Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. It sits on a continental divide at the site of the Chicago Portage, connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes watersheds. The city lies beside freshwater Lake Michigan, and two rivers—the Chicago River in downtown and the Calumet River in the industrial far South Side—flow entirely or partially through Chicago.
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal connects the Chicago River with the Des Plaines River, which runs to the west of the city. Chicago's history and economy are closely tied to its proximity to Lake Michigan. While the Chicago River historically handled much of the region's waterborne cargo, today's huge lake freighters use the city's Lake Calumet Harbor on the South Side. The lake also provides another positive effect, moderating Chicago's climate; making waterfront neighborhoods slightly warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Hyatt Regency Hotel Chicago
Hannah's Bretzel
Chicago is a fascinating place to visit. Downtown is the heart of the town. People are everywhere. The sidewalks are extremely busy everyone seems to be on a mission to find something. It is a great tourist attraction. There are so many people. Most of them seem to be on vacation, but everybody is definitely looking for a piece of Chicago to take back with them.
Downtown is the center of Chicago's cultural, commercial and financial institutions, and home to Grant Park and many of the city's skyscrapers. Many of the city's financial institutions (for example, CBOT, Chicago Fed) are located within a section of downtown called "The Loop", which is an eight block by five block square of city streets that are encircled by elevated rail tracks. The name "The Loop" is sometimes also used to refer to the entire downtown area.
The central area often is portrayed, as in the map at right, to include parts of Near North Side and Near South Side, as well as the Loop. These areas contribute famous skyscrapers, shopping, museums, a stadium for the Chicago Bears and convention facilities. Similarly, the area just west of the Loop and the Chicago River contributes to the commercial core.
The Magnificent mile has the feel of being on Rodeo Drive with all the fancy restaurants, name brand stores, and shops.
Stetson's Steakhouse
Along with fast food and ethnic fare. Chicago is home to many steakhouses as well as a number of upscale dining establishments serving a wide array of cuisine.
Some notable destinations include Frontera Grill, a gourmet Mexican restaurant owned by Food Network star Rick Bayless, and Jean Joho's Everest, a new-French restaurant on the top floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building downtown. Others are Charlie Trotter's, owned by chef Charlie Trotter, and Tru from chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand.
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal connects the Chicago River with the Des Plaines River, which runs to the west of the city. Chicago's history and economy are closely tied to its proximity to Lake Michigan. While the Chicago River historically handled much of the region's waterborne cargo, today's huge lake freighters use the city's Lake Calumet Harbor on the South Side. The lake also provides another positive effect, moderating Chicago's climate; making waterfront neighborhoods slightly warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Hyatt Regency Hotel Chicago
Chicago is a fascinating place to visit. Downtown is the heart of the town. People are everywhere. The sidewalks are extremely busy everyone seems to be on a mission to find something. It is a great tourist attraction. There are so many people. Most of them seem to be on vacation, but everybody is definitely looking for a piece of Chicago to take back with them.
Downtown is the center of Chicago's cultural, commercial and financial institutions, and home to Grant Park and many of the city's skyscrapers. Many of the city's financial institutions (for example, CBOT, Chicago Fed) are located within a section of downtown called "The Loop", which is an eight block by five block square of city streets that are encircled by elevated rail tracks. The name "The Loop" is sometimes also used to refer to the entire downtown area.
The central area often is portrayed, as in the map at right, to include parts of Near North Side and Near South Side, as well as the Loop. These areas contribute famous skyscrapers, shopping, museums, a stadium for the Chicago Bears and convention facilities. Similarly, the area just west of the Loop and the Chicago River contributes to the commercial core.
The Magnificent mile has the feel of being on Rodeo Drive with all the fancy restaurants, name brand stores, and shops.
Stetson's Steakhouse
Along with fast food and ethnic fare. Chicago is home to many steakhouses as well as a number of upscale dining establishments serving a wide array of cuisine.
Some notable destinations include Frontera Grill, a gourmet Mexican restaurant owned by Food Network star Rick Bayless, and Jean Joho's Everest, a new-French restaurant on the top floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building downtown. Others are Charlie Trotter's, owned by chef Charlie Trotter, and Tru from chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand.
On the airplane headed home. I love you Chicago!!
