ChiTown!

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Terryn Honeycutt
Chicago
While this trip happened last summer, I thought it might help someone out there wanting to experience The Windy City. The whole decision was based on wanting to see a Chicago Cubs game. So I starting to research and found I wanted to do so much more!

I first found that the Field Museum was having a Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit, and knew I had to see it. The process was easy, the Field Museum offers a very helpful website in which you can pre order tickets, quick and easy! This really helps cut down on waiting times once you get there. The museum has many other exhibits that cater to not only kids, but adults as well. The year round Egyptology exhibit was phenomenal. (www.fieldmuseum.org)

I also ventured to the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. The combination of the three are located all together in the “Museum Campus.” It’s really easy to see all three, so plan to see them on a “slow” day to cut down on tourists. For both, check beforehand for shows you may be interested in, they can be pricey. (www.shedaquarium.org and www.adlerplanetarium.org)


The second adventure
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I found was a boat ride around Lake Michigan with Wendella Boats. Again, super quick and easy using the website. The only problem, I received a confirmation right away through the website, but was suppose to get the real confirmation through my email. It never came. Which wasn‘t actually a problem, I contacted Wendella directly and they had my reservation all set up. So just a little glitch in the system I guess! The boat ride was very informative, the guides were really funny and absolutely made the trip. (www.wendellaboats.com)


As for the reason for the trip, the Cubbies! We had tickets for a Sunday night game, so we arrived early to explore Wrigleyville. I’ve been to other Major League games, but no stadium compares to Wrigley Field. The minute we stepped out of our cab (I know, I regret not taking the EL), we felt it. That feeling you get when you know you’re experiencing something amazing. It blew my mind. We ate at a sports bar right in front of the stadium and watched as the restaurant filled with devoted Cubs fans. After we ate, we shopped around at the Cubs themed stores and found a
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lot of deals. In downtown Chicago, souvenirs can be pricey, but in Wrigleyville, items are very affordable. The only thing that would have made the game better, if the Cubbies had actually won!

After the game, we decided to walk around and explore the city. We never felt unsafe, and even walked around a lot of residential areas. Accidentally, we stumbled upon a portion of Northwestern University. The college scene seemed very trendy, yet very inviting. Deciding to go for a walk was a great way to experience the city and see parts that rarely draw tourists.

A few things that are cool to know, the Hershey Store gives away a free cupcake every hour as long as you’re the first person to the counter when the “baker” starts singing. Chicago has the best pizzas, try out Pizzano, Pizzeria Due or Pizzaria Uno. The jazz scene is out of this world, check out The Back Door (sorry, couldn’t find a website, but it was recommended by a waiter we had at another restaurant, and we had a blast).

The last suggestion, check out the Allerton Crowne Plaza Hotel. The rooms are a bit small so I recommend
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reserving a suite, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in history and charm. Plus, it’s located on North Michigan Ave. the hub of tourist activity. While I will always suggest going off the beaten path and discovering how the locals do it, there is a certain comfort in knowing many others around you are new to the city and are in the same boat you are. Happy traveling, pilgrims!

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Comments

[Karen]

great insight
I found this to be very helpful and will remember this when making plans to travel to Chicago!