Over my few trips to the Windy City, I fell in love with Chicago’s bustling downtown and laid-back lakeside. For a short time, I had even lived in its suburbs, riding the Metra with its frequently scheduled stops at some of the most charming little towns in Illinois. I depended on the EL to get around and grew to fall in love with the city’s diverse neighborhoods. I absolutely adore Chicago and since moving away, always look for an opportunity to return.
One of Chicago’s iconic landmarks is the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain at Grant Park. I found myself gravitating towards this beautiful fount in the evening to watch its entertaining light show. Built in 1927, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest in the world. Operating from May to October, this extraordinary water feature lures in visitors with its scheduled water shows every 20 minutes, drawing large crowds from 9 to 10PM.
Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago’s most visited streets, most likely for its shopping, but also home to Tribune Tower, the headquarters of the city’s local newspaper. Built between 1923 and 1925, its neo-Gothic architecture with its flying buttresses displays treasures from all over the world. Several historic reliefs are embedded into the stone to include fragments from some of my favorite travel spots such as the Taj Mahal, Hagia Sophia, The Alamo and The Great Wall of China.
In 2016, plans were underway to convert this famous 36-floor skyscraper into 162 luxury residences in Chicago’s most sought after real estate. The project is expected to be completed in 2020.
Gino’s or Giordano’s? I love making a pilgrimage to Gino’s East, famous for its Chicago-style pizza. A deep dish crust piled high with toppings has been a favorite of locals for over 50 years. My go-to orders are either Gino’s Supreme or the Spinach Margarita, but the Buffalo Chicken is high on my list to try on my next visit. I never pass up the opportunity to sign Gino’s wall before leaving the restaurant.
Early morning strolls along Chicago’s Harbor is at the top of my list for things to do in the city. With nearly 14-miles of shoreline along the lake, Chicago has 10 harbors where one can enjoy the view of Lake Michigan. My favorite place to unwind is near the Belmont Harbor with its fabulous yachts parked in over 800 slips. The coast is also home to the Navy Pier, Chicago’s most visited attraction with fifty acres of entertainment, parks, shops and restaurants. Riding the Ferris wheel is a great experience for spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan.
Crown Fountain is one of Chicago’s most recent additions in its initiative to expand the city’s public art enterprise. Erected in 2004, this large tower-like fountain is located in Millennium Park. Two 50 foot glass towers stand at opposite ends of the reflection pool located between Michigan and Columbus Avenues. It is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch and to be entertained with its three-dimensional show. With the magic of technology, watch faces appear on the buildings as they spit out water onto the sidewalk.
Drawn towards the regal lions at the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, I picked up my tickets on a Thursday afternoon. The perfect place to enjoy lunch, I also browsed the artwork by some of my favorite artists to include Georges Seurat, Edward Hopper, Grant Wood and Georgia O’Keefe.
One of the oldest art museums in the United States, the AIC hosts over 1 million visitors annually at its Grant Park location. The website provides the perfect itinerary for enjoying its highlights in an hour and allows visitors to enjoy its artwork by virtual tour.
My first visit to a Cheesecake Factory was in Michigan, and although a chain restaurant, I could not get enough of its made-from-scratch recipes. With over 250 menu items, this was a great excuse to dine at Chicago’s Michigan Avenue location (John Hancock Center). Outdoor seating makes it the perfect stop on our day of shopping and one of the best downtown locations for people watching.
From the Adler Planetarium to the Field Museum of Natural History or the Shedd Aquarium, I could not decide where to start as I entered the Museum Campus. I decided to begin my day at the Field Museum which was first built to house a large collection of exhibits during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Today there are over 40 million artifacts and items of natural history. My favorite exhibits included the large collection of fossils, the animal halls, the Egyptian display and of course, Sue, the Tyrannosaurus rex.
The Shedd Aquarium was my next stop with its 32,000 animals. The aquarium first opened in 1930 and was the largest indoor aquarium of its time. The permanent exhibits are spectacular covering various underwater ecologies from all over the world.
Finally, I had arrived at the Adler Planetarium. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned of the amazing exhibits which included Our Solar System, the Doane Observatory and the historic Atwood Sphere.
