Her Active Travels: Chicago at Her Active Life

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Her Active Travels: Chicago

Posted January 2, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Courtney Albon

Section: Her Health, Her Motivation, Special Features

Chicago Skyline Chicago has a lot more to offer than deep-dish pizza and windy weather. From museums to art galleries to great restaurants and music venues, the city’s rich culture is sure to appeal to all types of travelers.

Go With: Anyone! While the city is host to numerous kid-friendly museums and activities - check them out here - it’s also great escape for couples or a group of friends looking for a break from the daily grind.

See It: A great way to better understand Chicago’s history - and embrace the city’s culture - is to check out the City Gallery, located in the Historic Water Tower, which was one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The gallery features the city-themed work of local artists and photographers...and admission is free!

Walk It: If you’re hitting the city over the weekend, make sure to save a few Sunday morning hours to peruse the Maxwell Street Market. The more than 480 local and international vendors sell clothing, fresh produce, antiques, and imported items while musicians and sketch artists perform and display their work along the street known as “the Ellis Island of the Midwest”.

Work It: Chicago has some great running and biking routes that will take you past landmarks and scenic views while preparing you for a day on the town. A bike-friendly city, law permits bikes on buses and the metro-rail. To customize your route, visit America’s Running Routes on the USA Track and Field Website.
Chicago Bike
Eat It: “Meat Free Since ’83” is the slogan of The Chicago Diner, which was named favorite vegetarian restaurant by VegNews Magazine in 2005. The menu features a variety of casual fare that ranges from fajitas to eggplant parmesan to red pepper ravioli. Main courses can also be paired with the diner’s own organic beer and wine selection.

Night Life: The Chicago Cultural Center - a historical landmark considered “one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the U.S.” - offers free concerts with genres varying from classical to flamenco. And, if you’re in the windy city on a Saturday evening, don’t miss the weekly winter fireworks show over the Chicago River.

For more information or to plan your Chicago adventure, visit cityofchicago.org