Midwest US – Modern Trekker https://moderntrekker.com The World Is Waiting Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:17:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.10 https://moderntrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-Plane2-32x32.jpg Midwest US – Modern Trekker https://moderntrekker.com 32 32 144266218 5 Incredible Chicago-Style Foods You’ve Got To Try In The Windy City https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-style-foods/ https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-style-foods/#respond Tue, 09 Oct 2018 07:00:51 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=3793 Although it might not seem this way to the casual…

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Although it might not seem this way to the casual observer, Chicago is actually an incredible foodie oasis in the middle of the Midwestern meat, potatoes, salads with jello, and processed cheese desert (but don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing in the world better than a Midwestern home-cooked meal, even though it might eventually give you diabetes). Unfortunately for the vegetarians out there, the majority of Chicago’s best food offerings are based around meat, but there will still be something for you to enjoy as well.

If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City, here are the top 5 Chicago-style foods you should absolutely try when you’re in town:

1. Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a Chicago classic and comes right after “gangsters” on the list of things that people I meet while traveling ask me about Chicago. There’s a major rivalry between Pizzeria Uno, Lou Malnati’s, and Giordano’s about who created the original recipe back in the 1940s. You really can’t go wrong with any of them (but Lou Malnati’s will always be my favorite—sorry, not sorry).

A piece of advice for deep dish pizza tasting: if you go in with the expectation that it will be like any regular (non-deep dish) pizza you’ve had before, you’re not going to like it. It tastes a bit more like a lasagna with crust instead of noodles—still good, but definitely different than a traditional, thin crust pizza so don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

In addition to deep dish pizza, be sure to try the square-cut thin crust pizza at Giordano’s, which is actually more popular among the locals (and my personal favorite of all the Chicago food options).

2. Chicago-style Hot Dog

The traditional Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef hot dog on a poppyseed bun, topped with mustard, onions, relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, peppers, and celery salt. It is considered blasphemous to put ketchup on a Chicago-style dog, to the point where many Chicago hot dog vendors do not have ketchup as a condiment option.

Some great spots to grab a Chicago-style dog: Wiener Circle (Lincoln Park), Dog Haus Biergarten (Lincoln Park), Chicago’s Dog House (Fullerton), Downtown Dogs (Gold Coast), Portillo’s (everywhere), Devil Dawgs (Loop), and a zillion other delicious spots.

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3. Polish Sausage

This is along the same lines as the Chicago hot dog but is made with Kielbasa sausage and topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard, and peppers. Be sure to visit Maxwell Street Polish (one of the most famous spots and where the Chicago-style Polish allegedly originated), pick one up at Portillo’s, one of Chicago’s best restaurant chains, or, in true Chicago style, pick one up from the stands at a baseball game along with an ice cold beer.

More great spots to grab a Polish: Jim’s Original (Little Italy), Kurowski’s Sausage Shop (Avondale), and Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen (Ravenswood).

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4. Italian Beef

The name Italian beef is deceptive because this incredible sandwich was created in Chicago in the 1930s. This delicious masterpiece consists of thinly sliced roast beef served au jus on an Italian roll, which is then dipped into the au jus used to cook the beef, and finally topped with giardiniera, or grilled sweet peppers.

The best places to get one are Portillo’s (again, everywhere) or Al’s Beef (multiple locations)—both quintessential Chicago chains. Portillo’s is always my first stop on the way home from the airport when I come home to Chicago, if that gives you any indication of the role it plays in the traditional Chicago food scene. There are many other good spots throughout the city to grab a bite of heaven, so you really can’t go wrong.

Other great spots to try some Italian beef: Bari (West Town), Buona (multiple locations), Jay’s Beef (Logan Square), Luke’s Italian Beef (Loop), or Mr. Beef (River North).

5. Garrett’s Popcorn

You can now find Garrett’s Popcorn around the world, but the chain originates from Madison Street, right in the heart of Chicago. This popcorn chain is renowned for the “Chicago Mix”, a real Chicago-style blend of cheese and caramel popcorn (now called the “Garrett Mix”, but old names die hard in Chicago—RIP Sears Tower and Comiskey Park). It sounds weird but trust me, it’s delicious. They have a decent variety of flavors so there’s something for everyone to love. They’ve even got a location in the airport, so be sure to pick some up for your friends and coworkers back home (it’s always a big hit in the office), that is, if you don’t eat it all yourself before you get home.

