CHICAGO, IL

The city President Barack Obama calls his home town, Chicago has much to offer the discerning visitor, from leisurely strolls along the Lake Michigan waterfront, to the free Lincoln Park Zoo, to the chance to see some of the wonderful architecture for which it is renowned (how about a tour of the Sears Tower or Wrigley Field?).

With more than 2.8 million residents in city proper – making it the third-largest city in the U.S. and the 26th largest in the world – Chicago provides visitors with an incredible variety of things to see and do.

One of the first things a first-time visitor should do is take a mosey down to the shores of Lake Michigan, the third-largest of the five Great Lakes, and the only one that doesn’t also extend into Canada. There you’ll find the fabulous Navy Pier, where you can walk the boardwalk and eat – of course! – Boardwalk fries. You can also take a ride on the 150-foot Ferris wheel, try your luck with a tour on a Segway (a two-wheeled, electric vehicle), or take a cruise on Lake Michigan.

Head on over to Millennium Park for music and art – take a long look at the huge Cloud Gate sculpture, the one made of stainless steel – as well as architecture and some wonderful dining opportunities. If the weather cooperates, be sure to eat outside because Millennium Park is the place to see breathtaking outdoor sculpture, see and hear incredible musical performances and take in some jaw-dropping landscape design.

Several tour companies can take you around the city to see some of that world-famous architecture. The Chicago Architecture Foundation can help you select one of about 80 tours available. Try a boat tour of the lakefront or the aforementioned Segway tour – just don’t get blown off; Chicago isn’t known as the “Windy City” for nothing. No matter which tour you try, just be sure to see Chicago’s wonderful sights!

For example, a river tour can point out some of the 50 or so not-to-miss sites near or visible from the waterfront, including the Sears Tower and other skyscrapers, and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

If you’re on a budget and you have a love of animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo should be next on your to-do list. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 birds, mammals and reptiles. If gardens are your delight, why not visit some of the best “under glass,” that may be found at the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories.

As for dining, the world is on your menu in Chicago. From hot dogs and pizza (a visit to the city is not complete without sampling some deep-dish Chicago-style pizza), to French, Indian, Mediterranean and even Ethiopian cuisine, to seafood, soul food and more, Chicago will keep your belly full and your palate more than satisfied.

If you visit Chicago in June, lucky you! You’ll be able to enjoy the world-famous Chicago Blues Festival, host to some of the best blues musicians and singers in the world. The festival is billed as the largest outdoors blues in the world and if you attend, it will have you singing a most-happy tune.