Big ambitions and little bitty budget? The Windy City well might work as a quick getaway. Chicago boasts scores of places that open up the world without having to open your wallet all that wide.
First, there’s the airfare. Southwest is the major player at close-in Midway Airport, and that’s a start. When you get to town (take the train and save a bundle) there’ always the Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission remains free at one of the world’s great animal enclaves.
Chicago boasts more than 200 unique neighborhoods, echoing over 100 countries. One of them is Mexico. That means the National Museum of Mexican Art fits right in. Just now you can view the exhibit Mardonio Magaña: Circa 1938. No less than Diego Rivera labeled this man as Mexico’s greatest contemporary sculptor. The museum is the home of the largest intact collection of Magaña’s work outside of Mexico.
Get out of doors and tour one of those 200 unique neighborhoods. You could do far worse than Greektown. Old World traditions thrive in this ethnic enclave even today. The language, the food, and – most importantly – the culture are celebrated here daily. People who’ve been there and done that swear that Greektown is one of the best examples of Greek heritage outside of Athens.
It’s May folks, and that means greenery. The Chicago Botanic Garden is a great place to breathe in the loamy fragrance of the earth and what it produces. Don’t even try to see all 2.5 million plants, arrayed amongst 24 display gardens and a quartet of natural areas. Pick out a few and lose yourself.
This Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, the Botanic Garden is throwing a Bloomin’ Festival, one replete with gardening tips, demonstrations and lots of opportunities to buy some greenery for your apartment porch or big backyard.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Michael_Lehet)
