Guest Post: How to Experience Chicago

As many of you may know, I love to travel.  Chicago is one place that I have not been to yet, but it is on my list.  Actually, I have been in the airport in Chicago ... but that doesn't count!  Please welcome Kendra who lives in Chicago, and has put together a post on her city to share with Everyday Foodie readers:

How to Experience Chicago

I love living in Chicago. As a travel enthusiast, it’s important to me to live near interesting destinations. While I love to explore corners of the world where I don’t make my home, it’s also nice to be able to take a spontaneous stay-cation nearby. The Windy City is a place everyone should visit at least once, and there’s enough to do and see here that once really isn’t enough.

1. Shopping in Chi Town

Lots of folks come here to shop. You’ll probably spend a little time or several days exploring the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. One block north is Oak Street, which runs perpendicular to Michigan Avenue and holds plenty of treasures. Many of the boutiques here are located in converted brownstones. This gives the district a historical, intimate feel. Jimmy Choo, Barney and Kate Spade all have shops here.

2. Diving in Chi Town

Okay, it’s actually a safe version of skydiving, but this is a thrill you don’t want to miss. From the SkyDeck in Willis Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, you’ll feel like you’re floating free above the city. The SkyDeck, located on the 103rd floor is a glass box that extends away from the building. Three layers of half-inch-thick glass make up the sides of the deck, making it a safe, sturdy place to get a bird’s eye view. I wouldn’t, however, recommend taking the stairs to get there.

3. Historical Hotels in Chi Town

There are plenty of places to stay in the Windy City. I personally like the ambience of the old hotels here. Places like the Drake are full of regional history. Who doesn’t like staying in a place with a story to tell? Chicago offers a number of hotels new or historic catering to both families or for couples on a getaway. Many of these hotels are within the city limits, which is a great, added convince.

4. Food in Chi Town

My city has some of the best cuisine in America. Of course, eating out while on vacation can pose issues if your family contains a picky eater or two. Try the cuisine at South Water Kitchen. This restaurant, located just inside the Chicago Loop, serves a wide variety of dishes to please any palate. They open at 6:00 a.m. and stay open through the dinner hour, so you’ll be able to get a good meal here any time of the day.

Whether you’re coming to see the sights, shop or taste the food, I hope you enjoy your trip to the Windy City. This is just a sampling of all the great things my city has in store for you. Don’t forget to catch a ballgame, visit a museum and spend some time on Navy Pier as well. If you don’t have time to do it all, just come back as soon as you can.