Travel Log: Chicago

The Town of Chicago was organized in 1833 with a population of 350. Now it's the center of business in the Midwest with a population of 2.8 million people.

Known by its distinct areas of town, for its history in transportation and for its not necessarily descriptive nickname The Windy City, Chicago prides itself on being business savvy, culturally diverse and in tune with the arts.

MAP OF CHICAGO
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DID YOU KNOW?
The world's longest street is Western Avenue in Chicago. Its distance is 23.5 miles. Source: choosechicago.com

WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
Navy Pier -- What once served as a military training site and a shipping facility as early as 1916 is now a collection of restaurants and shops. But perhaps the biggest draw of Chicago's Navy Pier is its on-site amusement park and fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday nights. The pier is a hub for locals as well as tourists who seek the fun family entertainment.
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Sears Tower Skydeck -- While touring the city, the must-see stop along the way is the Sears Tower. Tour the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and end at the very top, where displays tell of the city's history and character.
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Wrigley Field -- Don't like baseball? Like baseball but hate the Cubs? Doesn't matter. Wrigley Field is baseball's second-oldest park and home to dozens of the pastime's historical moments, including Babe Ruth's "called shot" during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series.
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Buckingham Fountain -- One of the city's most popular attractions, the fountain was dedicated to the people of Chicago in 1927 by Kate Buckingham in memory of her late brother. Don't miss the water display when the center jet shoots water 150 feet into the air every hour on the hour. The most trivial tidbit of the fountain: It's the backdrop for the intro on the popular television show Married with Children.
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Lincoln Park Zoo -- Nothing is for free? Think again. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last public zoos with free admission. New arrivals at the park include red wolf pups and a baby Sichuan takin. Don't know what they are? Go see them.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria -- You want the original? Go to Lou's. Rudy Malnati is responsible for Chicago's first deep-dish pizzeria back in 1943. His grandson, Lou, continues the tradition with more than 20 locations in the Chicago area. And he stands by his claim that his delicious secret is in the water.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Temperatures continue to rise as the week progresses, with a peak in the upper 80s on Sunday with partly cloudy skies. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
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