Chicago Traveler

Informed Travelers are Happy Travelers

9 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Chicago

While Chicago offers gems that are well known, such as the Skydeck, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile, the reality is that there are several hidden and interesting facts and venues within the windy city that are not common knowledge. Want in on Chicago’s secrets? Keep reading to find out 9 interesting fun facts about Chicago that will blow your mind.

1. You Can See Four States From the Willis Tower

As one of Chicago’s attractions that attract locals and tourists, the Willis Tower – the second tallest building along the Western Hemisphere – offers a sky deck that allows you to see four states that include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

2. Chicago is Home to the Twinkie

That sweet delectable dessert you crave actually originated in Chicago. As an employee at the Hostess Brands factory, the inventor of the Twinkie, Jimmy Dewar, first created the delicacy with banana cream, but later replaced the delicious filling with vanilla cream during World War II. Bet you didn’t know this fun fact about Chicago led to one of the most popular desserts.

3. Sue Lives at the Field Museum

One of the top Chicago Attractions, the Field Museum, is home to a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that is dubbed the world’s most complete. And, her name is Sue.

4. Spray Paint was Invented in the Windy City

Here is a Chicago secret: You wouldn’t have access to spray paint if Chicago didn’t exist. In 1949, inventor Ed Seymour owned a paint store in the city and created this handy tool.

5. The Chicago River Runs Backward

While you may not notice this fun fact about Chicago, it’s true. The Chicago river was reversed in the late 19th century to flow the water into the Mississippi River versus Lake Michigan. The Chicago River is also a staple to the city and is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day and the home of the Special Olympics’ rubber duck race each year.

6. The L Stands for Elevated

Chicago’s subway system was actually dubbed the “L” as an abbreviation of the word “elevated.” It’s a popular Chicago attraction and offers a quick way to navigate the city for work or play.

7. The Ferris Wheel Originated in Chicago

While Navy Pier’s Centennial wheel is not a Chicago secret, it may be interesting to know that the first Ferris wheel was constructed in Chicago in the late 1800s.

8. I-Robot Was Filmed in The Windy City

Many movies and television shows are based in Chicago, but sci-fi fans can relish in knowing this fun fact about Chicago: I-Robot, featuring Will Smith, was filmed in the windy city.

9. Chicago Hosted the First Televised Presidential Debate

History buffs will love this Chicago secret. In September 1960, the first televised presidential debate was broadcast from Chicago. The debate was between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy.

You don’t have to attend a trivia night to share these fun facts about Chicago. Show your Chicago pride and share your knowledge with these nine Chicago secrets. Check back often for even more details about Chicago’s attractions and historical significance.

Best Chicago Restaurants Near Michigan Avenue

Chicago is home to plenty of dining establishments that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. And, Chicago-style meals are always delicious. However, if you want to stay near Michigan Avenue, so you can enjoy the entertainment options of downtown, you’re in luck. Check out the best Chicago restaurants near Michigan Avenue to indulge your cravings and fill you up before setting off to enjoy the Chicago attractions available.

The Purple Pig

Dine with cheese, swine and wine when stopping in at the Purple Pig, located at 444 Michigan Avenue, across the street from the InterContinental Hotel. This Chicago attraction is home to a full Mediterranean menu and a rustic setting that encourages family-style dining. Dive into dishes that showcase the flavors of Spain, Greece and Italy with menu items such as pork spare ribs, salmon, steak, whipped feta, shrimp and more.

Grand Luxe Café

Located at 600 N. Michigan Avenue, the Grand Luxe Café is one of the most popular Chicago restaurants on the Magnificent Mile. Right in the heart of the Shops at North Bridge, this café offers an opulent environment and scrumptious food and drinks. Choose from appetizers such as double stuffed potato spring rolls and chicken lettuce wraps to main course meals such as steaks, seafood, pastas, burgers and pizza.

Bandera

If you’re looking for a Chicago restaurant that features an upscale environment, complete with live jazz performances nightly, head to Bandera, located at 535 N. Michigan Avenue. With views of the skyline, you can dine in style surrounded by modern art. Menu items range from slow-roasted rotisserie chicken to lush salads with goat cheese, avocado and dates. The extensive wine collection is also an added bonus.

