If you’re headed to the Great Lakes State this summer, chances are you’ll be passing through Chicago. Known for its bustling downtown and lively cultural scene, the Windy City also hosts some of the biggest and most popular automotive events in the country. One of these is the Chicago Auto Show, which runs from April 19th to April 23rd and is one of the Chicago Tribunes biggest events of the year. If you’ve never been there, you might not know what to expect. But if you’re a car buff, you’re in for a real treat. There are numerous opportunities to watch famous auto manufacturers showcase their latest models and meet the faces behind the brands. But that’s not all there is to see in Chicago. There are several other venues where you can experience live music, gallery exhibitions, and cultural events. One of the best things about Chicago is how close it is to the Great Lakes. Determined boat owners can put in their time offshore, while city-dwellers can visit their favorite marinas and slip into their boats for some fishing or a leisure day on the water. If you want to find out what are the best seats at Chicagoland Speedway, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’re going to run down the best places to sit and what you should know about them.
The Chicagoland Speedway
The Chicago Auto Show is one of the world’s great car showcases, drawing in enthusiasts from across the globe. One of the best things about the Chicago Auto Show is how close it is to the Chicago Speedway. The Chicagoland Speedway is one of the great motorsports venues in the country. If you’ve never been there, you’re in for a real treat. The place is iconic. Located in the middle of the prairies, the track has been around for more than 80 years and has seen some legendary races. Most notably, it was the site of one of the most iconic races in NASCAR history, the 500. The track is now owned by International Speedway Corporation, one of the biggest and most well-known automotive racing companies in the world. On any given day, you can catch sight of drivers and teams from all over the globe. If you arrive a little early, you can stroll the grounds and get a feel for the place. Of course, one of the best ways to get a feel for the whole setting is by taking a ride in a classic car. There are numerous garages and rides where you can get a sense of what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence. The infield at Chicagoland is a great place to be. It’s a glorious sunny day, the engines are roaring, and the crowds are going crazy. It doesn’t get any better than this. The only downside is that in order to get a good view of the action, you’ll need to get up close and personal with the vehicles. It would be best to sit in the grandstands or in one of the clubhouses. These places give you an unobstructed view of the entire track, including the areas that the cameras don’t reach. The clubhouses and luxury boxes are also a great place to be. They’re a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, providing you with a comfy seating and an excellent meal. If you can score one of these last-minute reservations, you can’t go wrong. But even if you don’t get one, you can still enjoy the view from the outside. It’s hard to put into words the enthusiasm that a car enthusiast feels when their favorite brands come out to play. The moment the gates open and the engines begin to rev, the entire atmosphere changes. The thrill of the hunt is as great as the culmination of the race. If you’re a car enthusiast, the Chicago Auto Show is one of the greatest events in the city. And what’s more, it’s free! Even better, if you’re a member of A.C.A., the Association of Collectors of Automotive Art, you get to enter a special drawing for a grand prize. One lucky winner will get to have a 12-foot-long custom concrete sculpture built in their likeness. How cool is that?
The I Love Lucy Movie Theatre
If you’re looking for a place to catch a movie, you can’t miss out on the I Love Lucy Movie Theatre. The place is quintessential for fans of the I Love Lucy television show. Set back from the street, the entrance is surrounded by plexiglass, creating a barrier between you and the outside world. Once you step into the vestibule, you’ll find a bank of elevators. This is your way up to the screening rooms. But the best way to get a sense of what the place is like is by taking a walk through the lobby. On your left, you’ll find an area with couches and chairs, which are available for customers to relax in. Behind the desk, there are several televisions showing films. If you’re a fan of I Love Lucy, you can’t miss out on this place. It really is the best of both worlds; you get to enjoy a movie and take a walk at the same time.
The Broadway
For those who love to eat, there are numerous restaurants and eateries along the Broadway. One of the best things about this street is that there are several different types of cuisine available. If you’re looking for a change of pace from all that cycling, you can drop by any one of these places and have a steak, burger, or hot dog. But the best way to get a feel for the vibe along the street is by walking it. Even if you’re not really hungry, you can still take a walk along the Broadway and get a sense of the shops and galleries that are tucked away in the old townhouses. If you’re a movie buff, you can catch a classic film at the art house cinema a few blocks from the Broadway. Walking down the street is a feast for the eyes, especially at night when the street lamps are turned on and the buildings are illuminated. It’s not just about food either. You can stop by any museum or cultural institution along the way and get a taste of the galleries, exhibits, and events they have to offer. It really is a great place to live. If you’ve never been there, you’re in for a real treat.
The Museum Of Contemporary Art (MCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is one of the city’s most prominent cultural centers. Nestled in a historical building that was originally constructed in the early 20th century, the MCA has a rich collection of artwork from around the globe. One of the best bits about the MCA is how close it is to the airport. If you’ve never been there and you’re flying in from another city, you’ll most likely pass right by. But even if you’re coming from another state, you’ll appreciate the convenience. The MCA has something for everyone. From cutting edge sculpture and photography to paintings and installations, there is plenty to see. Even if you are an art lover who doesn’t appreciate modern art, there are plenty of well-known and iconic pieces to see. It’s not like you’ve never met a Picasso before, have you? The best part is how close you can get to the paintings without actually having to step inside the museum. Through a series of mirrors, viewers can get a glimpse of the works without ever having to leave the comfort of their cars. It’s the perfect way to appreciate art without the pressure of a gallery environment. If you’re not familiar with the MCA, it’s a great place to start. You won’t be disappointed.
The Art Institute Of Chicago
If you love art, you can’t miss a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. One of the city’s most historic and prominent cultural centers, the Art Institute of Chicago dates back to 1868 and features a very impressive collection of artwork. One of the best things about the Art Institute of Chicago is how close it is to downtown. Even if you live in another part of the city, it’s still well worth a trip. It’s something of a self-guided tour, so you won’t really need an employee to show you around. Just make sure you set aside half a day for the place. Even if you’re not really an art buff, there are plenty of pieces in the collection that are definitely worth seeing. The highlight is the collection of Rembrandts. If you love to paint, you can’t miss out on this collection. It’s really something special. The best and most convenient way to get there is by taking the Brown, Blue, or #606 bus that runs along North Michigan Avenue. Hop off at the Cumberland or Adams stations and walk north on Delaware Street. Even if you do this by car, it’s still pretty quick and easy. This way, you’ll avoid the tourist traffic that comes from the nearby Halsted Street. Getting off the bus a stop earlier than expected is better than missing your bus because you stopped to take a photo.