Travel and Tourism 2010 created on 07/09/09 22:47:26

Chicago is a major metropolis located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Illinois. It’s the third-largest city and metropolitan area in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles.

Progress and modernization rule in Chicago. The old Chicago with its smoke-spewing factories and quarreling politicians—not to mention machine gun-wielding gangsters—is mostly gone, having given way to a new Chicago. From the sternly classical to the space age, from the Gothic to the coolly modern, Chicago is a place with an embarrassment of architectural riches. Modern architecture was born here. Frank Lloyd Wright fans will swoon to see his earliest buildings here, where he began his professional career.

Chicago’s museums and cultural institutions are among the best in the world. Three of them are located within a short walk of each other in the Near South, on what is known as the museum campus, in a beautiful spot along the lake: the Adler Planetarium, with cool hands-on space exhibits and astronomy shows; the Field Museum; and the Shedd Aquarium, with the best collection of marine life east of California. A short distance away, on the South Chicago Shore, is the most fun of them all, the Museum of Science and Industry—or, as generations of Chicago-area grade school students know it, the best field trip ever.

In the Loop, the Art Institute of Chicago has a handful of iconic household names among an unrivaled collection of Impressionism, modern and classical art, and tons of historical artifacts. And in Lincoln Park, a short trip from the Loop, the cheerful (and free) Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes visitors every day of the week.

This family entertainment complex on Lake Michigan offers daylong fun with more than 50 acres of parks and gardens, first-rate shopping, restaurants and exciting attractions. Ride the 15-story Ferris wheel, watch world-class performers at the Skyline Stage, and tour three floors of interactive fun at the Chicago Children's Museum. For some culture amongst the commercialism, check out the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. During the summer, free entertainment is available on Dock Street. During the winter, rent skates and take a spin on the open-air rink. Credit cards are accepted, but types vary by the establishment. The pier opens daily at 10pm.

Millennium Park is one of the newest additions to Chicago's many wide-open urban spaces, and is host to a range of indoor/outdoor activities for the entire family. You can listen to top musical events at the outdoor pavilion, or glide across the bustling ice skating rink come winter. The park is also home to some of the city's best public art, such as the interactive Crown Fountain, and the scene-stealing Cloud Gate—a mirrored sculpture situated in the middle of the plaza. For a scenic walk, take a stroll through the Lurie Garden, or wind your way along Frank Gehry's BP Bridge. For a bit of the park's history, be sure to take a peek at the Peristyle, a replica of the curving row of paired Greek columns that were on the corner of Grant Park near Michigan and Randolph from 1917 to 1953. While in the park one cannot afford to miss the Cloud Gate Sculpture, a three storied structure built with 110 tons of steel. It is called the Bean Sculpture by the residents.

Representing the spirit of American shopping, this well-known stretch of Michigan Avenue has something for everyone in hundreds of trendy stores, one-of-a-kind galleries, Chicago souvenir shops and mouth-watering bakeries and cafes selling anything and everything. During the holiday season, check out the decorations that make the mile look even more magnificent. Hard-core shoppers will want to start at the north end, a cluster of three malls: Chicago Place Mall, Water Tower Place and the 900 North Michigan Shops. Store hours vary.

The eight-level Water Tower Place reigns as the largest mall on Michigan Avenue. Anchored by a Lord & Taylor and a branch of Marshall Field's and Company, Water Tower includes more than 100 stores, movie theaters, and many dining options. Take the glass elevators to the upper floors to visit the frenetic Foodlife, an upscale food court with multiple stations that offer made-to-order items from a wide range of cuisines. For a hearty sit-down meal, try Mity Nice Grill, with its 1940's decor and crowded walls of children's photos.

While no longer the world's tallest building, the Sears Tower still stands proud. High-speed elevators climb 110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the view from 1,454 feet can be stunning. Enjoy bird's eye views of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Skydeck Tour also includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information on the Sears Tower and other architecturally significant buildings. The Skydesk also offers Glass Balconies, also known as "The Ledge." On the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower there are balconies with see through walls, ceilings floors, so it is like you are standing on air. If you are brave enough to venture out, the balconies offer a spectacular view of the city as well as the streets bellow.

Forget about the mega-chain this pizzeria spawned. This location is the first, with arguably the best pizza in the world. Waits can be long, up to two hours sometimes, but it is worth it. One-of-a-kind crust, loaded thick with toppings make the pizza to die for, or go for some Minestrone Soup and a salad. The decor is rough-and-tumble, old school Chicago, but the menu has is modern trends and features "specialty" pizzas. Do not even think about counting grams of fat, just eat.

