Deep Dish and Deep Thoughts in Chicago
When I travel to a new city, it is fun facts that help make a city endearing and approachable, like knowing that it gained its nickname of the “Windy City” not because of the strong squalls that come off Lake Michigan (although the city is infamous for its gusty gales), but rather for the even more notorious hot air that was bellowed from the long winded politicians so many years ago.
Lucky for travelers to Chicago, these tidbits of information are in abundance with the architectural river cruises and historical walking tours through the Windy City. As a history buff, combining travel with interesting anecdotes and backgrounds from citizens of the city themselves on first time visits allows for visitors to feel ingratiated to the culture of the location.
I have been lucky enough to travel to Chicago twice in the past year and have perfected sightseeing for a long weekend, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to provide my ideal itinerary for those traveling to Chi-Town:
Day 1
Architecture River Cruise – For a first time visitor, I always recommend starting with a tour by a trusted company as a meaningful way of learning about the place you will be exploring for the next couple of days and to get your bearings on each place you would like to see in the city to make an efficient itinerary. The architectural river cruises that take riders through the heart of downtown is a must-do experience! You enjoy a unique perspective as you float along the Chicago River past landmarks such as Willis (Sears) Tower, the Merchandise Mart, Marina City Towers, Wolf Point, the DuSable Bridge, the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Tower (just to name a few) all while learning more about the history and future of this beautiful city. Visit http://www.cruisechicago.com/ or https://www.wendellaboats.com/ for two of the city’s finest operations.
Free Walking Tour – Another way to learn about Chicago up close and personal is a free walking tour. Whether your passion lies with architecture, food, or Chicago’s gangster history, http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/chicago-tours/ has a tour tailor-made for you! Browse their different tours before you go and make sure to reserve ahead of time, but you cannot beat this price tag while getting so much valuable information from Chicago natives themselves! (the Architecture/Grant Park tour is also where you get to see The Rookery building, one of my favorite Chicago hidden gems!)
Millennium Park – Perhaps the most photographed place in the entire city is located in the Loop’s green space of Millennium Park known by its formal name of Cloud Gate or its informal and more popular moniker – THE BEAN! This reflective metallic sculpture has become an icon in Chicago and a fan favorite of both tourists and locals alike. Snap a few photos of the skyline in its shiny exterior before staking your spot in the lawn overlooking the stage at Pritzker Pavilion, the site of numerous free concerts that is a site not to miss as twilight descends upon the city on warm summer evenings.
Grant Park – Just south of Millennium Park is its big brother – Grant Park. This park’s crown jewel is Buckingham Fountain, a beautiful water feature equipped with 4 sets of jets representing the four states bordering Lake Michigan along with a light display that is unmatched as darkness falls on the city. If music is your reason for traveling, plan a trip in late July/early August for the city’s preeminent festival – Lollapalooza. Grant Park is the home for this three day event and the city truly comes alive as artists from all genres perform in the sprawling park.
Pizza! – I am sure it doesn’t even have to be said, but you cannot visit Chicago without getting the famous stuffed or deep dish pizza. I am not a local so I don’t have a favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, Pequods, Gino’s East, etc. The list goes on and on, but so do the flavors of the most celebrated dish in Chicago!
Day 2
Art Institute of Chicago –If you visit Chicago during a particularly hot and humid weekend, one of the best reprieves from the heat is also one of the country’s finest museums – the Art Institute of Chicago. As you meander along Michigan Avenue, you can’t miss the two enormous lions standing guard, flanking the massive steps leading to the Art Institute. Don’t forget your student ID for a discount as you begin your walk through some of the most extravagant collections of art including American Gothic, Nighthawks, the Old Guitarist and American Windows. Visit http://www.artic.edu/ and get lost for hours or days!
Chicago Cultural Center – The Chicago Cultural Center is grand building in the heart of downtown that is home to a number of exhibits, theaters and galleries all offering a glimpse back into the history of Chicago and how it has grown into the influential metropolis and cultural hub that it is to this day. The most stunning element of the Chicago Cultural Center can be found at the apex of the grand staircase when you look up and see two lavishly restored stained-glass domes that will stop you in your tracks.
