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Sharon Gamache is NFPA’s director of High-Risk Outreach Programs. Born and raised in South Dakota, Sharon spent 15 years of her adult life in Chicago, first working as a community organizer and fundraiser for Citizens Action Programs and then as a program manager at the National Safety Council. As we look ahead to our Conference & Expo in Chicago this June, we asked Sharon for her recomendations on what to do and see in Chicago.
1. Architecture boat tour
Chicago has done a great job of mixing old and new architecture. Board the architecture boat tour at Navy Pier for a wonderful ride and see some architectural gems along the Chicago River.
2. Millennium Park
This beautiful space in the heart of downtown features an interactive fountain designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It features block towers on the sides of its reflecting pool, and images of Chicago citizens are projected on the blocks from an LED screen. It looks like water pours out of their mouths, and it's fun to watch the reaction from tourists when they first see them.
3. Art Institute of Chicago
View thousands of items in its permanent collection as well as special exhibits (my favorite is the Impressionism gallery). Located on South Michigan Avenue, admission to the institute is free on Thursday evenings.
4. Cubs game at Wrigley Field
Take the El to Wrigley Field on the North Side. Even if you're not a baseball fan, spending time at this beautiful park on a summer afternoon is a little slice of heaven. One summer, I used all my vacation time in half days to go to 18 afternoon baseball games (before lights were installed at the field).
5. Chicago hot dog
I probably ate one hot dog a year when I lived in Chicago, but it had to have traditional condiments: a poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, green relish, fresh chopped onions, tomato wedges, two sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and celery salt. When in town, ask for a Chicago dog "with the works".
6. Shaw’s Crabhouse
My favorite seafood joint features both an oyster bar and formal dining room. Oysters on the half shell are very fresh and the menu features dozens of seasonal seafood choices. Bonus: blues bands perform at the restaurant three nights a week.
7. Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
This South Side museum has 14 acres of hands-on exhibits and is one of the largest science museums in the world. My dad and stepmom always visited the U-505 submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States, and there are always new exhibits like the Harry Potter Exhibition that will be there this summer.
8. Frank Lloyd Wright Tour
Just west of Chicago, in Oak Park, is the world’s largest collection of homes and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy a walking tour and then stay for lunch or dinner at one of many fine restaurants in Oak Park.
9. Billy Goat Original Tavern
"Cheezborger! Cheezborger!" This tavern was the inspiration for the famous Saturday Night Live skit featuring John Belushi. Be prepared to shout out your order if you visit this eatery on lower Michigan Avenue and go early: the Billy Goat is only open until 3:00 pm.
10. Chicago theater
There are plenty of big Broadway plays and musicals in downtown Chicago. But also check out local (more affordable) productions at the Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, Organic Theater Company, and the Chicago Black Ensemble Theater.
Sharon also recommends reading her favorite poem, "Chicago", by Carl Sandburg.
We'd like to hear from you! What do you think about Sharon's list? What are your favorite things to do and see in Chicago? It's easy to respond: just click on the "comments" link below, enter your name (just your first name is fine) and your e-mail address (this will NOT show in your post), and type your comments in the white box. Then select "post".
The last time I was in Chicago, I asked for a Hot Dog with mustard and Sauerkraut, They told me to go back to New York.
Your list is great. Must try a cheeseborga.
Chicago Pizza, the Chicago Chop House, and breakfast at Lou Mitchell's are a few of my favorites.
Posted by: Rick | January 27, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I agree #1 thing to do is the architectural boat tour and then go to Navy pier
Posted by: lisa | January 27, 2009 at 08:59 AM
One of my favorite haunts is Lawry's The Prime Rib. The prime rib, wheeled to your table and sliced for you personally, melts in your mouth and the buttered peas are in a class all their own. Also, each time I visit I stock up on bottles of Lawry's salad dressing. Nothing in the grocery stores compares!
Posted by: Lisa Braxton | January 27, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Navy Pier boat tours and in the summer, there are also fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday nights, (@ Navy Pier). Also, Rush Street is great for ALL ages.
Posted by: Mary | January 27, 2009 at 11:15 AM
The Aquarium is a wonderful place to spend some time. My daughter and I also had a great time at the American Girl store. She took her doll and we had lunch there.
