<p>Chicago has a lot of culture and has a feel that makes it unique in comparison with other midwestern cities(Cleveland and Detroit just suck). Not to mention I was born there and am a big Sox and Bulls fan.</p>
<p>It seems cold to me. And windy.</p>
<p>Not very windy, but it does get really cold sometimes in the winter.</p>
<p>The summers are hot, though, 95°+, sometimes reaching 100°, though not as often.</p>
<p>It definitely is windy. It doesn't get the name the windy city because of the weather, but it certainly could originate from that if there weren't any politicans blowing hot air around. Chicago is right on the lake so about 75% of the city will feel the wind while the far western side won't get as much.</p>
<p>As MA native, Boston is segregated, too. You have Dorchester where the majority population are Blacks, S. Boston where the majority are Irish, etc. The up-scale suburbs surrounding Boston are mostly whites who live there. At least Chicago has more ethnicities represented in its cultural make-up and to a greater extent than several cities.</p>
<p>Not to hijack the original thread, but I am visiting Chicago next weekend and have only driven through it twice but have not actually seen any of the tourist attractions. Does anybody have any suggestions for places I have to see when I visit Chicago next Saturday?</p>
<p>Well, I'll suggest what I do when I'm in Boston. Park your car, take one of those city brochures highlighting the activities of the day or week, and walk around. With so many attractions in Boston, one does not need much planning to find something to do. I'm guessing this is how it is at Chicago.</p>
<p>I'd suggest parking somewhere along the brown line (one of our el train lines), where parking won't cost you $20 (maybe a neighborhood street). Once you get downtown you get to see Chicago from the elevated loop tracks, nice views. Downtown is a very walk able area, so yeah the main attractions:
Navy Pier: has several festivals, a sort of mall, huge Ferris wheel remencient of the first one invented for the Columbian fair 1892, and boat tours.
Museum Campus: Adler Planetarium, Shed Aquarium, and Field Museum = Good Museums
Millennium and Grant Park = Kind of like Chicago's Central Park, millennium is more modern. Might find a free concert
Marshall Fields: Classic Chicago department store, sort of like Macy's of New York or Harrods in London
Theatre Scene: Many good plays here
House of Blues, and other Music Scenes
Lincoln Park Zoo: Free, and in a great college/yuppie neighborhood. </p>
<p>eh there much more, especially if you find your way around the city or surrounding areas.</p>
<p>I also recommend Ravinia: Cheap Concerts of all music types</p>