1. Chicago fare is a foodie’s dream (and a dieter’s nightmare).

Alas, the dichotomy of Chicago’s unique cuisine. If you hail from The Windy City, you know that perfection takes the form of a slice in Lou Malnati’s infamous deep-dish pizza or a Chicago dog (hold the ketchup, please—all Chicagoans know it’s sacrilege to douse a dog in this condiment). In addition to these staples, Chicago also boasts a dynamic food scene within its ethnic neighborhoods. Take a trip to Chinatown if you’re looking for a mean dim sum, or the Pilsen neighborhood if you’re craving an authentic taco. Simply put, there's something to please even the toughest connoisseur.

2. It's just cooler by the lake.

“The Lake” as Chicagoans call it, isn’t just any lake. Actually, it is The Lake--none other than Lake Michigan. Any Chicago native knows that a dip in the cool and picturesque Lake Michigan beats any romp through the salty water of the ocean. Chicagoans enjoy acres upon acres of public lakeshore property that take the form of parks, golf courses, bike trails, harbors, and beaches. We also know that one of the most stunning views of the water comes from LSD (no, not what you’re thinking—it's Lake Shore Drive, of course).

3. There is always something to do in Chitown.

Museum junkies and intellects alike find their paradise in one of Chicago’s many top-ranked museums like The Field Museum, The Art Institute, The Museum of Science & Industry, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Chitown also hosts a plethora of events during the summertime, attracting crowds of thousands each year. Want to sample some of Chicago’s best bites? The Taste of Chicago, or the world’s largest food festival, has got you covered. Love music festivals? Lollapalooza is your destination during the first week of August. Chicago is also home to Second City, the mecca of improvisational comedy and where famous comedians cut their teeth (Tina Fey, I’m looking at you). Check out (many) more of the city's happenings here.

4. Chicago sports are a force of nature.

The American Civil War may have ended in 1865, but another bloody North-South rivalry persists today: The Cubs vs. The White Sox. Whether you like to call Wrigley Field your stomping ground or you rather pledge your allegiance to the players at U.S. Cellular, all Chicago sports enthusiasts really know how to love their teams. Not to mention Chicago is the home to other sports powerhouses, like the Blackhawks (hello, we just won the Stanley Cup…again!), the Bulls, and the Bears.

5. For better or for worse, every season is (really) experienced.

When you’re from Chicago, you can really maximize the use of a diverse and multi-seasonal wardrobe because all four seasons truly come to fruition. From scorching summers to blustery winters (#Chiberia) and essentially every type of weather between, The Windy City stands tall through blizzards, heatwaves, tornado-like winds, heavy rain, and high humidity—but manages to stay equally gorgeous through it all.

6. Chicago is a big city with a big heart.

A city isn’t defined by its number of skyscrapers or the level of hustle and bustle. A city is defined by the people who inhabit it, and in the case of Chicago, is a city that is warm, diverse, and welcoming. Located in the heart of America, Chicago features an eclectic mix of people from all over who come together to forge an identity that is uniquely “Chicago," rooted in traditional Midwestern values of hard work, resilience, and affability. And for that, I am blessed to call Chicago my home.

Image Credits: http://damdogs.com/menu/hot-dogs-and-more/

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