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Chicago Water Tower

Photos: Chicago’s Gold Coast with Windy City Explorers

You are here: Home / North America / USA / Chicago / Photos: Chicago’s Gold Coast with Windy City Explorers

//  by Lisa 7 Comments

Chicago’s Gold Coast

Chicago Water Tower
Chicago’s Historical Water Tower

One of the things I love about living in a big city is that there is always so much to do. That can seem overwhelming at times so l love finding smaller groups to join that share my interests. From mosaic classes, to long distance bike rides, to meal sharing with strangers, to guitar lessons, to special foodie events, to various traveler meet-ups and talks, I’ve dabbled in so much.

I recently joined a free walking tour with the Windy City Explorers, a group that started on Meetup.com, but seems to have morphed into so much more. The group is now more than 5,000 members!

This free tour felt more like other organized tours I’d done around the world with a local, knowledgeable guide, a comprehensive peek into one of Chicago’s neighborhoods, and dozens of locals and visitors soaking up the Chicago culture on a warm spring day. Yet again, it rejuvenated my love of my city.

Wood Block alley Gold Coast
One of the last remaining wood block alleys!
Windy City Walkers - Thomas Besore
Tom Besore, the founder of Windy City Explorers

Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast72 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast38 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast37 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast35 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast33 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast29 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast24 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast22 Windy City Walkers - Gold Coast17 IMG_0464_HDR

Dearborn_37 Astor Pl_8 Dearborn_9 Astor Pl_58 Dearborn_19 Dearborn_41 Astor Pl_4 Astor Pl_38 Astor Pl_49

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About Lisa

Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, three-time Emmy® award-winning TV producer, video consultant, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical, which turned into three years traveling around the world. She created this blog in 2006. Lisa also owns LLmedia, a media & video consulting business. Her writing and photography has been published by American Way, Hemispheres, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, West Jet Magazine, Scandinavian Traveler, Orbitz, and Luxury Las Vegas. Her book, The Ultimate Travel Tips: Essential Advice for Your Adventures, is available on Amazon.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin

    June 4, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    There’s just so MUCH to Chicago!! I’ve only been once on a long weekend, but I’m hooked and very excited to return in September. I especially love your photos of all the little details.

    Reply
  2. Same Day Agra Tour By Car

    June 5, 2015 at 6:54 am

    Great blog posts- It’s very beautiful place in exploring in famous in India culture in people to survives in Travelers.

    Reply
  3. Mary @ Green Global Travel

    June 12, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Sometimes the place you live is the place you know the least, at least in a tourism sense. Very neat that you got to see your city from a new angle 🙂

    Reply
  4. Stephanie - The Travel Chica

    June 15, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Chicago is such a great architectural city. Wonderful photos!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      July 10, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      Thanks Steph. So much to still uncover!

      Reply
  5. Izy Berry - The Wrong Way Home

    June 24, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    Chicago is amazing travel destination, so much to see and explore. Especially if the weather is good. The Historical Water Tower is worth a visit. Nice photo review.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      July 10, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks Izy!

      Reply

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Lisa LubinI chucked it all – the TV job, the guy, the “normal” life – to travel around the world. I've been to 60+ countries & live a life based more on experiences. I want to inspire you to travel slowly & eat locally! MORE...

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