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This is the first in a four-week series to help BlogHer '09 attendees explore Chicago.
My favorite way to explore a city is on foot. I think it has something to do with the experience of using all five of my senses in a way that driving (or boat-riding) tours just can’t match. (Not to mention that walking is good for Earth, good for you and good for your wallet. Well, potentially good for you and your wallet. I suppose that depends on your discipline when in such close proximity to Garrett Popcorn Shops.) So if you’ve planned a little extra time before or after BlogHer ’09, and were hoping to see a little bit of the city (believe me: there’s plenty to see), then I’ve got a juicy tidbit for you: Chicago walking tours.
BlogHer community member Cynthia Clampitt created three tours, and we couldn’t wait to share them with you. Each week leading up to the conference (July 2, 9, 16 and 22) we’ll publish them in this space for you, with a Tips and Fun Facts wrap-up. So whether you’re looking to get to know the Windy City better or just want to exercise (with a view), you can find it here.
Walking Tour One: Michigan Avenue South of the Chicago River and Grant Park
From the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, cross the Columbus Drive bridge south to Wacker Drive. Head west to Michigan Avenue.
At Michigan and Wacker, start on the west side of the street and head south. The high-rise on the corner, at 333 N. Michigan Ave., is one of the city’s several Art Deco landmarks. Next, you will pass Illinois Center, a cluster of tall, dark, glass buildings, once considered “The Future of Urban Planning.” Underground passages lined with shops make it possible to move among the buildings without ever going outdoors.
In another couple of blocks, you will reach the Prudential Building at Randolph Street. This was the first skyscraper built in Chicago after World War II. Behind it is the Aon Center, originally built as the Standard Oil Building. It is one of Chicago’s three giants, currently holding the number two position at 1,136 feet tall.
Turn left and head up Randolph Street, then cross to the entrance of Millennium Park, a corner of Grant Park that offers gardens, monumental sculpture, a concert venue, terraces, outdoor art galleries, and numerous other opportunities for enjoying oneself. One of the first things you’re likely to notice is the very sculptural Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a remarkable “explosion” of brushed steel with a state-of-the-art sound system that is suspended from an overhead trellis, so no one’s view of the stage is obstructed. It is considered the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States.
East of the pavilion is the massive, shiny, silver, bean-shaped sculpture known as Cloud Gate. Cloud Gate is British artist Anish Kapoor’s first public outdoor work installed in the United States. This highly reflective piece of art offers a great photo opportunity, with reflections of the city’s skyline and the lake against a backdrop of the real thing.
The Lurie Gardens offer 2.5 acres of flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses native to Illinois, and the Chase Promenade is an inviting three-block-long walkway lined by nearly 200 trees.
At the south end of the park is the Crown Fountain, which was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass block towers flanking a shallow reflecting pool. The towers project video images designed to show the diversity of Chicago’s citizenry. Water flows through an outlet in the screen, giving the illusion of water spouting from the mouths of the individuals pictured. In the summer, the fountain is a favorite spot for children, who can run through the cascading water.
The south side of Millennium Park is bounded by Monroe Street. Crossing the street, you come to the Art Institute, one of the country’s top art museums. Walk around the building, both to see the classic old part and more modern addition and to get to the back of the building. Behind the building, depending on the state of construction at the time of your visit (they’re adding a new wing), you may be able to see the ornate main arch from the old Chicago Stock Exchange