Museum Campus – For those visiting Chicago, a walk along the waterfront in the marina of Lake Michigan is a must. There is a dedicated path right near the water for walkers, joggers and bikers that leads from Grant Park towards three impressive buildings adjacent to the lake – Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum. While it may be difficult to make it to all three in the same day, each one is equally worth a visit!
Best Photo Op in the City – My favorite view in the entire city is from Museum Campus and truly is an experience that cannot be overlooked. As you look back at the skyline over the water, be ready for an unobstructed view of Chicago in all of its glory. Be sure to go at night so that you can see the lights from the hundreds of buildings blaze in the distance. Hearing the small waves lap at your feet as the lights from the city reflect and twinkle in the water of Lake Michigan creates the ultimate sense of calm in the rush of a big city, and to this day, it is undoubtedly the moment I will recount and cherish the most from my visits!
Day 3
Wrigleyville – If there is one thing that Chicagoans are passionate about, it is their sports teams. Chicago lives and dies by every touchdown, three pointer, slap shot or home run, and natives will defend their favorite team to the grave. Perhaps the most illustrious franchise Chicago is famous for plays in the second oldest baseball stadium in the country: the Chicago Cubs. If you are fortunate enough to travel during baseball season (April-September), it really should be on your itinerary to head north of the city to Wrigley Field for a game or an in-depth tour of this national historic site and enjoy the eclectic neighborhood of Wrigleyville where craft beer and pub food abound.
Lincoln Park and the Zoo – North of downtown lies the largest park in Chicago and the home to one of most outstanding zoos in the Midwest. Visitors can play frisbee, skate, swim, bike to their hearts content in Lincoln Park, and the best part is you will always have a view of the city looking south. The Lincoln Park Zoo can be found here as well, and this zoo is free year around and has some of the most up close and personal displays of wildlife I have ever seen, especially the gorilla and primate habitats! A bonus for those visiting the area is the opportunity to go to the Chicago Oven Grinder and Pizza Company and get their pizza pot pie while admiring the red brick architecture the neighborhood is known for!
Navy Pier – Jutting into the blue expanse of Lake Michigan is Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one tourist attraction. This 3,300 ft long recreational facility is packed with entertainment from the free stained glass museum to the colossal Ferris Wheel and at the very end the outdoor Beer Gardens. Make note that every Wednesday and Saturday night, they have a fireworks display over Navy Pier, so grab you favorite drink and be ready to be awed as color bursts over the lake in a show that doesn’t cost a penny!
Magnificent Mile – As your weekend comes to an end, there is no better place for some souvenir shopping than the stretch of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River dubbed ‘The Magnificent Mile’. This ritzy, tree-lined street has high end stores intermixed with gourmet restaurants and swanky cafes. On this avenue is also the location of one of Chicago’s oldest buildings – the Chicago Water Tower. This antique stone building is a classic juxtaposition of old vs. modern against the sleek glass skyscraper, Hancock Tower, one of city’s beloved pieces of architecture.
Budget Tip – Instead of waiting in line for up to an hour to go to the top of Willis (Sears) Tower with hundreds of other visitors to Chicago, head to the Hancock Tower off of Magnificent Mile and make your way to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. You get the best of both worlds as you won’t have to pay the fee to go to 360 Chicago with the crowds you often find at the observation deck AND you can enjoy a drink and a chance to rest your feet from a long day of sight seeing without sacrificing the view!
Regardless of the icy winters and humid summers, there may not be an easier city to navigate and lose yourself in the beauty of than Chicago. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan with the Chicago River crossing its wide boulevards, the Windy City is clean, affordable, the public transportation is speedy and efficient and its chalked full of picturesque parks and landmarks. Although it is the third largest city in the US, Chicago has a very quaint, small-town feel as the locals (who are some the nicest of any major city I have stepped foot in) make you feel welcomed in every aspect of your visit.
From the smell of baking deep-dish dough filled to the brim with crushed tomatoes, sizzling cheese and decadent toppings to the unmistakable clatter of the “L” as it loops through downtown are what make the “Second City” first in the hearts of those who call it home and those who have the pleasure to visit and enjoy its culture, history and most importantly…its food!
