Located along the shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and one of the most productive in the world in terms of GDP. It has been a major metropolitan area for a good portion of the history of the US and has drawn people from all over the world. This mix of people has contributed to giving the city a unique flavor and has helped to create the distinctive Chicago culture.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
Famous sites attract both domestic and international tourists. The Hancock Building and the Sears Tower are two skyscrapers that tower above the city and offer breathtaking views of the entire area. Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are major draws as well. Holiday shoppers flock to the Magnificent Mile, a portion of Michigan Avenue that runs through the south Loop. Located near here is the Water Tower that was purportedly the only building left standing after the great fire.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
Music is another important aspect of this culture. Blues, soul and jazz are nearly synonymous with this city for many while some know it as the place that gave birth to house music. Local artists are also well represented in other genres including R&B, hip hop and indie rock.
The eating options in Chicagoland will not disappoint even the pickiest of food lovers. Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza are local specialties in addition to Italian beef sandwiches that can be found seemingly anywhere in the vicinity. A wide spectrum of eateries exist here. On one end are the posh, pricey downtown restaurants while on the other are neighborhood hot dog joints where the service comes complete with a bit of complimentary verbal abuse for entertainment's sake.
Chicagoans love their sports and the professional teams here are well supported. The Bears of the NFL are one of the most popular teams in town while the two baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox provide summertime baseball entertainment. The Bulls of the NBA and the Blackhawks of NHL round out the major professional sports teams.
Chicago culture is both rich and varied. For residents and visitors alike there is always something new and fascinating to be discovered and experienced.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
Famous sites attract both domestic and international tourists. The Hancock Building and the Sears Tower are two skyscrapers that tower above the city and offer breathtaking views of the entire area. Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are major draws as well. Holiday shoppers flock to the Magnificent Mile, a portion of Michigan Avenue that runs through the south Loop. Located near here is the Water Tower that was purportedly the only building left standing after the great fire.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
Music is another important aspect of this culture. Blues, soul and jazz are nearly synonymous with this city for many while some know it as the place that gave birth to house music. Local artists are also well represented in other genres including R&B, hip hop and indie rock.
The eating options in Chicagoland will not disappoint even the pickiest of food lovers. Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza are local specialties in addition to Italian beef sandwiches that can be found seemingly anywhere in the vicinity. A wide spectrum of eateries exist here. On one end are the posh, pricey downtown restaurants while on the other are neighborhood hot dog joints where the service comes complete with a bit of complimentary verbal abuse for entertainment's sake.
Chicagoans love their sports and the professional teams here are well supported. The Bears of the NFL are one of the most popular teams in town while the two baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox provide summertime baseball entertainment. The Bulls of the NBA and the Blackhawks of NHL round out the major professional sports teams.
Chicago culture is both rich and varied. For residents and visitors alike there is always something new and fascinating to be discovered and experienced.
No comments:
Post a Comment