Buzz
When you think of Chicago, images of 'gangsters' and 'Al Capone' often come to mind... But that was in the 1930s. Chicago has evolved, and this year-end, many tourists eagerly come here to enjoy and shop.
Chicago Travel Guide: Embracing Winter Shopping Delights
Thirteen hours after our Boeing 777-300ER took off from Vienna International Airport, Taipei, our group landed at O'Hare, the main airport of Chicago, Illinois. It ranks among the top 10 busiest airports globally. According to a recent study by J.D. Power, O'Hare is rated the... best international airport in the U.S. by passengers!
However, just about 35 minutes after touchdown, we completed immigration procedures, retrieved our luggage, and stepped outside to experience the famous winter chill of Chicago, also known as the Chi City, the Windy City.
Chicago, situated by the vast Lake Michigan, experiences winds throughout the year. The biting cold winter winds can be daunting for visitors from tropical countries like Vietnam. But that doesn't mean staying cooped up in the cozy, elegant rooms of Embassy Suites Chicago, located just a five-minute walk from downtown. Wrapped in layers of clothing, gloves, and knit caps, we ventured out to explore.
Perhaps every traveler who comes to Chi City must visit Millenium Park, the park celebrating the millennium milestone as humanity stepped into the year 2000, albeit it was inaugurated four years later due to some complex constructions, notably the Jay Pritzker Pavillion outdoor theater capable of accommodating over 10,000 spectators, seated or standing. However, the most compelling attraction in this park is the “Bean”, affectionately called Cloud Gate, a public art installation cleverly crafted from assembling 168 stainless steel pieces reflecting viewers and the scenery behind their backs. It can be said that the Bean is a unique mirror reflecting the shape of a… bean!
If any Vietnamese traveler thinks they have dressed warmly enough, they will realize their mistake when strolling for 10 minutes on River Walk, the pedestrian street along the Chicago River to admire skyscrapers with various eye-catching designs, some standing strong for 100 years, some just completed a few years ago. Due to post-US presidential election affairs, the building named after Trump has become a prominent attraction for tourists, everyone wanting a photo with the backdrop of one of real estate billionaire Donald Trump's assets now soon to be the President of the United States. This Chicago River is also very special, turning green in summer and gray in winter.
As dusk fell, strolling on Navy Pier, our group captured images of a stunningly beautiful Chicago, sparkling in the night. Navy Pier was formerly a base of the U.S. Navy, now transformed into a tourist area with numerous shops, theaters, outdoor beer gardens, cruise docks, and restaurants. There is no shortage of Garrett Popcorn shops, a specialty popcorn brand of Chicago, existing since 1947. Farther away, towering above all is the Willis Tower, a once tallest skyscraper in the world until surpassed by the 101 Tower in Taipei. Nowadays, over a million visitors come to see this unique architectural marvel every year.
And our group had a cozy dinner, savoring seafood at Bubba Gump. Anyone who has ever admired actor Tom Hanks in the lead role in the movie Forrest Gump, winning many Oscars more than two decades ago, will surely feel… “nostalgic” while enjoying crispy fried shrimp, sipping a glass of Samuel Adams historic American beer in this restaurant. Do you still remember? Bubba was the black soldier, whom Forrest Gump called his dearest friend.
It would be entirely accurate to say that Magnificent Mile is the number one address in the windy city of Chicago. This street, officially named Michigan Avenue, truly deserves the nickname “Magnificent Mile” as it stretches over 460 retail spaces on both sides featuring renowned global brands such as Boss, Christian Louboutin, Hermès, Jill Sanders, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Vera Wang…, and 51 upscale hotels, 275 premium restaurants.
According to a Chicago travel brochure, Magnificent Mile boasts a total of 290,000 square meters dedicated to retail and is one of the most expensive streets in the United States alongside New York City's Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive. Approximately 22 million visitors stroll on this street every year for window shopping and to indulge in the pleasure of shopping.
As the year draws to a close, our group immerses itself among the crowds of international tourists flocking to Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, shoe stores, clothing boutiques, electronics shops… Meanwhile, middle-aged Americans prefer browsing Crate & Barrel, selecting everything needed to make their homes more beautiful and cozy for Christmas and New Year's.
While standing outside the Apple store, waiting for members of our group to purchase iPhones, iWatches, and Macbooks, we are suddenly warmed by the sight of the bustling crowd shopping for their family's comfort. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2017.
By P. Nguyen Dung/ Saigon Entrepreneur
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourDecember 30, 2016