The Gage

This famous Chicago restaurant at 24 S. Michigan Avenue combines both American and European cuisine. The upscale environment, mixed with a lush patio offers the perfect setting for a Chicago lunch or dinner. Indulge in oysters, potted rock shrimp or classic wedge salads before dining into main courses such as seared scallops, Berkshire pork loin, coconut curry or a prime New York strip. The Gage is next door to the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.

676 Restaurant and Bar

If you’re in the mood for a dining establishment with a rustic-chic look and Midwest comfort food, plan breakfast, lunch or dinner at 676 Restaurant and Bar. Located 676 N. Michigan Avenue in the Omni Chicago Hotel, this popular dining establishment offers mouthwatering food selections and stunning views. Enjoy farm favorites and loaded plates of eggs, beef brisket and sausage for breakfast or opt for the dinner selections that include seared scallops, roasted chicken and premium-cut steaks.

What better way to experience Chicago than to indulge in Chicago-style meals at the best restaurants in downtown? With deep-dish pizza, Italian favorites and more, you’ll learn all about Chicago’s history while sampling the best food. Check back often for more Chicago restaurants that involve food and fun.

Top Chicago Picnic Spots

July is National Picnic Month, but when you are in downtown Chicago, you don’t have to reserve your picnics for just one month out of the year. When looking for things to do in Chicago, something as simple as a picnic is the perfect choice. And, luckily, Chicago is home to several premium picnic spots that offer views of lush greenery, the skyline, Lake Michigan and more. Check out these top Chicago picnic spots for your next adventure and don’t forget to have that picnic basket with scrumptious snacks and meals ready to go.

Millennium Park: The Lurie Garden

Escape the crowds and tourist areas of Millennium Park and tuck yourself away at the Lurie Garden for a private, peaceful picnic. This 5-acre garden includes colorful, blooming plants and flowers during the spring, summer and fall, as well as a hardwood footbridge to pass over on your way to a patchy area of grass. Not only can you indulge in your packed goodies, you can also spend the rest of the afternoon dipping your feet in the canal, admiring the species of birds flying overhead or touring the garden.

Promontory Point Park

Located on South Shore Park, Promontory Point Park is the perfect Chicago picnic spot. You can find peace and quiet, as well as adventure, with the views of downtown Chicago, playgrounds, fire pits and even walking and jogging trails. Originating as a man-made peninsula that flows into Lake Michigan, this point was crafted as a haven for tourists and residents alike.

Grant Park

Not only can you enjoy a picnic basket full of desserts and main dishes at Grant Park, you can also find entertainment. This expansive park in downtown Chicago offers plenty of patches of grass and benches for picnics, but also live music and entertainment. Grant Park offers more than just picnic spots. You can fill up on lunch and then explore more than 312.98 acres in what is known as Chicago’s Front Yard.

Navy Pier

If you want to be in the midst of the action of downtown Chicago, consider Navy Pier for your next picnic spot. With views of the grand Ferris Wheel, Lake Michigan, boat cruises and cyclists up and down the boardwalk, you can get in some people watching while snacking on your favorites. With the many dining establishments available on the pier, you can also bring your basket and fill it up with goodies to go.

Take your picnics to a new level when finding the best hotspots in Chicago. With views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, you can find peace and quiet while enjoying lunch or dinner with that someone special. Check back often for even more Chicago picnic spots and Chicago attractions.

Best Things to Do in Chicago on Halloween

If you’re ready for a spooky, yet exciting adventure, Halloween Chicago events offer memorable opportunities for kids of all ages. While there are fun things to do in Chicago year round, the Windy City pulls out all the stops – and the ghosts and goblins – for October 31 each year. Check out this comprehensive list of things to do on Halloween in Chicago to add even more excitement to this fun holiday.

Attend the Spooky Zoo Festival

Held throughout the weekend closes to Halloween, this fun event gives kids a chance to trick-or-treat with an audience of animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo. As one of the most popular Halloween Chicago events, this festival not only offers the ghosts and goblins in your family a chance to fill up those candy bags, but also join in the festival fun that includes a corn maze, pumpkin patch, kid-friendly animal activities and Ferris wheel rides.

