Great American Cities -
Chicago
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Chicago
Loving Chicago is like 'loving a woman with a broken nose; you may find lovelier lovelies, but never a lovely so real.' - writer Nelson Algren summed it up so well. One of the most popular cities in the USA, Chicago got many nicknames that try to sum it up. Many people know Chicago as Chi-town, the Second City, the Windy City, and the City of Big Shoulders. And there is truly something amazing about this cloud-scraping city. And maybe people are not too crazy about its six month winter with blazing winds and mountains of snow, but when May comes and the city blooms into spring, everyone dashes out for the outdoor festivals, ballparks, beaches and beer gardens.
And Chicago really is a city difficult to top, literally. It hosts the USA's tallest building, the Sears Tower and it's also the place where it all started, when we speak about tall buildings. It's been said that a cow knocked down a lantern on October 8th, 1871 which started the Great Chicago Fire. When it was all over the city planners figured that building everything our of wood is not the best idea ever so they started building with steel and concrete. And the actual first skyscrapper appeared in Chicago in 1885.
As a mighty city, Chicago is a melting-pot of different cultures, ethnicities, and art, inviting you to take part of its exciting life.
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Illinois Vacation Rentals |
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Chicago - Overview
Chicago is a city of blues, jazz, and rock clubs throughout the week, and a full-fledged foodie scene that extends even to gourmet hot-dogs. And if you are a politics buff, hold on to your horses. There's probably no city in the USA with a more wild political scene. Just pick any newspaper and get emerged in conspiracy theories and political figures being raised up on a pedestal, or falling down from grace. It's a real, old-fashioned democratic machine!
You can actually see the mix of cosmopolitan sophistication and Mid-western accessibility by taking a stroll through the contrasting neighborhoods with Sweedish delis next to Turkish bakeries and public housing projects near upscale apartments. Being such a diverse city, it's not surprising that there is a large number of tourist attractions that you can visit throughout the year. There are plenty of things to do here, ranging from events, tours, and recreational activities - so many that you may even be wondering where to start! One great place to start is at the Sears Tower, where you can see the natural beauty of the Michigan River flowing across the heart of Chicago. You may also want to visit some of the other famous tourist attractions here such as the Navy Pier, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, Hancock Observatory, Millennium Park, or just enjoy a cruise along the Michigan River.
Whether you are planning a trip to Chicago for business or fun, traveling with kids, or just for a romantic gateway, you will find an extraordinary range of hotels all within what type of things you most want to do. You will find more than a place to rest in Chicago's historic Loop, Gold Coast in town hideaways, fashion-forward alternatives in landmark buildings, chic boutique-style hotels near the Magnificent Mile, and wonderful bed and breakfast inns throughout unique neighborhoods. There are also many vacation rentals for those who want to feel like staying in their own comfortable home while enjoying the scenery of Chicago City.
Further to the north will bring you straight to Lakeview. It is a neighborhood that serves as a famous nightlife center for those who prefers to party. Don't despair, if partying is not your thing, Lakeview also offers its share of restaurants from Yoshi's Cafe and Angelina Ristorante to 24-hour Melrose Restaurant. Diners normally satisfy with their variety of tastes including Asian, Italian, Cajun and Mexican cuisine. And for those who prefer to stay on with a bar scenario can dine well at Bar Louie and the John Barleycorn Memorial Pub. If you prefer more live music, than head on farther to the north. You will enjoy most of the best music in Chicago in the Argon Ballroom, the Riviera and also the prohibition-era jazz bar, Green Mill.
Today, this third largest city in the US is world famous for its innovative architecture, its vibrant cultural and educational institutions, and for its colorful and turbulent political history and significance as the national transportation hub.
We can tell you one thing for sure: wherever you go in Chicago, you will feel alive!
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