Mum's visit to Chicago

My mom visited me in May for my swearing-in ceremony. She stayed for two weeks and it was amazing. We saw almost everything there needs to be seen in Chicago. Of course, we started out on Michigan Ave aka Magnificent Mile. There are all the stores you can imagine. We mostly window shopped being that the tax in Chicago is 10.25%. So we walked all the way down Michigan Ave until we hit Millennium Park. Millennium Park is like the Central Park of Chicago. There is live music, cafes, sculptures, and during winter they install a skating rink. It is a great place to go and walk and just enjoy the juxtaposition of the peaceful nature and the noisy city.

Millennium Park has many prominent features. This includes the Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. A little further down from Millennium Park is Grant Park. Every year end of June and beginning of July there is the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. It is famous for being the place where Obama gave his speech the night he won the election. It is a beautiful park. Across the street from that is the Buckingham Fountain. You way know this fountain from the opening scene of "Married with Children". This fountain is huge and a must see.

Another place that my mom and I went was the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower). When you go up the elevator of the Sears Tower, it takes you to the 103rd floor (I think it was). Once you get there, you are able to see all of Chicago. From each side of the building you are able to see a different side of the city. It's about $15 a person to go up, so if you don't want to spend the money, go to the Hancock Tower instead and spend that $15 on drinks!

My mom and I went to the Hancock Tower near dusk. You are able to go to the lounge for free and just order a drink while you enjoy the view. During dusk you are able to see the sunset and the city start getting dark and the city lights come on. It is a great place to go and have drinks after work, with some friends, and enjoy the city from a distance. My mom and I enjoyed some drinks and finger food (bill came out to be about $25). So worth going to Hancock instead of Sears because you get the same view and drinks for pretty much the same price.

A lot of people say you should have a Chicago-style pizza and hot dog, but to be honest, I am not a big fan. I like New York style pizza better, but I guess you should try it and see for yourself. There are a lot of other places that I took my mom as well - the Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, Greek Town, Viet Town, Little India (Devon St.), and Chinatown. There is a lot to do. Summer would be the best time to visit Chicago being that there are a lot of free concerts at the park and a lot of outdoor markets.

Enjoy the city! We did.