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Things to do in Chicago

Visit Michigan Avenue. It is called the ‘Magnificent Mile’. There is wonderful shopping on this street.

The historical Water Tower building houses the Chicago Visitors Centre. A great place to visit for Chicago visitors information and ideas, numerous maps and brochures and a very helpful staff.(163 E. Pearson St., just one short block from corner of Michigan and Chicago Avenues toward the Water Tower Mall.

There are many Jazz and Blues Bars in the downtown area and also theatres with some of the latest Broadway plays. Some on or near State Street and also in the area where the “Blues Brothers’ got their start. Theatre tickets available at the Tourism office.

The architecture of Chicago is fantastic and it is worth strolling in the downtown core to view the sensational buildings of so many famous architects. I recommend to arrange the Architectural Cruise on the Chicago River operated by Shore Line Cruises. The Tour commentators on each boat have a University degree in architecture. The whole cruise is fascinating and so informative (also so many photo-ops throughout the cruise). Payment for this cruise is the’ best’ money a visitor to Chicago can spend.

Museums in Chicago are excellent. Some of the museums to visit are Shedd Aquarium…Field Museum of Natural History (it is spectacular)…Art Institute of Chicago…a true winner! (at the edge of Millenium Park)…Museum of Science & Technology … this is an excellent museum but pax must take a bus or cab to get there….it is further away!

Visit MILLENIUM PARK…24.5 acre park (on Michigan Av…between Randolph and Monroe Sts.) This is an outdoor centre for World class art, music, architecture and landscape design. Beautiful gardens. It is a location of Jay Pritzer Pavilion and also “Cloud Mate”, better known as ‘The Bean’ ( a giant sized glistening reflective artwork in the shape of a kidney bean. Great fun to walk beneath and take photos of ‘oneself taking a photo of oneself”…can’t picture it? Then be sure to visit!! ……There are also many other sculptures which are fun to observe and are sometimes interactive .In winter it is the location of the McCormick Tribune Plaza  and Ice Rink.

Visit the Historic Navy Pier..called Chicagos Lakefront Playground.. has 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens. This major tourist attraction has three floors of shops and entertainment..Located on Lake Michigan and east of Millenium Park…There are rides.. in particular the giant (15 storey tall Ferris Wheel), restaurants, exhibitions, entertainment, bicycle rental, water taxis, dining cruises and tour boats. There is an Imax Theatre..and stages for performances such as, the Pepsi Skyline Stage and also live music at the Bud Light Stage at the beer garden. Also at no charge you may visit the ‘Stained Glass Museum’ at the lake end of the pier. Over 8 Million visitors per year.

Visit Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)…108 story-1451 ft or 442 meters skyscraper and is the highest building in the United States….tickets for Elevation available at the base..the tower has the Skydeck which has a glass floor and extends out over the city…

Visit John Hancock Observatory Tower…This is also an excellent elevation experience (purchase tickets at base) located near Water Tower Mall…elevate and enjoy the fabulous views of Chicago including the wonderful sandy beaches of Lake Michigan….not far north of Navy Pier.

After you descend enjoy a scrumptious piece of cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory located at the base of the Hancock Tower building.

Pilsen Village…for those interested in Hispanic and Mexican culture and history this unique area…..is a bus ride away…has Mexican restaurants, shops….and an interesting Museum.

Chicago Festivals: Various Street Festivals of Food, Music, Art, Books, Sports (Chicago Marathon) etc… are held at various times throughout the summer season. If you are a visitor to Chicago at time of a particular festival,  it is great fun to attend these street fairs and taste, participate and enjoy!

Pam

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