Fall 2013
NATIVE | Chicago
issue 1
On The Cover
N
ative explores a different city in every issue. The goal isn’t to sell you on hotels, getaway packages, or airfare — it’s to show you what the city is all about. There are hidden gems in every city and more often than not, you have to be a local to discover them. As visitors to a city, you may not have the time to let these worth while attractions be discovered by chance. So, let Native be your guide. Make the absolute most of your time and money on your travels by learning about the must-see’s and must-do’s with tips along the way to help you not seem like a total tourist.
This issue of Native is all about uncovering what it means to be a Chicagoan. It’s a city known for incredible food, iconic sites and attractions, and killer sports teams. It’s been called the cleaner, nicer version of New York City. Midwesterners tend to be very laid back and humble crowd, and there are exciting things happening on every block. Everything you need to know is in this zine.
1.
Get Around
2.
See It
3.
Eat It
4.
Root for it
5.
How to Not be a Total Tourist
1 Get Around Getting around a big city like Chicago, can be kind of a bitch if you don’t know what you’re doing. It may seem a little overwhelming and confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, the public transportation system can actually be very navigable. It’s just a matter of knowing where you need to go, when you want to get there. Once you learn the route of the rails, it will start to come naturally, and you’ll feel like a true Chicagoan. Whatever you do, just don’t call it the “Metro”... it really upsets the natives.
Ugh. The subway. There’s a reason they keep it underground. While it might not be the cleanest, or most space friendly, it’s actually a very practical mode of transportation. You can get a CTA pass and spare yourself the sore feet of block after block trekking. Tips: 1. Mind your
belongings — pick pocketing isn’t uncommon especially on the subway. 2. Know your route and brace yourself — the stops are fast and abrupt. 3. Have hand sanitizer on hand — I can only guess how many thousands of people touch those hand rails every day.
It’s pretty common for people working in downtown Chicago to commute from the suburbs. Taking the Metra is the most convenient way to do so. It’s a pretty comfortable alternative to driving, too — you can sit back and relax, avoid traffic, and spare yourself the trouble of finding
parking. Tips: 1. Be on time — the last train departs from Union Station for the suburbs at 10:30. If you miss it, you may find yourself trapped in the city or hunting down a cab. 2. If you drive to the Metra station, use exact cash at the pay station — those machines DON’T provide change.
2 See It Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world for 25 years, and remains to be the second tallest in the United States standing tall at a grand 108 stories and more than 1,400 feet. You can take the elevator to the top floor and see the view of the city below you on a clear day. Chapter 1 is all about Chicago’s greatest sites, and landmark attractions. From the water tower that survived The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, to the 150 foot McDonald’s ferris wheel at Navy Pier, the Windy City is a mecca for great attractions.
The foliage in the fall and winter months at Millenium Park is certainly a refreshing indication of the extreme change of season’s that Chicago experiences every year. Summer is very hot, and winter is very cold. I think Chicagoans adapt to the temperature shift overtime. After a day of
wandering a very developed and industrialized city, it can be very refreshing to see grass, leaves, and trees. Millenium Park is almost like Chicago’s Central Park. It brings a little tranquility to the heart of the chaotic city and does a great job of supporting the arts in the process.
Cloud Gate. An iconic sculpture by Anish Kapoor that sits just off Michigan Ave. in Millenium Park. Although, if you call it the “Cloud Gate” sculpture you may get a few chuckles from locals. Otherwise known as, “The Bean”, the massive mirrored sculpture is a must-see. Go
underneath it, and look up — you’ll find a gorgeous abstraction of reflection. Many a tourist photo opp. have occurred here, but that doesn’t make it any less of a hotspot for locals. Admire the art, have a stroll through the park, and have a whirl on the ice rink.
Towering over Navy Pier, with the Chicago skyline in the horizon, an exact replica of the world’s first Ferris wheel of 1893. Sponsored by McDonald’s, the wheel provides riders with the perfect view of both, the city, and the great Lake Michigan. It’s not the only attraction that
Navy Pier has to offer, with numerous rides, restaurants, a children’s museum, shopping, tour boats, and a fun house all within reach. Be sure to get a bag of sugar cinnamon pecans from Completely Nuts while you’re there — they are the pier’s best kept, kettle cooked secret.
Crystal Gardens Ballroom at Navy Pier is perhaps the best way to find piece in all the chaos of the big city. It’s an enormous, terrarium with fountain arch ways and natural light shining through all the glass that surrounds it. It makes for a tranquil escape in any type of weather or
season — it’s technically indoors. But the tropical plants, room temperature regulation, and enormous glass walls makes it feel like the perfect sanctuary from the blustery cold OR the scorching summer. What better place to rest your feet after a long day of city walking?
3 Eat It One of the greatest joys of being on vacation is that you probably don’t have a kitchen at hand, and are therefore forced to eat out at restaurants for all of your meals. Chicago is traditionally known for deep dish pizza, and hot dogs with “the works”, but that barely skims the surface.
There is fine cusine at all price ranges, and styles on every corner. Tip: Don’t get caught looking for a place to eat after 8 PM in The Loop. It’s the prime location for office buildings that close at 6PM, so the activity in the area is minimal and restaurants tend to close early.
Old Town is a very lovely part of the city with historic and modern architecture, and an array of restaurants, shops, and apartments. Nestled there, is Bistrot Margot — a French cuisine cafe. From the decor, to the menu, to the waiter’s accents, everything is Parisian themed. You can get
excellent eggs benedict, and brush up on your French in this quiet little joint before exploring further on this side of town. Don’t forgot to check out the book stores and vintage shops while you’re there — some one of a kind boutiques are worth a browse!
Oh yes. Amidst the quest for the best kept secret restaurants of the 312, it may not be a terrible idea to swing by Sprinkles Cupcakes. I know. Isn’t the point of traveling to the windy city to hunt down the ma and pop eateries and authentic “only-in-Chicago” grub? While it may be
important to find yourself a slice of deep dish pizza, or a Chicago dog with the works, Sprinkles Cupcakes isn’t the worst way to satisfy your sweet tooth. In fact, their cupcakes have locals and tourists alike, lined up down the block.
4 Root For It Blackhawk fans are die hard. And rightfully so! The hockey team won the Stanley Cup Championship in 2013 for the 5th time. Show up to a game without the appropriate attire, (the iconic red, black, white, and tomahawk) and you’ll stick out like a Floridian in Chicago. The
Blackhawks aren’t the only team representing Chicago — we can’t forget to rumble with the Bulls for basketball, or to make it home with the Cubs and White Sox, or to touch down with the Bears. All in all, Chicago has one hell of a sports culture.
5 How to Not be a Total Tourist Yes, people can most likely tell that you’re not a local. Maybe it’s because you are unusually untolerant of all the wind. Maybe it’s because you pronounced it “Metro” instead of “Metra”. Maybe it’s because you actually call it, “The Willis Tower” (It will FOREVER be the Sears Tower in a true Chicagoan’s heart.) Whatever it is, sometimes it’s better to blend. Tips: Know the score of the Bulls game — your cab driver will discuss it with you. Call it “pop” not “soda” — or else no one will know what you’re talking about. And do yourself a favor and get a Portillo’s hot dog.
Design Jillian Bromby Photography Brandon Bakus Jillian Bromby GIC III | Fall 2013 Ringling College of Art & Design