As I prepared for my 2-week long trip to Chicago, there was one thing I was most excited about - the gleaming green Chicago river that runs through the city. And while I had been to Chicago before, I did not spend nearly enough time doing all that I wanted to.
This time around, my experiences around and on the river were so exquisite, I wanted to share with the world what constitutes the best things to do around the river in order to fall in love with it!
#1 - Walk across one of the gazillion bridges
No, don't stop reading! I'm not trying to fool you. Walking across one of the bridges over the Chicago river is INDEED an experience in itself. With the backdrop of skyscrapers and more bridges, it is something that makes the city unique. Anyone going to the city would obviously walk across the bridges, so why list this? Because I want you to consciously take in the feeling as you do this. (And don't forget to take a picture or two... hundred)
#2 - Take a sunset river cruise
You cannot underestimate the value of a river cruise in Chicago. It can satisfy both travel junkies and history nuts. Whether it is cruising the green river with the teeming lights of downtown Chicago starting to come on, or listening to the story of the tremendous feat of reversing the Chicago river, you won't be disappointed.
#3 - Enjoy the river from one of the umpteen rooftop bars/restaurants
This is the one thing I cannot forget (apart from the river) - rooftops! So MANY rooftops. I could probably just enter any building and end up going up to a rooftop bar. And then be turned around because I don't have a reservation. (Make sure you get a res before you head to any of the wonderful rooftop bars). Mind boggling views with expensive-but-delicious cocktails and food abound the city. Make sure you go to London House for a one of a kind view of the river.
#4 - Walk or jog the entire length of the riverwalk
We spent a lot of mornings before work (yes, we worked from Chicago) jogging or walking back and forth on the Chicago riverwalk. Why? Because it is beautiful! You can find cool restaurants, alfresco dining, wine bars and dessert shops along the well maintained riverwalk. And make sure you make your way here not only during the day but also at night!
#5 - Get a deep dish pizza, sit on the steps and eat
C'mon! You can't come to Chicago and not have deep dish. Even if only for the tradition :) Make sure you get one at Giordano's and take up a spot next to the river to people-watch and dig your teeth into the cheesy crust!
#6 - Watch Art on theMart
This is something that not everyone knows of but it is mind-melting. On one of the oldest buildings that used to be a mart, there is now a permanent art display, that lights it up after dark. And it is breathtaking to see from across the river! Here is a short feel of it to motivate you! Do not miss!
#7 - Time your visit to see the drawbridges opening up
In case you didn't know, all the bridges lining the river, actually open up! Every couple weeks, the bridges go up to allow boats that can't pass underneath, to actually cross over to and from Lake Michigan. And it is a sight to behold! You can check out the bridge lift schedule here - http://chicagoloopbridges.com/schedule.html .
#8 - Visit Chicago during St Patrick's day
Last, but furthest away from being the least, is the celebration on St. Patrick's day, when the river (which is already green) is dyed a further bright color of green ! While I did not get a chance to witness this yet, it is on my bucket list. How often do you see an entire river dyed green? (We've on purpose picked an image that isn't super clear on how green the green dye is. Because we want you to go there and experience it!)
With so many ways to experience the Chicago river, don't you think it is time to hop on a flight right away?
Comments