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Although Chicago attracts millions of visitors each year, this is a city in
progress; a city at work, Chicago has no real “tourist strip”. Chicago is what
it is, the archetypal big American city, and only in the eyes of New Yorkers
is Chicago America's Second City. Chicago doesn’t make a fuss of what its got,
and its got a lot, it just gets on with the gritty hard realisms of life. In
the Windy City, visitors will find culture, chaos, sports, skyscrapers, dramatic
architecture and a diverse multicultural population, and that’s just for starters!
Incorporated in
1837, the Town of Chicago drew its name from a Native-American word meaning
"great." Thirty years later, 90,000 residents were left homeless in
the Great Chicago Fire, which killed 300 people and left a devastating $200
million damage bill. A grave disaster, the fire nonetheless provided the city
an opportunity to rebuild and grow; by the time it hosted the 1893 World's Fair,
it was home to the famous "El" train that still encircles the heart
of downtown Chicago. Nearly three million people call Chicago home, a mid-Western
mixture of cultures and races. The city's motto, "I will," is an articulation
of its hopes and dreams as the city continues to grow in importance. And true
to its name, it is a great city, with world-champion teams like the Chicago
Bulls and well-beloved teams like the Chicago Cubs. Chicago sports fans are
known around the globe for undying devotion in the bitter winter to their Bears,
and through the long summers in the bleachers at Wrigley and Comiskey parks.
Chicago boasts
more than a handful of architectural achievements, from the towering Sears Tower
to the Tribune Tower, whose base includes stones from famous buildings throughout
the world. The city is a growing cultural haven; the Art Institute of Chicago
houses a world-class collection, from Impressionist masters to more contemporary
works in photography and ethnic art. And from the Art Institute, many of the
city's major cultural and tourist attractions are within walking distance, including
the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Hancock Tower.
And what would
Chicago be without the blues? This classic American musical innovation floated
up the Mississippi River, where it was perfected and is still performed throughout
the city; the original House of Blues is located on Dearborn Street and hosts
the masters of this music.
Nestled on the
shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago can be whatever you want it to be - a sports
fan's paradise, a music lover's Mecca, a shopper's delight, a culture-seeker's
dream. Just don't for a second call it boring.
For lovers of good food Chicago
provides a diverse selection of outstanding restaurants. Noted for its great
steaks, Chicago has evolved into a trend-setting restaurant city, where you
can discover a wealth of cuisines from around the world, created by some of
the nations top chefs.
Have you been to Chicago and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
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