It’s almost Memorial Day, which means that tourist season is picking up in Chicago! This, of course, means that those of us who call Chicago ‘home’ may be getting a bit annoyed with some of the obnoxiousness that tourism brings to the city. So, here I am, doing my part, to ensure that if you visit our lovely city, you won’t be one of the ‘ugly’ tourists.
I give you…
What NOT to do when visiting Chicago:
- Do not block entire pathways. People – The Chicago Lakefront is beautiful, and there is a path that goes 18 miles up and down this gorgeous lakefront. There are lots and lots of runners, roller bladers, cyclists, etc. that use this path. So, you can imagine it would not be conducive to walk side-by-side with your four friends and family members, blocking the entire thing so that hundreds of people have to really swerve into oncoming pedestrian ‘traffic’ to get around you. It’s a safety issue, people! (This same logic goes for Michigan Ave.)
- Speaking of which, don’t rent those annoying bikes that aren’t really bikes but more like golf carts you need to peddle. You will go super slowly up ‘hills’ (slow inclines), while laughing hysterically, while once again you’ll be blocking the entire path.
- Do not eat Chicago deep dish pizza for every meal. We love pizza here, really, we do. However, we have many, many other good restaurants around town. Some are even award winning! Go eat at those. You (and your intestines) will thank me later. This especially applies if your host is from Chicago and will be dining with you. If you MUST force them to eat pizza with you, only do so once. Any more than that will break your insides and theirs and no one wants that.
- Do not pay to go to the Hancock Building’s observation deck. Instead, grab a drink (or meal!) on the 96th floor bar. See, I just saved you $40!
- Do not be afraid to ask for directions if you’re lost. Chicago is in the midwest (duh) and people are pretty nice here, for the most part! People will talk to you, attempt to make conversation, and generally be pleasant if you’re pleasant. I’ve never had someone be anything but helpful when I ask for directions (yep, I get lost often even though I’ve lived here for quite a few years), and I’m sure you’ll have the same luck!
With these things in mind, come visit! Seriously, if you haven’t visited Chicago, you’re missing out and you should plan your trip immediately.
I’m super biased, but I happen to think it’s one of the most fantastic and beautiful cities in the world.
(Sadly, Chicago did not pay me to say this. I wish they had, though.)
Cheers to it being (almost) summertime in the beautiful city I get to live in!
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