CHICAGO
May 13th, 2008 Posted in Chicago
No matter where you come from, your first day in Chicago is sure to generate the same reaction: Wow. The architecture, the waterfront, the culture, the shopping, the nightlife, the public spaces and public art, the women, and the men - there’s a lot more than that famous mile that can be called magnificent.
Chicago is a visual smorgasbord with so much to see in every direction. Start from the top with one of the world’s tallest buildings, the Sears Tower, and the equally impressive Hancock Building, both of which offer public observation areas. The landmark skyline is a result of a devastating fire in 1871 (reportedly caused by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow) that destroyed most of downtown and prompted the well-planned and architecturally significant metropolis of today.
Downtown Chicago is comprised of the Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue - the hub for hotels, restaurants and the finest shopping of any destination, and the Loop, the city’s business and cultural district. This is where the subway and elevated (”L”) trains make a loop of major downtown stations and offer easy transfers between lines. Diverse neighborhoods stretch outward from the city center, each calling visitors to explore their unique treasures and experiences.
Lake Michigan stretches along the city’s eastern boundary, and the Chicago River flows through the middle of town, both providing beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities. Equally scenic parks, public spaces and the famous Navy Pier provide natural canvases for the city’s cultural landmarks. To the east of the Loop, Grant Park is an urban oasis and home to some of the city’s premier museums. Next door, the majestic and awe-inspiring Millennium Park presents a mix of green space and contemporary art and architecture. Most of the 19-mile lakefront is pedestrian friendly and filled with running and biking trails, beaches and aquatic excursions.
Chicago is best enjoyed with a planned itinerary in order to explore the easily-navigable, but large, city. Pack your walking shoes and your camera, because block after city block, everything in Chicago is big, bold and beautiful.