jeudi 13 juin 2013

Rich And Varied Chicago Culture

By Liliana Mills


The third most populous city in the United States, Chicago sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan as the principal city in the state of Illinois. For many decades people from all over the globe have settled and visited here. Due to this mix, it is has continued to be one of the most economically productive cities in the world and has developed a unique style and feel of its own that can be viewed as the Chicago culture.

The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.

Tourists from within the country and abroad can choose from a number of well-known spots to visit. Amazing views of the area can be had from atop the Hancock Building and the Sears Tower, the two tallest skyscrapers in the city. The Art Institute of Chicago is a can't miss for many, as is Navy Pier. When the holiday season rolls around, huge numbers of shoppers descend upon the stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile. Nearby stands the Water Tower, legendary as the sole building to survive the great fire.

The Art Institute is just part of the vibrant arts scene in Chicago. Performing arts are famous here, including the renowned comedy club The Second City where many celebrated comedians have gotten their start. The city is home to scores of theaters, with two of the most well-known being the Goodman Theater, which is located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the city's north side.

Chicago has been very influential in the music industry over the years. It is particularly known for blues, soul and jazz and has been credited with being the birthplace of house music. Other genres well represented by local artists include hip hop, R&B and indie rock.

The eating options in Chicagoland will not disappoint even the pickiest of food lovers. Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza are local specialties in addition to Italian beef sandwiches that can be found seemingly anywhere in the vicinity. A wide spectrum of eateries exist here. On one end are the posh, pricey downtown restaurants while on the other are neighborhood hot dog joints where the service comes complete with a bit of complimentary verbal abuse for entertainment's sake.

Chicagoans love their sports and the professional teams here are well supported. The Bears of the NFL are one of the most popular teams in town while the two baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox provide summertime baseball entertainment. The Bulls of the NBA and the Blackhawks of NHL round out the major professional sports teams.

Chicago culture is a fascinating and distinct blend that has to be experienced to be understood. No matter one's preferences, there is something for everyone to explore and experience.




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