You know, I’m sure I’m partial due to the balmy, 70 degree weather I was lucky enough to experience, but Chicago is pretty cool. Being in DC for so long has made me really enjoy cities, and Chicago is no exception. I love DC for its own reasons, but I certainly wouldn’t complain about having to live in Chicago.
[I hadn’t been to Chicago for years–except for O’Hare–yea, let’s pretend like O’Hare is NOT in Chicago for the purposes of this, because O’Hare is not on my “nice” list!]
First–it’s SO pretty. The lake is stunning, the sky scrapers against crystal blue sky are gorgeous, and I love the architecture in the city. Yes, yes I know that it is blistering cold for many months of the year, and probably grey for much of the winter, but on a good day, Chicago is just beautiful. Plus, the draw bridges. Yea–a malfunctioning draw bridge really snarled traffic, but how cool are draw bridges, in general? Especially in the middle of a city? I am like a little kid in a candy store with draw bridges… speaking of candy stores…
Second–I’m a little embarrassed about this habit, but I consider myself a connoisseur of gummy candy. Most people think of gummy bears, but I’m telling you, there is a whole wide world out there. Gummy peach penguins, gummy brains, gummy fruit, gummy snakes, gummy lizards, gummy eggs. You get the idea. Well, Dylan’s candy bar has a fantastic selection of gummies, including some new finds! Gummy chicken feet and gummy starfish! As I told my husband, you don’t want to know how much these cost me… while Dylan’s is great fun, it’s probably a good thing it’s not in DC for both my wallet and my waistline.
Third–Whole Foods is like a whole new world! I don’t quite understand how they “assess” their clientele and put some things in some stores but not in others, but the Whole Foods in downtown Chicago had all kinds of finds that we can’t get here in DC. Lots of fresh juices, and most importantly a ramen bar! I mean, make your own ramen is pretty damn cool. Again, though, the lack of such things in DC is probably good…
Fourth–Chicago is so very walkable. I have to admit that I favor cities that are easy to walk around in, and find those that aren’t more difficult and frustrating (hey Phnom Penh, I’m looking at you!). I would much rather walk 2-3 miles than hop on a train or metro; walking is such a great way to see the streets, find cute little stores/eateries, and enjoying some fresh air. I loved walking up and down the Magnificent Mile, as well as down by Soldier Field and lakeside.
I would love to go back to Chicago for fun (or for the marathon??) to enjoy some more of the great food, even though I can’t get on board with the deep-dish pizza thing. Plus, without a conference to attend, I’d want to catch a show, go to the Museum of Science and Industry, and at least get a good 10 miler in to enjoy the beautiful Lake Michigan.
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago?
