My Kind of Town
I’ve spent the last three days in Chicago and I swear, if it wasn’t for the harsh winters I know exist here (though I’ve never experienced the bitter, biting cold off of Lake Michigan…I see no good reason to EVER leave Florida in the winter time), I might be tempted to move. My daughter is convinced we need a condo in the city. I tend to agree, though clearly my daughter doesn’t quite understand the botanical laws that keep money from growing on trees. I’ve set at least four books here…my upcoming Blaze uses the streets of Chicago as a backdrop. It’s a sexy city, after all. But I wonder, sometimes, why Chicago is the world’s best kept secret. I mean, you want the epitome of cosmopolitan living? New York, of course. Paris. London. Well, guess what? Chicago has all that–and more.
You saw Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, right? Oh! If you haven’t, please go rent that movie. I remember my second trip to Chicago (might have been my third.) I’d just found out I was pregnant, but my husband was already in Chicago for a convention (the same one we just got back home from!) I was joining him late Friday night and after we celebrated our baby with dinner with friends at Harry Caray’s (the famed Cubs announcer) we proceeded to have a Saturday a la Matthew Broderick.
It started with a parade. No lie. The Polish Day parade happens on Wacker Drive (don’t ask) on the first Saturday of May. (The only thing I can say against Chicago is that finding a mint julep back then on Derby Day was no easy feat…but Heaven on Seven makes a great one, along with amazing jambalaya…but I digress.) We went to the Art Institute of Chicago and looked at the masters…Dali, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Picasso and of course, George Seraut’s “Sunday Afternoon on the Grand Jette.” 
We went to a White Sox game (the Cubs were out of town.) We went to the top of the Sears Tower. We did not pretend to be Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago, but we did have coffee with Oprah. (She jumped into this coffee shop, sans makeup and with big sunglasses…but I spotted her right away. Didn’t tell my friends…they would have freaked.) We stirred out sweetener together. Very gracious woman.
Anyway, that day–that weekend, goes down in history as one of the best ever for many reasons. One of my next trips to Chicago was during a 100+ degree heat wave…but it’s where I met Janelle and Carly for the first time…and when Janelle and I walked the entire city in one day and didn’t pass out. We discovered Garrett’s popcorn together! I’m munching on the caramel right now as we speak, warm in the waxy bag. It’s amazing. And now they have a website where you can order online, but I’m doubting it will be quite as delicious as when you have to stand in line for it and it’s fresh out of the kettle.
Now, I have the pleasure of sharing the city with my daughter. She’s been here three times and loves the subway (called the L here), the skyscrapers, the hustle and bustle of the city, the lights and all the colors. She loves the shopping, especially at American Girl Place, where we’ve dined twice and shopped until we have only one more outfit for Kaya left and then she has the entire collection. (We’re moving next to Felicity. Help!) She adores Navy Pier. We tied in putt-putt golf, she rode the swings, I shopped at the leather goods place. We spent an entire day at the Field Museum, which she loves, because dinosaurs are like, the coolest, and what museum can be better than the one that houses, Sue?
They also have a permanent gem stone collection–so there’s something for Mommy, too.
I took her to the Art Institute. She got all excited when we stumbled on the paintings of Yves Tanguy and she screamed, “There it is! My favorite painting!” It was “The Rapidity of Sleep.” I don’t even remember seeing it last time, so obviously, I was no influence (I’m more of an Impressionist girl.) Let me tell you, surrealism takes on a whole new meaning when your second-grade daughter makes this sort of declaration, but I’m glad. Chicago is nothing if not a fantastic place to introduce children to everything from their first major league baseball game (the Cubs, of course) to art and architecture. And history–she really wants to know if the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow is true.
Chicago is rich in so much–food (can’t beat the hot dogs or the steaks…or the pizza!), history (did you know the name Windy City has nothing to do with weather and everything to do with politics?), architecture, sports, art, theatre…did you know that many Broadway plays do their initial test runs in Chicago? And it’s the birthplace of the blues…and then there’s Second City, where so many great comedians made their start. There’s nothing NOT to love about Chicago.
It’s May…and in May, the city is blooming with tulips. You can’t walk down a street without seeing purple, pink, red, yellow, orange, stripped, white buds blooming on amazingly tall stalks–all in lovely planters. And I haven’t even waxed poetic yet about Lake Michigan, which this weekend, was as blue as the Caribbean sea, though probably wasn’t as warm.
