The Windy City
7/8-7/11:
My Journey around the United around the United States really started with Chicago. In 2019 I applied for a graduate program at De' Paul University called arts leadership. It’s a two year program designed around centered around the business of non profit arts organizations and it was a work trip combined with meeting one of the creators of the program that solidified my interest in it. While I was in the running for acceptance to the class that would have started in 2020, they decided not to bring in new students due to the Covid Pandemic. So with the uncertainty surrounding everything I continued to save in case I would have the opportunity to in 2021. I again made it into the final interview process which took place a week after my official lay off from my job due to lack of events happening throughout the US and began to formulate a plan for moving to Chicago. That plan involved driving to New York from California and then to Chicago.
When I didn’t get into the program, I was a bit crest fallen, but I know I had to do something. I looked at my situation, No Job, No property, No significant other or Children. Nothing that I was responsible for at the moment or on the Horizon. So using the money I was saving up to live in Chicago for two years and I decided to take that relocation plan and extend it around the country. I have to say that thus far it was the best decision I could have made.
Driving into Chicago I was vibrating with excitement to be in such a large city and all of the tourist things I would get to do on the visit. I had booked an awesome airbnb above a music venue/bar called Empty Bottle. This hideaway was perfect for me and the area was great for getting around the city, but a bit of a slower pace on the streets then in the heart of downtown. I will warn anyone considering this wonderful lodging that you are above a concert venue, which means that their will be soundchecks and general noise during the day and load performance sound coming up until the bar closes. This might make it difficult for some who plan to spend a lot of time in the unit, but I don’t know why you would when you have such a beautiful city to explore.
After a night of exploring the neighborhood and finding great gems like a Korean inspired taco shop called Takorea and a hip watering hole called the sportsman, I hit the streets for some sightseeing. There is almost too much to see in Chicago and I don’t want to bore you with the intricate details, so I’ve decided that I will include bullet points on tourist outings and post specifics on them in a different place if you would like more information.
With that being said, I needed to get out of towner mode and hit the webs to find the right things that would entertain and educate me about the city:
1) Architecture cruise- This is something that everyone who has ever lived in Chicago will recommend and they are completely correct. Not that there are multiple companies that do this tours, so I would recommend doing some research of reviews before selecting. I personally think that the one I took was awesome. The tour went down the river and our tour guide Mr. Jacobson led us through a highly informative trip through the high-rises of the windy city. Explaining the differences in a styles of architecture, the history of the buildings and fun tid bits about Chicago. This is for sure a must do.
2) The City Pass- These passes are offered for most major cities in the US. It’s essentially a pass that you can purchase which will allow you to go to multiple attractions, museums, tours etc. and will really save you a lot of money. I am a huge proponent of these opportunities if you are staying in a city for multiple days. Included in the Chicago city pass that I purchased were 3 specific places and then you could choose 2 of 3 others. Here are the ones that I went to.
a. The Field Museum- This is the best natural history museum I have ever seen. A massive zoology section, anthropological exhibits about African and Native American Culture and a really nicely curated paleontology section. They also had several temporary exhibits that really stood out. One of the biggest things about any museum is the way they setup the exhibits and the field museum did it exemplary.
b. The Aquarium- I’m not really a big Aquarium person. This aquarium was architecturally splendid, but I didn’t personally find their actual collection to mind blowing. That being said, If you are a fan of the aquatic world, check it out.
c. The Art Institute of Chicago- This was the most amazing collection of art I have ever seen. I was an idiot not knowing how massive the place was and arrived 2 hours before they were going to close. Don’t make this mistake and prepare to spend a day here if you like art.
d. 360 observation- This is an observation level on the Hancock building. It’s cool to look out around the city. They also have a section where the windows tilt forward giving you a view down to the streets bellow. The tilt is an extra cost and they were all booked so I could not do it. But I heard a lot of great things about the experience from people who had.
e. The Skydeck- Located in Willis tower (formally known as the Sears tower). This gives you views up to 5 miles away from the tallest edifice in the city. It’s also the place where people talk those pictures in the glass rooms sticking off of the building. It was ok, but I don’t know that two viewing options are needed.
3) Immersive Van Gough- This was an accidental experience suggested by Laura who I had met while in Chicago. Displayed in a multi room space painted entirely in white. Dozens of projectors show video of Van Gough’s work in motion with a beautiful score. I’ve heard lots of stories of people going to the Van Gough museum in Amsterdam under the influence and loving it. I think this is the closest you could get to such an experience sober and without the flight over the Atlantic.
Chicago was crazy. So many great bars, awesome restaurants, public art, and amazing people. I can’t recommend a visit to a city more. Probably want to do so in summer though.