Fun fact: former President Barack Obama (a longtime Chicago resident) is a huge fan of Garrett’s Popcorn, and reportedly gives it as a birthday gift to former Vice President Joe Biden each year for his birthday.

BONUS: Malört

Ok so this is a liquor, not a food, but it’s also an essential part of the Chicago experience. Your first shot of malört is almost a rite of passage. Malört was originally sold as a medicinal alcohol, allowing it to be consumed legally during Prohibition when it was sold door-to-door. It goes down incredibly smoothly, but the strong, herby aftertaste from the wormwood (the key ingredient) will definitely catch you by surprise and linger for a while. Wormwood is also the key ingredient in absinthe, however drinking malört doesn’t have the same trippy, mind-bending effects.

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If you’re looking for a more palatable way to imbibe like a local while in Chicago, be sure to check out any beers made by Revolution Brewing or Goose Island, local Chicago breweries (they’re all awesome). My personal favorite Chicago beer is the Revolution Anti-Hero (an IPA), although you really can’t go wrong with any of the local brews.

Chicago has so many incredible food options beyond the classics listed here, so by no means should you treat this as an exhaustive guide to Chicago’s food scene, but it’s a great place to start.

Suggested next reading: Chicago: Amazing Things To See And Do Without Breaking The Bank

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Top 5 Weekend Getaways From Chicago For People Who Really Need A Break https://moderntrekker.com/weekend-getaways-from-chicago/ https://moderntrekker.com/weekend-getaways-from-chicago/#respond Mon, 10 Sep 2018 07:00:22 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=3798 Although it may look like the Windy City is in…

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Although it may look like the Windy City is in the middle of nowhere from looking at a map, there are so many incredible weekend getaways from Chicago for people who want to go places and explore for a day or full weekend trip. Whether you’re looking for some beautiful scenery for hiking, some lovely beaches, or a cute small town to explore, there are some great spots within driving distance of the Windy City with something for everyone to enjoy.

1. Indiana Dunes State Park (Indiana)

Distance from downtown: 47 miles (approximately 1 hour in good traffic)

In addition to the beaches on Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes State Park is home to hiking trails and fascinating geographic features. The Dunes were formed by the southern winds blowing off of Lake Michigan, depositing sand over millennia as the winds hit the coastal vegetation.

On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from the observation deck atop Mt. Tom, and there are great birdwatching and wildlife observation all year long. Although the beach is wonderful for swimming and sunbathing in the summer, you can also cross-country ski and snowshoe throughout the park in the winter months, and catch some gorgeous fall colors in late September – early October.

The surrounding area offers some gorgeous campgrounds, lodging, dining, and shopping if you need a break from being in the park before heading back into downtown.

2. Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)

Distance from downtown: 99 miles (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in good traffic)

Starved Rock State Park was voted the #1 attraction in the state of Illinois, so it’s definitely one of the better weekend getaways from Chicago. The park contains 13 miles of hiking trails and some breathtaking views, including waterfalls, which are most active in the spring due to meltwater and heavy rains. Of course, the park’s winding canyons and towering trees are beautiful year-round. If you’re lucky, you can see deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, eagles, and a variety of flora and fauna throughout the park.

The area played a significant role in the Native American history of Illinois. According to legend, in the late 18th Century, a group of Native Americans from the Illinois Confederation (also known as the Illiniwek) took refuge atop the butte, which was then besieged by the Ottawa and Pottawatomi until all of the Illiniwek had starved, resulting in the name “Starved Rock”. The area was later designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

After you’re done hiking and exploring the park and learning about the region’s Native American history, there’s loads of things to do in the surrounding town. Be sure to check out the local wineries, shopping, and historical sites before heading home to complete your trip.

3. Door County (Wisconsin)

Distance from downtown: ~250 miles (approximately 4 hours, depending on where in the peninsula you’re staying)

Door County is the farthest away of all our weekend getaways from Chicago to make this list, but is absolutely worth the drive up. From relaxing next to the water, fishing, hiking, kayaking, hopping on a boat to take in all of the gorgeous scenery, and partaking in some more adventurous water sports like jet skiing or parasailing when the weather cooperates—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Door County is also home to several breweries and wineries, which are perfect escapes from the elements when the temperatures dip.

