DESTINATIONS | CHICAGO | City with a view Flights and food in Chicagoland B Y KO L L I N S TA G N I T O APPROACHING IN YOUR AIRPLANE on a clear day, you can spot it from 50 miles away-the majestic city of Chicago rising vertically from the shockingly flat midwestern prairie. With a skyline comprising five of the nation's 13 tallest buildings (the other eight are in New York City), it's hard not to be impressed by mankind's aspirations to reach for the sky. When the sun sets, the greater Chicago area, population 9 million plus, still shines brightly-millions of lights creating a stunning artificial horizon. With two dozen airports sprinkled around the city, you're about to land and experience an energetic general aviation vibe. P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M I K E F I Z E R I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y M E L A N I E J U D D 76 | AOPA PILOT March 2021