Chicago

My trip to Chicago included spectacular skyscrapers, a big St. Patrick’s Day celebration, iconic deep dish pizza, scenic river boat rides, and a beautiful shoreline thanks to giant Lake Michigan, which was so large it's impossible to see across!

GETTING THERE

Most people arrive in Chicago via O'Hare International Airport ORD, from cities across America, but also there are direct flights from London, Paris Tokyo and other major cities.

AMAZING EXCURSIONS

I took a fascinating architectural boat tour along the Chicago River, which meandered through the city, amidst the skyscrapers. It offered an incredible view of the tall buildings and information about their history. The skyscrapers were breathtaking, as they reflected the sun and clouds off their metal facades. Smaller, older, beautiful art deco buildings added depth to the skyline. It was interesting to learn how architects found creative ways to allow strong winds to pass through the skyscrapers. One tower literally had a whole floor empty, for wind to pass through, another high-rise had a hole carved out, right in the middle of it.

Another great excursion was a dinner cruise onto the massive Lake Michigan for a panoramic view of the city, the beaches dotting the shoreline, and the sun setting behind the skyscrapers. I also saw some little jacuzzi tub boats going along the waterways! The people inside were partying, drinking, and having a blast!

Millennium Park was a leisurely yet lively place to explore, with several large sculptures, impressive fountains, intricate gardens, a seasonal ice skating rink, free outdoor concerts, and the magnificent Art Institute of Chicago. On the outer edge of the park, I found a small placard, small enough to miss, which marked the start of the original Route 66, that connected Chicago to California.

I intentionally visited Chicago in March, for the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration, which was a huge event because of the large numbers of Irish immigrants who originally settled in the city. It also coincided with Spring Break so it was packed with partiers, having an awesome time and dancing in the streets. Thousands of people lined the roadway on both sides of the Chicago river to watch as crews used non-toxic vegetable dye to turn the water into a very vivid shade of Irish green. The festive St. Patrick's Day Parade followed, with bagpipes, marching bands and more.

Chicago had authentic Irish food and friendly pubs, but the city was also famous for its deep dish pizza! Thick, juicy dough saturated in cheese, sauce and toppings. I ate many of them because I wanted to taste different recipes at the most well-known eateries.

It was a fun, energetic, and yes, a Windy City, as its popular nickname implied. But I truly loved the varied weather. One day went from snow flurries, to rain showers, then gusty winds started, and suddenly the sun began shining - all of it in a span of a few hours.

My trip to Chicago wasn't long, but it was action packed and easy. It left a wonderful lasting impression of a majestic city of skyscrapers surrounded by water on almost every side.