I’m officially challenging Ruth and Libby, this blog’s other actual contributors (pay no attention to the list of names to the right of this post, folks, that’s just a list of other people who work in this office) to a blog-off. Or no, wait – a series of blog-offs. Each of us will put up a blog post about a topic, and you can vote by commenting on the post you like the best. We’ll give you a week, starting from when the last post goes up, to vote for your favorite. Winner gets to pick the next blog-off challenge. Here’s our first topic:
Our Favorite Places in Chicago (post up to 5)
OK? I’ll start, and I’m constructing my entry around “favorite places … on a student budget.” Here’s an unranked list:
- The Chicago Cultural Center. The C-cubed (no one calls it this) doesn’t seem to get as much love as other venerable tourist-friendly attractions, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why. From a gorgeous Tiffany dome to quirky art galleries to its well-stocked information center (near the Randolph Street en trace), the Cultural Center is your one-stop shop for things to look at. The building alone is well-worth the trip -- it used to be the Chicago Public Library, back when public libraries were real temples of learning, with all the pomp and mosaic you'd associate with a temple. While there, you can see some publicly-funded contemporary art, a dance performance or movie screening, and also catch up on what else there is to do around the city of Chicago. Best of all, entrance to all the galleries – and many of their events - is free. Be on the lookout for the old cigarette dispenser-turned-art dispenser on the first floor. Buy a token in the gift shop and you can take home a very small piece of art for yourself.
- The John Hancock Center. Sure, the observatory is for suckers and tourists, but the Hancock Center also has a restaurant/lounge at its top, where entrance is free and the food is not (really all that) expensive. For the price you’d pay to go up to the observatory and ogle the city lights or traffic on Lake Shore Drive (or the "Alper is Risen" sign written in the sand there every year by Alper house O-aides for the end of O-week reception), you get the view plus a sandwich or appetizer. I like to think I'm paying for the view and getting a free sandwich. Ladies, make sure to use the restroom before you leave – the view from there is spectacular.
- The IO (formerly ImprovOlympic). Close to my heart, as well as my apartment, the IO (rumor has it, the name change came after a threatened lawsuit from the actual IOC) has several improv shows running every night of the week. The IO does “long form” improvisation (commonly called “The Harold”) in which a team of improvisers performs a thirty-minute piece based on one suggestion. The theater is also a training center, where you can take classes in the theater where Del Close has his final resting place (no kidding!). Go on a Wednesday night at 8pm, when tickets are $0.00 ($0.00 with your student ID).
If you have any suggestions for future blog-offs, please put them in the comments. (To this post, so I can win.)
