In a previous blog I listed some of the reasons why I make several trips to Chicago each year. The city is family friendly, clean, and full of world-class attractions.
Here now is the continuation of my list of favorite Chicagoland attractions:
1. “Concrete Beach”— “Concrete Beach” is a nickname for one of Chicago’s most popular summer spots. Its real name is Oak Street Beach and it’s located just north of the city’s Magnificent Mile. While there is a sandy area for sunbathers, the beach is dominated by large concrete areas, which have become havens for inline skaters and cyclists. There are also long stretches of concrete slabs that serve as breakwalls on the north and south ends of the beach. To read a full review of “Concrete Beach” click here.
2. Chicago Marathon—–There is no better way to soak in Chicago’s ruch culture than to run the Chicago Marathon. Take it from me, I’ve done it and loved every minute of it (okay, maybe not miles 18 through 22). More than 35,000 runners take part in the annual endurance test, but that pales in comparison to the millions of fans that line the 26.2-mile route. Runners experience a scenic tour of Chicago, passing through 15 Chicago neighborhoods and zipping by dozens of landmarks, including Little Italy, Chinatown, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and much more. To read more about my marathon experience click here.
3. Pizano’s—The popular restaurant was just featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which heralded it as one of the best places to get thin-crust pizza. USA Today also named it as one of the 10 best pizza places in the nation. I would have to agree; they do serve up some prime pie. While Chicago is home to the ultimate deep-dish pizza, if you want a bit lighter fare, I would suggest bellying up to a table at Pizano’s. People say the key to the pizza’s success is its chunky blend of fresh and crushed tomatoes. And locals aren’t the only ones who love Pizano’s pizza. In 1998, the pizzeria supplied its pies to Air Force One for then-President Bill Clinton’s return trip to Washington, D.C., after a Chicago visit.
4. Weber Grill Restaurant— I never visit the Windy City without making a pit stop at this eatery. A trip to Weber Grill Restaurant is one you will be talking about well after the plates are cleared. Practically everything on the menu (save for the beverages and some starch options) is grilled. From steaks and hickory roasted prime rib, slow smoked BBQ to charcoal-fired burgers, grilled seafood and grilled veggies. They even offer a grilled fruit dessert. The best part (especially if you have children): you can watch all the menu options being seared right in front of your eyes. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows diners the opportunity to watch chefs prepare their meals on authentic Weber charcoal kettles. To read my complete review of the restaurant click here.
5. Taste of Chicago—It’s the summer event I never miss… along with nearly 4 million others. Each year hungry visitors converge on Chicago’s Grant Park for the 11-day festival where they can sample 300 menu items from more than 70 restaurants, listen to live music, take in entertainment by jugglers and magicians, and watch live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. It’s a chance to sample the city’s world-class cuisine without having to hoof it around town. To read more about our family’s adventures to the annual food fest click here.
Related Articles:
Five Reasons You Should Visit Chicago
Visiting Chicago’s “Concrete Beach”
Grilling Up A Mother’s Day Treat
“Taste of Chicago”-The Ultimate Food Festival