There are actually several cities that make up Door County. If you’re looking for some nightlife in addition to a relaxing escape from the city, be sure to stay near Fish Creek, known for its shopping and vibrant bar scene, in addition to its proximity to Peninsula State Park. If you’re more of a foodie, be sure to check out Sister Bay, known for its spectacular dining in addition to its natural beauty. If you’re looking for something a little quieter and remote, plan to stay in Jacksonport, where it’ll just be you and the water.

Door Country is beautiful all year round, although it’ll definitely be a bit chilly in the winter months. If it’s too cold for swimming and sunbathing to be an option, you can still explore the peninsula by snowmobile or cross-country ski, and you won’t have to fight the large summer crowds.

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4. Lake Geneva (Wisconsin)

Distance from downtown: 83 miles (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in good traffic)

Named after its counterpart in Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a much smaller but equally as delightful a vacation destination. The small town is home to many Gilded Age mansions built by rich Chicagoans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. Some of the estates are open to the public for tours—perfect for the architecture and history buffs.

The area became popular for a reason—the large lake features many sandy beaches and allows for many aquatic activities, such as water skiing, boating, canoeing and kayaking, and many others. The lake freezes over in the winter, making it a great spot for ice fishing. In addition, there are some great spots to ski, snowboard, and sled in the surrounding hills.

The small town of Lake Geneva is home to dozens of fine restaurants, as well as many resort and spa properties to help you properly relax during one of your weekend getaways from Chicago.

5. Galena (Illinois)

Distance from downtown: 170 miles (approximately 3 hours in good traffic)

Galena, Illinois is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a wonderful small town to explore while taking a break from the city. The city is named after the mineral “galena”, which is mined in the area and was the cause of the first major mineral rush in the United States back in the early 19th Century. At one point, Galena’s population even rivaled that of Chicago (although that’s now hard to believe).

This tiny town (now home to around 3,500 people) was once home to Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Civil War generals, and was the largest steamboat hub north of St. Louis. Today, the town has been restored and is now home to a multitude of restaurants, shops, and museums to explore the rich history of the region.

Know of any more great weekend getaways from Chicago and want to share? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: 5 Incredible Chicago-Style Foods You’ve Got To Try In The Windy City

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Chicago: Amazing Things To See And Do Without Breaking The Bank https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-is-possible-on-a-budget/ https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-is-possible-on-a-budget/#respond Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:00:27 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=2472 Why You Should Visit Chicago Located in the heart of…

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Why You Should Visit Chicago

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is a beautiful, vibrant city with something to offer year-round. Between relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan in the summer, sampling the city’s renowned food offerings, or hanging out with friends at one of the city’s many famous bars or music venues, you’ll never be short on things to do in the Windy City.

Chicago Is Awesome

Getting There

If you’re traveling from the Midwest, the best budget option will be a bus or train, arriving at Chicago’s Union Station. From there, you can ride the El (Elevated Train) to your final destination.

If you’re flying, you’ll land at either O’Hare or Midway airport. Chicago has great public transportation connecting its major airports with downtown, so hop on the Orange Line train from Midway or the Blue Line train from O’Hare and you’ll be in the city center in no time.

Chicago Is Awesome
Sunset outside Chicago’s Union Station

Where To Stay

 If you’re traveling solo or on a budget, hostels are a great option in terms of value for your money and a place to connect with other travelers. Here are a few that I’d recommend:

  • Wrigley Hostel (Starting at $23/night)
  • Urban Holiday Lofts (Starting at $16/night)
  • HI Chicago (Starting at $29 / night)

Wrigley Hostel is located in the heart of Wrigleyville, steps away from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, and directly in the middle of one of Chicago’s best nightlife districts, but a little further away from the Loop and some of Chicago’s main attractions.

Urban Holiday Lofts is located in the Wicker Park / Bucktown area, a vibrant neighborhood filled with all the restaurants and bars you could imagine, and only a few train stops away from downtown.

HI Chicago is located in the Loop, just steps away from Grant Park and many of the city’s best attractions.

Keep in mind that Chicago hostel prices and availability can vary significantly, especially during the city’s numerous summer festival weekends, so be sure to plan early and budget accordingly. If hostels aren’t your thing, you can check AirBnB for similarly priced options or splurge on one of the city’s many beautiful hotel properties.

