Chicago Living - Relocation Guide 2008 - (Page 75)

L e f t : P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f t h e c h i c a g o a r c h i t e c t u r e f o u n d at i o n , P h o t o b y a n n e e va n s ; c h i ta L k P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f t h e c h i c a g o b o ta n i c g a r d e n s, P h o t o b y r o b i n c a r L s o n ; r i g h t: P h oto c o u r t e s y o f b i k e c h i c a g o who has set his sights on making Chicago the greenest city in America by promoting rooftop gardens and environmentally friendly landscaping. Daley is also an avid cyclist: “I am very proud of Chicago’s bicycle program, he says. ” “We have 100 miles of bike lanes, 50 miles of bike paths and 10,000 bike racks (more than any other city in the United States). Bicycles are permitted on CTA trains and their 2,000 buses are equipped with bike racks.” (Visit www. bikechicago.com for city bike maps.) Millennium Park is an essential for all seasons, with skating rinks, free classical concerts and interactive public art. Dog lovers will be happy to know that several dog parks throughout the city allow pooches to play off-leash. These designated areas are fenced, offering Fifi and Fido the opportunity to socialize without running off and getting lost. While the canines romp, owners gather to chat about their furry friends. Meeting others with common interests is a great way to adjust to a new city. And there are plenty of special interest organizations that feature outdoor activities. Each new year brings the Chicago Marathon, the Y-ME National Breast Cancer walk/runs and the March of Dimes WalkAmerica fundraisers, as well as other clubs that meet weekly. Sports-related leagues within the Chicago Sport and Social Club offer activities like outdoor volleyball. If your spike’s a little rusty, don’t worry; they have beginner teams along with inter2008 Chic a go L i ving mediate and competitive leagues. You can also sign up for softball, basketball and soccer leagues. The lake itself is a recreation zone for powerboats, sailboats and windsurfers. You can even tour the city via waterway through Kayak Chicago. Another fun way to get to know Chicago is through a n a r ch i t e c tu r e t o u r. Th e C h i c a g o Architecture Foundation offers a wide variety of tours by boat, Segway, train, bike or foot, guiding you past the soaring skyscrapers and manmade landmarks with insider narrative. In addition to tours, the foundation provides lectures, exhibitions and special events for the purpose of raising awareness of Chicago’s architecture. Among Chicago’s most famous and free outdoor attractions is the Lincoln Park Zoo, open daily. Here you’ll find a petting zoo, giraffes, a reptile house and the ever-popular primates. The adjacent conservatory features lush tropical gardens indoors and outdoors. The city’s newest outdoor attraction is Millennium Park. Located in downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe streets, this 24acre park is an essential for all seasons, with skating rinks, free classical music concerts and interactive public art. Among the most intriguing sculptures is the peanut-shaped Cloud Gate, a 110ton elliptical sculpture that reflects the skyline as you walk around and underneath. The Crown Fountain features 50foot-high moving videos of Chicagoan’s faces projected on two brick towers. Water flows out of their pursed lips and cascades onto the reflecting pool below. The Chicago Botanic Garden is open daily with 26 gardens that include colorful, fragrant roses, serene Japanese landscapes, floating water lilies and much more. The gardens offer visual treats unique to every season. Plus, there are gardening classes, special exhibitions and an indoor/outdoor café where you can relax and simply enjoy nature. ■ Bike Chicago offers guided bike tours seven days a week, year round, at Millennium Park. c h i c a g o l i v i n g m a g. c o m 75 http://www.bikechicago.com http://www.bikechicago.com http://www.chicagolivingmag.com

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Contents A Letter from the Governor Contributing Writers Welcome Home Finding a Home Schools, Health Care & Business Excellence Arts & Entertainment Advertiser Index Chicago Resources Back Page

Chicago Living - Relocation Guide 2008

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