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park is probably one of the most unique sculptures I have ever seen. I’ve heard that you either love it or you hate it. Nicknamed, “The Bean” this public sculpture was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and completed in 2004. I always enjoy a stop to photograph myself and friends in its stainless steel reflection and to watch ourselves at different angles become somewhat distorted.
The Riverwalk in Chicago has become one of the city’s best loved attractions. With restaurants, wine bars, shopping and boat tours, its rejuvenation in 2015 has expanded Chicago’s list of things to do. My most favorite activity is to rent kayaks and venture out onto the network of waterways for a relaxing afternoon.
Located on South Wacker in downtown Chicago, Willis Tower is a 110-story skyscraper which provides spectacular views spanning up to four states. Formerly known as Sears Tower, I was pleasantly surprised when I learned I could walk out onto a glass ledge and see the city below me. I was a bit weak in the knees (and stomach), but I managed to accomplish conquering my fear of suspending in mid-air. This attraction is definitely an adrenaline rush.
Chicago’s skyline displays four of the USA’s tallest buildings and is the third largest city in the country. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city was rebuilt by some of the top architects in the country with the addition of the former Sears Tower, the Mather Tower, the Tribune Tower and the Chicago Board of Trade. I have promised myself that during my next visit I will take a boat ride on Lake Michigan so I can enjoy the view of Chicago’s skyline from the water.
I have so much more to explore in Chicago and each time I visit, its offerings are new and never ending. My plans will be to visit during the Christmas holiday and I look forward to sharing my adventure and photos in the near future.
Are you from Chicago or have you visited this spectacular city? What are some of the attractions, and restaurants you would suggest on a return visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my experience in Chicago and wishing you many Happy Travels!
NOTE: Visit each attraction/location’s website for the most recent, up-to-date information.
What to See and What to Do:
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Telephone: 312 443 3600
- Admission Fee: Adult $25 or $35 for the fast pass; Seniors (65+), Students and Teens (14 – 17): $19 or $29 for the fast pass. Children and members are free. Some exhibitions may require an additional charge.
- Hours: Open daily from 10:30AM to 5PM and select evenings until 8PM. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Amenities: Fast pass for an additional charge, three cafes, three garages close by for parking (Millennium Park Garage, East Monroe Street Garage, Grant Park North Garage), wheelchair accessible, map of museum (download online), service animals permitted, coat check services, tours and events
- Length of Time for Your Visit: A minimum of three hours
- Transportation: Subway/El: Green, Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange Line to Adams, or Red Line to the Jackson/State or Monroe/State stations. Blue Line to Monroe. Buses: Take Bus 3, 4, 6, 145, 147, or 151 to Michigan Avenue and Jackson Street.
- Tips for Your Visit: Visit the website for several resources to make the visit more enjoyable. For example, download the app for a variety of self-guided tour options, check out the list of current and permanent exhibits and review a list of prohibited items which are not permitted in the museum. The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week.
Museum Campus
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: 312 409 9696
The Field Museum:
- Admission Fee: Adults, $22; Seniors, $19 (ages 65+); Students (with ID), $19; Children (ages 4-11), $15. (includes museum entry, SUE, Evolving Planet, and Inside Ancient Egypt); Discovery Pass (general + one special exhibit): adults, $31; seniors, students, $26; children, $22; All Access Pass (general + all special exhibits): adults, $40; seniors, students, $35; Children, $29
- Hours: Open daily from 9AM—5PM. Last admission is at 4PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Amenities: There are two restaurants (Explorer Cafe and Fields Bistro) and a seasonal outdoor grill, a gift shop, coat check, wheelchair accessibility and restrooms. Free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, and lost and found are also offered.
- Length of Time for Your Visit: A minimum of three hours
- Transportation: South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12. Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
- Tips for Your Visit: Park at Soldier Field for $15. The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week. Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting.
Shedd Aquarium:
- Admission Fee: Adults (Age 12+): $39.95 (Chicago Residents $19.95); Children (Ages 3-11): $29.95 (Chicago Residents $14.95); Infants: Free; Member Adults (18+) and Member Children (3 – 17): Free
- Hours: Open weekends from 9AM—6PM and 9AM – 5PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9AM – 3PM on Wednesday (fall and winter hours). Closed on Christmas Day.
- Amenities: There are two restaurants (Explorer Cafe and Fields Bistro) and a seasonal outdoor grill, a gift shop, coat check, wheelchair accessibility and restrooms. Free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, and lost and found are also offered.