Chicago is absolutely beautiful in the summer, but if you’re looking for a more affordable getaway, aim to visit during shoulder season, in the spring or fall. I’d advise against visiting in January unless you particularly enjoy subzero temperatures and don’t mind not being able to go outside, but the city is wonderful year-round.

Palmer House (Chicago Is Awesome)
If you’re in the Loop, pop into the Palmer House Hilton for a quick break from the elements in the gorgeous lobby of North America’s longest continuously-operating hotel

Chicago’s Must-See Destinations For The Budget-Conscious Traveler

Downtown

One of the first stops on any Chicago trip should be Millenium Park, where you can visit Cloud Gate (the Bean), one of Chicago’s most photographed attractions, and many other unique art installations and gardens.

Chicago is known for its astounding architecture, so just strolling around the Loop and the downtown area is a treat in itself. If it’s warm enough, be sure to check out the Riverwalk, which spans between Lake St. and Lake Shore Drive. The wide pedestrian walkway is lined with restaurants and green spaces to enjoy a picnic lunch down on the water.

Riverwalk (Chicago Is Awesome)
The Chicago Riverwalk is just absolutely magical in the springtime

For the history or architecture buffs, you can also take a free* walking tour or two to explore the downtown areas while learning about the history of the city and the significance of its landmarks. If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, don’t forget to bring a jacket, an umbrella, and a hot beverage to keep warm. (*Don’t forget to tip your tour guides!)

If the elements are too much, pop into the Chicago Cultural Center, right across the street from Millennium Park. This beautiful, historic building hosts hundreds of free events per year and is always free to visit.

If museums (or indoor activities) are your thing, consider investing in the CityPass for discounted admission to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute, and many other attractions throughout the city. They’re definitely worth a visit, but will each typically run you around $24 per person for entry, so keep that in mind when budgeting your trip. If that’s a bit above your price range, the city is home to dozens of smaller, free museums and attractions such as the Chicago Design Museum, the City Gallery at Water Tower Place, the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, and many, many others.

Since Chicago is such a massive, sprawling city, one of the best ways to take it all in is from above. Skip the pricey ticket to the top of the Willis Tower and check out the views from the Signature Lounge on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building, Chicago’s second tallest skyscraper. It’s free to go up if you’re heading to the bar, and you can take in the sights for just the cost of an overpriced cocktail while relaxing after a long day of window shopping on Michigan Avenue.

The Bean (Chicago Is Awesome)
Even on a cloudy day, the Bean still provides a gorgeous reflection of the city

Beyond Downtown

If you’re visiting in the summer, keep an eye out for one of Chicago’s many festivals. These range from the well-known (read: more expensive) festivals such as Taste of Chicago or Lollapalooza to smaller neighborhood festivals. Downtown Chicago is beautiful and historic, but one of the best ways to experience the city is to venture out into one of the neighborhoods and get to know the locals. A quick Google search or chat with your hostel front desk staff will point you to some of these numerous, seriously underrated events.

For most of the year when the temperatures are bearable, Chicago is a beautiful city to visit, whether as a short weekend getaway from somewhere in the Midwest, or part of a bigger adventure.

Chicago

Suggested next reading: Why Chicago Is (Perhaps) The Best City To Visit In The U.S.

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Fun Activities In St. Louis That Your Kids Will Really Love https://moderntrekker.com/st-louis/ https://moderntrekker.com/st-louis/#respond Mon, 07 May 2018 07:00:19 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=1981 Living in the heart of the U.S.A., Missouri has a…

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Living in the heart of the U.S.A., Missouri has a host of adventures for you and your family. The state is a goldmine of outdoor adventures, attractions, and caverns to explore. We have extended family in the state, and have spent many weeks exploring and learning about life in the state. St. Louis is one of our favorite cities to visit and offers many opportunities for us to explore and grow our children’s experiences.

Straddling both sides of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest. Due to the influence of several industries, it’s also a city with great family attractions. Our favorite is Grant’s Farm. The Farm is home to the famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses. It’s also a zoo park with everything from peacocks to camel rides. Your kids will enjoy the tram ride through the Deer Park with hundreds of grazing animals on the way to the zoo area. Parents aren’t left out, as the farm is owned by Anheuser-Busch, and offers beer tastings and snacks in The Baurnhof, German for “farmstead.”

