Endless gusts of culture in the "Windy City"
When it comes to culture, Chicago has it all: from thrilling art and music scenes to remarkable theatre and tantalizing cuisine. Moreover, as one of largest cities in the US, Chicago guarantees leisure, entertainment and indulgence for everyone. It's therefore no surprise that the city of Chicago attracts over 30 million tourists to take part in its splendours each year.
While Chicago is a large city, many of its districts are best seen on foot. The Chicago metropolitan area, for instance - also known as Chicagoland - is guaranteed to impress with its high rise buildings and lively atmosphere. And there's simply no better way to witness the city's position as a global architectural capital than to marvel at the buildings at a leisurely pace. While in the heart of the city, don't miss Millennium Park - a rebuilt section of a former railyard. The park includes the original sculpture of Cloud Gate - locally known as The Bean - which, when faced, reflects a curved image of the Chicago skyline. Moreover, no visit to Chicago is complete without a stopover at Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot pier which houses restaurants, shops, museums, exhibitions and a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel. Attracting more than 8 million people in 2005, Chicago's Navy Pier is said to be one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest.
For anyone who's interested in museum culture, Chicago is guaranteed to deliver. In 1988, the city officially opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre lakefront park surrounding three of the city's main museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art also hold prominent exhibits, as does the Oriental Institute, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeological artefacts
Chicago also boasts a major theatre scene: the Goodman Theatre, the Victory Gardens Theatre and the Chicago Theatre all present a variety of plays and musicals year-round. And if you're up for a bit of comedy performance, you'll have much to look forward to since Chicago is the birthplace of modern improvisational comedy. The city is home to two major comedy troupes, The Second City and I.O., and hosts countless improvisational comedy shows throughout the year.
Moreover, the city is renowned for its blues, soul, Jazz and Gospel scenes, as well as for its reputation as the birthplace of House music. There's also a flourishing independent rock scene, with multiple festivals featuring various music acts each year: Lollapalooza, the Intonation Music Festival and Pitchfork Music Festival are the most prominent. And for anyone who appreciates classical music, the Chicago Opera Theatre, the Chicago Chamber Musicians and Chicago a-cappella are sure to impress.
If you're a culinary enthusiast, Chicago offers plenty to whet your appetite. Apart from ethnic restaurant districts such as Greektown, Little Italy and Chinatown, visitors can indulge in the city's enticing signature dishes - including deep dish pizza, the Chicago hot dog and Italian Beef sandwiches - which also reflect Chicago's cultural background. However, the city also boasts upscale dining establishments, particularly in areas like The Loop - Chicago's business district. And if you happen to visit Chicago at the end of June, you can even take advantage of the annual food festival, Taste of Chicago, in Grant Park.
If you're planning a trip to Chicago, you'll find plenty of
luxury hotels, such as the Hilton Conrad Hotel, located in or around the downtown area. And by staying in the heart of the city, you'll never be far from the dazzling attractions of the spectacular "Windy City".
About Author
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.
Source: ArticleTrader.com