THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2002
COVER STORY
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 11
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Visitors flock to Chicago to get a glimpse of big-city architecture along the Chicago River. The city not only has many famous skyscrapers such as the Sears Tower, but also boasts many Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes.
tions include Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue. The pier offers boat rides, ferris wheel rides for $3 and some shopping Michigan Avenue, or the "magnificent mile," is more expensive, with an expansive array of stores ranging from Bebe to SoHo to Ralph Lauren and other upscale stores.
For eating out, some great cheap eats include Dick's Last Resort on Navy Pier,a restaurant described as having "sick humor but lots of good food," or Portillo's, which has great Italian beef. More expensive but quality fare would be Ron of Japan, or the Italian restaurant Tucci Benucch.
A lot of culture is also prominent at numerous public attractions, such as the Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium. Chicago also has a great and varied music scene. Venues are everywhere, such as the House of Blues, the Empty Bottle, Schubas, Abbey Pub United Center and even Soldier Field once in a while. The nightlife is pretty lively with a myriad of clubs and bars interspersed throughout the city. If you're into comedy. Second City is an improvisational theater place where a lot of big names in comedy got their start.
Of course, you can always catch a Cubs' game in Wrigleyville, a Bulls game at the United Center, or, if you want to wait another year, go to a Bears game at the renovated Soldier Field.
Chicago can be on the expensive side, something to be expected from any big city. With swanky clubs and ritzy eating establishments, it's possible to go through vast amounts of cash depending on your budget and willpower. This is not even considering the cost to get there. Nonetheless, attractions and good food can still be found at a fair price. It all depends on who you ask and where you look.
Erin Alley, Wheaton, Ill., freshman said Chicago was the city for her.
"I think Chicago is an amazing town," she said. "There is everything imaginable to do, from shopping to theater to people watching."
Catherine Warren, Lake Forest, Ill., freshman is also captivated by the Windy City.
"I like the big city feeling," she said
— Mindy Osborne
Denver
A western-flavored base of the Rockies known as "The Mile High City," Denver boasts a population of more than half million and a lifestyle embedded in history and adventure.
Hundreds of thousands pass through
the city every year and none complain of little to do. Denver offers a variety of vacationing opportunities. People of all ages will be enthralled by one of Colorado's wildest and most popular cultural attractions: the Denver Zoo. Dating back to 1890, this host to the world's endangered species has spread to cover over 80 acres and houses a giant indoor rain forest. By day, visitors can also enjoy one of the four major amusement parks within Denver's boundaries, including Six Flags Elitch Gardens or Water World, America's largest water park.
For those craving a thrill, Denver also showcases the Team Building Concepts Indoor Racing facilities, where a visitor can experience Grand Prix style indoor go-kart racing. A visitor can also sign up for a Geo Tour Whitewater Rafting Trip which offers half or full day tours down the daring rapids of the Arkansas River.
By night, party-seeking tourists can hit up a few of Denver's breweries. The Wyncoop Brewing Company is America's largest brew pub, featuring award-winning ales, a fantastic billiards hall upstairs and a complete showing live comedy in the basement. Other favorite night spots include the Grizzly Rose and B-52 Billiards.
"When people visit Denver, I think the biggest difference they're going to notice about the atmosphere is the culture. It's a lot easier there to go out with friends and see belly-dancers at a Moroccan restaurant or experiment with cigar tasting at a Russian cafe than in a smaller town like Lawrence," Michelle Sanford, Highlands Ranch, Colo., junior said.
According to its residents, Denver is the crossroads of culture for college-age students.
As for hot things to do with a night off?
"There were a couple of places my friends and I liked to drive into Denver for. One place is called Dave and Buster's, which is an interactive bar with a massive playground, movie screens, arcades and of course, alcohol," Sanford said.
Sanford also suggested a club named The Church, which is a dance club that used to be a cathedral. The club plays a different kind of music on every level.
Colorado cruisers can find a ski resort or professional hiking facility all within a two-hour drive.
For college students like Sanford, making the trip to Denver doesn't necessarily mean taking out an extra loan.
"If you've got $40, you can make the drive across Kansas in about eight hours," She said.
Stanford also suggests that, when looking for a place to crash, avoid downtown Denver. The outskirts of the city or its surrounding suburbs feature cheaper chain hotels.
— Denise Spidle
Minneapolis/St. Paul,
Minnesota
St. Paul and Minneapolis Minn., are commonly known as "The Twin Cities," but to Minnesotans, these urban environments have different atmospheres and are considered to be more like fraternal than identical twins. There are only about three months out of the year when southerners may consider the cities' climate comfortable enough for a vacation. To others, who like wearing thick sweaters and coats, the cities offer many cozy places to get warmed up in, worth braving the unfriendly weather
Sarah Gibbs, Waconia, Minn., sophomore, suggested attending one of the many various theme theaters such as the Guthrie, the Ordway, or the Orpheum to name a few.
Lauren O'Brien, Eagen, Minn., freshman, endorsed the many shopping venues along Grand Avenue, Uptown and the Mall of America. She also said visiting Calhoun Lake and Lake of the Isles was a great way to sightsee as well as get some exercise—and it's free.
In general, if historic monuments and old world-class is a traveling priority then St. Paul is the place to go. It's known most familiarly for being the historic state capitol of Minnesota but is also home to Fort Snelling, Landmark Center, the Minnesota Museum of Modern Art and the Ordway Music Theater.
Minneapolis is located just across the Mississippi River and possesses almost the opposite social atmosphere and cultural environment. Whereas the majority of St. Paul's activity occurs during the day, Minneapolis is well known for its upbeat night-life. There are plenty of concerts and games held at the Target Center and just across the street is a variety of dance clubs, known for celebrity appearances. Both the uptown and downtown of Minneapolis have plenty of shopping and dining options all day and through the night.
In order to truly experience the Minnesota multicultural urban environment explore both Minneapolis and St. Paul. By refusing to leave the confines of Mall of America, it's impossible to gain an appreciation for Northern hospitality and culture.
Ariel Tilson
New Orleans
A trip to New Orleans is a great vacation for anyone, but the city of Southern enchantment, mixed cultures, history food, music and crazy nightlife appeals to college students. Day or night, March or October, New Orleans offers nonstop entertainment.
"College students should go down for Mardi Gras and to the Garden District to visit the many bars, clubs and experience the night life in general," said Erin Beaton, Madison, Wis., freshman, who has visited New Orleans five times.
"I felt like a Southern belle with all the historic homes, iron terraces and cobblestone streets," Beth McCoy, Hutchinson freshman, said. "New Orleans is just beautiful."
New Orleans may be famous for its many festivals, but the "Big Easy" atmosphere can be experienced anytime of year. Shopping alone could keep any tourist
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