2008 Chicago Official Visitors Guide - (Page 134) choosechicago.com choosechicago.com travel essentials You’ve arrived, and now it’s time to explore. With so many accessible transportation options, getting around Chicago is a breeze. The city’s elevated train system — known simply as the ‘L’ — will give you a lift to practically anywhere in the Chicagoland area, including to and from the city’s two major airports. Hail a cab, grab a limo or jump on the bus for a fast and direct ride to your destination. Need more help finding your way? The city’s Greeter Program and numerous visitor centers are there to help. Getting Around The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs a public transportation system comparable to those of European cities, with a sophisticated elevated rail system (called the ‘L’), ample bus routes and usable train schedules. You can get to the city center from the airport on the ‘L’: Take the Blue Line from O’Hare (a 40-minute trip) or the Orange Line from Midway (a 30-minute trip). Chicago is laid out in a grid pattern. Starting at the intersection of State and Madison, blocks increase by 100 in each direction. This is a great walking city, but use Chicago’s public transit system to go anywhere. Buy a CTA Visitor Pass and get unlimited rides on buses and trains. You can purchase passes in advance because they don’t activate until you first use them. For more information, call 1-888-YOUR-CTA or go to www.transitchicago.com. Stop by these conveniently located Visitor Information Centers for more valuable Chicago know-how: Chicago Cultural Center 77 E. Randolph St. Mon.–Thurs. 8am–7pm Fri. 8am–6pm Sat. 9am–6pm Sun. 10am–6pm Holidays 10am–4pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Chicago Water Works 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. Mon.–Thurs. 8am–7pm Fri. 8am–6pm Sat. 9am–6pm Sun. 10am–6pm Holidays 10am–4pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Millennium Park Welcome Center 201 E. Randolph St., in the Northwest Exelon Pavilion. Summer Hours: 9am–7pm Winter Hours: 10am–4pm Besides having two airports near the city (O’Hare and Midway), it has two outlying airports (Gary/Chicago and Chicago Executive Airport), multiple expressways crisscrossing the city and a rail network leading to the hub of Union Station. Ride Amtrak here from Kansas City (Mo.), Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland and Milwaukee. Getting Oriented Chicago has not one but two water features. Glistening Lake Michigan (the world’s fifth-largest body of freshwater) forms Chicago’s eastern border, with the city extending up and down its shoreline and stretching westward. The Chicago River runs west from the lake through the heart of downtown, then splits into the north branch and south branch. (Yes, the Chicago River flows from the lake, not into the lake! In fact, it’s the only river in the world that flows backward. City engineers reversed its flow in 1900.) The central core of Chicago is called the Loop, where corporate, financial and government affairs take place amid a thriving shopping and cultural scene. The Loop is located south of the river’s main branch. It is so named because of the elevated train tracks that encircle this district. Just north of the river are two significant landmarks: The world-famous shopping boulevard called the Magnificent Mile. This one-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with upscale boutique shops and big department stores. Navy Pier, which juts into the lake, sparkles with fun entertainment for all ages. Chicago Greeters Navigate the city with your own personal local expert! The Chicago Greeter Program, operated by the Chicago Office of Tourism, matches friendly citizens of Chicago with visitors who want to enjoy an informal tour. Cruise the city with your greeter for the ultimate Chicago experience. Visit a favorite local spot or learn more about a few of the area’s interesting neighborhoods. Chicagoland expertise is at your fingertips with greeters who are ready to share their enthusiasm for the city they love. To access this free service, just go online and fill out the registration form. Provide contact information, language preference and the topic or neighborhood you’d like to focus on. You’ll be paired with the right greeter who can give you a fun, informative tour. 312-744-8000 www.chicagogreeter.com Getting Here Chicago is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, with O’Hare International Airport ranking as one of the world’s largest and busiest airports. Also, Midway Airport accommodates overseas and transcontinental flights. Chicago’s central location makes it easy to reach from anywhere in the country. pg 134 £ Two ways to get more information: call 1-877-CHICAGO or go to choosechicago.com http://choosechicago.com http://choosechicago.com http://choosechicago.com
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