Summer Weekend Getaway to Chicago

Its finally here! While summer may not be quite as exciting for working adults as it was when we were school kids, it is still a wonderful time of the year. The warm sun and fresh flowers are enough to make anyone smile.

Here in the Midwest, taking a weekend trip helps to make the summer even more special.

One place to visit for a weekend is the city of Chicago. Chicago is a wonderful city to visit to see a ball game, go shopping, or hit up Navy Pier. There are also dozens of sights that visitors can enjoy.

Navy Pier, located in downtown Chicago right along Lake Michigan has great summer fireworks, a nice sized amusement park and lots of shops to peruse through. The large Ferris wheel gives a tremendous view of the skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan.

Chicago also has several fascinating museums and the beautiful Shedd Aquarium. Taking the family to see dolphins and whales and dozens of varieties of fish can be very refreshing and exciting for all ages. There is also the Field Museum right next door with many fascinating exhibits.

The Chicago Institute of Art is also a wonderful place to visit while in the city. The Institute holds world famous paintings including, George Seurat's "A Sunday afternoon at the Island of La Grand Jatte." Seurat is well known for developing the pointillism technique. The oil on canvas painting represents Seurat's most famous work. The Art Institute is also home to Pablo Picasso's "The Old Guitarist."

Another great thing about the Art Institute is that is located right on Michigan Avenue. This is Chicago's famous magnificent mile for shoppers. After taking in the art, it may be time to hit some of the shops. While many of the stores are expensive, there are usually some great deals, especially for summer shoppers!

Chicago also has a variety of amazing food. There are amazing ethnic places from Thai, Korean, Romanian, Indian and many more. And of course, you cannot visit Chicago without savoring some famous Chicago style Deep Dish pizza. My personal favorite pizzeria in Chicago is Giordano's Restaurant. The Restaurant started over twenty years ago and for a long time, it was the only place where pizza was stuffed. Today, there are dozens of other pizzerias; however, Giordano's also has thin-crust pizza and lots of choice ingredients from shrimp to a variety of vegetables. Gino's East Pizzeria is also well known for excellent stuffed pizza. Gino's is located on 633 N Wells in Chicago. The pizza typically takes an hour, and is worth the wait. The pizzeria has taken the place of former Planet Hollywood.

Pizza of course, is not the only food to be had in Chicago. There are also amazing Thai restaurants that may just be worth the trip. Star of Siam is located on 11 E Illinois St in Chicago.

The place is casual and a favorite spot of local residents. It is also inexpensive and allows you to get a taste of Thai cuisine. Thai food should be recognized as an unfriendly place for those with peanut allergies.

Aside from eating, there is also usually great entertainment to be found in the city of Chicago. From Broadway shows to local theatres, there is always entertainment going on and it is just a matter of planning ahead and choosing what works best for you and your traveling companions.

The public transportation system is also great in Chicago, however, it is recommended to check out those maps before visiting the big city.
Another tip is to bring along that piggy bank. The toll way prices have increased since many of us have last visited the city!