Chicago

It’s been a few years since we have been to Chicago. On our last visit we attended my husband’s family reunion.  Since his family is spread all over the country Chicago was selected as a compromise.  Once the reunion ended, we decided to stay around awhile and explore the city. It was summer, the weather was warm (no blustery Chicago winter for us!) and we wanted to look.   We found so much to do, that we had to plan a second trip- a second trip we have yet to make!

There is no way I could describe everything in the city worth seeing, so I am not even going to attempt.  Pizza was the first thing that came to my mind-perhaps yours as well?  Deep dish pizza absolutely screams Chicago.  If you have never sampled it, prepare yourself for thick, buttery crust.  When it is cut, the slices look like a real pie.  One of the most famous and best-loved pizzerias is the original Giordanos.  Give it a try.

There are simply too many places and experiences available but one that I would recommend you start with is Millennium Park, one of the most popular sites in the city.  While there check out the legendary Cloud Gate.  This is one of the largest structures of its type and is composed of polished metal steel plates.  Once entered, it reflects not only the skyline but your own image from many perspectives.

Chicago is home to some of the best museums in the world.  The Chicago Architecture Center is much more than a museum and includes exhibitions, events, and programs.  They also sponsor various city walking tours as well as a river cruise widely thought of as one of the very best.  Plan early for this popular attraction.  The American Writers Museum is an interactive exploration of American literature and writing.  They have a summer writing institute as well.  Currently they are focusing on the 250th anniversary of the US and exploring such topics as independence, equality, and identity.

Enjoy your time in one of America’s most dynamic cities!