Tuesday, February 21, 2012 I

TechNews

RYAN HYNES ae@technewsiit.com 5

 

Chicago neighborhoods offer plethora of entertainment

By Ryan Hynes
A&E EDITOR

Chicago is home to over 100 different
neighborhoods and communities. All are part
of the city, but each has its own unique identity.
To truly appreciate Chicago as a whole, and to
be become a true Chicagoan, you really need
to get know these many faces of our great city.

The CTA, whatever your opinion, is
the best way to get around the city, and when
used correctly, can actually be pretty quick.
Chicago natives Danny Resner and John
Greenfield rode the entire El system, that’s
every stop, on every line, in just over 9 1/2 hours.
Put your UPass to work, they’re more valuable
than you think; a 30 day CTA pass costs $90!

Find an excuse to go out, whether
it be for a show, a movie, or a quick bite to
eat. Just get out there! For those who have
never ventured south, go to Hyde Park. Home
to the Museum of Science and Industry, the
University of Chicago and the 1893 World’s
Fair, Hyde Park is brimming with history.
Rockefeller Chapel and Frank Lloyd Wright’s
Robie House are among the countless things
to see in Hyde Park, and conveniently, they’re
right across the street from each other. If you
get hungry, check out Z&H for a sandwich.

The North side has plenty to offer
as well. Lincoln Park isn’t just a zoo, it’s also
a pretty vibrant neighborhood home to some
of the best hot dog and burger places in the
city. Murphy’s, Hot Doug’s, Devil Dogs, and
my personal favorite, the Weiner Circle, all
offer quality Chicago style dogs and in some

 

cases, chocolate shakes. Metropolis Coffee
in Edgewater brews a pretty awesome cup,
and sponsors the Illinois Tech Cycling Team.

There’s more to do than just food
of course. If you really want a new bike, and
let’s be honest, who doesn’t, Cycle Smithy
has a big selection, and a cool collection of
old bikes too. Village Cycle in Old Town
also has a huge selection of Trek and Gary
Fisher bikes, just be sure to buy a U—Lock.

Go farther north and you’ll eventually
hit Evanston, a place many people know,
but few really get to know. Now arguably,
Evanston is the longest trip you’ll take on
the CTA. You’ll have to take the Red Line
to Howard, and then transfer to the Purple
Line, a journey of about an hour and a half.

The trip is well worth it though,
especially if you like bagels. Bagel Art

 

really knows how to throw the dough, and
is the perfect way to get your snack on.

Northwestern University also calls
Evanston home, and if you haven’t gotten
a chance to check out its historic campus,
you have to go at least once. Evanston offers
a more relaxed, small town vibe compared
to the city, and is a nice change of scenery.

Ifyou’reabitofahomebody,thenatleast
check out some of Bridgeport’s local offerings.

Did you know that four Chicago
Mayors, including Richard I. and Richard
M. Daley, are Bridgeport natives? There’s so
much history right in our backyard, and of
course, there’s food. Rocky’s, Riccobene’s,
Carbon, Pleasant House, and Bridgeport
Coffee are all cool places to check out.

Next weekend, stop staring at the same
fourwalls and get out andlive alittle, Chicago style.

5 I .
Images courtesy of exp/orechicago.com, iggmoe. com, menup/Xcom chicago.com