Hop On Board a Chicago Hauntings Tour

You don’t have to keep searching for “Halloween events near me” when you have the opportunity to hop on board one of Chicago’s most thrilling tours. This bus tour lasts two and a half hours long and takes you to the Windy City’s most haunted spots, such as the abandoned City Cemetery, the location of the St. Valentine’s Day massacre and more. While you will stay safe and sound on the bus during the narrated tour, it’s likely that you just might find something spooky when gearing up for one of the most anticipated things to do in Chicago.

Opt for a Navy Pier Halloween Celebration

If you’re looking for multiple Halloween Chicago events all in one spot, Navy Pier is the place to be on October 31st. The pier features both kid-friendly and adult-only activities, such as the Witches Night Out Ballroom Gala, the Haunted Halloween Ball and the Nightmare at Navy Pier. You can also book a cruise on one of the pier’s charter boats to spend your spooky holiday dancing the night away in full costume. Kids can also trick-or-treat along the pier when accompanied by an adult.

Navigate Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze

Treat the family to an adventure when participating in Halloween Chicago events at Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze. If you’re looking for a spooky good time, opt for the flashlight maze complete with ghosts and goblins once the sun goes down or you can hop on the moonlight hayride for a tour of the grounds. Open every weekend in October, this interactive pumpkin patch and corn maze is not for the faint of heart.

Year round, you can find fun things to do in Chicago, but if you want to take your Halloween plans to the next level, you’ve found just the right city to make that happen. The city is a hub for Halloween Chicago events that are designed for adults and children looking to have a spooky good time. Start with this list and then check back often for even more Chicago events and attractions.

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in Chicago

While all things pumpkin spice signals that fall has arrived, the anticipation in October stems primarily on Halloween festivities. Chicago Halloween parties, festivals and events give you a chance to soak up the cool fall breeze, the smell of pumpkin spice in the air and even a little fright here or there. If you’re looking for the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Chicago, keep reading for all the details.

Nightmare at Navy Pier

If you are up for a spooky Halloween party in Chicago, then head to Navy Pier for the Haunted Halloween Ball. Hosted each year in the Aon Grand Ballroom overlooking Lake Michigan, this Chicago Halloween party offers live DJs, dancing and beverages the weekend before Halloween. With a variety of packages available, you can enjoy the Monster Mash in style with this Chicago Halloween event.

The Godfrey Haunted Hotel

While there is no shortage of haunted houses in Chicago, you can opt to celebrate the holiday in a haunted hotel instead at the Godfrey Hotel Chicago, located on West Huron Street. The party is housed on the rooftop bar and guests get a chance to tour the 20 haunted hotel rooms on the fifth floor to get a fright and delight.

Halloween Late Night Booze Cruise

Head to Navy Pier and step on board the Halloween Late Night Booze Cruise with Mystic Blue Cruises when looking for fun things to do in Chicago on Halloween. This adventure includes an expansive buffet, dance floors, a costume contest, live DJs, giveaways and plenty of beverages to help you celebrate the spooky holiday with views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. You won’t want to miss this Chicago Halloween event, especially if you enjoy a little glamour with your scare.

Wrigleyville Halloween Crawl

Spend your Halloween in Chicago touring the renovated Wrigleyville neighborhood when taking part in one of the city’s biggest Halloween bar crawls. Costumes are a must and you can show off your gore or creativity while enjoying a dinner buffet, beverages at each bar on the crawl and even get the chance to win a Halloween costume contest in Chicago. The crawl begins on Clark street and is typically scheduled the Saturday evening before Halloween.

Halloween Masquerade Party at the Lyric Opera House

If you want to get all dressed up, don a mask and costume and dance the night away, then the Halloween Masquerade Party at the Lyric Opera House is the obvious choice. This Chicago Halloween event includes live music, dancing, tasty bites from local restaurants and fundraising opportunities for local charities.

Whether you want an experience right out of a horror flick or an elegant evening on the town, Chicago Halloween parties deliver. From masquerade balls and costume contests to Chicago bar crawls and Chicago dinner cruises, you can enjoy Halloween in style. Check back often for ever more spooky Chicago Halloween events.