Headed to Chicago and not sure what to do? Maybe you’re visiting for a business trip and want to see some of the sites in your free time. Chicago is the city you’ve always wanted to see, and you are just in time for Taste of Chicago, from July 5th through July 9th.
So turn in those frequent flyer miles and get ready to go. Just be sure to stop by your InMotion store to pick up all the tech accessories you will need to make the most of your visit. You’re bound to fit more in than you planned to --turns out you’ve just stepped foot in the 6th most walkable city in the U.S. Now get to walking, because you’ve got a lot to see!
Thought the only thing you had to see was “The Bean”*? Think again. There’s a whole park full of amazing statues like this one, and it’s called Millennium Park. This 25-acre park showcases a variety of public art, and boasts the #1 most visited tourist spot in the Midwest in 2017. Here’s where you can appreciate the beauty of the city. You’ll find greenery, monuments, bridges, theaters, pavilions, and much, much more. We suggest grabbing a map if you’re time sensitive. We also suggest the Heartland Drive playlist on Spotify. It’s got plenty of classics for you to listen to as you stroll through the heart of the park. Play them through Sony’s MDR 1000X for an optimized sound.
*officially known as Cloud Gate
Welcome to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, where all of your deep-dish-dreams come true. Chicago is famous for it’s deep dish pizza, but there is none more popular than Lou Malnati’s. Their signature Chicago-style deep dish recipe has been handed down over the generations, making it one of the most iconic restaurants around. They’ve opened up multiple locations in the city, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one nearby.
Step into history with America’s favorite pastime --baseball. Welcome to Wrigley Field, an iconic stadium built in 1914 which is home to the 2016 World Series championship team, the Chicago Cubs. Having undergone recent renovations, this gorgeous park still holds its very own classical and original themes. Some staples? The ivy-covered brick outfield wall, the beautiful view of the city in the background, and the still hand-turned scoreboard. Enjoy an ice cold beer, sizzling hot dog, and the breeze coming off of Lake Michigan as you take in the game. Accidentally scored a seat behind some annoying fans? Slip on some Sennheiser PXC 550 noise-canceling headphones to block them out, and take the rest in.
Looking for a fun after-hours spot to continue celebrating the Cub’s win? Stop by Slugger’s Sports Bar. Grab a drink and a slice before hitting the batting cages on the second floor or watching the dueling piano’s on the third floor. Wrigleyville is full of restaurants and late night spots. Check out Not For Tourists’ to explore more of the local flavor.
Take some time out of your trip to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in North America. Chicago’s zoo hosts almost 1,100 animals from over 200 different species. It has exhibits for polar bears, penguins, big cats, gorillas, reptiles, and many more. You’ll want to take pictures of these exotic animals, so make sure to have the Mophie Juice Pack Air on you to prevent running out of battery. Make sure to take the path past the old burr oak tree. This tree has been around since 1830, three years before the city was founded!
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest, largest, and most popular museums in the U.S. Started in 1879, the museum hosts over 1.5 million visitors per day and is constantly expanding its exhibits. This museum has some iconic pieces you’ll be sure to recognize. Look for Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Now is your chance to be Ferris, Cameron, or Sloan on your own day off. Use a pair of Chicago’s own Shure headphones like the SE215 Limited Edition with an audio tour to learn more about these iconic artworks.
A weekend in Chicago isn’t complete without a stop at Garrett Popcorn. Stop by their airport store to grab a bag to go and stop by to say hello to us, InMotion is right next door.
How did you spend your time in Chicago?