Once upon a time, we celebrated in a city where they turn the river green, have a parade that is hours long, and a college graduation with tents, champagne, and fancy, fancy parties. It was St. Patrick’s Day. The city was Chicago. It seemed as if the entire city was celebrating. (And here’s a link to 2018 St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Chicago.) Literally, the Chicago River is dyed green!
We were there for a college graduation; my brother was graduating from the University of Chicago. Fast forward a couple of decades, and he’s now back in the Chicago area. A pizza lover. A Giordano’s pizza lover. And we have made many other trips: wedding, graduation, and football games.
How many of these Chicago attractions do you know?
Lego Store
Navy Pier
Soldier Field
American Girl Store
Giordano’s Pizza
High Tea at the Drake
Ryan Field
Lincoln Park Zoo
Grant Park
Sears Tower / Willis Tower
Lake Michigan cruise
Museum of Science and Industry
Field Museum of Natural History
Frank Lloyd Wright home
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple
VanderCook College of Music Graduation
“L” Train
What memories do you collect on your travels?
Is it the wonder and awe of that first visit?
Is it the joy of sharing your love of the city with others?
What else would you add to the list of “must see locations” in Chicago?
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Oh, yes… I had forgotten about the green river. Other than passing through O’Hare, it’s been a long time since I was in Chicago… but I have some great memories– we were living north of Chicago the summer I met my husband (he was stationed at Great Lakes) and we went into Chicago for some dates.
You will notice that O’Hare is not on that list . . . To be avoided IMO!
Oh Chicago is such a fun city! I once went there a day early (for work) so that I could have my own “big girl field trip.” I walked along the lake and made a trip to the Chicago Institute of Art, to a four-story art supply store (Dick Blick’s) and for a fancy dinner at The Girl and the Goat.
Lee Ann, I love having a bit of time to explore as well. Always fun!!!
Love that Chicago turns the river green for St. Pat’s Day. My husband and I are traveling to Ireland for two weeks this summer. I’m excited. When I travel I buy art and jewelry, although last year in Italy I did buy a beautiful hand-made purse and wallet.
Glenda,
You will love Ireland! My mother kissed the Blarney Stone at 80+! So much fun to see!
You stumped me on a few sights, but Chicago river scene, not green, is my screen saver. I miss pizza most of all, but also Culver’s, hot dogs, and the Field Museum.
So many fun places to see and remember in Chicago!!!
I’ve never seen the green river in Chicago, but your post brought back memories of my visits there. My favourite thing was the architectural boat tour – so much interesting information!
That would be a fun tour! So many interesting buildings in Chicago!!!
Alas, I only know of the airport, having passed through it once or twice. San Antonio also dyes their river green, which amuses me to no end!
Wow, I did not know that San Antonio does that also – In Chicago, it is absolutely the most amazing Emerald Green! And you have to go back and see beyond the airport – that’s not even in top 200 places to see in Chicago! :–)
I am making my first visit to Chicago this summer, so will get to see some of your list in person. I will be visiting my son as he has landed an internship at a Chicago law firm for the summer. I will also attend the Scholastic Reading Summit while I am there. I look forward to creating memories there.
Erika,
So many treasures in Chicago – but your son & the Scholastic Reading Summit will also be highlights! Enjoy!
I have never been to Chicago. Maybe during our road trip we might make time for a detour. There are so many places in this country that I would like to see. Maybe I will get the chance.
I’m thinking I should start a list as well. Some places just seem to fit multiple visits! 🙂
8 – yet, I would revise the Lake Michigan tour to only recommend the AIA River Tour!
My oldest got her Masters at University of Chicago and am so glad, thanks to her, I have experienced this city. Thanks for taking me back to HER graduation weekend! Reflecting on that, I highly recommend dining at The Cherry Circle Room https://www.chicagoathletichotel.com/restaurants/cherry-circle
Sally,
The Cherry Circle Room sounds fun! ❤
I attended NCTE in Chicago in 2011. The city was bitterly cold, but incredibly beautiful. I had some fantastic meals, visited the Art Institute, and did a little shopping. I tried to walk as much as possible so I could marvel at the architecture.
Hoping to go back there for a family vacation (once the little guy is potty trained) in a warmer month!
Stacey,
November with lake winds – I bet it was cold! It is fun in the summer!
I wasn’t only to Chicago once about 20 years ago for about 5 hours on a layover. I enjoyed visiting it through your post.
Aileen,
It’s a fun city with so much to see!
We went to Chicago often when the kids were young. We loved to visit all the museums…The Field Museum (I was privileged to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and and exhibit of Jackie Kennedy’s famous wardrobe) …and Shedd Aquarium …and the Art Institute of Chicago where I fell in love with the American Windows …and the Museum of Science and Industry…and more. . I know where some of the other attractions are, but I haven’t visited all of them. Additionally, we used to take an annual Christmas trip on the train into Chicago to go to see the animated window of Marshall Field’s Department Store and visit the Christkindlmarket. Many happy memories!
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[…] Resources:Quotes100 Quotes ( https://parade.com/1172685/jessicasager/st-patricks-day-quotes/ )PoemsSt. Patrick’s Day Poems and Poetry ( https://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/poems.htm )And a previous blog post: https://franmcveigh.wordpress.com/2018/03/16/sol18-march-17/ […]