Chicago is where it all started, my home city. Chicago is known for its waterfronts, museums, erratic weather, sports, architecture, gangs, taxes, and food sprinkled with a diversity that welcomes all. In my opinion there is no other place like it. Chicago summers are filled with outdoor activities such as sports, outdoor patios, music, construction, and all of the amazing things that help us tolerate the brutal winters that last nine months.
Chicago is beautiful because the entire lakefront is designated as public park land with the exception of a few properties that manage to fall through the cracks. It spans from the northern suburbs of Chicagoland to East Side, all the way to Indiana. Every single day you’ll see people walking, running, biking, and skating, nearly year round even in the snow. Many of the outdoor festivals are also held along the lakefront. It’s normal to hear concerts as you zip down Lake Shore Drive. Afterall, the lake is where the city comes to relax, play, and stay fit.
Chicago is full of culture, so much so that it has 67 museums and more than 400 neighborhood festivals annually. Chinatown is amazing, Pilsen is full of Mexican art and culture, while Lincoln Park has a bustling nightlife. The Magnificent Mile is known for all day shopping and Bronzeville has a rich tradition of Black culture from the Great Migration. There are so many neighborhoods that it’s impossible to fit the beauty of them all into just one page of writing.
The heart of my home city is in its belly. If you can dream it, you can eat it. We love to eat and be entertained. Chicagoans aren’t limited to only steak and pizza. Additionally, we love Mexican food, Thai cuisine, Indian dishes, and Ethiopian meals. There is also plenty of hot dogs, gyros, Italian beefs, sushi, vegan delicacies, rainbow cones and any food that you can imagine. The downside is that we eat more than we work out so we have our chunky days but don’t judge us.
If you visit Chicago, please know that the taxes are insanely high so bring extra spending money. You don’t need a car because our L system is world class and there are also bikes and car shares as alternative options. You don’t want to waste your time looking for a parking spot and expect to get a ticket. Wear comfortable clothes because we’re not all that fashion forward. Besdires, we like to eat so you want to have room to let your belly out. It is also a great idea to visit our parks and art districts while once again eating your way through our great city. You’ll definitely be blown away.