This was the home of the famous architect and his family during the formative years of his career. Tours of the design masterpiece created by the architect himself show the soaring great room and the beginnings of his Prairie style. You can also wander through the studio where he produced his landmark designs that challenged conventional architectural ideas. Admission: USD9 adults, USD7 youth and senior citizens; children under 6 free.

One of the country's oldest ballparks, this is also one of the prettiest. You will not find Astroturf here because the fans would not allow it. The ivy grows thick and heavy along the outfield walls, and the grass is kept a lush green. Now home to the Chicago Cubs, at one time the Chicago Bears team played here. Even if you are not a sports fan, you can enjoy a day here. There is a sense of history and bygone times to satisfy anyone looking for a slice of the past. Make sure to grab a hot dog and an over-priced beer before finding your seat to watch the ball game. Parking is in very short supply and very expensive once you find it. Your best bet is to take the CTA's Red Line or park at least a mile west of the ballpark and walk. Tickets can be booked online.

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, this indoor aquatic world the John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from across the globe. Explore Caribbean waters at the 90,000-gallon coral reef exhibit, or watch whales and dolphins play during marine mammal shows. Eat at Soundings restaurant, where you will find a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, or in the Bubble Net food court. Aquatic souvenirs are available in the gift shop. See website for package deals, visitor info, maps, membership details, and events calendar. The Aquarium opens daily at 9am.

Visitors can journey to the stars or experiment with telescopes at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum . Also, there is plenty to learn about space travel, solar systems and galaxies through stunning displays. The informative, virtual reality StarRider Theater takes visitors on a tour of the Milky Way in chairs with interactive armrests. Shop at the Out of This World museum store which sells space-related souvenirs and gifts. For details on regular and summer hours, admission prices, driving directions, parking, audio tours and events check the website.

Travel from ancient civilizations through modern times, viewing remnants of bygone cultures and traditions. Get the inside story on Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex dinosaur skeleton, or view preserved man-eating lions and other animals. For a truly subterranean experience, check out the Underground Adventure, an exhibit dedicated to soil and how it sustains life, or just relax at one of several places to eat. Free for members, teachers and military personnel. Chicago residents receive a discount. See website for online ticketing, visitor guide, and extended hours.

Graceful sea horses spray jets of water into the lagoon that surrounds what is perhaps Chicago's most beloved public piece of art. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham commissioned the fountain in 1927 in honor of her brother Clarence. Its design parallels one of the fountains at Versailles Palace in France. You may, however, recognize it from the intro to "Married with Children." Recently renovated, the fountain has been returned to its former splendor. At night, it becomes gorgeously illuminated, drawing crowds from May 1st (or earlier if warm) until mid-October.

Descend the murky stairs and "Butt on in" as the sign says. Made famous by John Belushi's Saturday Night Live "Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger" skit, this joint never fails to please in all of its sleazy glory. For a truly authentic experience, enter late when all the tourists have left. Check out the old Mike Royko columns and photographs on the walls. You can order breakfast until 11a and after that you can order a hot dog, a ham and cheese or a cheeseburger, but you cannot order fries - only chips. Try the "Doublacheez" for a wallop.

Cross over the North Avenue Bridge from Lincoln Park, pause to admire the stunning view of Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, and then head to the beach to stake your ground for summertime fun. Left to crumbling and rust for many years, the North Avenue Beach House was recently restored. Shaped something like a boat, the beach house contains restrooms and snack bars. If swimming and sun bathing is not your thing, try matching wits with one of the players at the vintage chess pavilion near the beach house.

Lincoln Park Zoo is perfect for a family outing. Built in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the country. The zoo management team comprises experts in wildlife conservation, community education and recreation. The zoo, which attracts more than three million visitors a year, is open all year-round.

From popular Rembrandt masterpieces to recent works by lesser-known artists, the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest art collections in the world. Spanning centuries of human creativity, exhibits include a distinguished collection of prints and drawings, an internationally acclaimed collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, sculptures, photographs, Asian, African and American arts, architectural drawings, textiles and more. Many pieces are on loan from the famed Terra Foundation for American Art. Educational programs and guided museum tours are available. Art books, reproductions, postcards and other items are available in the museum shop. Free public lectures are given during weekends. Art Institute of Chicago also added a modern wing for contemporary art which makes the art museum the second largest in the United States

Dubbed a Chicago landmark, Gene & Georgetti is a no-frills steakhouse. Although the fillet mignon is good, the food is overpriced for the quality. However, the two-level restaurant does fill up quickly with people clamoring to fill their stomachs. Do not expect to find anything fancy on the menu, or even any descriptions for that matter. Modern trends in food and ambiance have not arrived here, and they probably never will.