a special occasion, and the Ferris Wheel is just oh so romantic.
9. Greektown
9. Greektown
Now I know you're thinking, where is the pizza? Well my top food places in Chicago will be a post to come later and trust me, a deep dish pizza joint will be at the top of that list, but the Greek food in Chicago is to die for, as well. It's a cute little area to walk around in, and it's off in the West Loop so you get a small break from a lot of the business of the city. Pegasus Restaurant is probably the most well known restaurant in Greektown, but my personal favorite is Rodity's. Wherever you decide to go, get the flaming saganaki cheese, a gyro, and a big glass of wine!
8. The Magnificent Mile
8. The Magnificent Mile
It all starts with crossing the Chicago River and seeing the Wrigley building. Then the magic starts, all the shopping on Chicago's famed stretch of Michigan Ave. called The Magnificent Mile. Go to Tiffany's, you won't regret it.
7. North Ave. Beach
7. North Ave. Beach
Home of the Chicago Air and Water Show. Lake Michigan may not be an ocean, but it's the best we've got! You've got volleyball, a jogging trail, smoothie stands, and a refreshing lake to enjoy in the summer months. It's a nice way to get out of the busy trap of the city streets.
6. The Art Institute of Chicago
6. The Art Institute of Chicago
This great art museum houses the beautiful Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges-Pierre Seurat and the interesting American Gothic by Grant Wood. Take a stroll inside to see the thousands of other amazing works this little beauty has inside.
5. The Sears Tower
5. The Sears Tower
Yes, the Sears Tower. We Chicago folk still call it by it's original name. It's probably the most touristy thing to do in Chicago, but it really is the best way to see all of the city. You can see far out in to the lake, Solider Field, and maybe even your dad?
4. Andy's Jazz Club
4. Andy's Jazz Club
Andy's is magnificent. Chicago has a great Jazz atmosphere and Andy's never disappoints. By far the best place I've found in the city for a night out on the town with friends or for a date. The food is tasty and the drinks even tastier. But of course, the music is what makes it the best.
3. The Field Museum
3. The Field Museum
Home of Sue. For all you history buffs like me, this a great place to visit in this city. Not to be biased, but it is by far my favorite museum. Named after good ole Marshall Field himself, this natural history museum is great to browse around to gain a bit of knowledge.
2. Wrigley Field
2. Wrigley Field
Looking for a fun afternoon? This is the place. Win or loose, Cubs fans still know how to have a good time. Have a hot dog and a beer mid-game and when the Cubs are loosing after the 7th inning stretch, put on your rally cap and share some rally peanuts with the group around you. It's the only way I've found to turn a game around, and if that doesn't work, well then I made a few friends while I tried!
1. Millennium Park
1. Millennium Park
I deem this number one because personally when I venture in to the city, I can't seem to not stop by and take a little snapshot of the Bean. It's always hopping with people, locals and tourists, and there is actually plenty to do there. The Jay Pritzker sometimes has concerts going on or sometimes they have yoga on the lawn. You can take a stroll through the Lurie Garden that has a 15 foot hedge and dip your feet in water to cool off in the summer. You can stare at the many faces at the Crown Fountain. You can ice skate in the winter months and enjoy laying on the lawn, reading a book, in the summer months. However, you can always visit the Bean year round. Even during after hours when the park is closed, if you find the right way in, I've learned. No matter what, it's in the center of the city and a spot you just can't pass up!
Of course Chicago is filled with about a million more wonderful places, but these I've come to enjoy even as a local. They are the perfect way to experience this wonderful place I call Sweet Home Chicago.
Of course Chicago is filled with about a million more wonderful places, but these I've come to enjoy even as a local. They are the perfect way to experience this wonderful place I call Sweet Home Chicago.