| Page Views: 2,117 Last Visit to Chicago: May, 2005 | Not another Chicago Page! by goingsolo - last update: Jun 13, 2005 |
I have to start with the caveat that this page, even when finished, represents only a tiny portion of Chicago. I had only a brief visit to the city and my time spent there was concentrated in the downtown area. So I can't even come close to some of the detailed descriptions that I've seen. But, since I absolutely loved Chicago, I felt compelled to add my thoughts to the plethora of Chicago pages.
Chicago is a fascinating mixture of Midwestern friendliness and big city sophistication. Its a large sprawling city with a multitude of neighborhoods and ethnicities, with a downtown that is crammed full of towering skyscrapers, good food and cultural activities such as theatre, art and museums.
I was planning on calling this page New York lite, but decided against it because Chicago residents seem to hate the comparison. But there are many parallels between the Windy City and the Big Apple. I couldn't help but notice the New Yorkness of Chicago, even during my brief visit to the city.
My three day visit was a non-stop marathon of museums, food and general ramblings. There is so much to see and do here that three days is nowhere near enough, even if you confine yourself to downtown. But, armed with well worn shoes and a great deal of caffeine, I managed to work my way through many of the city's highlights. I even managed to consume a couple of Italian beef sandwiches and a few slices of Chicago pizza. |
|  | New York Lite One of the most striking things about Chicago is that it is so picturesque. Almost every downtown building is an example of fine architecture, every corner a fine viewpoint for the expansive greenery of the many parks and for a glimpse of the vast Lake Michigan which lines the city's shoreline. Chicago is a photographer's paradise.
It is also nirvana for those who are interested in art, sculpture and history. Visit any of Chicago's parks and attractions and you'll find seemingly random sculptures and fountains, all perfectly placed before a backdrop of water or skyscraper. There are some out of this world museums here too, each one a place where you could spend at least an entire day.
Chicago is also all about the food. There are so many options and such a range, from cheap burgers at the Billy Goat Tavern to a ten course meal at Charlie Trotters. You can find any type of sustinence here; you just have to pick your price. And there are the Chicago classics- Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs and pizza, just to name a few.
The city also has some of the most beautiful public parks, which are very well maintained. These are great places to walk or run on the paved trails or to just sit on the manicured lawn and take it all in.
Chicago is also a sports town. The faithful worship the Cubs and the Bulls. Seeing a game at Wrigley Field is such an event that many people I met had come to town just for that purpose. |
On this page, I'll try to walk you through my fast paced three day excursion into the Windy City. I wouldn't recommend this itinerary as it didn't leave much time for things like sleeping. But I managed to walk, eat and experience a good portion of the city highlights in this 72 hour whirlwind. So feel free to browse my thoughts on Chicago and I'll try not to make too many comparisons to New York. | | |
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| Pros: | "Fascinating blend of culture, recreation and food." | | Cons: | "Can be expensive, weather can be unpredictable and summer crowds immense." | | In A Nutshell: | "The best of the East Coast and northeast all in one city" |
goingsolo's Chicago Travel Tips
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 Comments for goingsolo about Chicago | | | | |
alycat Fri Sep 18, 2009 14:47 UTC
Good pics and detail L. I will be there next week, thnx for the effort! | rcsparty Fri Nov 7, 2008 13:46 UTC
Nice job on the Chicago page, especially in light of such a short visit. Having lived there 3 years, you do a good job accurately portraying what a great city it is...and happy birthday. | deecat Sun Jun 8, 2008 06:06 UTC
Wow..I am impressed that you saw and did so much. Your insights are keen about Chicago. Very balanced presentation that was a delight to read. Thanks for visiting Chicago & for the positive review. | AnjoLuci Thu Aug 23, 2007 01:00 UTC
I will have to try the Mister Beef!!! Thank you for the tip... let me go back to your page... thanks for sharing such valuables informations!!! |
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