What I Love About Chicago
Louis J. Kraus, M.D.,
Local Arrangements Chair
Chicago is the city of big shoulders. I’d like to take credit for that statement but it’s Carl Sandburg. For such a large city, we have a small city feel when it comes to child psychiatry. We have a supportive network for psychiatrists and physicians that in so many ways makes this town a wonderful place to live.
Moving here from a small town in Connecticut when I was seven, in time for the 1968 riots, introduced me to the city. I quickly found one of my great loves, pizza. I still go to the original pizzeria Uno’s, which I recommend highly.
Walking along Lake Michigan in Grant Park is always a wonderful experience. Many people wonder where the park came from. The park was essentially a landfill of the debris from the Chicago fire. At the end of the park is the Field Museum. Not only can you see the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex, Sue, but they also have a small exhibit of some the articles that were found while building Millennium Park.
We have wonderful museums in Chicago. It is difficult not to stop by the Art Institute and view their permanent impressionist art exhibit. My personal favorites are the Lautrecs but most like the Monets and Degas. Seurat’s greatest painting is also there; perhaps worth seeing on a Sunday afternoon. One of my favorite archeological museums to visit, which is not as obvious, is the Oriental Institute located in Hyde Park, by the University of Chicago campus. Families may enjoy North Pier, the Planetarium and the Aquarium. The Planetarium, Aquarium, and Field Museum along with Millennium Park are all in walking distance to one another; a relatively short cab ride down Lake Shore Drive from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. The Art Institute is walking distance from the Sheraton.
Some fun day time trips can include going to Chinatown or having dinner in Greek Town; although I would not recommend going for leisurely walks around these areas at night.
Chicago’s known as the Windy City. I don’t need to let you know at this time that our weather can be quite variable. However, the term, ‘Windy City’ does not come from our windy weather but rather from early 20th century politicians in the city.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Chicago. Simply taking a walk down Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, and looking at the stores and casually walking over to the Oak Street Beach, even in October, is a beautiful sight.
Welcome to our city!
Adrienne Adams, M.D.
Local Arrangements Committee Member
As a child growing up in Detroit, I often visited Chicago where I remembered having the greatest adventures from riding on the elevated trains to walking along the Magnificent Mile. During high school, Chicago offered scholarly as well as historic story telling such as the well-read novel The Jungle by Upton Sinclair that delves into Chicago’s early labor and immigration history. Another legendary novel that brings to life 19th century Chicago is The Devil in the White City which describes the magical appeal and horrifying dark side of the time period of the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. I
enthusiastically moved to Chicago in order to discover the many opportunities both professionally and socially. Chicago is home to four child fellowship programs as well as a large medical district that allows for diverse and thorough psychiatric training. Chicago has always offered many historical and picturesque spots including a multitude of museums, Navy Pier, Sears Tower, and Grant Park to name a few. In addition, the Chicago suburbs offer a range of activities from nationally known zoos, children’s museums, outdoor concerts, and architectural tours.
So welcome to the Windy City!!! And by the end of your visit I am sure you will leave your heart in Chicago.
Jean Stiman
Local Arrangements Administrator
It’s difficult to really put down on paper the reasons I love Chicago— primarily it’s because it is home and always will be.
Chicago has a rich history—from the time of the explorers who discovered the swamp land—the legend of the cow that caused the Chicago fire—the creation of the “White City” after the fire—the infamous Capone days—the nickname “Windy City” not because of the winds but because of the politicians (remember to vote and vote often)—it’s beautiful lake front—one of the best skylines in the country (beautiful coming in over the Lake at night)—and architectural treasurers (Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many more).
Chicago is one of the few cities that still have a number of sport teams (Da’ Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks, the Cubs, and the Sox). I think there would be major riots should they decide to leave the city. Wrigley Field is the second oldest ball park in the country and although the Cubs haven’t won a World Series in 100 years it is still difficult to get tickets to the games.
