Travel With Terri
By Terri Farris
The Windy City: Home to sports, art, architecture and more!
Chicago offers visitors a little of everything! Depending on the season, sports enthusiasts can take in a Chicago Bears’ game at Soldier Field, watch the Chicago Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field, head to the southside to catch the Chicago White Sox or watch the pros shoot hoops at a Chicago Bulls’ game. While all of these sports teams are synonymous with Chicago, there is an abundance of culture to experience here as well.
Let’s start with a very unique style of art located in Millennium Park in Downtown Chicago. Bombay born sculptor, Anish Kapoor, designed Cloud Gate, a 33 feet high, 66 feet long, and 42 inches wide stainless steel sculpture located in Chicago’s Millennium Park. (http://www.millenniumpark.org/) Constructed entirely of stainless steal plates, the sculpture is actually hollow inside. It was assembled on site because it was too large to transport. Once assembled, the seams from the stainless steel plates were removed resulting in one huge shiny futuristic structure which reflects the surrounding Chicago
skyline. Nicknamed “The Bean” due to its bean-like shape, Cloud Gate has become one of Chicago’s most unusual attractions and offers a truly unique photo opportunity!
In addition to incredible works of art, Chicago has some of the world’s most significant architecture and there is no better way to view these magnificent structures than from the Chicago River. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers 90-minute narrated riverboat tours led by certified volunteer docents. The tours cover more than 50 sites and buildings. While cruising the river, you will see the works of architectural geniuses Daniel H. Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Miles van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and hundreds of others. Highlights include the Merchandise Mart which is a massive complex covering two city blocks. This building is so large it has its own zip code! Sears Tower, one of Chicago’s most famous buildings, reigned as the world’s tallest building for 24 years. A visit to the observation floor provides panoramic views of the city including beautiful views of Lake Michigan. On a clear day it does seem you could see forever! And coming soon, Santiago Calatrava’s Chicago Spire is situated where the Chicago River meets
Lake Michigan. Upon completion in 2011 it will be the world’s tallest residential building. www.architecture.org
The cultural experiences continue with a visit to one of Chicago’s many museums. With options to choose from including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, home to Sue, the world’s largest most complete T.Rex dinosaur, visitors to Chicago could spend days exploring! To learn about the multi-cultural history of Chicago, visit the Chicago History Museum. Here you can explore the permanent exhibit Crossroads of America detailing the railroad’s role in bringing commerce to Chicago. Also, you can tour the first “L” car from Chicago’s elevated subway system. The exhibit City in Crisis provides visitors an opportunity to investigate Chicago’s response to six dramatic crises, from the Great Fire of 1871 to the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Opening in October 2009 is the Abraham Lincoln exhibit. This exhibition examines the fundamental change in Lincoln’s views about slavery and the Union that changed America. www.chicagohistory.org
Most major cities have their own culinary footprints, and Chicago is no exception. Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza and Gino’s East serves some of the best you will find in the city. Entering the restaurant you are greeted by graffiti covered walls…and you are welcome to add your own if you can find a spot! The deep dish pizza features a buttery crust, loads of cheese, chunky tomato sauce and your choice of toppings. Come hungry! www.ginoseast.com
Although hamburgers are not unique to Chicago, there is a very unique McDonalds located in Chicago’s north side. The Rock ‘N Roll McDonalds (600 N. Clark Street 312-664-7940) is like no other McDonalds you have ever seen! This McDonalds is a two-story restaurant. The downstairs is the place to find the usual McDonalds menu, but take a ride up the escalator and you will find the “Bistro” and you will think you somehow left McDonalds altogether. First, the menu includes selections such as mochas, lattes, cappuccinos and desserts…including tiramisu and gelato. The upscale furnishings include plush leather chairs and modern area dividers where patrons relax in style while metal and glass window walls provide panoramic views. There is also a collection of items from the various decades of McDonalds’ history. Outside there is a freestanding miniature Rock ‘N Roll museum. The building is sealed to the public, but visitors can peer through the glass walls to see a classic car and memorabilia from Elvis and The Beatles including gold albums and one of Elvis’s guitars.
Chicago is an incredibly diverse and interesting city and these are just a few of its offerings. To plan your own visit to Chicago visit www.explorechicago.org . You won’t be disappointed!
Terri Farris is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling. You can see more of her writing on her blog at www.terrifarris.blog-spot.com or contact her at [email protected].