Postcard From Downtown Chicago

Downtown Chicago from above-photo by Pikrepo.

One of the last places I traveled to before I moved across the country was my home city of Chicago, Illinois, a roaring metropolis of a city that acts as the heart of the state with its rich culture flowing through its veins.

Though many people shy away from Chicago due to some of its ominous undertones like its homicide and crime rates, those things don’t summarize Chicago as a whole, every time I step foot in the city I find myself getting lost in the bright neon signs of the jazz clubs, or the smells of an authentic Chicago-style pizza baking nearby, or the sounds of a street performer blowing his heart out on the sax. Every time I step foot in the city I can’t help but be amazed by what a vibrant, colorful place it is.

Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and it’s racked up quite a history as a result. One of the most memorable events in not only Chicago, but American history, was the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a behemoth of a fire that destroyed over a third of the city and left 100,000 people homeless. 

St.James Church-photo by Wikimedia Commons.

Though the city rebuilt within just a couple years, various remnants of the tragedy can still be found throughout the city, one of these being the spectacular St. James Cathedral. The cathedral bells that once rang out on the eve of the calamity as a warning are now one of the few remaining parts of the building, and if you stand directly in front of the church you can still see the black scorch marks on the bell tower. 

The outside of the Green Mill-photo by Flickr

A more modern monument of downtown Chicago is the Green Mill bar, a lounge that opened its door in 1907 and gained notoriety during Prohibition when Al Capone began taking his business there. Despite the somewhat nefarious events that have occurred inside its walls, the Green Mill is a necessity for any jazz fan. The music that spills from the lounge is inspired by the sounds of velvety Harlem jazz and imbued with an unmistakable Chicago baseline. 

The decor of the building is loaded with history, the shades of Al Capone rest on a mahogany wall adorned with the bar’s memorabilia, along with the booth he and his henchmen once claimed. In the corner of the lounge, overlooking the stage, sits a tall and beautiful alabaster statue of the Roman goddess Ceres, the patron of agriculture.

If you’re looking for a more family friendly approach to the city then look no further than the Navy Pier. The pier has been open to the public since as early as 1917, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the pier gained its crown jewel: the Centennial Wheel. Standing at nearly 200 feet, the Ferris wheel is encircled with 42 comfortable gondolas, with benches on either side. While the ride is enjoyable and comfortable, the greatest experience is being able to look out the large glass cage and see the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan spanning across the horizon. During the summer months you’ll be able to see colorful sailboats and paddle boats dotting its visage as well. 

Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier-photo by Flickr

If a member of your party is afraid of heights, don’t fret, the pier comes complete with activities for everyone. Outside, around the Ferris wheel, the pier is set up like a carnival grounds, complete with a light tower, a carousel, a wave swinger, and a VR roller coaster. Inside the pier there’s the Crystal Gardens, a small botanical garden located inside a glass atrium and covered in lush foliage and tall palm trees. The small fountains settled around the garden complete the scene by leaping up into spectacular criss-cross formations and giving you a blissful rest after hours of walking through the city. 

Crystal Gardens-photo by Wikimedia Commons

My hope is that when this dreary and oppressive phase of our lives in quarantine is over that the city will be just as I remember it, full of life and excitement. I also hope, that by reading this article you may find yourself planning a trip out there yourself to experience the wonder firsthand, whether you’re an avid historian looking for a new landmark, an adventurous youth interested in the local nightlife, or a parent planning your next family trip. Keep Chicago on your list, you won’t be disappointed.

At A Glance:

Downtown Chicago

Where: Chicago, Illinois.

What: The heart of Illinois, filled with tourist attractions ranging from the Willis Tower to the Shedd Aquarium.

Status: Varies from business to business.

Official Website: www.chicago.gov/city/en.html

Best way to get there: Fly into the Midway Airport.

Where to eat and stay: Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Giordano’s has the best pizza in the state. 

Best time to go: Go on Memorial Day weekend, lots of celebrations are held across the city and tickets to the Centennial Wheel are free.