The Quintessential Chicago Trip: Prepare For the Culture of the Midwest

I am a Chicagoan to the core, from my accent and temper right down to my favorite pro football team. Unfortunately, I can’t always afford to travel back to my hometown as much as I’d like; however, I’m always eager to make recommendations to vacationers who are thinking about visiting the Windy City.

If you are fortunate enough to visit Chicago, you can expect great food, beautiful sights and a great atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more! The typical trip to Chicago is anything but. While there are many places tourists frequent, including Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan; people often miss the hundreds of gems that make the city so amazing. If you have never been, grab a Chicago dog and experience the atmosphere that only Chicago can provide.

Something in This City Changes People

The Windy City means something different for everyone. When I get nostalgic about my hometown, I think about blues and jazz. As Chicago was once a central hub for Vaudeville, it is now host to plenty of broadway, theater, dance and music venues suited toward most people. If you are a fan of the arts, be sure to check out the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the House of Blues to curb your music appetite. Want comedy? The Second City is a great place to check out some cheeky improv.

Day or night, there is always something to do and see during your visit to Chicago, depending on your interests. Chicago is home to various art and science museums, including Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium; some of which are free to the public depending on the time of day. Be sure to plan accordingly if you would like to save some money. If you are more interested in sculptures, make some time to check out “the bean” at the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park (also known as Cloud Gate).

Understandably, plenty of tourists are interested in visiting the lake. If this sounds like you, head on down to the Navy Pier, a true tourist’s dream. The Pier hosts everything you can think of, from a 15-story ferris wheel to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, and even a Children’s Museum for the youngsters. Take a few hours to shop and settle in for an IMAX movie, take a dining cruise with your girlfriend, or check out the latest concert. The sky’s the limit, literally! With a nightly fireworks show to wrap up your night, this is one tourist spot everyone should experience at least once.

There are many sights to see on your trip to the windy city – perhaps more than you may have time to see. As long as you take time to check out some sights, and eat a few true Chicago dogs with a pop or a tasty slice of cheesy Chicago pizza with a hearty beer, your trip will certainly be one to remember.