I’m home now, back to a muggy 80 degrees. My daughter has already made my husband promise to take her back to Chicago in the fall. I used to get a once-a-year trip in the Spring thanks to the Food Marketing Institute convention…now with the pint-sized princess who loves this city as much as I, we might be looking at twice a year. See, South Bend, Indiana isn’t very far away from Chicago and my husband loves Notre Dame football. Whatever. I just want to come back. Soon.
So share with me your Chicago memories…or tell me about other cities you love and why. We’re traveling fools in this household and you never really know where we’ll end up next.
GREAT post, Julie. I remember! AMERICAN GIRL store … GHIRADELLI’S (never knew of their chocolate before Julie!) and HOT HOT HOT walk around town in the summer time. Oh and great friends.
I agree with Julie. Chicago is wonderful. Just not the twelve hours I spent in O’Hare on the way to Reno last summer. But that’s another blog - the horrors of traveling with Carly. :o
Comment by Carly — May 10, 2006 @ 6:36 am
LOL. Carly I agree about the airport. I live in Chi-town’s NW ‘burbs, so it has a special place in my heart. I love Taste of Chicago the week prior to 4th of July, Navy Pier, renting a plane and flying over Navy Pier during the fireworks, the Irish parade, the theatre, and so much more. I like that it’s not as well-known(?) as NY or another big city. Chicago is wonderful because it retains it’s midwest, friendly feel.
I love Minneapolis - the skywalks are a fun way to get around, and it’s not quite as crowded as a lot of big cities. I was born there, and grew up about 3 hours north. There’s a great theatre community (Guthrie theatre) and of course, the Mall of America LOL
Helsinki, Finland also holds a special place in my heart - it’s where my ancestors are from. It’s clean, beautiful, and a bit remote. I like that.
Comment by Stacy ~ — May 10, 2006 @ 7:08 am
Oh, Julie, sounds like you had a fabulous time! You make me want to hop on a plane and visit Chicago myself. Haven’t been there since that sweltering hot summer when you and Janelle discovered Garretts! Considering how much my kids love NYC and the Met, I know they’d adore Chi-town and the Institute. Especially because they’re such Broadway babies and all three of them love Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park With George.
Glad you’re home safe and sound to this sweltering, burning state.
Leslie
Comment by Leslie Kelly — May 10, 2006 @ 7:36 am
Julie, sounds like you and your family had a lovely visit to Chicago. I can’t say that I have ever been that far up north. Like you I’m down south and the humidity is something else right now.
Comment by Gigi — May 10, 2006 @ 8:18 am
Welcome back Julie! Okay, I have travelled the Eastern states but only by car or by train. LOL!! Yes, I am petrified to fly. I HAVE flown twice and lets just say my second flight was something that could have been out of the movie “Airplane” it was completely horrendous. And scared me to death. Now just the tought of getting on a plane terrifies me.
Anyway, I LOVE the mountains and have gone to North Conway, New Hampshire a lot. It’s beautiful up there. I have also travelled down as far as Orlando Florida. Now I know you live in the south, probably even in Florida. But I love Disney in January. It isn’t so hot that I melt, but it is a nice break from the blizzards we endure here in Massachusetts. And last but not least I LOVE Boston. The city is just full of life and things to do. Visiting Bullfinch Pub where the TV show “Cheers” is based on is so neat.
Comment by Kelly — May 10, 2006 @ 8:37 am
Wow! that sounds pretty cool, i’ve been trying to make my way to chicago for years now, my childhood friend moved there 7 years ago and I still haven’t visited her
.
It sounds like you are having a lot of fun, love that picture of the dinosour.
Lui
Comment by Lui — May 10, 2006 @ 9:37 am
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Julie! I loved Chicago more than any city I’ve visited. And Garrett’s popcorn — ahhh, to DIE for!!! We must plan another trip there! 8)
Comment by Janelle — May 10, 2006 @ 10:36 am
I’ve never been to Chicago. Your right, it must be the best kept secret because I never would have thought it was as enjoyable as you explained. I’m pretty boring and never get to go any place exciting. Oh well, maybe some day.
Comment by Kelley — May 10, 2006 @ 11:42 am
In Chicago I remember biting cold wind, some tall tower I went in that swayed with the wind, and a 50’s diner.
