Crystal Gonzalez
Chicago is definitely my kind of town! My name is Crystal
Gonzalez and I am an alumna from the Alpha Omega Chapter at Southern Illinois
University in Carbondale, IL. Even though I went to undergrad at SIU, I was
born and raised in Chicago. I moved back because I could not stay away from the
city too long! I am also attending graduate school here in downtown Chicago.
I joined the Conference Committee to help bring different
ideas as well as show how amazing Chicago is. Below are some of the top places to visit, I
hope you enjoy! Be sure to keep a lookout for what else is in store in
Chicago! I look forward to seeing you all!
Willis Tower
(Skydeck)
Many Chicagoans still call it the Sears Tower. I still do.
Visit the tallest building in the Western
Hemisphere! The Skydeck has amazing views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and
neighboring states from the 103rd floor! If you’re not afraid of heights, be
sure to step out onto the glass ledge that extends from the building! For more
information: theskydeck.com/
John Hancock Center
I have heard people sometimes confused for the Sears Tower...I mean Willis
Tower ;)
John Hancock Center also has amazing views of
Chicago, the lake and neighboring states! It has a new feature called TILT,
where a glass tilts and extends out from the building! You can also check out
their Café on the 95th floor for some refreshments while you view
Chicago! For more information: 360chicago.com
Millennium Park
(View of the Cloud
Gate and the Crown Fountain)
Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate
or “Bean” as many call it. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Crown
Fountain, a reflecting pool in between two glass towers. The glass towers are
also video animated. Another feature in
Millennium Park is the Pritzker Pavillion. If you’re lucky you may be able to
enjoy free entertainment on the Great Lawn. For more information: Cityofchicago.org
Museum Campus
(View of the city
from Museum Campus)
Museum Campus is home
to three of Chicago’s well known museums: the Field Museum of Natural History,
the Shedd Aquarium, and the Planetarium. It is also home to Soldier Field
football stadium. It is also a great place to view the majority of the city’s
Skyline! For more information: tripadvisor.com
Navy Pier
(View of south end of
Navy Pier from Lake Michigan)
Navy Pier is a pier
that extends out to Lake Michigan. It has rides, such as a Ferris Wheel,
musical carousel, Wave Swinger, and the Light Tower Ride. It also has an IMAX
movie theatre, The Children’s Museum, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows
and many sightseeing tours. For more information: navypier.com
Buckingham Fountain
Clarence F Buckingham
Memorial Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world. It is in
operation from April to mid-October. It also displays a water show every hour.
The center of the fountain shoots 150 feet into the air! When its windy and hot
out, the water breeze feels amazing! Another feature is the beautiful lights
shown at night! For more information:chicagoparkdistrict.com
Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is located along Chicago’s Michigan Ave
adjacent to downtown. There are many high end department stores, , restaurants,
hotels, luxury retailers and companies. Mag Mile, as it is also called, has
many historic landmarks and historic places. One of them being the Chicago
Water Tower (not Water Tower Place), which is one of the few buildings that
survived after the Great Chicago Fire. For more Information: themagnificentmile.com/
Chicago Cultural Center
(Tiffany Dome. Photo credit to
City of Chicago website)
The Chicago Cultural
Center is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. It hosts many free
programs and exhibitions throughout the year where many international, national
and local artists, musicians, and performers showcase their work here. It is
also home to the world’s largest stained glass dome. For more information: cityofchicago.org