- Length of Time for Your Visit: A minimum of three hours
- Transportation: South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12. Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
- Tips for Your Visit: Park at Soldier Field for $15. The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week. Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting. Download the maps and guide from the website.
Adler Planetarium:
- Admission Fee: Adults: $19; Children (ages 3-11): $8. (includes all exhibitions but does not include individually ticketed sky shows or experiences; Museum Entry +1: (general + one special exhibit): Adults: $28; Children: $17; Museum Entry +2: (general + two sky shows and Atwood sphere experience): Adults: $35; Children: $24; Unlimited (general + unlimited shows and Atwood sphere experience): Adults: $50; Children: $39
- Hours: Open daily from 9AM—4PM; Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; Visit the website for the most recent hours prior to arriving.
- Amenities: Galileo’s Cafe, vending machines, museum store, restrooms, wheelchair accessible, coat check, free Wi-Fi, nursing room, first aid, ATM elevators, water fountains, Doane observatory, and lost and found.
- Length of Time for Your Visit: A minimum of three hours
- Transportation: South-bound CTA bus line #146 (Marine—Michigan), or Red Line CTA train south to Roosevelt, then take a Museum Campus trolley or transfer to CTA bus #12. Parking in the lots near the campus is $15 per day
- Tips for Your Visit: Park at Soldier Field for $15. The museum is extremely busy on weekends, so if possible, visit during the week. Visit the website for a current list of exhibits prior to visiting. Download the maps and guides from the website.
Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
- Admission Fee: Adults (12+): $25; Children (ages 3-12): $17
- Hours: March – September: Sunday – Saturday 9AM-10PM; October – February: Sunday – Friday 10AM-8PM, Saturday 9:30AM-9PM; The Skydeck is open 365 days a year including Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Amenities: Gift store, restrooms, elevator, child entertainment, dining and shopping, The Ledge Experience
- Length of Time for Your Visit: Less than an hour
- Tips for Your Visit: The best time to visit is when it opens or after 5PM. For sunset photos, arrive 30 – 45 minutes ahead of time. Use the backlight function when taking photos toward the windows and turn off the flash. There are time limits on the ledge (for under 3, maximum of 60 seconds and for 3+, maximum of 90 seconds).
- Chicago Harbor
- Chicago Skyline
- Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain at Grant Park
- The Cloud Gate
- Crown Tower
- The Riverwalk
- Tribune Tower
Where to Stay:
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312 944 4100
Where to Eat:
Eno Wine Bar
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312 944 4100
Gino’s East
162 E. Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Telephone: 312 266 3337
I could not resist ordering the deep dish Spinach Margarita Pizza.
The Cheesecake Factory
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 312 337 1101
Herb Crusted Filet of Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus
What to Eat:
Books to Read:
- Sister Carrie, by Theodore Drieser
- The Man with the Golden Arm, by Nelson Algren
- The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair
- Years of Grace, by Margaret Ayer Barnes
- Prairie Avenue, by Arthur Meeker
- The Old Bunch, by Meyer Levin
- I Sailed with Magellen, by Stuart Dybek
- Windy McPherson’s Son, by Sherwood Anderson
Photo Guide to Chicago:
- Buckingham Fountain at night when it is lit up in brilliant colors
- Chicago Signs at the Chicago Theater
- Federal Plaza‘s Calder’s Flamingo
- North Avenue Beach for a phenomenal view of Chicago’s skyline
- Overlook Metro Trains at Wells Kinzie Garage
- Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate is fabulous for taking photos of your reflection
- Check out the Rookery Building to photograph the beautiful staircase
- Skydeck at Willis Tower for 360 degree views of the city
- The Wabash Arts Corridor displays amazing murals
- The Wood Pavilion at Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best places to photograph the city’s skyline. Frame the cityscape at the Wood Pavilion location.
- Wrigley Field for historical photos of the ball park
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Visiting the Winery at Versailles in Ohio, I was surprised to learn that Annie Oakley was from nearby Greenville. The winery was once home to her aunt and Annie would visit over the summer. I decided to take a mini-field trip to check out Greenville and learn more about the little girl they nicknamed “Little Sure Shot”. Not only was there a statue of the famous sharpshooter, but an exhibit venue dedicated to her at The Garst Museum.
Sunset in Key West
The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone