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Tourist Information about Chicago
James Bryce once said that Chicago is "perhaps the most typically American place in America." Founded in the early 1800s as a tiny settlement that linked the Wild West to the East Coast cities, Chicago became a crucible of modernization and gave birth to the beginnings of suburbia. From the legendary fire of 1871 to its image as a no-holds-barred free market run by gangsters in the 1920's, Chicago has emerged to be one of America's most important cultural, educational, and financial hubs. Chicago's imposing skyline is dominated by symbols of modern architecture-from the houses of Frank Lloyd Wright to the 110-story Sears Tower. Its' financial status is beyond question as the downtown area's The Loop is the primary business address of many major companies, and holds some of the country's most important merchandise markets. A destination for knowledge and learning, the city is the site of prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Chicago, University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University, and Northwestern University. When it comes to art, Chicago puts forth its own brand of world-class culture, as embodied by the famous Art Institute of Chicago, Oriental Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, and theaters such as the Steppenwolf Theater productions, Victory Gardens, the Goodman, the Court, and the Shakespeare Repertory. Chicago is also known as the "Second City" and as the "Windy City." Now outgrown by Los Angeles in terms of population, the "Second City" name comes from Chicago's former place in history as America's second largest city. The "Windy City" nickname was coined in a 1969 Chicago Daily News article as a term for loud and windy boosterism, and was popularized by newspapers from then on. The diverse mix of population has made Chicago into a melting pot of various musical influences. But its unique tradition of jazz and blues stands out as jazz and blues clubs are favorite nightlife destinations. After all, Chicago is touted to be the city that used the word "jazz". One's cravings urges wouldn't be disappointed with the city's less expensive but palatable dining choices. There are about 7,000 restaurants in Chicago serving international, local, and ethnic cuisine. Taking a quite dinner in an upscale restaurant is as pleasant an experience as enjoying simple foods Chicago is well-known for - steak, hot dogs, steak, and pizza. One has to be in Chicago to have the ultimate American experience. The city simply has it all.
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