As I step into my second year in Chicago, I look around me and realize how many places I have not been. Â My first year was all about the trade mark places for a tourist to visit. Â I visited the bean, went to the Navy Pier, strutted down Michigan Avenue, and ate way too many orders of cheesy fries and cake shakes from Portillos. Â As I dive in head first into my second year, I canât help but to think that I need to start viewing Chicago as my home, not my favorite vacation spot. Â So to all the freshmen reading this, you are no longer a tourist, you are a resident.
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Here are my five favorite places and activities I did or heard about my freshman year that made me feel a little less like a tourist and a little more like a Chicagoan:
1. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/montrose-harbors-bird-sanctuary-by-ro…
Located a mile from the Wilson âLâ stop, Montrose Point is home to hundreds of migrating songbirds that use the sanctuary as a place to rest. Not only is it a fun outing, it also has one of the most amazing views of the city. Letâs face it, there is nothing better than finding a new place to view the Chicago skyline.
2. Harold Washington Library Winter Garden
http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2013/10/designing-chicagos-library-of-fut…
Before our beach bags and sandals are tucked away for the winter, it is essential to find spots to venture to when being at school is a little too much. Â Prior to hitting the books for midterms and first semester finals, here is a piece of advice each freshman should know. Â Make an effort to find your niche where you can do your best studying. Â My secret spot just so happens to be one of the many libraries in Chicago. Â Used for weddings and business events, the Winter Garden in the Harold Washington Library located half a mile from the Lake âLâ stop became my go to spot for studying. â
3. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d2181679-Reviews-Al…
Sometimes living in Chicago makes all of the nature lovers out there feel a little enclosed. Â The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, located a mile from the Fullerton stop, is a true hidden gem in Chicago. Sometimes it is nice to get away from all the car horns and fire truck sirens, and this is the perfect place for just that. Â Open from mid-April to mid-November, this little piece of paradise is the perfect escape. Â
4. Myopic Books
http://chicago.com/5-under-the-radar-chicago-sites/
I am the type of person that absolutely adores walking into a used bookstore. Â I love to be in a place where there are so many books I am overwhelmed by the vastness. If you are like me, older bookstores are your place. Â Located in Wicker Park, Myopic Books is three stories of pure bliss for all my book lovers out there. Â From mysteries to historical texts on Chicago, the smell of the novels and the wide selection of books will leave you wondering why you ever stepped into a Barnes and Noble as opposed to an old fashioned book store.
5. Chicago SUP
http://www.chicagopaddlecompany.com/experience-sup/
For anyone who likes to do any type of outdoor activity, this one is for you. Â Chicago SUP is a stand up paddle boarding company that does excursions on different beaches throughout the city. My favorite location just happens to be one of the most amazing beaches in ChicagoâNorth Avenue. Â For 25 dollars you can paddle board for an hour with the view of the city right in front of you.
When you are looking for new places to visit remember one thing, Chicago is full of amazing places that everyone should visit. There is so much more to Chicago aside from tourist destinations. Â So get out there and explore your city!