Chicago is known for its gang problems, horrible traffic (seriously), and multiple teachers' strikes. All these things are true and definitely worth mentioning. But when I went away to college, I suddenly found myself unmoored in a sea of no-Lou Malnati's. And it wasn't just the deep dish pizza that I pined away for. (Seriously, who can beat our food?!?)
1. The Skyline
Seriously, we have the best skyline in the world. I have traveled to many other cities including Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., and Cleveland, but there's nothing like Chicago's. And there's a reason for that. We literally have a city committee devoted to skyline planning. You can't just pick a design for a building; you have to have a design that further beautifies the skyline. How cool is that?!?
Recommendation: Go to the Skybox at the top floor of the Willis Tower (AKA Sears Tower to us Chicagoans). You can see all around the city from the tallest of skyscrapers in the Midwest.
2. The Lake
We have multiple beaches stretching along Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. There's just something calming about looking at a wide expanse of blue nothingness, and I have so many memories of getting lost in the city with my friends, and just heading east to find the lake. Plus, beach parties are the best.
Recommendation: Oak Street Beach is the prettiest, plus the heart of downtown is just 5 minutes away.
3. The People
Seriously, Chicago is the home of immigrants. We have many embassies here, and thus people move here from all over the world. Some of my high school friends included one from Germany and one from Russia. Plus, many people belong to different religions. My sister had gone to a Catholic elementary school, so it wasn't until she went to a public high school that she realized that not everyone was Catholic. My childhood best friend is Jewish, and one of my high school friends is Buddhist. This leads to some of the weirdest and most invigorating conversations I've ever had.
Recommendation: Ask for directions from anyone on the street. You will encounter some very interesting personalities. :)
4. The Train System
Okay, I don't miss the bus. But the train. Dude, the train. It is one of only two cities in the country to use trains for mass transport (New York being the other one), so it sets us apart. Additionally, you will realize what a luxury our transit system is when the bus never comes or you're standing outside in freezing -10 degree weather waiting for it. It is not only easy to use, but you can experience a whole new neighborhood and culture in minutes.
Recommendation: If you can, ride the entire train line. I actually do this for other cities I've traveled to, but it's a super quick way to adjust to traveling by train, see city sights cheaply, and get a vibe of the city.
5. The Neighborhoods
I'm going to rep Jefferson Park here (yes, J.P.!), but every neighborhood has its own culture and story to tell. From Chinatown on the Red Line to Wicker Park on the Milwaukee bus line, you can literally visit every culture in the city by hopping from neighborhood to neighborhood. My neighborhood is historically Polish, and Pilsen is a historically Mexican neighborhood. Gold Coast is a wealthy Black neighborhood on the South Side, and Little Italy is downtown. Seriously, it is that diverse. It is also fairly easy to pick up languages too.
Recommendation: Eat food in a brand new neighborhood each meal. I promise you, it will be so worth it.
6. The Places
Where else can you find a beauty salon that is also an art hot-spot? Can you find a Persian corner restaurant anywhere else? I didn't think so. Chicago is the home of small business, and thus a walk down the street will result in the greatest hidden gems. It's what makes the city unique and a constant place of creativity and inspiration. The Family Food Store may not be a famous name, but it was beloved by its area residents for over a decade.
Recommendation: Don't be afraid to order dessert at a food truck or browse at a small fashion boutique. I swear, it will make for great memories, and fun photo op's too!
7. The Events
I don't know about you, but I love that one day I can go to a street festival, and the next a Shakespeare play in the park. Plus, we're the home of so many different music festivals I've lost track. Many here adore Lollapalooza, Ravinia, Riot Fest, and Pitchfork though. There's free days at the various museums, and look into Movies in the Park.
Recommendation: Look up things that you're interested in in a Chicago-area magazine or on Facebook. I guarantee you that there will be at least 10 free events a week, so you don't need to break the bank.
8. The Sports
Okay, yes, I know, I'm not an athlete, and I will never be one. But Chicago is an exciting place to enjoy sports, as we pretty much have everything. We have women's and men's teams for pretty much everything you could think of, but we pride ourselves especially on our baseball teams. Some of the worst rivalries I have ever seen occurred between White Sox and Cubs fans. High school Sports Day was always an interesting time....
Recommendation: Whatever sport you're interested in, search "Chicago ____ team" and I swear that they will have a game going on that you can watch. If not, go to your local sports bar.
9. Theater
Okay, as an acting major, I love that we have such a large theater scene. It's not Broadway, but it's great! I used to do an apprenticeship downtown, so getting to walk down the street by the Oriental Theater and smell the Garrett's popcorn everyday was always the best. Plus, as a world city, we're a prime spot for many of the on tour shows in the Midwest. From Wicked to Hamilton, we have had it all. It's also so great to take a short train ride downtown to see a show, perhaps after school one day.
10. It's Home
I was born here (literally) in a hospital downtown- Prentice Women's Hospital, to be exact. My whole life has been here, and except for camping and short excursions to my grandparents' house, I have never lived anywhere else. And while I do imagine leaving Chicago for bigger and greater things, I will always proudly cheer on Chicago and proclaim it to be my home.
I missed you, Chicago. And now that I'm home for the summer, I am much happier.