Grant's Farm, St. Louis
Grant’s Farm

We also love to visit Missouri Botanical Garden when we are in the city. The gardens are beautiful throughout the year and are a great place for children to roam and explore nature. We love visiting in early May. That’s when the tulips, irises, and peonies are bursting with color all over the garden. Visiting the garden is a cultural experience for kids, as it sports both a beautiful Japanese Garden and an old-style English kitchen garden and boxwood maze.

The Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden
The Japanese Garden
English Kitchen Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden
The English Kitchen Garden

There’s a Children’s Garden on where your little ones can play the day away. The Children’s Garden is part play, part science and history. Your kiddos can explore a Midwestern village, climb a tree house, or splash like crazy. It’s a place to delight every sense and open new discoveries for your kiddos. Always check hours for the Children’s Garden, as they vary slightly from the full garden hours.

If you’re in St. Louis, you’ve got to stop at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, also known as The Arch. The curved monument dominates the St. Louis skyline and is a beautiful park for your family to explore. Once in the base of the arch, you’ll be treated to models and descriptions of the building process of the arch itself. Just under a mile from the Arch and at the edge of the park, you can visit the Old Courthouse. A historic site and current museum for expansion artifacts, the Old Courthouse is the location where you purchase your Arch tickets. In July 2018, the renovated Museum at the Gateway Arch will open at the base of the Arch and detail Native American, explorer, and pioneer history.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (The Arch)
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (The Arch)

If you’re up for a family challenge, take a trip up the inside of the arch to the top. The small elevators hold five people at a time and are a bit challenging for anyone with a fear of small spaces. However, they do have a window in the door, and the trip is not as bad as it may sound. I’m definitely not a fan of being in a small space, but have made the trip to the top several times and am still standing! The view from the top is worth the ride, as you’ll see the Mississippi on one side and metro St. Louis on the other. One note: If you have small children and use a stroller, it is not possible to bring the stroller to the top. Make sure you have a baby carrier of some kind for the ride up and to use in the observation deck.

Our last favorite place to visit in St. Louis is the St. Louis Zoo. Like Grant’s Farm, the St. Louis Zoo is a free family activity. The Zoo is a great stop and is well designed for spending a part of your day without being too tiring. Our kiddos love the sea lion exhibit. We’ve even had the sea lions “play” with our kids at the big window before! The Zoo does have a train through the park, and it’s one of the best ways to get a good look at the resident elephants. Keep in mind, the only type of stroller you can take on the train is an umbrella stroller.

The Sea Lion Exhibit at St. Louis Zoo
The Sea Lion Exhibit

For more locations filled with great learning adventures for children, see links below:

Article Links:
St. Louis – https://explorestlouis.com/
Grant’s Farm – http://www.grantsfarm.com/
Grant’s Farm Attractions and Fee info – http://www.grantsfarm.com/attractions.html
Missouri Botanical Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Missouri Botanical Children’s Garden – http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/youth-families/just-for-kids/doris-i.-schnuck-childrens-garden.aspx
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial –https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm
More about the Arch – https://www.gatewayarch.com/
Old Courthouse and Arch Elevator Trip – https://www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/index.htm
St. Louis Zoo – https://www.stlzoo.org/

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Why Chicago Is (Perhaps) The Best City To Visit In The U.S. https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-best-city/ https://moderntrekker.com/chicago-best-city/#respond Thu, 26 Apr 2018 12:09:59 +0000 https://moderntrekker.com/?p=1897 I was recently asked which city in the U.S. was…

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I was recently asked which city in the U.S. was the best to visit. New York? Not my style. LA? Not a chance. I might be biased after having been born and raised in Chicago, but I believe it is the best city in the U.S…and perhaps even in the entire world. It’s a big claim I know, but where else on Earth is there a world-class city with a beach next to its central business district? Everytime I meet someone who has been to my hometown, I see their face light up and they immediately proceed to tell me what they did, what they ate..etc. Seriously. I have never heard one negative review about the Windy City. Not convinced? Here’s why Chicago is (perhaps) the best city to visit in the U.S.

