Chicago Chinatown
People often overlook the South Side of Chicago. They spend their time downtown or on the North Side without ever realizing what they are missing. The South Side of Chicago is a unique place full of diverse ethnic communities, high culture, and a range of activities slightly off the beaten path.
Instructions
1. Take the L red line, on the Chicago subway, to Chinatown, which is off of the Cermak-Chinatown exit and located around the intersection of Cermak and Wentworth. In Chinatown, choose a good looking restaurant that serves dim sum for brunch. This light meal is the perfect way to begin your exploration of the South Side.
2. Head from Chinatown to the University of Chicago. Spend some time wandering through the campus, which is also an arboretum, before making your way to the Oriental Institute at 1155 E. 58th St. This museum, which features finds unearthed by many Chicago-affiliated archaeologists, is one of the hidden jewels of the city. Appreciate the remarkably high quality pieces located in an intimate atmosphere.
3. Walk from the Oriental Institute to the Museum of Science and Industry along 57th St. Take a moment to browse in any of the used book stores along the way. Finally, spend a couple of hours getting to know one of the best museums in city, The Museum of Science and Industry, which is housed in a building originally designed for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.
4. Grab some food and something to drink either from the museum's food court or any of the shops on 55th St. and head over the Point for a picnic. The Point, a small peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan, is a perfect place to spend the late afternoon. Look out over Lake Michigan at the Chicago skyline in the distance. If it gets too hot, have a quick dip at one of the beaches on either side of the Point.
5. Watch a White Sox game at US Cellular Field. White Sox games are easy to get to, cheap, and usually a lot of fun. Sit high up in the bleachers and treat yourself to a couple of drinks, a South Side bratwurst, and maybe some nachos as well. Even if you don't care about the White Sox, go and get caught up in the South Side experience.
6. Cap your evening with a trip to any of the local South Side bars or even a trip to a one of the famous blues clubs located throughout the area. Perhaps, head back to Hyde Park, the area around the University of Chicago, and join in the mix of locals and students.
Tags: South Side, Side Chicago, South Side Chicago, Lake Michigan, Museum Science, Museum Science Industry