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Chicago is a big city, thank you very much. No it's not as big as London but it IS the third largest city in the U.S., and I would like to add that L.A. doesn't feel like a big city, it more feels like an endless rambling suburban landscape so in my mind really it's still the 2nd largest.
Anyway. Done with representing.
There's lots to do in Chicago!
Definitely if you are of legal age go up to the Signature Lounge at the top of the Hancock Building and have a drink. It's kind of expensive up there so I recommend the Long Island Ice Teas, as they're about $10 apiece and you're getting more bang for your buck. The View is fantastic - I think it's the best view in town; awe-inspiring.
Navy Pier is kind of chock full of tourists but they have a big giant ferris wheel over there and it has a lovely view and that can be really fun. Plus you're right on the lake and that's kind of neat. You might even see Ira Glass, creator of "This American Life" (and the thinking girl's 'hunk') on his way to work as the WBEZ studios are at the end of Navy Pier! Also if you guys want to just sit in the grass and chill, or go swimming, immediately to the north of Navy Pier is a little park behind the old navy base that nobody ever goes to anymore. It's like a little private park in the middle of the city!
I would recommend perhaps visiting the art institute of Chicago as well. They have a huge impressionist collection, which is not the most exciting thing but they also have a frighteningly large collection of swords and medeival memorabilia for some reason. And they have Warhol's Chairman Mao, which I personally love.
If they're in town you should go see a Cubs Game. I actually haven't been to one since I was nine, but I've seen the rabble around Wrigley Field many times and basically you're just outside kind of watching a baseball game at an outdoor bar. And when you're done you can have a wonder through Wrigleyville, which is not unpleasant. I recommend, however: STAY AWAY FROM THE CUBBYBEAR. Eew. Too crowded and rabbly. But do as thou wilt.
Also once the game is over you can head south on Clark St. and you will hit Chicago Comics which you may have seen "immortalized" in the pages of "Uncle Sam." Directly across the street, which formerly used to be my favorite place of employment of all time, Cafe Voltaire, now sits a fancypants breakfast joint called mango, where my old friend and fellow Aries egomaniac Dale Levitski just happens to be head chef/part owner. Tell 'em Melanie sent ya!
Definitely go to Wicker Park to see all the alternateens and hipster shops (as well as the site of MTV's 'Real World: Chicago') and I recommend stopping in Quimby's, sister shop of Chicago Comics, if you're looking for some good zines or freaky books. Also on Milwaukee Ave. I highly recommend Una Mae's Freak Boutique for funky girly items, and on your way there you will pass Myopic Books, which is a stellar used book store.
*sigh* Well! I'm sure I've exhausted you! If you have any other questions, please contact the Chicago Board of Tourism, or me by private message, as I'm sure I can help. |
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