Dubbed “the windy city”, weather in Chicago is almost always chilly. If you have never felt chills to the bone, this is it. But do not let that stop you from having a good time, because not only is Chicago known for its art and architectural scene, it is also known for its rich culinary history. Here are some things you can do in this wonderful city.
- Visit the Chicago bean. Ok, so it is properly called the “Cloudgate”. This piece of public art is almost synonymous to the city of Chicago, and the tourists know it! What is amazing about this silver bean is you could actually see the skyline of the city, if you look closely.
2. Take a walk at the Magnificent Mile. The Mag Mile is Chicago’s shopping street with beautiful sidewalks. The goal of shopping isn’t always necessary to pay this famous street a visit. Aside from the midrange to luxury boutiques, there are also hotels and restaurants in the area. It is never short of interesting people, so take a walk!
3. While you’re at it, climb the Hancock tower. Located at the Magnificent Mile, you could pay the Hancock tower a visit. They have a 360 observation deck, which has a TILT attraction. 🙂 As seen here, you earn yourself a place in one of the windows, and then, they TILT you. hahaha. I don’t know why, maybe so you could get a better look at the city. It is scary, though.
4. Grab your Chicago dog. A hotdog done Chicago-style is unlike others! It is really stuffed! Aside from the hotdog (which should be all-beef) and the bun (which has to be poppy-seed) the Chicago dog is characteristically piled with double pickles (a pickle spear and a pickle relish), chopped onions, tomato slices and a generous amount of mustard. I love it! Despite this long list of ingredients, a word of warning, Chicagoans do not like the idea of ketchup on their hotdog. In my opinion, it’s your hotdog and you can put anything on it! My stomach has never been happier to accommodate this cherished culinary masterpiece:
5. Take a walk at the Nichols pedestrian bridgeway from Millennium park to the Chicago Art Institute. Although the BP pedestrian bridge is more of an architechture marvel, and more popular than this bridge, we climbed this so we could have a great view of the skyline.
6. Check out the Art institute of Chicago, home of enjoyable modern art. This is probably my favorite modern art museum in the world. Some artists are crazy and with a lot of humour, too. My favorite pieces include Andy Warhol’s Manilyn.
7. While in Chicago, have a Chicago deep dish. One of my favorite stuffed pizzas at home, I had to check out how it is made in Chicago! We researched on some of the best places to get a Chicago deep dish, but we ended up Lou Malnati’s Pizzerria since this one was closest to our hotel. There are many branches scattered around the city,.
8. Check out the Navy Pier. This touristy pier on Lake Michigan has shops, restaurants, events, exhibitions. Many tour boats and cruises depart from here. In the morning, we enjoyed a burger at Billy Goat’s and marveled at the picturesque pier. At night, there are bars and restaurants open. Morning or night, it’s chilly out there!
9. Taste the Garrett popcorn. Arguably Chicago’s best most famous (insert superlatives here) popcorn, this gourmet popcorn is a legend. Try the famous Garrett mix.
10. Check out the Chicago night scene. Ah, just having fun infront the chicago theater while lit at night. Other things you can do would probably be in a bar at Willis skyjack (we were supposed to, but I fell asleep and woke up the next morning!), or watch the Hamilton play if that is your thing.
XX, Gayle
When she gets lost 