Chicago is an outstanding city that is suitable for just a short stopover or a longer vacation. From lakeside strolls to museums, impressive architecture, exciting sporting events and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago has something for almost every interest and people of all ages will enjoy a visit. It’s the home of President and Mrs. Obama, and many new landmarks point out areas of interest related to their lives in Chicago. For more things to do in Chicago, consider the following:
Millennium Park
Just off the famous Lake Shore Drive is Millennium Park, a free, 24-acre park that hosts concerts and summer weekend workout sessions, it also has a garden, a theater, and the famous “Bean” sculpture. The outdoor Grant Park Music Festival runs for 10 weeks during the summer while summertime Saturday mornings in the park feature Millennium Park Workouts from 7 am to 11 am; with free to participate Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba. Afterward, you can walk the miles of trails to cool down while viewing the fountains and gardens.
Catch a Game
No matter the time of year, sports are on in Chicago. Springtime brings baseball, and Chicago fields two Major League teams: the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs, more commonly known as “The Cubbies”. In the summer and fall fans can watch the Chicago Bears (“Da Bears!”) throw the pigskin at the famous Soldier Field, and wintertime brings out the Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. Fall and winter offer up basketball games with the Chicago Bulls at United Center, and other sports including rugby (Chicago Griffins) and soccer (Chicago Fire) are played at their respective venues.
Shop the Magnificent Mile
Shopaholics will revel in the shopping opportunities to be found on Michigan Avenue, at stores like Lord & Taylor, Cartier, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. But don’t forget some of the smaller, unique stores, such as Nakamol Design, Mary Mary, Marc Jacobs, Ermenegildo Zegna and Stuart Weitzman footwear. No matter how outlandish the request, one of the shops on the Magnificent Mile is sure to fulfill it.
Enjoy Some Culture
Chicago has several excellent museums and many other visitor attractions. The Field Museum has Egyptian mummies; “Sue” the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a nature walk, a planetarium, and a world tour exhibit, all in one vast location. For those reaching for the stars, the John Hancock Observatory or the Museum of Science and Industry both offer glimpses into the cosmos; there are many hands-on exhibits that kids love. The Shedd Aquarium, where visitors can interact with over 30,000 denizens of the deep is also very popular. You could also spend an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago where everything from ancient Japanese prints to modern lithographs are on display.
Play on the Pier
Ideal for kids of all ages, Navy Pier, set on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a Ferris wheel, Cirque Shanghai performances, putt-putt golf, rides, shops, restaurants and entertainment. The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is a unique visitor experience at the Pier, and includes one of the best collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work assembled in any location.
photo credit: Bert Kaufmann
