Explore With the Chicago Architecture Foundation
One of my first discoveries when I moved to Chicago was the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF). Taking tours offered by the CAF has been an invaluable experience. I have learned about Chicago’s history, architecture, and architects. After several outings, I recognized landmarks, street names, and important dates in Chicago’s history. I now know that the intersection of Madison and State is where the streets change from east/west and north/south respectively–a great help when navigating the downtown area. Most amazing, and quite unexpected, is that I find myself excited about learning as much as I can about two topics: Chicago history and architectural terminology!
The CAF offers many different types of tours. Looking for a boat, bus, or bike tour? The CAF has you covered! How about a trolley, train, or Segway tour? Certainly! If you want to get some exercise while learning, there are plenty of walking tours–most are free to CAF members!
With the wide array of topics covered by the CAF, there is something for everyone. Consider some of the following possibilities:
- Take an Art and Sculpture tour. You’ll be inspired to be on the lookout for art whenever you enter a building, walk through a plaza, or bike through a park.
- Are you new to the city or have you lived in the same area for several years? Get out and investigate a new neighborhood with a CAF tour.
- For anyone 21 years of age or older, consider a CAF Pub Tour. You’ll explore a neighborhood, learn about its history and architecture, and have the option of enjoying a beverage available for purchase at local pubs along the tour route.
- Wondering if Chicago’s Pedway system would be a warmer option during the cold winter months or a cooler option during the sweltering summer heat? Take the CAF’s Pedway East and Pedway West tours. You will learn to navigate the system, view buildings from a new perspective, and discover shops you didn’t know existed.
This year, I have focused on the neighborhood tours offered by the CAF. Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, Uptown, Wicker Park, and Hyde Park are just a few new areas I’ve explored. Learning about the businesses, culture, and history of these neighborhoods has been a wonderful experience.
During the Ukrainian Village tour, I discovered Ann's Bakery & Deli, a grocery store and bakery that makes the freshest bread and most amazing desserts (at a reasonable price!). It also has a meat market, complete with old-world sausages that I know my parents would love. What’s great about this store is that many of the products have brands that I’ve never seen before. I suspect most of these products are imported from Europe. I noticed the magazines for sale were in languages other than English. When I asked, the clerk was happy to share with me that the magazines were available in Polish and Russian languages.
Visit the CAF’s website, www.architecture.org, for membership information, tour dates and times, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Enjoy exploring Chicago! You might even discover a new interest or two!