#1:

First attempt at travel writing and the article was published on my birthday...what a great present!!!

Bike Chicago’s Magnificent Lake front for Free!

By:  Shelley Huskey

While visiting Chicago for a conference, I was lucky enough to find one of the City’s best kept secrets, Chicago’s Lakeshore bike path.  It is an inexpensive way to see the City.  There are no access fees or long lines.  On one side of the path, boats can be found in all shapes and sizes in the lake or docked at Burnham or Monroe Harbors.  On the other side of the path is the magnificent Chicago skyline.  From the southern end of the path, the landscape changes with each mile.  An unexpected waterfall at McCormick Place is the first of many surprises on this trek.  Other noteworthy icons include Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum.  The City’s famous Grant Park, is next.  If you care to veer off the beaten path, take a photo of Buckingham Fountain.  Just north of Grant Park is Millennium Park, which contains some of the area’s best free art exhibits.  Back to the bike path and you’ll cross the famous Chicago River.  Up next, is the number one destination in Chicago, Navy Pier.  It offers boat rides, shopping, eateries, and bars.  There are a multiple of food options along this bike path.  Stop for a refreshing snow cone, hot dog, or take in a local café along the way.   Need a break?  Sit a spell and rest at one of the local beaches.  Fishing is also possible.  As you ride further north, the landscape changes to accommodate more organized group sports, where tennis, volleyball, baseball and soccer fields are the norm.  There are even dog parks found along the way.  The path runs north and south all along Lake Michigan.  The bike path is open all year round and is the ultimate way to see this magnificent City free of charge.  For more information check out http://chicagobikes.org/pdf/lakefront_trail061608.pdf