As my time in Chicago has drawn to a close, it's hard not to look back and appreciate the many great things the city has to offer. From glimpses of the skyline to days spent wandering around the city, I'm grateful that I had to chance to call Chicago my home, even for just a little while.
1. The skyline.
Anyone who has me on snapchat knows that I post a ridiculous amount of stories about Chicago's beautiful skyline. The John Hancock building and the Sears tower make for iconic buildings that adorn the ridges of Chicago. It's an added bonus when you can get a perfect picture of both the lake and the skyline.
2. The museums.
I first had to visit the Art Institute of Chicago for a school project. I thought I would rush through, see everything I needed to in order to get an A, and hurry up and leave. Boy was I wrong. The Art Institute has so much to see, and I found myself wandering up and down hallways nonstop, finding something new to see every time. There are way too many museums to name, but some of the best include the Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, and the Mexican Art Museum.
3. Lake Michigan.
I can't get over how beautiful the lake really is. It's sparkling blue water makes it seem as though you're on the beach in Florida or some other tropical place (minus the freezing temperatures of course). Taking a boat on the lake is always great and offers an amazing view of the city. The beaches are open to anyone too and are a great place to hang out when it's warm.
4. The running trails.
When I first came to Chicago I vowed that I would run all of the lakefront running trails. After finding out that it spanned about 18 miles, that goal pretty much ended. I did, however, enjoy running down the trail to Navy Pier. It provided direct access to the city from Lincoln Park without having to dodge cars, trucks, and ubers. The running views there are truly incomparable.
5. The shopping.
As a college kid, there's a part of me that wished I didn't live near such amazing shopping. I could list off all of the major shopping points and what 'L' stop to get off at in a heartbeat. In the mood to shop but don't want to break the bank? Nordstrom Rack off Grand. Looking for some luxurious shopping? Chicago stop. There was so much to shop for and so little time (and money).
6. The parks.
What Chicago list is complete without mentioning the Bean? The Bean is found in Millennium Park, which is beautiful. The Art Institute has a platform that leads down into Millennium Park, and it also boasts a beautiful amphitheater that would be great for concerts in the summer. Millennium Park isn't the only beautiful park, though. Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Oz Park, and Garfield Park make up some of the beautiful green spaces in Chicago.
7. Lincoln Park Zoo.
Speaking of parks, there's really nothing quite like the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's one of the oldest zoos in the country, plus it's free. The zoo boasts over 200 species, which is pretty amazing considering you don't have to pay for entrance. It's a great place to run through, hang out in, and even do homework. Whenever I had anyone come and visit, it was one of the first stops we made. Since it's open 365 days a year (amazing right?) everyone gets the chance to see it.
8. The sports.
Go Cubs go! There's really no other baseball team like the Cubs. After over 100 years without winning a World Series, they finally did it this past season. There was really no feeling quite like being down at Wrigley Field and seeing lifelong fans cheering and crying once the final play was made. The Cubs following is unlike any other. When you add in the fact that Chicago's Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last year, it's pretty astounding. You can't forget that the Bulls are home to Michael Jordan too. Also, da Bears have the most Football Hall of Fame members. Plus there's still the White Sox, Fire, Sky, and Red Stars.
9. The pizza.
I always cringe whenever I see someone order a thin crust pizza in Chicago. They're missing out on some of the best pizza ever. I always get excited when my waiter puts the deep dish pizza in front of me and passes out the pieces, making sure to wipe the cheese off of the plate. Everyone always asks me if I like Giordano's or Lou Malnati's better, but the real answer is Pequod's (even though they're all pretty amazing).
10. The 'L.'
I will always love the 'L'. The 'L' will always be superior. There is no better way to see downtown Chicago than riding the 'L' there. The 'L' makes it easy to get almost anywhere in the city at almost at any time. Bonus: bring a book on the brown line and get a single seat and you've just found yourself the best reading spot in the city.
11. The schools.
Loyola, Northwestern (even though it's technically in Evanston, but whatever), UChicago, and, of course, DePaul. There are way too many schools to name, but they're all pretty great. Bonus: most (if not all) have a campus in the city as well as the main campus, allowing students to experience city life. I've heard the people at DePaul are pretty great too.
Honorable Mentions:
Shedd Aquarium
Portillo's
Chicago River
Navy Pier
