15 October 2010
Posted in
Pearls in Ophthalmology
By Brooke Strickland
The hubbub of the city of Chicago is magnetic, and you’re sure to be drawn into its charm. If you’ve never been there, be sure to make a list of things that are on your “must see” list. There are so many things to do and sites to see, it’s important to know and schedule ahead of time (as much as you can) what destinations you’ll be traveling to. If you don’t have any idea where to start in what to see in this great city, we’ve compiled five places that capture the essence of Chicago.
• Wrigley Field: Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, this famous baseball stadium is an iconic part of Chicago, and a must see for most tourists to the area. It’s been the home of the Chicago Cubs since its opening in 1916. It’s one of the last parks to maintain a hand turned scoreboard, and is also known for its distinctive ivy-covered outfield walls. If you’re there at the right time of year, make sure to get tickets to a Cubs game. If not, there are other events held in the stadium, such as football, ice hockey, and soccer.
• Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower): This symbol of Chicago stands at 1,450 feet and 110 stories high and is known as the tallest building in the western hemisphere. It’s a business megacenter in Chicago, offering more than 3.8 million square feet of retail and office space. For tourists, the Skydeck gives you a birds eye view of this beautiful city. Located on the 103rd floor (1,353 feet in the air), there are glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet from the Skeydeck. The best time to visit is in the evening, so you can see the sunset and the flashing city lights.
• Millennium Park: With a history dating back to the early 1900’s this 24.5 acre park is a jewel in Chicago, showcasing both greenery but architecture and monumental sculptures that are unrivaled. It has won awards for art, music, architecture, and landscape design, and hosts millions of people each year, making it one of the most popular places to see in Chicago. If its your first time at the park, stop by the Welcome Center to pick up maps and talk to specialists who can give you pointers on what to see first.
• Architectural cruises: If architecture fascinates you, then one of these acclaimed architecture cruises is for you. Cruising the historic Chicago River, the tour takes you by buildings of all kinds, including the Wrigley Building, Marina City, Willis Tower, and the Tribune Tower. Narrated by professionals, your tour guide will tell stories of the history of the buildings. Tickets range from $22-30 for adults, and for children, $11-15.
• Lakefront Trail: If you want a work out during your trip, make sure to plan for some time on the Lakefront Trail. This 18-mile paved stretch is a perfect place to bike, run, walk, or skate. Along the trail, there are parks, benches, gardens, statues, and amenities. On a clear summer day, this spot is ideal, but even if you’re in Chicago in the dead of winter, you can still bundle up and venture out for a brisk walk.
So whatever your interests, Chicago opens its arms to you. Embrace its rich history, culture, and unique atmosphere during your trip. You won’t forget it!
