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Explanations vary as to how the City earned the title 'The Windy City'; these include the cool lake breezes although, given that the average wind velocity here is 10.3 miles an hour that seems unlikley. Cities with higher average velocities include Boston, 13.1; Buffalo, 12.6 and Cleveland, 10.9.
A more likely explanation is that the nickname originated in an editorial of the now defunct New York Sun when Chicago and New York City were competing to host the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Charles A. Dana, editor of the New York Sun, wrote an editorial telling New Yorkers to pay no attention to the "nonsensical claims of that windy city. Its people could not hold a world's fair even if they won it." (Source: Chicago Tribune, 8 June 1970).
As for The Second City appelation, this comes from the rebirth of the City after the Great Fire of 1871 and not being the second largest city in the US (which it isn't).
You can find my primary reason for visiting Chicago and other places in 2003 in my Route 66 Album, but the more research I did on Chicago, the more I realised that it's really great place to go to. This inspired me to add an additional day to my proposed vacation so that I could see more than would have been provided by the tour company.
I really enjoyed my first visit to Chicago even though, effectively, I only had one free day, the rest of the time being somewhat regimented by the tour of which I was a member.
I know I only scratched the surface - so Chicago is most definitely on my 'Must Go Back' list. The extra day I put into my schedule was well worth it.
Reviews (15)
House of Blues
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When I decided to visit Chicago, I'd made sure that I put the House of Blues on my 'To Do' list. Unfortunately, I made... more travel advice
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The Southern-influenced menu offers slow-cooked hickory-smoked items such as pulled pork, chicken, baby back ribs,... more travel advice
Adler Planetarium
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I love visiting planetariums (planetaria?) and I took the opportunity of a quick visit to the Adler. It currently... more travel advice
L'Appetito
Restaurants
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If you are planning on visiting the John Hancock Observatory, you might wish to grab a cup of coffee or a deli sandwich... more travel advice
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Transportation (3)
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Comments (5)
Excellent page on Chicago town!! You are right, chicago is great to visit! I was not pleased when i lived there for a year because of the long cold winter and the absence of outdoors within 100 of miles!!
I see I still have things to do next time I'm in Chicago. Thanks for the info!
nice pictures..all the best..greetings from Ireland..:}
Glad to know you enjoyed our fair city. Next time plan to stay at least a week!
Great start, will be back because it looks like a wonderful city.......Thank you.
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