Posted by: Kristi | January 27, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Like Cuban Food ? If you travel to the inner city Logan Square, try EL RINCONCITO CUBANO 3238 W. Fullerton 773-489-4440 . Family Owned B.Y.O.B. Best In Town Cash Only.
Posted by: Joe | January 27, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Wow! Where do I start, I remember the first time I traveled to Chicago I prayed and promise i would never return. Second time I went to Chicago a whole diffent view of Chicago, so many thing to do and little time to do it. Now every time I get a chance to travel to Chicago i really look forward to been there. So many sites to see and enjoy. Great restaruant and meeting wonderful people.
Can't wait to go back!
Thanks,
TEXAS
Posted by: Rene | January 27, 2009 at 04:22 PM
While you are in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a nice place to visit for a feel of the nature. For shopaholic, Michigan Avenue stores are a must. In June, the Grant Park, where history was made, is a breeze and sunlight filled park for everyone and it is not far away from the convention center. Hopefully Taste of Chicago is on during that time.
If you are visiting Museum of Science and Industry and a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, then you can't miss the campus of University of Chicago, among other goodies, the Robie House by Wright has been called "the cornerstone of modern architecture". Northwestern University up north is also a very attractive academic campus during the month of June, right at the lake.
Enjoy Chicago this June.
Posted by: Jonathan | January 28, 2009 at 01:08 PM
I found a good online list of Chicago museums, including a few off-beat choices:
American Toby Jug Museum
"This quirky museum displays more than 6,000 ceramic vessels that are known as Toby jugs. Collected by Stephen Mullins for the past 60 years, the jugs depict political and historical figures, literary characters and entertainers; they date as far back as the 1760s through characters of today like Harry Potter."
Dr. William M. Scholl College Of Podiatric Medicine Museum
"Feet get top billing at this small museum in the far north suburbs. A highlight is the world’s largest shoe, a size 44, worn by one of the world’s tallest men, Robert Wadlow, from Alton, IL."
John Dillinger Museum
"Just outside Chicago in Hammond, Ind., this museum uses the life and death of Prohibition-era bank robber Dillinger to set the example of how 'Crime doesn’t pay.' Check out wax figures of Dillinger and other bad guys, Dillinger’s lucky rabbit’s foot and other miscellaneous found in his pockets the day he was shot outside Chicago’s Biograph Theatre in 1934."
See the full list at:
http://wheretraveler.com/classic/us/il/chi/4/pcCL0000001804_01.html
Posted by: Mike Hazell | January 28, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Sharon's number 8 the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, of her favorite things about Chicago peaked my interest. It will be on my list of things to see while in Chicago.
I would also recommend the Sears Tower; it is the highest point and a symbol of Chicago. It is the tallest building in North America, with a sky deck on the 103rd floor with a view of 40 to 50 miles.
Shed Aquarium is another recommendation as it is the largest indoor Aquarium in the world. It has different sections such as the Caribbean reef, the Amazon with cool exhibits. You can actually go whale watching and see over 8,000 aquatic animals that represent more than 700 species.
After that aquatic tour, I will go to Sharon's number 6's favorite place Shaw's Crabhouse for a nice sea food dinner. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Tinto | January 30, 2009 at 02:20 PM
You guys are making me hungry. I LOVE CHICAGO FRANKS! For German food is Bergdoff's still in town?
The Art Institute is wonderful. Make sure to check out "American Gothic", Chagal's "Blue Window", "Sunday in the Park" by Saurat (that is with all the dots) and even "Clouds" by Georgia O'Keefe.
A walk (ans spend) up Michigan Avenue ending at Water Tower Place (a shopping mall AND actual old Water Tower next door.
You all can have such fun in Chicago. Enjoy!
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria | January 30, 2009 at 02:29 PM
A must see is the Planetarium, Aquarium, and Museum. Also Chicago Bulls Stadium. The info on the Great Fire is in the Water Plant across from the American Girl Store. Guy's if you take your family leave the women in American Girl and go to Smith and Wolinsky's or any of the patio cafe's. Just down the street from the Hershey’s store there is an Auto import dealership. See the Brand new Rolls Royce, Bentley's and Lamborghini’s.
