Chicago

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.