"The Jewel of the Midwest" Chicago by FanOfDante

I used to live just north of Chicago, and it is one of the most historically interesting, overwhelmingly entertaining and busy cities that you will find in America and is definitely THE city of the midwest.

If you make it to a small pub, ask them the real story of the curse of the goat on the Cubs or about the cow that burned the city down.

It has something for everyone--for you intellectual folks, there's the Shedd's Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Natural history (which are amazing).

For sports fans, you've got the Bulls, the Bears, the Sox and the Cubbies, not to miss the Blackhawks too. Tickets can be gotten at reasonable rates, food inside is expensive (naturally) but Chicago has amazing tailgate parties and sports bars anywhere near. Actually, Chicago has the BEST sports bars, especially down near the Loop.

Navy Pier is this tremendous place where you can go to shop, ride rides, see fireworks, go on a boat trip or do just about anything else you want. The atmosphere is great and most of the time is very family-oriented.

If there is one thing that Chicago is known for, it's drunken Irishmen and Deep Dish Pizza. There are pubs where you can experience both, if you so desire--take advantage of a few. Walk down Michigan street and turn onto some of the other streets (perpendicular to the waterfront) and you will find many that meet this need. Reasonably priced also.

You have to visit the Sears tower and check out the Chicago Tribune building also.

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them!

• Pros:Food, Sights and sports
• Cons:Crime, Prices
• In a nutshell:If you live in America, visit Chicago once in your lifetime--a rich history and lots to do.