{"id":5043,"date":"2016-07-07T18:30:47","date_gmt":"2016-07-08T01:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/friendlylocalguides.com\/blog\/?p=5043"},"modified":"2019-11-21T17:47:04","modified_gmt":"2019-11-22T00:47:04","slug":"17-insider-chicago-tips-everyone-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/friendlylocalguides.com\/blog\/17-insider-chicago-tips-everyone-should-know","title":{"rendered":"17 Insider Chicago Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does it take to be an amazing photographer? We know one proved recipe. Try\u00a0being\u00a0an amateur gardener, voracious reader, horrible golfer, and an occasional cyclist. \u00a0This is what out guest photographer Jordan <\/a>does to keep taking perfect shots. You can also follow Jordan’s advice and attend an opera at the Lyric or a set at the Jazz Showcase. And, of course,\u00a0one can\u2019t go wrong with taking a stroll to explore one of the city’s many burgeoning and lively neighborhoods in Chicago for inspiration, admiration and romantic vibes. Find another 17 Insider Chicago Tips <\/strong>with us.<\/p>\n

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Frank Lloyd Wright Studio Oak Park<\/p><\/div>\n

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Here are 17 Insider tips for getting the most out of Chicago from Jordan<\/h2>\n

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    \n
  1. Favorite places in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0Garfield Park Conservatory<\/strong><\/em>:\u00a0 This Jens Jensen designed masterpiece houses a wide array of plant species in the most glorious space. Just take one look at the Fern Room and you may be hooked. And, most importantly, it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n

    Art Institute of Chicago<\/strong><\/em>: It may not be the largest museum around, but the Art Institute has a carefully curated collection that is full of masterpieces like Nighthawks, La Grande Jatte<\/em>, and Chagall\u2019s America Windows<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    Oak Park\u2019s Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District<\/strong><\/em>: Just nine miles west of downtown the works of Wright are everywhere in this small town. From Wright\u2019s home and studio to the Unity Temple, one can get a sense as to why he still influences architecture today.<\/p>\n

    University of Chicago<\/strong><\/em>: With a campus that is perpetually expanding, there is always something new at Chicago <\/a>(in local parlance). From Robbie House and the Oriental Institute, to new buildings and dorms popping up nearly every two years, the university is alive with activity.<\/p>\n

    Chicago Botanic Garden<\/strong><\/em>: North of the city, in Glencoe, this 385 acre oasis is free to the general public \u00ad\u00ad\u2013 unless you are parking\u2013 and a nice place to stroll at any time of the day, any time of the year. Its 31 gardens and habitats will surely have something to grab your attention.<\/p>\n

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    Chicago Botanic Garden<\/p><\/div>\n

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    1. Three days in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If a friend had three days in Chicago<\/a>, I would encourage them to bring a good pair of walking shoes.<\/p>\n

      Day 1<\/em>:\u00a0 Start at the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium<\/em>, Field Museum<\/em>, or Adler Planetarium<\/em>) and\/or the Art Institute<\/em> and head to Grant<\/em> and Millennium Parks<\/em> to see gardens, public art and a wall of buildings whose styles span the century.<\/p>\n

      Day 2<\/em>: Take an obligatory trip to the top of either the Sears Tower<\/em> or the John Hancock<\/em>. Make your way down to the Riverwalk<\/em> and take an architectural tour on one of the many boats in operation. \u00a0End the day in River North<\/em> with it many shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n

      Day 3:\u00a0<\/em> Head out to Hyde Park<\/em>, via the Metra Electric Line, and see the remnants of the Columbian Exposition of 1893 by way of \u00a0Jackson Park<\/em>, the Museum of Science and Industry<\/em> , and the University of Chicago<\/em>. Then head over to 57th<\/sup> St. to visit some of the city\u2019s best bookstores and 53rd<\/sup> St. to take in the local flair.<\/p>\n

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      The Field Museum<\/p><\/div>\n

