Today I am going to share some information from a blogging friend Kendra Thorton who lives in Chicago. Here is some of the information about her and her cute family.
My name is Kendra Thornton and I'm 37 and a mother of 3. Before being promoted to the full time position of mom, I was the former Orbitz Director of Communications where I was able to travel a great deal. I now live in Chicago with my family, where they are my number one priority in everyday life.
What I Love About My
City
Often referred to as
“The Windy City,” Chicago is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities that
the United States has to offer. From the abundance of culture that has
been in development for over one hundred years to the natural wonder of the
landscape itself, there are few destinations in the country that have so much
to offer. The food is outstanding, it is a wonderful place to raise a
family, and life in the city has numerous things
to offer people coming to the area with all types of tastes and interests.
Culture Calls Chicago
Home
In
addition to the Chicago Institute of Art, the opportunities to experience
music, theater, ballet, and visual arts throughout the city are beyond measure.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is heralded throughout the world as being
an institution of the highest quality, possessing one of the greatest permanent
collections in the United States. Located on East Chicago Avenue, this
mecca of culture and artistic history is only blocks away from some of the most
intriguing areas in the city. The MCAC also opens visitors' eyes to the
culture that blooms in this vibrant city. All of these locations are also
only blocks from the revered shopping that exists along “Magnificent Mile.”
Shopping
The
“Magnificent Mile” is an area of Chicago that will have shopping fanatics overjoyed
at the possibilities. Situated on North Michigan Avenue, this stretch
meanders along the Chicago River, offering shoppers a scenic view in addition
to shops and outlets that are unbeatable. The number of stores placed in
this roughly one-mile avenue is astounding, creating a shopper's dreamland that
is on par with any shopping avenue in the world. Rodeo Drive in Los
Angeles and Fifth Avenue in New York can barely hold their ground when one
considers the quality of goods and services that are packed into this one
bustling area of Chicago. High-class merchandise, trendy and second-hand
clothing, and even Eco-friendly boutiques are all part of the temptations that
will have shoppers returning again and again.
Nature Blossoms
The
beauty endowed to the city by Mother Nature herself makes Chicago parks an
absolute pleasure to spend time in. Pack a lunch, bring a good book, or
gather up the family for an afternoon of fun in the sun during your visit to
Chicago. Grant Park is one of Chicago's top attractions, drawing millions
of visitors each year. This “Front Yard” of the city rests at the heart
of its busy streets, providing a natural respite for anyone who needs the scent
of fresh air. The park features architecture that is on the cutting edge
of design and tours or outdoor exhibitions that is free for anyone to visit.
Fantastic Food
No visit to
Chicago can be considered complete without indulging in the world-famous,
deep-dish pizza. Virtually any local pizza shop can offer a culinary
experience that is unlike any other deep-dish that one may have had in the
past. However, Gino's East is one of my favorite choices. Locals and
visitors from all around the world delight in their pizza and other Italian
cuisine. The prices are great, and the food is like none other in the
city. They have been in operation on Chicago's South side since 1974,
perfecting their culinary art in order to offer up the amazing food that they
serve today. My kids love coming here to eat, as the restaurant lets you
“autograph” your name on the walls!
Visiting
If
you ever choose to visit the city I call home, where you stay can have a big
impact on your trip. It is important to
get a good deal on lodgings, however, it is just as important to be near the
locations that you desire to see the most. Chicago offers hotels of every
kind to visitors making their way to the Windy City. From five-star luxury,
to quaint bed and breakfast locations, there is something for everyone. Before
booking your reservations, check out the site Gogobot in order see the very best and most diverse
options available. This site features user reviews of each location,
pictures of the actual lodgings, lists of amenities, and other valuable
details.
A Family Agenda
Traveling with a family to any location makes it
necessary to outline your plans ahead of time in order to make sure that there
are plenty of friendly and entertaining items on your itinerary. In this
vein, Chicago has plenty to offer. The
Chicago Cultural Center hosts a huge number of events throughout the year
that include conventions, art openings, and music of all kinds. It is
centrally located near all of the best parks for family fun, including
Millennium Park. This institution always books events that are fun for all
ages and reflect a true sense of what Chicago culture and entertainment is all
about.