Posted by: David Sawyer | February 03, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Several foods come to mind that must be sampled when in Chicago! First, try an Italian beef sandwich - they are unique to Chicago. Al's #1 Beef 1079 W. Taylor St. has arguably the best beef sandwich in the city, but these tasty sandwiches can be found almost anywhere.
Next, a helping of thick Chicago style pizza is a must while here. The Original Gino's East of Chicago is at 633 N Wells St and is a great choice as is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - River North 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610.
A stroll down the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave. just north of the Chicago River is a great way to experience the best of Chicago's retailers and fine dining as well!
Posted by: Tom | February 03, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Calling out to the entire NFPA Family, while in Chicago you must try our pizza. I would love to recommend several places but each have their own style from thin to thick crust to my personal favorite a stuffed pizza.
You will remember your first Chicago style pizza.
Don't even think of calling it a pie.
Enjoy your time here.
Posted by: JPV | February 03, 2009 at 04:12 PM
I love everything that Sharon listed. I would encourage any conference participants to seek out oppotunities to take in several of her suggestions. Also, if you like to shop, there is the "Miracle Mile" of shops along Michigan Ave.
Posted by: Ernest Grant | February 08, 2009 at 02:35 PM
I can't wait to host all of the NFPA Family in our City by the Lake. Since the Public Educators will be at the Hilton I have a few suggestions. The Shedd Aquarium and the Museums are only 1 mile away, I would visit them. I suggest a water taxi to Navy Pier from there to take in the fireworks or the activities at the Pier. Your in the heart of the theater district eg. the Goodman, Auditorium, and the Shubert, not to mention the Civic Opera House. Finally when it comes to restaurants here are a few. First the Dixie Kitchen President Obama's favorite, Pizza Gino's East, Maggiano's Italian and Catch 35 for seafood. Wildfire is another local favorite Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant.
Posted by: Terry Campbell | February 09, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Wow-Great memories!
some of these things are out of season, but they are what I have fond memories of in Chicago:
1. The Shedd aquarium
2. Museum of science and industry
3. Adler planetarium
4. Street sculpture everywhere downtown: look down on it with a birds eye view from the Sears Tower
5. Home Run Inn pizza on the southwest corner of the city, or several of the options in town that serve real Chicago deep dish pizzas heaping with cheese, sausage and whatever else you like. ride a commuter train, and stop in Riverside: Deep dish pizza or exceptional Italian food at Barone's in Riverside, next to the tracks. If you like architecture, wander some of the residential streets north of the restaurant after dinner.
6. A sunny afternoon at a Chicago Cubs game: Why would they ever install lights there?
7. Navy pier and a stroll along the waterfront
8. Greek food, especially a freshly carved Gyros, at Virtually any restaurant in Greektown
9. German/Bohemian food, especially the Weinerschnitzel, at Bergdorf's. Wild game products in abundance.
10. The nightlife on Rush Street
Now I'm getting hungry, it's time to go...
Posted by: Mike Collins | February 16, 2009 at 09:42 AM
There's so much to do in Sweet Home Chicago....first off Wrigley Field unfortunately the Cubss are out of town that whole week to go watch a game but just going to the north side to watch the game at one of the local bars is worth it. You can settle for less and go see the White Sox if you really must. A few places I suggest is Jimmy's red hots (hot dog stand) at Grand and Pulaski one of my all time favorite spots just don't ask for mustard. Thai bowl great food for the price. The canal street flea market is awesome, walk around and find great deals and great food outside...it's only on Sundays but it's also right next to the Chicago Fire Academy. Well I hope to see everyone here for June and can't wait.....Art Carrillo Carpentersville Fire Dept IL
Posted by: Art Carrillo | March 20, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Wow! It’s amazing to hear about the tour of “Chicago”, after reading this article I am awaiting too much to visit it once.
Especially among these ten things, (Millennium Park, Chicago hot dog, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago theater) are making me travel to “Chicago” by the end of this month.
I hope I will also enjoy the tour a lot…. And thanks for sharing such an amazing article .
Posted by: חדרי מלח | June 26, 2011 at 11:26 AM