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      1. Chicago\u2019s signature dishes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Oh, let me count the ways. According to Chicagoans we are famous for every dish, but pizza and hot dogs take the cake. When it comes to pizza, there is no right answer but Ricobenes on 26th<\/sup> St. offers the traditional deep pizza along with thin crust and other Chicago staples. The Chicago dog is the same story, everyone has a favorite place, but Gene & Jude\u2019s in River Grove is the best. It is a hike from downtown but worth the trip.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Favorite Chicago restaurant<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Frontera Grill<\/em> on Clark St. has been around for over 25 years and it is still one of the best restaurants in the city. Chef Rick Bayless\u2019 cuisine offers a fresh and delicious take on tried and true Mexican dishes.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Best places to catch a sunrise or sunset<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The best sunrise is at the end of Navy Pier<\/em> when there are few people around.\u00a0 Sunsets are brilliant in the West Loop<\/em> when the skyline of glass and steel is ablaze.<\/p>\n

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            Navy Pier Sunrise<\/p><\/div>\n

              \n
            1. Architecture photo shoots in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Along the Chicago River<\/em> between Lake St. and Lake Shore Dr. you can take photos; on Wacker Dr., from the bridges, or from the riverwalk. Solidarity Drive<\/em> by Solider Field offers and unobstructed view of the skyline and its major buildings. Lincoln Park from North <\/em>or South Pond<\/em> gives you endless chances to capture the interplay between nature and architecture.<\/p>\n

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              1. Best way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                An afternoon in Old Town <\/em>and Lincoln Park<\/em> is a good place to start. One can traverse the narrow streets of Old Town and look at its turn of the century buildings. Then, head east to Lincoln Park Zoo<\/em> or the Chicago History Museum<\/em>; or head west to visit shops on North Ave. and Halsted St.<\/p>\n

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                Skyline From Grant Park<\/p><\/div>\n

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                1. Ideal Sunday morning in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  I usually like to walk around the Loop<\/em> from Congress to Wacker Dr., and explore the streets when they are not teeming with people.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Most romantic places in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    The Lurie Garden <\/em>in Millennium Park, 31st<\/sup> St. Harbor<\/em> at sunrise or sunset, and the Osaka Garden<\/em> in Jackson Park (currently under renovation).<\/p>\n

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                    Gate University of Chicago<\/p><\/div>\n

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                    1. Best breakfast or brunch in town<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Though it may not be fancy, Valois<\/em> in Hyde Park is my go to place for breakfast. This cafeteria is as much about people watching as it is about the food. Everyone from academics and politicians, to students and city workers frequent this spot.<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Best coffee joint<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Intelligentsia<\/em> started out in Chicago and has since grown to have outlets nationally, but it still has the best coffee around. Be sure to visit the original shop on Broadway.<\/p>\n

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                        1. Favorite view of the city<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Locals know Promontory Point<\/em> in Hyde Park as an excellent spot to view the city. This peninsula juts out into the lake and has a rocky promenade where people can take a dip.<\/p>\n

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                          Chicago Riverwalk<\/p><\/div>\n

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                          1. Most underrated sight in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Palmisano Park<\/em> in Bridgeport: While it is only a few miles away from downtown \u2013 in a neighborhood known for politics above all else\u2013 it is truly an oasis. The site of a former quarry and landfill, the park now boast a wonderful hill (albeit man-made) and a fishing pond that is an unexpected sight in this dense community.<\/p>\n

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                            Palmisano Park<\/p><\/div>\n

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                            1. Best walking trail in Chicago<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              The Lakefront Trail<\/em>: From the Ardmore Ave. to the South Shore Cultural Center this 18 mile path along Lake Michigan is the gateway to the city. Choose any mile marker and you are steps away from a new neighborhood with its sights, people, and traditions.<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Best Chicago souvenirs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                Chicagoans love their sports above all else like Russians love matryosha dolls and vodka<\/a>, so take your pick of memorabilia; Hawks, Bears, Cubs, Bulls or Sox.<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                1. Chicago\u2019s best kept secret<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  The Cook County Forest Preserves <\/em>lie mostly outside the city but they are a place where one can go to walk, jog, bike, have a picnic, and even hike. With some 69,000 acres that surround city, the forest preserves are one of the area\u2019s most precious natural resources.<\/p>\n

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                                  Modern Wing the Art Institute of Chicago<\/p><\/div>\n

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                                  1. What do you know about Chicago that most locals do not?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    Chicago is home to the largest municipal harbor system in the country, with space for over 6,000 vessels at ten harbors.<\/p>\n

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                                    North Pond Lincold Park<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                    What does it take to be an amazing photographer? We know one proved recipe. Try\u00a0being\u00a0an amateur gardener, voracious reader, horrible golfer, and an occasional cyclist. \u00a0This is what out guest \u2026<\/p>\n

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