July 26, 2006
My Chicago
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Jessica Lakoff, Cruise Director aboard the Nantucket Clipper.
Q: What is your connection to Chicago?
A: I went to school at Purdue and traveled to and from Chicago on many occasions. There is so much to see and do there that it makes a great weekend get-away or an even longer vacation.
Q: Do you have a funny story or little known fact about Chicago you'd like to share? A: There is a huge auto show there in February. I used to work it every year with 3 of my girlfriends. People come from all over to go to this auto show that has 1000s of cars. Most people aren't even aware that it is there that time of year.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Chicago and why? 
A: My favorite time of the year in Chicago is springtime. Everything is in bloom and really green- the baseball games are underway- people are out and about all over the city- and the waterfront is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Chicago? A: Any Frank Sinatra songs about Chicago of course! Also, Chicago is deeply rooted in jazz and blues history... So there are great music festivals in June and Sept. for those genres of music. Also, you have to have Chicago-style pizza while you're there!
Q: What is on your "must see" list for visitors to Chicago? A: The Shedd Aquarium, the John Hancock building (there is a fantastic upscale restaurant on the 47th floor with an amazing view), Wrigleyville area, Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park area, The Museum of Science and Industry, the beaches, Navy Pier, the Art Institute, there is also a brand new Centennial Park downtown on the southern side (near the museum campus) that is amazing- a huge park with sculptures and water sculptures and an outdoor amphitheater... I could go on and on!
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city? A: My favorite area of the city is right downtown on Michigan Avenue. There are a ton of shops and it is always busy. It is also very historic, so there are tons of older buildings (like the water tower- the only still-standing building that survived the Chicago Fire in 1871) that mix with the newer architecture to make it a wonderful contemporary collaboration of new/old.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Chicago? A: I love to shop! Shopping is great in Chicago- for malls and everyday stores, head to northern Michigan Ave., for boutiques and trendy shopping, head for the north side, Lincoln Park area. Actually, I also really love sipping a beer in Wrigleyville on a warm spring afternoon in an outdoor patio bar. People are out and about and it's a really happenin' place to be.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you'd recommend for visitors?
A:
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder- on N. Clark!
Cruise West visits Chicago, IL on our Shores of Lake Michigan and French Canada and the Great Lakes cruises aboard the Nantucket Clipper. If you'd like to learn more about Chicago, IL- consider visiting the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau website.
Next week, we'll view Loreto, Mexico through the eyes of the Spirit of Endeavour's Chief Engineer.
Posted by Jessica on July 26, 2006 12:40 PM
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