As the end of a long week approaches, it’s time to think about weekend plans. It’s been a long, cold winter with weekly snowstorms hampering my commute. While most people dream of going to a beach locale with warm, gentle breezes and a cool tropical drinks, I fance the opportunity to shop and fine dine. My destination of the moment is Chicago. The windy city in the winter… I must love the city.
Flying standby last minute always makes for interesting opportunities to meet new people and for the occasional celebrity sighting. If you make it on the plane, there’s the chance to turn left as you enter the aircraft door and enjoy the benefits of first class. The disadvantage however, is becoming too accustomed to turning that direction, making it very difficult to ever go back to that smidgen of seat in the "main cabin".
Chicago is an easy destination for East Coasters, as it’s a short two-hour flight and Central Standard Time gives back one of those hours flying out. The city is user friendly and a great place to visit. A day rail pass for $5 gives you full access to the system and the blue line runs from the airport right into central Chicago.
You can purchase same day performance tickets at the Oriental theater at a discounted rate. A a few doors down from the theater is Garrett's popcorn, a local favorite snack. The flavors are yummy and the samples are generous. If you plan your day just right, you can pick up the tickets in the morning and have a few hours to shop on North State Street a few blocks away. For dedicated shoppers, Nordstrom rack, TJMaxx and Filene’s Basement along with my perennial favorite, Loehmann’s, are a short walk from the theater.
Other favorite Chicago sites includes art museums, the Shedd Aquarium and for baseball fans, Wrigley Field. Dining options are numerous with my favorite being Greektown serving traditional Greek specialties, like moussaka and spanakopita. Michigan Avenue is home to designer lines and great window-shopping.
As March approaches, Chicago is preparing for its annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. Not to be undone by other city's celebration, Chicago goes beyond the traditional parade to color the Chicago River green with food dye. Though a large city, Chicago still wins me over with its Midwestern charm.
-EH
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