By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Illinois, for the Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference. Over the years, I’ve visited Chicago many times, and I’ve never been disappointed by the beauty and hospitality of the “Windy City.”
When my good friend Alderman Joe Moore was still in office, he often played the role of tour guide. I’ll never forget my first and only trip to Wrigley Field with him. We hopped on the elevated railway from our hotel, riding alongside excited fans dressed in Cubs jerseys and caps.
It felt so natural, as though the whole city was in on the same routine. Before heading into the historic ballpark, we stopped at a neighborhood bar for a hot dog and a beer. Walking into Wrigley, seeing the ivy-covered walls and the players warming up, was a memory I’ll never forget.
Another favorite spot for me in Chicago is Millennium Park, a vast public space along Lake Michigan that offers fountains, gardens, and plenty of green space. It’s always buzzing with people—some sprawled on the grass, others wandering through the gardens, and everyone craning their necks to snap a picture of “The Bean.” The massive, mirror-like sculpture draws crowds eager to find themselves in its reflection. My personal preference is the park’s gardens, where you can sit among the flowers, listen to music, or simply watch the birds and people go about their day. With the skyscrapers towering in the background, the whole scene feels uniquely Chicago.
Like any big city, Chicago requires a bit of caution, keeping your belongings close and paying attention to your surroundings, but it’s also one of the most walkable places I’ve visited. You can spend days exploring neighborhoods, sampling food, and discovering new corners of the city.
Speaking of food, the options in Chicago are endless. On this trip, my colleague Richard Fletcher, Vice-President of HdL Companies and I tried a restaurant that combined steak and sushi—an unlikely pairing that worked perfectly. We started with sushi and then enjoyed a perfectly cooked filet accompanied by grilled corn and crispy potatoes. It was one of those meals I know I’ll remember for a long time.
The weather couldn’t have been better. Chicago can be bitterly cold in winter, but this visit offered clear skies and comfortable temperatures, an ideal time of year to explore. While I was pretty busy, I took some time to walk along the Chicago River and see the tour boats and the street vendors.
The Illinois Municipal League once again hosted an excellent conference. They offered a strong mix of speakers and workshops, highlighted by former Chicago Bear Mike Singletary, who delivered an inspiring keynote. Executive Director Brad Cole also introduced a touching video that featured Illinois cities and towns and a personal story about his grandmother, Grace. His reminder that we all need a little “grace” as we serve in local government was a moving takeaway.
As always, the best part of these conferences is the people. I was fortunate to reconnect with many old friends and to make new ones. I’m especially thankful to have shared the trip with Andy Nickerson, CEO of HdL Companies, and Richard Fletcher, whose company and conversation made the experience even more memorable. I look forward to my next visit to Chicago, and I think I’ll start making a list of new places to explore in this amazing city!