Cities I like: Vegas, San Francisco, Richmond, Albany. Why? Because I’ve always had great times in each. (b)
Comment by Melissa — May 10, 2006 @ 11:46 am
very nice 8)
Comment by kim H — May 10, 2006 @ 12:00 pm
YES THAT IS A GREAT TIME THAT YOU HAD JULIE IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL GO DOWN IN THE MEMORY BOOKS FOR A LIFETIME..I HAVE ONLY BEEN TO CHICAGO TO CHANGE PLANES TO GO VISIT MY FAMILY IN THE BAY AREA IN CALIFORNIA….YES THE BAY AREA,THE COASTLINE AND OF COURSE ALL OF YOUR OWN FAVORITE MEMORY PLACES IN SF BESIDES WHERE ALL THE TOUISTS GO. I HAVE A SHORT TIME TO GO AND I AM AN AVID BASEBALL LOVER SF GO….BUT I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO CHICAGO TO SEE THE GREEN WALL…..SO I TOOK A LIST OF A FEW PLACES THAT BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT IF MY SCOOTER CAN MAKE IT I WANT TO GO….WELCOME BACK JULIE SO GLAD THAT YOU HAD TIME FOR YOURSELF…
Comment by peggy c — May 10, 2006 @ 1:50 pm
Have been to Chicago once and sll I remeber about it is THE TRAFFIC.
Comment by Estella Kissell — May 10, 2006 @ 3:04 pm
If I had the money I’d book a trip right now!! You make it sound like a great place to visit. One of my uncle’s use to have to go on business & he hated Chicago–I’ve let that influence me. Maybe I’ll open up my mind to that!
My favorite city is San Francisco, it is beautiful there even on cool, foggy days! Don’t go in the summer, fall is the best time in fact I think fall is the best time to visit most anywhere–my favorite time of year. Two other cities I have visited are Seattle, WA. & Portland, OR. oh yeah, Denver, CO. My oldest daughter use to live in Colorado. The Museum of Natural History in Denver has an awesome dinasour exhibit. I’m not very well traveled so I mostly know the west coast of the US where there are a lot of wonderous things to see, especially anywhere on the coast, I never get enough of the Pacific Ocean. Although cities have lots to offer I really enjoy small towns & quaint little villages such as Mendocino, CA., Murphy’s, CA., Calistoga, CA., Ashland, OR., Sisters, Or., Bend, OR., I’m sure I could think of more but I won’t make you think I don’t know when to quit!!
Have a great day everyone.
Donna M
Comment by Donna M — May 10, 2006 @ 3:13 pm
P.S. I love to play tour guide to people here in Wine Country, just let me know if you are going to visit this area. It is getting way too popular but it is a wonderful place. Fall is a lovely time, right now isn’t bad!!
Comment by Donna M — May 10, 2006 @ 3:14 pm
I have never been to Chicago………although after reading your description today, it would be great to see. As for the winters, I guess I would be able to handle that since, I live in Canada and we have some bitterly cold winters.
Comment by Cryna — May 10, 2006 @ 3:30 pm
Julie, sounds like you and your family had a lovely visit to Chicago. I have never been to Chicago. I do have a friend Donna who lives there and she tells me about the winters BRR.
I live in Connecticut and like it just fine lol.
I lived in Daytona Beach for a couple of years a long long time ago and I came back to CT.
I could never live in FL. to HOT for me.
I tease a friend of mine and relatives that live in FLorida what do you at Christmas time decorate your pink flamingos :d
Comment by Cheryl — May 10, 2006 @ 7:32 pm
Thanks for this post! We JUST planned our 1st trip to Chicago this weekend. We will ride Amtrak (another 1st) from Dallas to Chicago in June. We are very excited to being going! Please everyone, post more tips for the Windy City!
Peg
Comment by Peg — May 10, 2006 @ 8:50 pm
Traffic? I wouldn’t know…I never take a car anywhere! I guess we ride in a lot of taxis, but I’ve never noticed anything out of the ordinary. The one time we drove into the city, the traffic was pretty bad, but I expect that in a big city. I’m a city girl–can’t stand being out in the middle of no where with nothing to do…it’s the price you pay, I suppose!
Donna, I love San Francisco as well. I set my first Blaze there. I love how compact it is…but I hate walking there! You have to train and workout heavily to be able to tackle those hills!
Melissa–the mistake you made was Chicago in the winter. What you described is what I imagined. Think spring.
Thanks to everyone who popped in…some great suggestions. Donna, I haven’t been to the wine country since before my daughter was born, so I may just take you up on it someday!
Comment by Julie — May 11, 2006 @ 7:02 am
Julie, just let me know! It would be a pleasure to meet you.
Comment by Donna M — May 11, 2006 @ 3:44 pm