Things I Like About Chicago

The first time I visited Chicago, I was 23 years old. I had just graduated from college, but an old room-mate of mine had transferred to Wheaton College near Chicago. It was one of my first trips out of parochial Minneapolis/St. Paul by myself. I spent one day going to classes with her (I will say that evangelicals do higher education a little differently than Lutherans). Saturday we spent the day at the Art Institute and the Sears Tower. We also did a little shopping, although I don't remember where.

I also visited Chicago and had some high times when I worked for the now-infamous AIG. A couple of underwriters took me places in the evening, and I believe I went shopping at Watertower Place. One trip involved both the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry (jokingly referred to by one of my hosts as the Museum of Commerce and Industry).

Now, I think of Chicago as the home of many of my husband's relatives. I think of it as a place to relax, and feel at home. When we visit, sometimes we don't even get out of the suburbs.

Here are some of my favorite things about Chicago. Feel free to share yours:

• The Art Institute. This has to be always on the top of every list. It's worth it just to see the originial American Gothic, and the wonderful Impressionist Art. The Art Institute scene is one of my favorites in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off (itself a minor classic, right?)


• Carl Sandburg. As in his famous poem poem about Chicago, Hog-butcher for the world. It really is the City of the Big Shoulders.


• The Pump Room of the Ambassador East Hotel. I used to stay at the Ambassador East when I worked for AIG (now infamous). I got really excited when I found out that my aunt and uncle had honeymooned there, back when it was a Really Big Deal. Also, I later recognized the Ambassador East from the movie North by Northwest.


• Studs Terkel. Interviewer par excellance. He can get a story out of anyone. My favorite books are Working, and Will the Circle Be Unbroken?


• Chicago Style Pizza. What more can I say?


• The beginning of Historic Route 66. The mother of The Mother Road, right here.


• The Ell, and the other trains, especially the one we take from here in the 'burbs. I especially like to sit on the upper deck. I bought my first Bark magazine (Dog is my co-pilot) at the train station in Hinsdale, and read it cover-to-cover before I got downtown.


• My sister-in-law's homestyle cooking, and my brother-in-law's fabulous mixed drinks.


• In Chicago, you never know who you might meet! I have a blogger meet-up later today with Jennifer of An Orientation of Heart. Pictures to follow!

Do you like Chicago? What are you favorite things?