Chicago My Kinda Town
Even Ol’ Blue Eyes himself loved Chicago so much he once famously sang its praises. “My Kind of Town, Chicago is”... belted out Frank Sinatra in his own inimitable style and few would disagree with the crooner’s assessment.
Chicago is less than a 40-minute drive away from Medinah, venue for the 2012 Ryder Cup. The golf course is just eight miles west of Chicago O’Hare International, the world’s second busiest airport.
Chicago looks great from every angle, whether you are exploring the city’s astonishing architecture during a guided tour – either on foot or aboard a Chicago River boat, lakeshore cruise or sightseeing bus – or enjoying the bird’s eye view from the 103rd floor of the Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower.
From here, four states are visible – Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin - as well as panoramic views of the outstretched lake.
The city’s 26 miles of lakefront paths are just one reason Chicago is one of the most beautiful and easiest cities in the world in which to walk. Here, you can also bike, swim or go fishing.
It is often described as a friendly destination and you will agree when you accept its warm invitation to sample such free attractions as Lincoln Park Zoo - home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds – and the free performances at Navy Pier. The world’s first Ferris Wheel was built here and the present wheel is modelled on the original. Navy Pier is the Midwest’s top tourist destination with its boardwalk, boat tours and countless dining and shopping options.
One important Chicago destination is the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue, an eight-block stretch of more than 460 stores that offer luxury items, beautiful bargains and everything in between.
The downtown area is known as the Loop, a nickname that refers to the area encircled by the elevated ‘L’ train tracks.
Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backwards following an engineering feat completed in 1900 so that it emptied into the Mississippi River instead of Lake Michigan.
Art and architecture are two distinguishing features. Indeed, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s greatest art museums.
Chicago is where President Barack Obama calls home and Grant Park is where he delivered his famous victory speech following his election in November 2008. It is also the start of the historic Route 66.
You will find restaurants of every nationality. Feel free to match your mood to one of the city’s elegant dining spots, charming cafes, intimate bistros, convivial eateries, pizza palaces or another of the endless alternatives.
The city has a long tradition of jazz and blues and there are some great live venues which attract big-name talent. Its highly acclaimed theatre district hosts mega-musicals, plays and dance productions straight from Broadway.
It is also a favourite location for film makers so do not be surprised if certain backdrops seem familiar. Classics like When Harry Met Sally, The Sting, Blues Brothers and Home Alone were made in Chicago.
No wonder Frank Sinatra burst into song to announce it was his kind of town.
In all probability, chic Chicago will be your kind of town as well.
