A holiday in Chicago is a holiday in America’s heartland. Welcome to the Windy City, America’s third largest metropolis, straddling Lake Michigan at the very heart of the country’s mid-west. A vibrant, world class city, Chicago boasts all the cultural and artistic attractions of New York, while oozing a relaxed and informal attitude with a distinctive ‘Melbourne’ feel.
Chicago is a multicultural city, with small ethnic enclaves forming a lively melting pot. The main tourist areas of the city are very close together, making it easy to get around and explore. A leisurely walk, or a short bus or taxi ride will expose you to famous museums, breathtaking architecture, exclusive shops and delectable restaurants –all that Chicago has to offer.
A good way to start is to catch a cruise up the Chicago River where you’ll be amazed by the varied architecture and a great overall view of the city. For a more breathtaking view of the skyline, hop on a cruise on Lake Michigan, or catch a lift to the top of Sears Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the USA.
Considered the birthplace of modern jazz and blues, Chicago has a music scene that crosses all styles from arena-style concerts local pubs, clubs and bars nurturing a range of musical styles. Maybe retail therapy is more your speed? A stroll down the Miracle Mile of North Michigan Ave will delight the plastic junkie with top international brands aplenty, as well as malls and department stores such as Bloomingdales.
For a taste of the “old” Chicago when gangsters ruled, take a run down Wacker Drive. You’ve probably seen this iconic street in movies, the road beneath the rumbling El (elevated railway) that roars downtown past skyline buildings. Become Capone for a day, but leave the machine gun behind.
Chicago is blessed with over 100 different cuisines so the world is your prairie oyster. Gina’s Pizzeria is famous for its take on the Chicago deep-dish pizza, and should be included on any trip to the Windy City.
Chicago fun facts
The first Ferris Wheel made its debut in Chicago in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition
Hugh Hefner started "Playboy" magazine in 1953. The first issue sold for fifty cents and featured Marilyn Monroe
The Sears Tower is the world's tallest building with 110 floors
Aussie Space Tours Part 1 - Washington DC
Monday 3rd August 2009
Travel Counsellor: Lucy Fenwick
I am the Australian Travel Coordinator for Aussie Space Tours. Adult Groups & Secondary School Student Groups experience the trip of a lifetime over 14 Days in America. The following journal is written by Mr. Ken Cohen who personally escorts all groups on these amazing journeys. Orlando, LA & Nasa Space Camp, Huntsville (Alabama) journals will follow soon, so stay tuned!
“4 days in Washington”
By Ken Cohen
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16 hours flying from Melbourne to Washington was a huge effort but this was just the beginning of “a trip of a lifetime” with Aussie Space Tours, seeing the most fabulous space sites in the USA. Just the flight into Washington over the White House, the Washington Monument, The Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery will remain in the memory bank forever.
We were driven by shuttle bus to the Holiday Inn Capitol via the scenic route, past all the fabulous places you only read about and will soon get to know and see in person. The hotel is only a stones throw from the Smithsonian... view full story
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