#Travel Magnets
Hi Guys!
Welcome back to this weeks installment of Travel Magnets, the blog series where I summarize various countries, cities or locations which I have visited in my travels or plan to visit. I provide a breakdown of the destinations must see attractions, great accommodation, some travel tips and finish it off with a local song and a quote from the destination.
This weeks I cover the Windy City Chicago,
Enjoy
#1. What I'm Watching
Chicago in 4k
#2. Some Pinterest Travel Inspiration
Some Pinterest Goodies on the Windy City....
#3. An Airbnb that will inspire you to pack your bags and go!
There are some great Airbnb hosts in Chicago, great alternatives to Hotels and it gets you mixed in among the locals from the start where you can experience what the city is all about.
1. Stunning Spacious Luxury - Old Town ($441 p.n)
2. Private bedroom in Lincoln Park ($138 p.n)
#4. Five must see attractions in Chicago...
Start Exploring...
Being in the country's third largest city means you have a lot of territory to wrap your brain around. Start by taking time to get an overview. Choose a tour that caters to your interest. Ride the "L" A ride on the "L" is a classic way to experience Chicago. The transit authority also has a downloadable map that lists points of interest downtown. transitchicago.com Chicago Greeters, Volunteers lead free two- to four-hour neighborhood walking tours. Choose from more than 25 neighborhoods and 40 interests, including fashion, film, ethnic and public art. chicagogreeter.com Bobby's Bike Hike Offers guided bike tours of neighborhoods, a great way to learn more about the city's history bobbysbikehike.com Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady cruises, these colorful 90-minute history lessons—covering more than 50 buildings—depart daily, April through November, architecture.org
Parks
Sure, these spaces provide a little breathing room in a major metropolitan city, but they also offer a bounty of activities. Millennium Park (pictured) Concerts, gardens, sculpture and free events draw people to this 24.5-acre corner of Grant Park. A free downloadable tour tells how and why Millennium Park was built, the secrets beneath the park, and the reasons Millennium Park is one of the world's most spectacular public spaces millenniumpark.org Grant Park Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Three world-class museums—the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History and Shedd Aquarium—call it home. Check out the Buckingham Fountain, one of the world's largest fountains, with 20-minute water shows on the hour 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also in the park: trails for walking, jogging, and biking; a skate park; a dog-friendly area; baseball fields; tennis courts; and more chicagoparkdistrict.com Oak Street Beach This stretch of Lake Michigan shore offers a carpet of white sand against a backdrop of skyscrapers cpdbeaches.com
Art
World-class collections abound, but the up-and-coming are here, too. Art Institute of Chicago The Modern Wing opened in 2009 to showcase 20th- and 21st-century. Older galleries have been renovated, making it easier to see the collections, which span 5,000 years and include some of the world's major works of art, including American Gothic. Free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. artinstituteofchicago.org Museum of Contemporary Art An edgy, fun venue offering free admission Tuesdays for Illinois residents and jazz concerts during the summer mcachicago.org National Museum of Mexican Art A collection of more than 6,000 objects, including textiles, folk art, photography, paintings and sculptures, tells the Hispanic story. Free admission nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org Indie art galleries Featuring a wide range of art styles and media in different neighborhoods. You'll find a lot along North Michigan Avenue in River North chicagogallerynews.com
History
Home to Native Americans, military posts, fur traders and others through the years, Chicago opens America's history book in a tangible way. Chicago Cultural Center This landmark building (pictured) is home to free events, including tours, dance, films and lectures cityofchicago.org Old Chicago Water Tower District The Old Water Tower and the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station are two of only seven buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Both were built in the castellated-Gothic Revival style.cityofchicago.org Chicago History Museum Start here in your study of Chicago history, both as an urban center and as part of the United States chicagohistory.org
Music
Blues, jazz, gospel, soul, country ... Chicago fosters them all. Andy's Jazz Club In a city known for its live music, this place has a reputation for sophisticated dinners and a 40-year track record of pulling in crowds andysjazzclub.com The Green Mill Music lovers throng to this speakeasy-style setting for blues and jazz and a poetry slam.greenmilljazz.com Symphony Center The center is home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which is recognized as one of the finest in the world cso.org Ravinia Festival In Highland Park, the summer home of the CSO has $10 lawn seats and big-name shows ravinia.org
#5. Some Travel Tunes for the road or inspiration...
CHICAGO MY KIND OF TOWN - Frank Sinatra
#6. Some food for thought....
Quote of the week
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