Navigating Chicago
By KERWIN MCKENZIE
Sitting on the southwestern bank of Lake Michigan is Frank Sinatra’s kind of town, Chicago. It is not by chance that Chicago is called the “Windy City,” due to its proximity to the lake, it receives the strong winds from the lake. This phenomenon usually leads to nail biting cold winters and pleasant summers for the most part. Come with me as I take you on a visit to this wonderfully diverse midwestern city in the United States.
Chicago, the home of United Airlines and an hub for American Airlines is served by two major airports; Chicago-Midway and Chicago-O’Hare. All the major U.S. carriers serve this city, plus the major European carriers, the newest of which is Virgin Atlantic Airways. You may also fly into nearby Gary Airport in Gary, Indiana.
From the two major airport, you can easily take the Chicago Transit Authority’s Orange and Blue lines from Midway and O’Hare respectively. You can purchase tickets at kiosks located at the airport. U.S. dollar bills are required. You may also take local buses as well, go to Transit Chicago.com for more details. A good way to see the city cheaply is to get a 1- to 5-day pass which allows you to ride the transit system during that time period. From Gary, you can take coach service into the city or to O’Hare airport.
Finding a hotel is not too difficult, just figure out where you want to stay and how much is your budget, then check your favorite hotel’s web site or online travel agency for the best deals. If you book early you can get some very good rates. Like all major U.S. cities, the high-end hotels are somewhat pricey.
If you are visiting Chicago during the winter months, wear a heavy jacket and a few layers, because, as I mentioned, there is a reason why the city is called the "Windy City."
If you are a sports fan, then you’ll love Chicago as they are home to many sports teams. The Chicago Bears (football) who plays at Soldier Field, the Chicago Cubs who plays at Wrigley Field and Chicago White Sox (both baseball) who plays at U.S. Cellular Field, the Chicago Blackhawks (ice hockey) who plays at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls (basketball) who plays at the United Center and the Chicago Fire (soccer) who plays at the United Center. If you are in town during a game, you should try to get tickets before hand as they may be sold out on game day.
The popular Oprah Winfrey Show is filmed in Chicago so if you have reserved tickets by phone, you are in luck. You have to check their Web site to see when they are taking phone reservations and the occasional last minute e-mail reservations. Go to Oprah.com and type “tickets” in the Search box for more details.
Chicago, the home of United Airlines and an hub for American Airlines is served by two major airports; Chicago-Midway and Chicago-O’Hare. All the major U.S. carriers serve this city, plus the major European carriers, the newest of which is Virgin Atlantic Airways. You may also fly into nearby Gary Airport in Gary, Indiana.
From the two major airport, you can easily take the Chicago Transit Authority’s Orange and Blue lines from Midway and O’Hare respectively. You can purchase tickets at kiosks located at the airport. U.S. dollar bills are required. You may also take local buses as well, go to Transit Chicago.com for more details. A good way to see the city cheaply is to get a 1- to 5-day pass which allows you to ride the transit system during that time period. From Gary, you can take coach service into the city or to O’Hare airport.
Finding a hotel is not too difficult, just figure out where you want to stay and how much is your budget, then check your favorite hotel’s web site or online travel agency for the best deals. If you book early you can get some very good rates. Like all major U.S. cities, the high-end hotels are somewhat pricey.
If you are visiting Chicago during the winter months, wear a heavy jacket and a few layers, because, as I mentioned, there is a reason why the city is called the "Windy City."
If you are a sports fan, then you’ll love Chicago as they are home to many sports teams. The Chicago Bears (football) who plays at Soldier Field, the Chicago Cubs who plays at Wrigley Field and Chicago White Sox (both baseball) who plays at U.S. Cellular Field, the Chicago Blackhawks (ice hockey) who plays at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls (basketball) who plays at the United Center and the Chicago Fire (soccer) who plays at the United Center. If you are in town during a game, you should try to get tickets before hand as they may be sold out on game day.
The popular Oprah Winfrey Show is filmed in Chicago so if you have reserved tickets by phone, you are in luck. You have to check their Web site to see when they are taking phone reservations and the occasional last minute e-mail reservations. Go to Oprah.com and type “tickets” in the Search box for more details.
You don’t have to go to Las Vegas to gamble as Illinois is one of the few states that have Riverboat Casino gambling, go to Chicago Traveler.com for a map of these casinos that are located in Chicago.
If you are planning on seeing a few attractions, then you may consider getting a City Pass. You can visit five attractions for about $50. You can buy these passes online at City Pass.com or at the major attractions once you get to Chicago. The Go Chicago card provides similar benefits, check out the details at Go Chicago Card.com.
There are many sights to see around the city. Here a few to consider: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, The Hancock Building, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the Sears Tower. From the Hancock and Sears Towers you can get breathtaking views of the entire city.
Chicago is a city of many museums including Chicago Children’s Museum, Illinois Railway Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, the Windows at Navy Pier and the Field Museum of Natural History. Be sure to check out which days are free at the museums to minimize costs, or use your Chicago Pass or the Go Card as appropriate.
The most famous shopping areas in Chicago are along the Magnificent Mile; this is a one mile stretch on Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River north to East Oak Street. There is everything you need along the Mile. You will find five-star hotels, top department stores, top restaurants in this area of 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 51 hotels.
Restaurants and bars are dotted all over the city, so chat with your hotel Concierge a bit to find out which ones are in the area you are staying and suit your taste.
So, take a trip to the Midwest and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.
If you are planning on seeing a few attractions, then you may consider getting a City Pass. You can visit five attractions for about $50. You can buy these passes online at City Pass.com or at the major attractions once you get to Chicago. The Go Chicago card provides similar benefits, check out the details at Go Chicago Card.com.
There are many sights to see around the city. Here a few to consider: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, The Hancock Building, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the Sears Tower. From the Hancock and Sears Towers you can get breathtaking views of the entire city.
Chicago is a city of many museums including Chicago Children’s Museum, Illinois Railway Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, the Windows at Navy Pier and the Field Museum of Natural History. Be sure to check out which days are free at the museums to minimize costs, or use your Chicago Pass or the Go Card as appropriate.
The most famous shopping areas in Chicago are along the Magnificent Mile; this is a one mile stretch on Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River north to East Oak Street. There is everything you need along the Mile. You will find five-star hotels, top department stores, top restaurants in this area of 460 stores, 275 restaurants and 51 hotels.
Restaurants and bars are dotted all over the city, so chat with your hotel Concierge a bit to find out which ones are in the area you are staying and suit your taste.
So, take a trip to the Midwest and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer.
