The American City: Why You Should Visit Chicago, Illinois
In 1985, a high school senior ditched his suburban school day to venture into the big city with his best friend and girlfriend. In the eight-and-a-half-hour time frame, the students drove a classic car, ate at a Michelin-star restaurant, starred in a German-American parade, and visited some of Chicago's finest attractions. In the almost forty years since that epic day, we do not know what happened to Ferris Bueler, Cameron Fyre, or Sloane Peterson. But we do know what happened to the fourth star of the film: The City of Chicago.
The outside world regulates Chicago to the Second City. It is not as old as Boston or New York. It is not as glitzy as Miami or Los Angeles. Yet, Chicago is the most American city. The city acts as a microcosm of the nation's trials and triumphs. Its heroes and villains become part of the national vernacular. In its 25 miles, the city sprouted icons like Al Capone, Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and many more, who continue to define the American experience.
Since I started this blog, I knew I wanted to interview Choose Chicago. Choose Chicago is the "official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois." I contacted Michelle Gonzalez, VP of Media Relations, who helped facilitate this piece with the Neighborhood Team. Consequently, I spoke with Rob Fojtik, VP of Neighborhood Strategy, to learn why you should visit Chicago.
Interview
1. What makes Chicago unique?
Chicago is special because of its amazing neighborhoods. It isn’t possible to walk through any other major U.S. city and experience the breadth of food, art, and music you can in Chicago. Whether on the South, North, or West Side, Chicago’s neighborhoods are truly cultural destinations in their own right.
2. How does Chicago's neighborhood reflect the city's history and future?
Chicagoans live in the neighborhoods, so everything happening in our city is happening in our neighborhoods. You can see and experience Chicago’s world-renowned food and music scenes within the context of U.S. immigration policy, post-war urban renewal, and the ongoing layering of different cultures that create unique, only-in-Chicago experiences.
3. What hidden gems should visitors see in some neighborhoods?
Uptown: I love Immm Thai, where the green papaya salad is my absolute favorite in the city. Kie-Gol Lanee is an amazing Oaxacan restaurant – you have to try the huitlacoche quesadilla!
Images Credit: Rachel Bires
Bronzeville – You have to try the gumbo at Norman’s Bistro!
Humboldt Park – Get the chicken jibarito or grab some tostones or maduros (plantains) at Papa’s Cache Sabroso on the Paseo Boricua.
Pullman / Roseland – The apple fritter at Old Fashioned Donuts on South Michigan Avenue in Roseland is the best I’ve ever eaten. It’s huge and perfectly balances tart apple, crunchy sweet corners, and pillowy cinnamony dough.
4. How can visitors leave a positive impact on the community?
Tourism should serve the community that’s being impacted by it. Always look for experiences and businesses that are part of the community. Choose Chicago’s website contains all kinds of wonderful resources that we develop in partnership with neighborhood chambers of commerce and other non-profit community organizations, so you know that everything has the seal of approval from the folks you’ll meet when you visit!
5. What is the future of Chicago's neighborhoods?
Like many U.S. cities in the last decade, Chicago is on a journey to address historical inequities, and our neighborhoods and the residents who call them home are the benefactors of important policy changes and community investments. Tourism can be a tool of economic development. When community members are leading the effort, it can mean stronger small businesses, better public safety, and more opportunities for those who haven’t traditionally had a seat at the table.
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