The Bean
The Bean

Incredible Food Scene

Chicago’s food scene has never gotten any love. It has always been overshadowed by New York or San Francisco. 2017 was the year that changed all of that. Bon Appétit named Chicago the restaurant city of the year. With over 20 Michelin starred restaurant, food tourism is becoming a big draw. If fine dining isn’t up your alley, Chicago still has its staple foods. The city was built on deep-dish pizza. What originally started as a meal for the working class, has become internationally recognized. Try either Giordano’s or Gino’s East for the best pizza in the city. You can’t leave the city before trying a Chicago-style hot dog. The hot dog is dressed like it’s been “dragged through the garden” (a local expression) because of the wide array of colors and toppings on it. Just don’t dare use ketchup…Beyond these must-have eats, Chicago has every type of ethnic food you can imagine from Korean to Ethiopian to Brazilian.

Chicago Shrimp Pizza
Chicago Shrimp Pizza

Lake Michigan

Chicago was built on the shores of Lake Michigan and the entire city revolves around the lake. It is an incredibly livable city with over 18 miles (29 kilometers) of a Lakefront Trail where one can bike, swim, run, walk..etc. On a nice summer day, you’ll think the whole city is at North Avenue Beach! Speaking of beaches, did you know that Chicago has beaches…with sand…and water? Everyone is surprised to find out that Chicago is home to 24 public beaches that residents make good use out of during summer. On Lake Michigan, it is possible to paddleboard, kayak, jet-ski, and even surf in the winter.

Sunrise Over Lake Michigan
Sunrise Over Lake Michigan

Sports Crazy

The reason everyone around the world knows Chicago is due to the Bulls and Michael Jordan. I can step foot in almost any country and the only thing they may know about Chicago is that Michael Jordan dominated basketball throughout the 90’s. Chicago loves sports. They live and die with their sports teams. They support them when they win championships, they support them when they can barely win a game. Going to a game is a must if you want to truly understand what Chicago is all about. I’d recommend, if you visit during summer, to go to a baseball game. There is no better place to enjoy a beautiful day than at Wrigley Field watching the Cubs play.

Wrigley Field, Chicago
Wrigley Field

Great Live Music

You can find a live show of any genre of music, any night of the week in Chicago. Blues and House were invented in Chicago, but the city is also known for its Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, Rock, and Gospel scenes. There are two live music venues you must visit in the city. The first is Kingston Mines. Home to one of the most well known Blues artist of his generation, Lindsey Alexander, the jam sessions he and his band put down every night of the week are legendary. The second live music venue you have to check out is the Green Mill. Located in the city’s Uptown neighborhood, the Green Mill has an interesting past. The venue used to be a favorite hangout for notorious gangster Al Capone, where he had his own seat in the back of the club. Legend has it there were underground tunnels that were built so he could escape through in case the police came by. Today, it’s more known for its incredible jazz shows and great cocktails.

Chicago Street Music
Chicago jazz street performers

Beautiful Architecture

Chicago’s architecture is unique within America (a country not traditionally known for architecture). People come from all over to see, study, and be amazed by the variety and beauty of the skyscrapers in the city. One of the best ways to fully take in Chicago’s architecture is by taking a boat tour on the Chicago River organized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. An expert guides you on an hour and a half tour describing each style and some of the stories behind the buildings. The tour is fascinating and is a great way to spend a sunny summer’s day.

Architecture in Chicago

Unmatched Museums 

Chicago has almost too many museums. With over 30 museums to choose from, there is something for everyone. The most well-known museums, however, are the Field Museum Of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, and the Art Institute Of Chicago, home to paintings by the likes of van Gogh and Monet. My favorite little-known museum is the Chicago Historical Society. Their exhibits offer a great way to better understand how the city started, burned down, rose from the ashes, and become the internationally known city it is today. They even have a wide variety of walking, biking, and even running tours.

The Field Museum, Chicago, United States
The Field Museum

Summertime

While Chicago has many different nicknames, there is no better one than Summertime Chi. When summer hits the city, Chicago comes alive and you can feel the energy. Everyone tries to cram in as much fun as possible before the days become inevitably dark and cold again. From enjoying lazy days at Oak Street Beach to watching fireworks at Navy Pier to seeing some of your favorite music acts at Lollapalooza, there is an endless list of things to do. One thing you have to do though is to head to Montrose Harbor and see a sunrise on Lake Michigan. You’ve never seen such amazing colors in your life and with Chicago’s skyline behind you, you’ll almost forget you are in the heart of the best city on Earth 😉

Sunrise in Chicago

Why not check out my favorite city in Canada?

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