MEMORIES:
Mikey remembers...I would have liked to visit the Windy City, especially back in the day when the Chicago Bulls were dominate. More »
Posted on 11/20/07
PHOTOS:
CATCH PHRASE:
“This is my kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of people too
People who smile at you”
- Frank Sinatra
Though he was a Jersey boy, even Frank Sinatra had to admit there was something special about Chicago. It’s hard not to embrace a city whose heart beats to the rhythms of jazz and blues– a city full of smiles and laughs as big and bright as its legendary comedy scene – a city full of culinary temptations like deep dish pizza and Chicago dogs - and a city full of hands-waving, hearts-pumping sports fans, cheering for the Cubs, the Bulls and, of course - Da Bears! And, of course, Chicago was the foundation chosen for many an architectural wonder. It is home to nearly three million people and captures the heart of just about everyone lucky enough to visit the Windy City.
Speaking of which, the Windy City is a nickname with many theories of origin. Obviously, there’s the weather. Located on the southwest tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago is just a naturally windy area. Some even speculate that the wind got worse once city planners remodeled streets into a grid pattern after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, creating wind tunnels where gusts sway even the sturdiest of individuals. Or maybe the name refers to the local hot-winded politicians in a city known for its intense political history. The origin might even stem from rivalries with other large cities such as New York City, who was up against Chicago for the 1893 World’s Fair, or Cincinnati – Chicago’s biggest rival in terms of sports, bragging rights and… the meatpacking trade. Choose which meaning makes the most sense to you. It is but one part of the story.
The cityscape, beautifully captured during the opening credits for Married… with Children, contains some of the most renowned skyscrapers in the world, such as the Sears Tower, and the John Hancock Center. Chicago’s homes and skyscrapers have been formed and influenced by architectural greats like Frank Lloyd-Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Unforgettable landmarks such as Wrigley Field, the Wrigley Building, Soldier Field (where da Bears play) and Navy Pier never fail to draw crowds.
Also noteworthy is Michigan Avenue (or the Magnificent Mile, as it’s sometimes called.) The famed shopping and dining district delivers world-class indulgences to all who visit. And let’s not forget the famed museums, such as the Field Museum, which houses one of the best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossils in existence. You can get around like the locals do on the L and get out of town from the world’s busiest airport, O’Hare. Passengers on layovers have been treated to an eyeful of Chicago, even when it isn’t their final destination.
Chicago has been a hotbed of musical influence for decades. Whether you’re in to Jazz, Gospel, Blues or even Hip-Hop - you’re sure to find plenty of soul there. Even Rock n’ Roll has planted some roots in Chicago – after all, famed rock balladeers, Chicago, took their name from their hometown. Even Indy Rock owes some credit to the city, Ministry, Veruca Salt, Material Issue, Liz Phair and The Smashing Pumpkins all got their start in the Windy City. And no discussion of Chicago’s music scene would be complete without the mention of blues-guitar legend, Buddy Guy. He can often be found at his own nightclub, Buddy Guy’s Legends, belting out the blues like no other.
Many a comedic great has gotten their start in Chicago, most notably at the American comedy Mecca - The Second City. Throughout the years, Second City has spawned such greats as Peter Boyle, Alan Arkin, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Chris Farley, Mike Meyers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris and Joan Rivers. It would be hard to imagine film and television without the names of the many who have come through the gates of comedy in Chicago.
For the rabid sports fan, Chicago has 15 professional sports teams, and is one of the few to have their major sports teams all playing within city limits. Chicago was home to basketball domination during the 1990s with the Michael Jordan-led Bulls, who play in the United Center (alongside Chicago’s hockey team, the Blackhawks.)The NFL’s Chicago Bears play in Soldier Field and Chicago has the distinction of having two Major League Baseball teams playing within its city limits. Its home to the Cubs, who play in historic Wrigley Field, and the White Sox, who played for 80 years in Comiskey Park (and now play in “New Comiskey Park”.)
As you can see, there is no lack of things to do in Chicago. Like many great cities around the world, such as Washington, D.C., New York City, London, England etc., a single trip simply isn’t enough to experience this metropolis to its fullest extent. The flavors, the comedy, the art, the politics, the wind, the museums, the people – is it any wonder Ol’ Blue Eyes was so enamored with the place?
