Time To “Chill Out” About Chicago!
As some of you may know, the current President Of The United States has begun to send National Guard troops into some of America’s cities, under the guise of “fighting rampant crime and chaos”…these are all lies,, designed to create fear and chaos, to distract us from his disastrous policies and action….
Chicago is like every city: there are issues that need to be addressed, but the city is safe – one of the greatest cities in the world!
Chicago sits on the great Lake Michigan, and it’s a vibrant, lively and exciting city that is a joy to visit – if only to see your reflection in the iconic “bean”:
There is beauty and art everywhere eyou look, along with the “midwest politeness” that people love so much!
As the threats to invade Chicago continue, I want to show my appreciation for the 5 years I lived there…completely and totally free of any act of violence, theft or injury.
A city that is proud to be known as “the Windy City” – NOT by the way because of the weather, but because of a joke about what “blowhards” early Politicians were!
Let’s start on the gorgeous Chicago River:
Welcome To Chicago – And The Chicago River!
It’s one of the most beautiful – and enjoyable – walks in America: the 2 miles of riverfront along the Chicago river, which has been turned into a great place for tourists and locals alike!
You can walk from Lake Michigan right along the river, as the south side of the river is lined with great shops, restaurants and lots of photo ops!
There is an hourly water show that takes place as well..here’s a look:
The Riverwalk goes all the way to the fork in the river: a great walk that takes you by the second largest building in America:
That’s the Merchandise Mart lit up on the right – an entire city block! It used to have its own zip code too…see more stories from this beautiful – and completely safe walk here:
Oh, and what about these?
Yes, these are the world famous “corn cob” apartments, which also sit right on the River…here’s a look at them and then a pan down to one of the many tour boats on the river – a “must do” in the city as well!
Here’s the history of these unique buildings – oh, and a look at the film that was made there – sending a car from the parking spots halfway up the building into the river!
See that story here:
You can also walk along Lake Michigan for hours, getting amazing views like this:
It’s truly spectacular – and there is art everywhere, like this!
Chicago is also filled with museums, including one that houses these two guys:
Meet “The Ghost And The Darkness!”
Yes, these are the real Tsavo Lions that terrorized workers in Africa…all part of the terrific Field Museum – see more here:
There is so much history here – some of it brought in and attached to a building!
Yes, the iconic Tribune Building as history literally attached to it – see some of the coolest ones here:
And the food…you can never forget the food!
How about a slice of deep dish pizza?
Chicago has the greatest deep dish pizza so pop into Lou Malnati’s for a pie – here’s a look!
And if you want a sandwich, then you must head here:
Manny’s serves them up big and tall, doing so since 1942 – see where they are and what’s on the menu here:
I have shared other iconic bites in Chicago – including one that inspired one of Saturday Night Live’s greatest comedic bits:
Bite Into A “Cheezborger!”
This is the iconic “cheezborger” from The Billy Goat Tavern, made famous by John Blushi and Dan Aykroyd on “Saturday Night Live!”
See what makes it so unique and delicious by clicking on my story here:
I love both Manny’s Deli and Billy Goat Tavern – a ton of fun if you are in Chicago!And please do not fall for the rhetoric designed to demonize the city – you will love it!
If you like these stories, why not sign up to receive emails whenever I post? It’s easy to do, I do NOT collect any information about you at all, there are absolutely NO ads of any kind, just stories about movies, music, books, food, travel and pop culture…
You can sign up by clicking on my blog here and see the note on the right!
Leave a comment if you’ve ever been to Chicago – and I you like this story, please share on social media!
Categories: Art, chicago, Exotic Travel, Food, Memoirs, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir
johnrieber 
The historical items imbedded in the Tribune building, the green river on St. Patrick’s Day, and the bean are my faves, John. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLike
I love Chicago and was born there! crazy times there, saw pritzer last nigh updating the situation, one I never thought I would see in my life
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a sad time for sure…yes there are big issues that must be addressed, but national troops isn’t the answer – thank you for the comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an informative post! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading – I appreciate hearing from you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a valid and interesting read! Shall repost tomorrow, both for your great photos + verbiage and the interesting comments following. I have been quite a few times there back in my business days and had a dear long-term blogfriend there for years who taught me a lot. And to this day I thought that the ‘windy city’ had to do with climate ) ! Politics – you know we are on the same page. I won’t start . . .
LikeLike
ALL cities have their beautiful corners, and places best avoided. That’s just the nature of the beast. As a visitor, it’s up to you to learn which is which. There’s no need to malign the locals or scare travelers.
LikeLike
OKay the part about the ‘windy city’ I did not know…..the music and the food would draw me to Chicago….hopefully Donny will leave them alone. chuq
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are problems everywhere of course, but it’s clear what is behind these actions
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clear….and now New Orleans has made the list. chuq
LikeLike
I LOVE Chicago. Your pictures show what a what a fun city it is to visit with gorgeous architecture and art! It’s shameful to think of troops in our cities. Bad enough in DC. I hope sober minds prevail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi John, your photographs are fab 🌈🌟
LikeLike
Sending in troops and the NG is all part of Trump’s Coup master plan. You can expect declarations of Martial Law, the use of ‘Volunteer militias’ on the streets, total banning of press freedoms, and the eventual suspension of elections, ‘In the national interest’. It is how to create a dictatorship, by the numbers.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are exactly right Pete…there is resistance, and Trump’s poll number of cratering with the exception of his crime talk, because people think it’s true….what’s shameful is that the highest crime rates are in Republican towns, NOT the major US cities…
LikeLiked by 1 person