The world is an amazing place. It would be a dream come true for almost everyone I know to win a free trip around the globe, including stops at each of the Seven Wonders of the World. While I am totally willing to drop everything at any moment for a trip like that, I don't really have the time now with the holidays and finals coming up. But, I do have the time and the money to explore my hometown a little more.
What I have found is that Chicago is a lot more than a trip to The Bean. It is full of little wonders that deserve equal amounts of attention as the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge.
1. De Pasada
2. Millennium Park
While the Bean is really amazing, Millennium Park just has so much more to offer. In the summer, especially, there is something going on practically every night. Monday and Thursday nights offer different bands and artists that perform on stage, and it is free for the audience. On Tuesday nights, movies play on the big screen on stage, also for free. You can spend time just walking around and looking at the cool architecture or run around on a hot summer day in the big fountains. There is almost always something going on, so Millennium Park can never disappoint you. In addition, it has a cool pedestrian bridge, which can be compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in California. It links Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park, which has a really cool ice skating rink.
3. Union and Ogilvie Train Stations
There is no way I can be the only one who thinks that there is something magical about a train station. Think of them as the old city of Jerusalem- all the hustle and bustle of ancient people's lives: trading through vendors, pickpockets, buildings with columns, the list goes on. I love Union Station for how big it is. I honestly still cannot find my way around it sometimes. And while the food court is okay, Ogilvie has better seating options and is not as confusing. It is perfectly acceptable to just sit on a bench and watch the station come alive when a train arrives, and is the perfect way to watch the city wake up.
4. Sophia's Pizza
May you rest in peace, Sophia's Pizza. This little restaurant can be compared to the gardens of Babylon (because they once existed, but now, they do not). Sophia's was amazing because you could get pizza and pop for $3, tax included. I am crying at the thought of it no longer existing. You can visit the old location at 1132 Taylor Street and say a prayer for your wallet and bank account. Then, travel across the street to Papa John's and have a bite to eat.
5. Lakefront Trail
The lakefront running trail is like the Great Wall of China, but 5,482 miles shorter. So, that's pretty close. You get 18 miles of uninterrupted running, which is really hard to find anywhere else in the city, unless you are really into running in circles around parks. There is usually a nice breeze off the lake, too, which makes running on the Lakefront Trail a very enjoyable experience.
6. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is our very own Great Barrier Reef! There are countless exhibits of different sea animals. Once you enter, you will forget you are even in the Midwest and be transported to the bottom of the ocean. Honestly, it is really hard to leave once the workers say it is closing. You just feel really connected to the sea life because they keep staring at you and making you wish you were a mermaid swimming around with them forever.
7. Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
While I don't think this lighthouse is actually used to guide ships into the harbor and away from crashing into cliffs or other dangers, it is very pretty to look at. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (may it also rest in peace) was probably one of the tallest man-made structures of the times. It sits out on the lake off shore from Navy Pier. It is not accessible by foot, so maybe you can ask a worker to take you there by boat. Even if he will not take you, you can still stare at it from a distance.
