In this post from the Busting the Myth series, we bring you another myth, and this time it is about the city we’re based in. We repeatedly hear the concern that Chicago might not be a great city to live or study in mostly due to the cold winters and, furthermore, there won’t be many activities during those cold, winter months. While I don’t refute the fact that Chicago winters might get harsh, that doesn’t limit the city’s potential. I absolutely loved living in the city for the past two years. Chicago has great architecture, amazing restaurant scene and lots and lots of fun activities all year round!
Some of the things I love the most about Chicago:
- Art and Architecture: Chicago has spectacular architecture and this a huge differentiator when compared to other cities. An architectural boat tour is a must-have experience. It was a fun opportunity to travel on a boat while learning about the history of the city and the significance of certain buildings. The Art Institute of Chicago has masterpieces from different eras. Not to mention that Chicago is home to some of the most stunning examples of the Art Deco movement. The Chicago Architecture Center hosts an annual Open House Festival, a free event in which you get to walk into interesting buildings and get a sneak-peak from the inside as well. There’s a lot to talk about the architecture of the city and this blog post won’t be enough. If anyone is interested in learning more, I would highly recommend reading Frank Alfred Randall’s History of the Development of Building Construction in Chicago.
- Restaurant Scene: Be it the amazing summers or the harsh winters, the indoor dining in Chicago will make you feel cozy and warm. Chicago has great restaurants that cater to everyone. Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual event in which diners can enjoy special pre-fix menus from restaurants throughout Chicago and the nearby suburbs. The pandemic hit the restaurant industry really hard but Chicago’s restaurants quickly adopted to the new normal (following the city’s social distancing protocols etc.). I loved most of the restaurants I’ve been to and it’s hard to pick favorites.
- Millennium Park and Lake Michigan: Our apartment has a stunning view of the lake and the park. It is a great park for walking, cycling or catching fish. One of my fondest memories in Chicago has been going on long walks along the lake side and admiring the beauty of the city. And don’t miss going on picnics in the park when the weather’s great!!
- Ice Skating: Winter, though harsh is a magical season as the snow adds sparkle to the city. There are lot of fun activities to do during the winter. Ice skating at Millennium Park is a fun activity. Strapping on a pair of skates and sliding through the curvy ribbon in the park is a highly recommended activity. The skating ribbon is open November through early March. Other fun activities during the winter include sledding, skiing and snowshoeing. There are heated igloos in places like Joy District that give the necessary warmth during the winter along with a great dining experience.
If anyone has any questions about living in the city, adapting to Chicago as an international student, or how to make the most of a Chicago winter, feel free to reach out to me.
