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The Chicago Traveler

August 22nd, 2008

Tune In to Indiana Dunes

Gas prices are finally beginning to drop a bit. Summer’s almost over, so it’s time to get out of the house and go on a little road trip. From the beaches to the views, the Beverly Shores and Indiana Dunes area is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a quick break from the routine. […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

August 9th, 2008

Have Fun Round the Block at LEGOLand

As a kid, I enjoyed playing with construction toys and putting things together. Steel Tec, K’nex, Lincoln Logs: I loved them all. (Trivia Tangent: Did you know Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright?) But perhaps the most globally popular construction toys of all are LEGO bricks. And […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

July 28th, 2008

Roll Out the Red Carpet for CNA Plaza

While Chicago’s architecture is incredible in terms of shapes and sizes, it doesn’t always offer much in the way of color. Most of these giants of steel and glass are some shade of black or gray. Standing out from the crowd in a unique red dress is the CNA Plaza.

While the building only stands 44 […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

June 16th, 2008

The Blackstone Hotel and the Original "Smoke-Filled Room"

If you are familiar with U.S. politics, you may have heard about decisions being made in a “smoke-filled room.” This usually refers to a secret political gathering, suggesting that a group of economically- or politically-powerful individuals are meeting privately (perhaps while smoking cigars?) to make an impacting decision without regard to the public’s wants. That […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

June 16th, 2008

The Play’s the Thing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Navy Pier is a major tourist attraction in Chicago, offering a multitude of activities, including shopping, live music, virtual rides, restaurants, and cruises. You can even take in a bit of theatrical culture at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
This non-profit, professional theatre company was founded in 1986, when it performed on the roof of the Red […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 9th, 2008

Seventeenth Church Attracts the Masses

Some people may be surprised to learn that this modern, strange-looking building (across from the George Washington Memorial) surrounded by incredible skyscrapers is actually a Church: the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, to be exact.
Encircled by tall, rectangular towers, this concrete structure’s round design makes it really stand out from the River North crowd. The […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

June 9th, 2008

191 North Wacker Fits Right In

The Chicago Lantern Building at 191 North Wacker may not be quite as famous as its next-door neighbor, 333 Wacker Drive, but it holds its own in the downtown neighborhood. This 516-foot tall (157 m) skyscraper with 37 floors borders the Chicago River, and the building’s bluish-green glass complements the waters below. At the very […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

May 31st, 2008

Chicago Architecture Tours Examine the City from Very, Very Top to Bottom

The city of Chicago features numerous impressive buildings designed by famous architects. Even if you’ve never studied the field, you may have heard of prominent names like Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Stuart Cohen, or “the Chicago Seven.” Every Monday, The Chicago Traveler features at least one attractive piece of architecture in the […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

May 26th, 2008

John Hancock Center: the OTHER Black Skyscraper

Earlier today, I wrote about Chicago’s architectural icon, the Sears Tower. I feel it necessary now to write about its older, shorter brother, the John Hancock Center.

It amazes me just how many tourists confuse the two. To me, the Sears Tower and John Hancock look nothing alike. Whereas the Sears Tower is made of nine […]

By User ImageMatt B -- 9 comments

May 26th, 2008

Sears Tower Stands Above All

Welcome to The Chicago Traveler’s 500th post! For this milestone, it’s time to feature Chicago’s claim to fame, the Sears Tower.

In a city known for its architecture, this is the cream of the crop. Constructed like nine square columns, the building reaches a height of 1451 feet (442 m) and 110 stories with 104 elevators. […]

By User ImageMatt B -- 9 comments