Baby, It’s Cold Outside… But That Doesn’t Stop Chicagoans from Enjoying the City!

The subzero temperatures in Chicago aren’t an ideal setting for enjoying the winter, but some Chicagoans braved the weather this weekend, including yours truly. After seeing the amount of people that were out and about in these frigid temps, I’m convinced that locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of Chicago - no matter how cold it can get.

My holiday shopping was primarily done online, but there are those few last minute items that require in-person browsing and purchasing. After throwing on a few sweaters and a pair of galoshes, my husband and I zipped up the red line to Michigan Avenue.  The streets were PACKED with shoppers, hot cocoa sippers and baby strollers. Restaurants were full of diners, including our own lunch spot, Bistro 110. I took a moment to ask some book browsers at Borders: ‘Why go outside? Aren’t you freezing?’ The bundled up gal in her teens smiled at me and said, ‘Are you kidding? Chicago is so pretty this time of year - we had to be outside!’

Perhaps it was the holiday theme in the air, but the cold weather didn’t stop people from being out and about. Since moving to Chicago in 1998, I liked the way cold weather puts everyone on a level playing field.  There could be a student, banker and laborer at the same El stop, waiting under the heat lamps for the train and they are all in the same boat - cold. If you pay close attention, you’ll begin to hear conversations beginning to brew amongst random strangers. Whether they wonder when the train will come or reminisce about the big snowfall of ’99, Chicagoans have a way of finding common ground.

After our Michigan Avenue excursion, we strolled along the Chicago River to State Street and found ourselves at the Wine Bar at the Walnut Room in Macy’s. Imagine a long wood table, flanked by shoppers, near the big tree. We enjoyed a wine flight and some cheese, while chatting with our table neighbors. The Windy City Wine Guy has a more complete description of our Wine Bar experience.

A full day indeed - but it was worth it. Next on the docket is to hit Millennium Park and go ice skating, followed by dinner at The Park Grill (table 81 is our favorite spot).

Bundle up - it’s cold out there!:)

Just Announced: Finalists of the ‘Why Chicago’ Video Contest!

Here they are! Take a look at the five finalists of the Why Chicago Video contest. Beginning tomorrow, December 1, NBC5 Chicago will show each video on the air.  The winner of the contest will win a trip to Vancouver!

Don’t forget, YOU also have a chance to win - just for voting! The winner from the voting pool will win a trip to Boulder, Colorado - with a few friends, to boot.

Good Luck Everyone!

Is This the ‘Why Chicago’ Video Winner?
One More Day to Enter!

Back during my Western Michigan University days, I worked well under pressure. I was a Resident Advisor, had a part time internship at an advertising agency and a full course load under my belt. �I usually started papers and projects long before they were due, but time and time again, I succumbed to the world of ‘last minutes’.

Are you a last minute person? Do you like to spend the day cranking out a project or article?

Then do I have the project for you!:)

The Why Chicago Video Contest ends TOMORROW, November 25th at 11:59:59 am CT. You still have a chance to make a video, upload it to the Chicago 2016 YouTube channel and possibly win $5,000 in video equipment OR a trip to Vancouver to go behind the scenes at the 2010 Olympic Games!

In the meantime, take a look at one of the contest entries. Could this be the winner? Do you think you could do better? Let us know!

Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink is Now Open!

Quick note to all you ice skating lovers! Debi Thomas was on hand to help open the ice skating rink in Millennium Park this week. Check out her interview with Chicago 2016!

President Elect Obama Made a Chicago 2016 Video - Did You?

Members of the Chicago 2016 are in Istanbul, Turkey and will be presenting their plan to 40 European members of the International Olympic Committee.  

President Elect Barack Obama created his own ‘Why Chicago’ video that will be played at the meeting. 

What are YOU waiting for? You have FIVE more days to tell the world ‘Why Chicago’. The contest ends November 25!

The Chicago 16 Dance?
Get to Stepping!

Need some inspiration on why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games?  Check out this how-to dance video from JenChicago! If you’d like to be in the video, make your evening free on November 19.

Chicago-16 Dance Instructions from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Are You An Aspiring Gymnast?
Chicago to Host 2009 American Cup Gymnastics Invitational

 

Are you a fan of Nadia Comaneci? Mary Lou Retton? Bart Conner? I can only imagine the amount of training and dedication to be a top gymnast. I get mesmerized by the skill and balance all of you use when it comes to the high beam or the rings. Watching invitationals on television is one thing, but seeing people up close and personal is another. 

Next February, I’ll get my chance!  Chicago will host the 2009 American Cup Gymnastics Invitational.  Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago are hosting this event on February 21, 2009. Tickets will be available soon. 

This is just one reason why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games!  Do you agree? Tell us by submitting your own Why Chicago video. You have one week to go - the contest ends November 25!

A Video Tribute to Lake Shore Drive
15.83 Miles of Lakeside Road

The majority of ‘first timers’ that visit Chicago typically tell me, ‘Wow, that’s one big lake!‘ The next sentence I typically hear is, ‘Lakeshore Drive is so beautiful’. Then I tell my visitor, ‘Imagine riding up and down Lakeshore Drive on a scooter - now that’s an experience.’ Alas, I still miss my red scooter I sold last year…I digress.

Lakeshore Drive is one of Chicago’s treasures that twists and turns next to Lake Michigan and hosts thousands of cyclists, runners, volleyball players and casual evening strollers. I discovered this video tribute to Chicago’s beloved Lakeshore Drive, nicely set to a song of the same name.

Here’s an example of how someone took their appreciate for Lakeshore Drive and turned it into a video. What’s your story? Which Chicago landmark do you enjoy? Put your thoughts in a video and submit it to the ‘Why Chicago’ video contest!

Local Chicago Bloggers and Social Media Gurus Visit 2016

It was a fun day at the Chicago 2016 Headquarters!

We opened up the doors to local writers, photographers and other members of the web community to take a tour, sit in on a new media meeting and get a bird’s eye view into the 2016 Bid process.

Special thanks to Andrew Huff, Liz Strauss, Kristen Nicole, John Morrison, Andrew Coffey and Jill Jaracz for taking the time to go behind the scenes at the Chicago 2016 offices!

 

The ABCs of Chicago Sports
A Future Olympic Cheerleader in the Making

Chicago’s full of a variety of sports. In case you forget any of the names, get ready to get educated!

This excerpt made my day!

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