Today I've teamed up with guest blogger Kendra Thornton to share some insider goss about our home towns - Chicago for Kendra and Brisbane for me.
First up here is Kendra's piece about Chicago
A Few of Chicago's Most Interesting Attractions
I may be
biased since I'm originally from Chicago, but to me there is no other city that
offers more in the way of fun, culture and entertainment. There is just so much
to do no matter what your budget or interests. Chicago is an especially great
destination for families with kids, as there are so many family friendly
activities.
1. The
Hippest Neighborhood For Shopping
Among its many virtues, Chicago is a wonderful place to shop.
Whether you're looking to do some holiday shopping or get some clothes and
souvenirs for the kids, there are lots of famous shopping districts. One of my
favorite areas to shop is the Southport
Avenue neighborhood in Lakeview. This is perfect for people who like a chic
yet low-key environment. This area is right next to Wrigley Field and offers a
wide selection of boutiques. Be sure to check out Cerato Boutique, which
features items created by native Chicago designers.
2. Art That's a Little Different
If you're
not familiar with the term "outsider art," it means art created by
people outside the mainstream who are not usually considered professional
artists. These are self-taught artists who often create innovative and
fascinating works that defy conventional labels. A good place to see some of
the most interesting outsider art is at The Center For Intuitive and
Outsider Art or INTUIT. This is a free museum where you can see a variety
of offbeat exhibits and special events. INTUIT is on N. Milwaukee Avenue, not
far from downtown Chicago and the Loop.
3. Find the Right Hotel
When you
make up your mind to visit Chicago, you first need to find the right place to
stay. This city is full of great hotels in all price ranges, but it can be a
little overwhelming to find the one you want. That's why I recommend checking
out Gogobot to find the best
hotel for you. This site is full of helpful customer reviews, so you can
read about the pros and cons of each one. Whether you prefer an old fashioned
hotel with some history in it or a more modern one, you can pinpoint exactly
what you're looking for here.
4. Lou
Mitchell's Restaurant
One of
the best things about Chicago is the vast selection of restaurants, cafes and
eateries. I especially like some of the traditional spots that have been local
favorites for years, such as Lou
Mitchell's. This is an authentic Chicago diner where you can still get
delicious, home cooked and reasonable meals for the whole family. Kids have a
special reason for loving this place -Milk Duds are given to all of them! Lou
Mitchell's is located on W. Jackson Boulevard, at the beginning of the famous
Route 66.
There are
many good reasons to visit Chicago, and the above are simply a few of my
recommendations. This is a city that takes some time to see, so it's good if
you can spend at least a few full days there. No matter when you decide to go
you are sure to find lots of unique and exciting things to do.
Thanks Kendra! Come back tomorrow for some of my insights into Brisbane.