Get a Taste of Chicago on Your Next Visit
You may have seen photos of a giant silver bean circulating social media, but Chicago’s “Cloud Gate,” or more commonly referenced to as “The Bean,” is not the only must-see in this beautiful city.
Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s Pizza are two of the most popular restaurants reserved by out-of-state tourists and visitors. While these restaurants serve up some yummy za, a true Chicagoan will find themselves dining on a classic, cheesy slice of Pizano’s deep dish pizza. Pizano’s Pizza only has four Chicago locations and provides a unique experience with tastes you can’t find on every street corner.
Another less popular, yet remarkable entertainment destination is Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The Second City has long been a North Side favorite for live comedic performances.
This enterprise showcases comedians and improvisational theatre troupes. Are you familiar with or a fan of Saturday Night Live? Comedians such as Tina Fey, Vanessa Bayer, and Aidy Bryant all began their careers touring with The Second City before shooting to stardom. Attending one of these performances is an inexpensive, yet humorous way to spend a weekday or weekend evening outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city.
Is a sunny day at the beach more your style? Chicago’s North Avenue Beach is the perfect place to mingle with friends and family, or get your tan on during a hot summer day.
This beach features a massive beached “ship” with casual dining and drinks available on the deck. The ship also has changing rooms and shaded seating inside. The beach is surrounded by delicious food, shopping, and outdoor entertainment. It also showcases an incredible view of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier from the lake shore.
About one mile and a half down the road is Oak Street Beach, a more secluded and unoccupied destination on Michigan Lake. This beach showcases a small bar and lounge area, making it the perfect place to unwind without the crowded atmosphere.
Spending the summertime in the city is an incredible opportunity to attend one of Chicago’s public events or celebrations. The Taste of Chicago has long been a fan-favorite for Chicago residents and visitors. It’s the world’s largest food festival that lasts five days annually during July.
The event features an abundance of delicious food vendors who showcase their most popular creations. Food isn’t the only highlight of this event.
The Taste of Chicago also offers various forms of live music performances. Shows take place on multiple stages and inside pavilions. The festival is hosted at the same location as Lollapalooza. Grant Park is the perfect place to hold lots of people, music, and food for The Taste of Chicago.
Lollapalooza, Spring Awakening, and Pitchfork are just three of many popular music festivals hosted in the city annually. Each festival showcases music in a variety of genres. Any and all festival lovers are bound to have an incredible weekend singing and dancing to their favorite music in the heart of the city.
Chicago’s Navy Pier is known for its child-friendly attractions, delicious dining, and massive ferris wheel. There are many activities here, but river tours are an incredible way to explore the city from the comfort of your own ship. These tours allow tourists to learn more about the layout and history of Chicago.
A friendlier environment for younger children at Navy Pier would be the Chicago Children’s Museum. Throughout my childhood, this museum was the highlight of my family trips to the city. This attraction provides fun activities for adults and children to do together, leading to a full day of family fun.
Last but not least, and only about a mile away from Navy Pier, is one of Chicago’s most cherished locations: The Skydeck. This unique observation deck gives you the chance to witness a breathtaking view of the city.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even test your nerves while standing in a glass box protruding from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
You may have already caught word of this city must-see, as it has become a very popular tourist attraction in recent years. Nevertheless, if you find yourself visiting the beautiful city of Chicago, what’s stopping you from checking out the very best view?
