The Windy City has lots of amusing diversions. Whether you are spending a night or an entire month in Chicago, you can choose from a wide variety of of fun and healthy options. The city is bike-friendly, and its beautiful lakeshore is almost all public land, including beaches and paths for running, walking, cycling or skating.
Local Food
While Chicago is famous for unhealthy food like hot dogs and pizza, there are many alternatives available for health-conscious visitors. If you're looking for a cheap, quick bite to eat, head over to Sultan's Market, with branches in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park. The funky Earwax Café in Bucktown serves vegetarian fare to a hip, youngish crowd. For hearty Ethiopian fare, try the Ethiopian Diamond in Edgewater.
Cycling
The good news for cyclists is that Chicago is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, with lots of trails, bike lanes and bike racks. Tackle the 18-mile long Lakefront Trail, or simply cycle your way through city neighborhoods. You can bring your own bike or rent one at one of the many bike rental outlets.
Water Sports
Chicago is on the shore of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. In the summer, enjoy water sports like jet skiing, rowing and sailing. You can swim or relax for free on more than 20 beaches that dot the city's 26 miles of lakefront.
Spectator Sports
Catch a football game at Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play their home games. At the United Center, you can watch the basketball Chicago Bulls or the Blackhawks, Chicago's hockey team. Baseball is big in the summer, because the city has both a National League and an American League team. Catch the NL Cubs at Wrigley Field on the North Side, and the AL White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on the South Side.
Warning
Chicago is a large city and, although it no longer has the big crime problems that plagued it in the 1970s and 1980s, it is still an urban area. Be alert, especially when walking around the city at night. Know where you are going, and be careful about the neighborhoods you visit. And keep enough money for an emergency cab.
References
- Chicago; Time Out; 2009
- Chicago City Guide; Karla Zimmerman, Lisa Dunford, Nate Cavalieri; 2008
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