“There’s so much that’s special to me about this city, but most of all, it’s people. The friendliness, the welcome for everyone. Just grab some local food, listen to some local music, and suddenly … you’re a local,” says David Schwimmer, the former Friends star.
“I have a home here, I do theatre here, and I got my start in showbiz here.”
He is now such a Chicagophile that one of the city’s premier attractions, the John Hancock Observatory named him its celebrity guide. Here’s what he thought of some of the city’s attractions:
LAKE MICHIGAN
Even though it’s only the second-largest of the Great Lakes, it’s still bigger than the states of Vermont and New Hampshire put together. Unlike other big American cities, Chicago never put factories on its waterfront.
THE WINDY CITY
It has nothing to do with the wind. Chicago got that nickname during the time of the huge world’s fair. East Coast journalists wrote that those Chicagoans came from “the windy city” because they talked so much.
MILLENNIUM PARK
It’s full of amazing outdoor sculptures. One of them has only been here since 2004, but it’s already become the symbol of Chicago. The title is Cloud Gate but everybody calls it the silver bean. It’s only steps away from the main art museum, the Art Institute of Chicago. Huge. Wonderful collections.
CUBS VS. WHITE SOX
No visit to Chicago is complete without hearing about baseball — and arguing about it. Chicagoans are deeply divided between Cubs fans, and fans of the other local baseball team, the Chicago White Sox.
CHICAGO DEEP DISH
This is the original kind, Invented by restaurateur Ike Sewell in 1943. He wanted to make pizza something that you’d eat with a knife and fork … at a proper table.
LAKE SHORE DRIVE
Driving along gives dazzling views of the water, and buildings. The fanciest address in town is “Any Number, Lake Shore Drive.”
IF YOU GO
Hear David Schwimmer’s Chicago tips at the John Hancock Observatory.
WHERE TO STAY
The best place to stay is the Essex Inn. Traditional-feel U.S. hotel with stunning views over the lake — watching the sunrise on the water is unmissable. Handy for all the city sights (and Buddy Guy’s Legends is almost next door). Great pool with sundeck; good rooms and good value. (essexinn.com)