The city can boast some of the best affordable theater in the country, as well as wonderful ethnic neighborhood restaurants that are world class.
But most of all I love Chicago because of its’ people. Unlike some other large cities, they actually will smile and say hello. Although a major industrial city, the feel is that of a small town.
Robert L. Rosenfeld, M.D.
Local Arrangements Committee Member
Some of my favorite things to do in Chicago are actually in the north suburbs. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located in Glencoe as is Writers’ Theater a thoroughly professional theatrical experience and a short walk from the Metro train station in downtown Glencoe. The Botanic Garden is a world class professionally maintained exquisite array of gardens easily traversed on footpaths or by tram. My favorites, which I visit weekly or more depending on weather and schedule, include the Japanese islands, the Rose Garden, the English Garden, the Sensory Garden, and the Greenhouses ( with three different climate species).
A few details regarding specifics of theater during the AACAP Annual Meeting: The Writers’ Theater production is "Picnic" by William Inge directed by David Cromer; www.writerstheatre. org; 847.242.6000 for tickets. Chicago Shakespeare Theater located downtown at Navy Pier will be performing "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer and directed by Gary Griffin. Tickets by phone: 312.595.5600. Learn more at www.chicagoshakes.com. The venue is a fantastic theater in an architecturally significant building!
Scott D. Feldman, M.D.
Local Arrangements Committee Member
Fall is surprisingly nice in Chicago and I love taking the kids to one of many city parks. We can spend an entire afternoon or even whole day by the lakefront at Millennium Park or Grant Park (both short walks from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers). There are often free concerts during the day and week, many street performers, and places to wander. We’ve created our own games including one where we take bundles of leaves and throw them onto the enormous ventilation grates near the Millennium Park Bridge. This creates a 30+ foot high plume of leaves that always attracts the attention of park goers and usually dozens of other children join the fun.
For the grownups in the evening, I love combing The Reader, our local free "underground" paper, looking for interesting music, theater, or art performances. Every night there are thousands of concerts to discover. My favorites are the Green Mill for jazz, Hideout and Metro for rock, and The Hot House for World music.
Michael W. Naylor, M.D.
Local Arrangements Committee Member
While in Chicago visit the various neighborhoods. My wife, my son, and I live in Roger’s Park. We enjoy the incredible diversity of people, the park, and the neighborhood shops. Jarvis Street Station has an excellent coffee shop, Charmers, and a good Italian Restaurant, Gruppo di Amici.
If you would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Chicago, check out the Cook County Forest Preserves. There are miles of trails to walk or bike and you can rent canoes or kayaks.
What I Love About Chicago that You Can’t Find in the Guide Books
- Shop until you drop
- Many "cultured areas" (ex. China Town or Greek Town), etc.
- The Wilmette Pet!
- The Original Pancake House (known for the "49ers")
- H&M store on Michigan Avenue
- Northwestern campus in Evanston – "the Wildcats"
- Paul Frank store in Lincoln Park
- Glenview Grove!
- St. Francis School, Wilmette
- Children’s Memorial Hospital (CMH)
- Garfield Park Conservatory art exhibits
- Ethel’s on Armitage (chocolates) in Lincoln Park
- The American Girl Doll Store ("because it’s big and cool")
Charlie Hasson, age 12
Child of Local Arrangements Committee Member, MaryBeth E. Lake, M.D.
- Ice cream at Bobtail’s (in Wilmette)
- Custard at Scooter’s (Roscoe Village)
- Bike on Green Bay Trail
- Blackhawks game
- Cubs game
- Bears game
- Ice skate at "The Bean"
- Tour on Mafia (Untouchable Tours bus tour of Chicago organized crime history)
- Gruppo di Amici restaurant (in Rogers Park)
Child of Local Arrangements Committee Member, MaryBeth E. Lake, M.D. The following articles include recommendations from Local Arrangements Committee members about activities and sites you shouldn’t miss while in Chicago.
