Of
all the cities in the Great Lakes Region, Chicago is by far the
most impressive. On Illinois’ banks of Lake Michigan, it
is considered by many to be one of the last great American cities.
Although this may be a stretch, it doesn’t take long to
understand the sentiment.
Any way you enter this sprawling metropolis, you are greeted with
a stunning skyline. Urban Chicago is known for it’s vast
amount of varying architecture, and it all blends together nicely.
From the glass-laden Chicago School to the Gothic Revival style
of the city’s monuments to the staggering magnitude of Sears
Tower, the engaging, eclectic aesthetic here could not be much
more well-honed.
Traverse downtown and you’ll experience one of the most
walk-friendly, entertaining places in the world. There is everything
from elite shopping and dining by day and lively pubs and clubs
by night.
The outlying regions are not bad either. If you’re overwhelmed
by the pace downtown, take the train out to Oak Park or the University
of Chicago. There is lots of history and art to be discussed and
toured, or you can simply keep it self-guided. While out in this
district, make sure to stop by the Robie House, an elite piece
of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie principle, and the Smart
Museum of Art.
It will take a long time to take in this northern Illinois gem
for all its worth, but it never hurts to try.
