Why You Should Travel To Chicago

Navy Pier in Chicago, view from Aon Building.
Image via Wikipedia

There isn’t quite another city like Chicago. While it has been named the “Second City” it is anything but if you’ve ever spent any time there. If you have never had the honor and privilege of spending time in that great city perhaps you should think about it for your next vacation. There are many vacations that offer you fun in the sun, warm beaches, great culture, and the best entertainment in the world, but there are very few places that can offer you all of that at the same time, but Chicago can. So here’s a way to experience a uniquely Chicago vacation.

Hit the Beach – You can explore the gorgeous lake front of the Windy City. Head down to North Avenue beach and play a little volley ball or head down to Ohio Street and swim the half mile. If you have the means and the access you can head over to Monroe Harbor and spend a day on a boat. And if you’re looking for a little mid day lunch you are right next to the world famous Navy Pier so you can grab lunch at one of the many great restaurants inside.

Shop The Mile – This is a time honored tradition for men and women alike. There is no better shopping in the country than shopping on Michigan Avenue. With some of the biggest stores in the world there you can virtually get lost on shopping there. And with the many great local restaurants you can stick around for a one of kind dinner experience. And if you have time during the day you can make a special trip to the Chicago river and take a boat ride.

Sample All The Food – Chicago is known for quite a few things but nothing is more prideful to the people of the Windy City than the food there so while you’re in town head over to Mr. Beef for a sandwich or the Wiener Circle for a unique hot dog experience but regardless of what you want Chicago has it all.

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Uniquely Chicago Activities

Chicago Navy Pier from the Lake Guardian
Image via Wikipedia

Let’s hope you’re smart enough to make the trek to Chicago for your next vacation. Perhaps you have realized that Chicago is one of the best places on earth to visit because it has the best of everything you want and it’s all in one of the cleanest and friendliest major cities in the world. The question will be: what do you do in Chicago when you get here? Well you know about the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building and you know all too well about Navy Pier but maybe you should do something else than the obvious. While you’re in the City of Broad Shoulders you should take a look at some other things to do in Chicago.

The Second City – Sure, everyone knows of the world famous home for Comedy but do you know about the other resident company in the building? The Mainstage gets the glory but the members of the E.T.C stage are as talented as anyone in the city and their sketch comedy revues are some of the best in the world. Since Chicago is the birthplace of sketch comedy this is the time to embrace it and head over to see this lesser known company.

IO Improv – While Chicago is the home for great sketch comedy it is also the very best place in the world for Improvisational Comedy. Every night of the week IO features their resident “Harold” teams which is their long form improvisational piece. It’s like nothing you have ever seen and definitely worth a look. And if you are around on a Wednesday night you can come out see TJ and Dave and see the very best improvised show in the world.

The Metro – Right down the street from IO is The Metro. If you’re  young and into music then this is a one of the great small venues for up and coming bands as well as established bands with smaller followings or looking to play to a smaller, more intimate crowd. The tickets are usually cheap and the place has a great energy. It’s uniquely Chicago.

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See the Chicago Skyline Like a Local

Are you traveling to Chicago this summer? One of the greatest things about this magical city is its skyline. It has four of the six tallest buildings in this United States. Luckily for the traveler on a budget, there are several ways to see this magnificent skyline for very little money. All it takes is a good pair of shoes and a sense of adventure. You may also want to bring a camera, just to show your friends the beauty you absorbed during your time there.

The Museum Campus houses three world class museums; The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium and The Adler Planetarium. This area is located just south of the loop and juts out into Lake Michigan on a small peninsula. A leisurely stroll out to the end, near the planetarium, affords you a striking gaze of the city with the sparkling lake standing out in the foreground. A nighttime view offers you a chance to see the lights of the city reflected on the water.

Spend a day swimming in the lake at the North Street beach. You can splash around the lake or play Frisbee in the sand, all with the city towering over you. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made is humbling. Plus, few of your friends will believe you when you try to describe it.

Millennium Park in the heart of the loop houses the Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately called the Bean by the locals. Its reflective surface bounces the skyline right back at itself. The gentle curve manipulates the image and makes the art interactive with the legions of locals and tourists alike who crowd around trying to photograph their reflection in the piece of art.

This last hint is a secret known only by the locals. The John Hancock Building, the fourth tallest building in the city, has an observation deck on its 95th floor. You can pay $21 and wander around looking out the windows. Or you can go one floor up and have a drink in the Signature Lounge. The drinks aren’t cheap but you’ll not only save money over the observation deck, you’ll also get the opportunity to sip a smart cocktail while you soak up the city spreading out beneath you.
Enjoy your time in the Windy City. Take lots of pictures. Make your friends jealous.

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