One of the great things about living in Valparaiso is the convenience of living near the great city of Chicago.
Whether you drive, take the train or the bus, Chicago is practically in our backyard with worlds of things to offer, such as its many museums including the Art Institute and Navy Pier, home to the Shakespeare Theater, The Children’s Museum and the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel.
Recently, I traveled to the city with my friend Colleen Zana. We traveled by train. This was my first time taking the train to the city. We took the South Shore Line from the Dune Park Station in Chesterton. We were greeted right away by a friendly train conductor after the train pulled into the station. Conductor Matthew J. Przybycinski helped passengers board safely, even helping me carry my small suitcase up the stairs. We purchased our tickets from Pzrybycinski right on the train.
We arrived to the sounds of the hustle and bustle that takes place in the city; horns honking, traffic buzzing and street vendors shouting, "No Monday frowns allowed on a Friday!" and "Grinning is Winning!" You could not help but smile.
Our venture into the city was to attend the Annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show with the theme "The Art of Gardening." We stayed at a hotel downtown so we could really enjoy our time in the city. Over wine and pizza, Chicago is home to some of the best pizzerias, Zana and I discussed the upcoming garden show at Navy Pier.
One of the most fascinating things that can happen while visiting Chicago is that you can meet people from all over the world. While enjoying our breakfast a young woman sat down with us; she was from Singapore. In her lovely accent she said she had a short lay-over in the city and wanted to take advantage of the great shopping that is available in Chicago, particularly shopping for designer shoes. Chicago has some of the best shopping, but Zana and I would have to forgo shopping in the city for shopping at the Garden Show, this time.
With the smell of spring, the smell of blooming tulips and hyacinths, we entered the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Beautiful colors, gardens and smells were all around us. One of the most beautifully decorated vendors was that of Mariano's. (Marianos.com) Their motto: "Shop Well, Eat Well, Live Well." They had roses in every color, hydrangeas and container gardens decorating their booth. Deborah De La Flor, decorated one of the most beautiful table-scapes in colors of wines, plums, and purples with roses and flowers from Mariano's.
We traveled into the city for the Annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show, next it may be for the great shopping or perhaps a visit to the Art Institute, but that's what's great about living so close to Chicago, there are so many things to do and try. Head to Chicago, take the train, go shopping or try something new, I recommend it. Take advantage of the convenience we have of living near a great city like Chicago.
Click here for more photos from the 2013 Chicago Flower & Garden Show!