Probably one of the most under rated locations in all of Chicago is the Cultural Center downtown. What was once the main library built back in the 19th century has been lovingly transformed into a free public building that is part museum, part visitor center and part landmark building. While tourists may come across this location as a place to pick up coupons and kitschy bric a brac, those who live and work in the area on a regular basis see it as a place to unwind, explore and yes, even just a nice place to relish their lunches!
Up the stairs to the main floor is where you will find the Corner Bakery, the visitors center, the large, open seating area and where the various art exhibits are located. Most locals wander in and discover this treasure while on their lunch breaks seeking a new spot to munch, which I personally think is the best time to go! Inside, they have these wonderful lunch break concerts, each day a new surprise. One day it’s jazz, the next classical, another folk and yes, even some contemporary and pop gets a nod! Of course, you don’t have to buy a Panini from the Bakery to enjoy the show - your brown bag will do just fine!
After that, wander through whatever exhibit they happen to be featuring. Don’t forget to look up - the giant domed ceiling is Tiffany stained glass! One of my favorite pieces is the old fashioned cigarette machine that they use for brochures - what a novel approach! And yes, you’re free to go up and downstairs as well, so don’t feel like you have to stick to the main floor. There is so much to see on the upper levels, with various styles of artwork gracing the walls. You may not personally like every single piece, but your company just might.
Looking to avoid the inclement weather? Ride the elevator from the Bakery to the underground pedway: it connects to the Metro train, Macy’s, the Daley Center, and the Red and Blue Line trains (when not being restructured!), as well as quite a few independent shops. Many office buildings are also connected to the pedway, making it that much more tempting. It doesn’t get any more convenient than that!
While some may argue Mayor Daley went overboard on his half billion dollar garden, an equal amount of people will disagree and claim it as Chicago’s latest gem in the city. No matter what time of year it is, this park can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and proves to be especially wonderful for couples looking to spend a little extra time together. Let’s move beyond the touristy stuff and dive right into what makes this place perfect for local lovers!
I have personally spent hundreds of hours here at all times of year, but summer of course has blessed me with the best opportunities. From savoring my bagged lunch, journaling, lounging on the grass, people watching, strolling through the gardens and viewing the rotating displays, and yes, enjoying my partner’s company, so many truly beautiful memories have been created here. Even when the Taste is going on down the street, there are just so many tucked away places in this huge park to claim as your own that you will never feel crowded out.
What’s even more special is the large band shell just beyond the steps. If you’re lucky, you may just be able to hear the orchestra practicing in the summer while you enjoy a nice picnic in the early afternoon. Otherwise, the umbrella covered tables at the grill where the ice rink is in winter is just as pleasant, with classic rock music pumped through the speakers at just the right level, not too harsh or abrasive, and fun to while away the hours. And who can argue against the romance level about seeing a classic film in the park on the giant screen? Seeing the likes of Casablanca while sipping wine and munching on crackers and cheese just oozes romance!
Of course, summer isn’t the only time to go down there. Spring time in the afternoon is especially wonderful, when the weather is just right and the tourists have not ventured into town. When the trees drop their delicate little white petals, the scene envelops into a truly romantic experience, as if Nature Herself has kissed the grass with snow. In the fall, the scene changes, when the last of the butterflies say their good byes, the leaves begin to change colors and gently drop onto the paling grass, proving that New York isn’t the only city for lovers to stroll through the park anymore.
Colder months take on yet marvelous another image. Everything is white, including the Romanesque pillars and the snow covered ground. Free ice skating becomes available on a nice, big rink along Michigan Avenue and begs to be taken advantage of, with reasonably priced skate rentals available for those who didn’t remember to bring their own. Go at night to avoid the kiddos and take in the views of the lit up skyline all around you.
There is simply nothing like strolling through the hallowed halls of the Art Institute with a date, taking in the cool marble statuary and breath taking paintings while whispering sweet nothings to each other. The themes change from classic to contemporary to playful, from famous artists and periods from all over the world, each exhibit sure to inspire and draw up feelings you may have been repressing deep within your subconscious.
There is no way to pinpoint a favorite stop, as art is something unique to each individual. However, points of interest for many include the armory area and the ancient sculptures. Of course, those who love canvassed mediums will find themselves to be completely overwhelmed by the collections lovingly cared for all over the museum, be it classical, surreal, abstract or even decorative. Budding architects and engineers will admire examples by Frank Lloyd Wright and more. The Thorne Miniature Rooms downstairs may look like little doll houses to some, but are actually scaled period quarters dating back from the 13th to 20th centuries, painstakingly crafted to help observers imagine what it was like to live in such times.
Personally, I find the best time to go is on the Free Thursday evenings, not because of the price, but because of the hours. The field trips, tourists and families have all gone home, allowing those who want to have some quiet time for appreciating art in all its guises to truly do so. Of course, three hours may or many not be enough time to take in all the museum has to offer, depending on your tastes, but if you work nearby, you can always stop by again after you clock out.
On that tangent, if you and your date both happen to work downtown, there is no better place to spend your lunch hour during the summer months than in their tucked away garden! The trees and bushes seem to magically block out the hustle and bustle of the city, where a boring, brown bagged lunch takes on an entirely new form. Besides, where else in the city will you find common pigeons actually roosting in trees? Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!
Probably one of the most under rated locations in all of Chicago is the Cultural Center downtown. What was once the main library built back in the 19th century has been lovingly transformed into a free public building that is part museum, part visitor center and part landmark building. While tourists may come across this location as a place to pick up coupons and kitschy bric a brac, those who live and work in the area on a regular basis see it as a place to unwind, explore and yes, even just a nice place to relish their lunches!
While some may argue Mayor Daley went overboard on his half billion dollar garden, an equal amount of people will disagree and claim it as Chicago’s latest gem in the city. No matter what time of year it is, this park can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and proves to be especially wonderful for couples looking to spend a little extra time together. Let’s move beyond the touristy stuff and dive right into what makes this place perfect for local lovers!
There is simply nothing like strolling through the hallowed halls of the Art Institute with a date, taking in the cool marble statuary and breath taking paintings while whispering sweet nothings to each other. The themes change from classic to contemporary to playful, from famous artists and periods from all over the world, each exhibit sure to inspire and draw up feelings you may have been repressing deep within your subconscious.