Sign in with Facebook"Chicago - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it" Chicago by Bwana_Brown
Chicago Travel Guide: 5,834 reviews and 11,868 photos
I had been to Chicago a few times before on business, but never managed to get beyond its O'Hare Airport on any of those trips. Finally, in late April, 2008 the company I work for in Regina, Saskatchewan decided that I should attend a week long Electrical Engineering exposition and convention that was being held there. After four months of Canadian winter on the Prairies, I was eager for some warmer temperatures and a chance to see what Chicago really had to offer.
As a bit of short-notice preparation, I checked out the VT-pages of 'Deecat' and 'Dabs', two long-time residents of the city who espouse its many high points whenever they get the chance - they even managed to meet me over lunch on my one free day in the city. For an outsider's point of view, I was also impressed by the reactions 'Antistar' put forward in his page - now I was really looking forward to the trip!
In the end, the city far exceeded my expectations as I took in its many interesting architectural delights in the warm and sunny weather I was blessed with all week long. Somehow, Chicago seems to run at a slower pace than New York or Boston and I also loved the way it has developed the waterfront along the western shore of Lake Michigan. I even managed to squeeze in a blues band and a ball-game one evening! To top it all off, the conference itself was an experience to remember as they pulled out all the stops - even holding an informal opening session in the privately booked Museum of Science and Industry! This Intro photo shows something else that really bowled me over - now anchored along the lakeshore is this old retired Canadian ice-breaking ferry that I took a few voyages on as a child as it plied the Northumberland Strait between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island!
I'd return for more anytime - the Aquarium, Planetarium, Field Museum, a Chicago River cruise, Navy Pier, inside some of the buildings.....!
- Pros:The best American city architecture I've seen, friendly and lots to do!
- Cons:I did not notice any with the weather I had
- In a nutshell:I'd like more free time the next time I visit
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Comments (20)
You found the sites and a lot to do in the downtown. I agree it is one wonderful city with many good sites to take in. I lived here 2 years in town, and going back 3 days in April. Thanks for the memories of what/where. Great explanations by you.
I don't know why, but Chicago was not a city that I would have tried to visit. Thanks to your very thorough page, I know now that Chicago has a lot to offer and I have added it to the list of places that I hope to visit some day!
great architectural tips I will come back to look at more got to nip out but will be visiting Chicago in June :-)
I think I enjoyed reading your tips even more now that I've actually been to Chicago! I just added a picture of the CCC Tiffany dome on my Chicago page in case you care to see it :o)
Informative, thoroughly researched and well-written tips with fine photos! My last real visit to Chicago was in 1988, also for a convention. For my first year on VT my motto was: "It's a beautiful day in Chicago!"
I enjoyed my second visit of Chicago! House of Blues sounds like a great nightlife spot! I had to laugh about your early encounter with gin - it reminded me of my similar experience with vodka ;) Have always loved the little hole-in-the-wall places :)
There are some really different (for me) streetscapes here, Glenn! I was quite fascinated by the U boat in the museum - reckon I could spend a lot of time in there! Very taken, too, by the Chicago Cultural Centre.
Excellent work Glenn, You've got some cool buildings shown here. Maybe some day i'll have to visit Chicago and see some of them.
A very interesting virtual tour of Chicago. Glad you got a chance to look around and to meet up with two outstanding VTers.
So much great info. that I couldn't read it all the way through in one sitting! Will be back!!