Everyone who is obtaining the U.S. Citizenship through any form of naturalization should be very,…read morevery happy and excited to be in this building. I went through the naturalization process through marriage. Whatever it took to get to this point, it's now all worth it! Just be mindful that there's lots of waiting involved. I assumed the ceremony would start at 1200 hour...sharp, it didn't because it literally took one (1) hour to check every candidate in. However, my suggestion is to come in at least thirsty (30) minutes early and get in the line. If you don't want to wait onsite, I recommend you folks to chill at one of my favorite cafes east to the Dirksen Federal Building: Ge Pa De Caffe (please see my review on GPD). It's located by the CTA Adam/Wabash Brown line station. The security here wasn't as strict as the one in the USCIS building in South Loop (where candidates had the naturalization interviews). Thus, I was well on my way to the 25th. floor in no time. Everyone, from the court workers to the immigration officers, was courteous. Well, they should be somewhat nice to you since you've gone through the entire process successfully. The judge delivered a very sentimental speech. There were some 8th. graders invited to observe the entire oath ceremony. Once you received the certificate of naturalization, you were good to go, unless your name was spelt incorrectly. Then the day of your oath ceremony would be your ONLY day to get this record rectified without an extra charge. Otherwise, any change request made afterward will be $400. I believe we've paid the government enough money for the immigration and naturalization processes, so double check all documents before walking out of the building. By the way, the judge decides if taking photographs is allowed during the ceremony. Our judge gave us permissions to take pictures, which was very kind of her. Folks, whether you were newly-naturalized or have always been citizens, please exercise your right to vote. Don't let me hear that "I don't like politics...it has nothing to do with me." You're voting for someone whom you believe he or she will work for you to create a better America, so can you say America's future has nothing to do with you? Think about what kind of problems this nation has, then vote for someone who can solve the problems, regardless his or her political affiliation. You will probably see Rosa J. run for the governor...someday? Whatever direction she takes, she will continue to yelp, without a doubt!

A classic of Bauhaus architecture, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (okay okay, it's not the…read moreSeagram Building, but if anything, it's an improvement on that prototype). You can only really appreciate the Dirksen (named after that dude who said that you get like a billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you're talking about real money... except no one can figure out where that dude actually said it and when). Anyhow, you can only really get a feel for this building if you spend about a week in it, which is something you only do if a) you're a soulless lawyer, in which the experience is wasn't on you due to your lack of soul, or b) if you're having your pants sued off, in which case you probably won't care that much about the architecture. Me? Neither. I just had to hang out there for a week, so I got to appreciate it. The individual courtrooms, for example, are staggeringly beautiful with incredible proportion and balance, super high ceilings, and the signs of Mies everywhere you look (it's like the guy signed each individual bench (the lawyers complain bitterly about said benches and bring little cushions to sit on). Anyhow, the whole center is well worth the pilgrimage, even if it means having to spend a week worrying in the Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The Marquette Building is a beautiful example of the Chicago School of architecture. The early…read moresteel framed sixteen story skyscraper was built in 1895. The steel frame is what allowed long "Chicago windows" due to less pressure of the masonry. It was designed by Holabird and Roche. The skyscraper was named for Father Jacques Marquette, the first European settler who explored Chicago in 1674-1675. Mosaics, sculptures and bronzes honor this expedition in the Marquette's entry and lobby. The bronzes and sculptures show the trip and important historic figures that were met along the journey. The railing around the atrium features beautiful Tiffany designed mosaics. Louis Comfort Tiffany was commissioned to create a mosaic frieze to detail the story of Marquette's life, the exploration of Chicago and the Native Americans that he met. Art panels are made of lustered Tiffany glass, mother-of-Pearl and semi-precious stones. It is stunning! The building is free and open to explore. Ask the security guard for a brochure or if you are lucky, he may even share some history about the building. There is also a small exhibit behind the lobby that discusses Chicago skyscrapers and architecture.

Chicago September 2019…read more Walked into the Marquette Building in downtown Chicago to view the beautiful artwork in the lobby. No admission fee. Just walk in and enjoy the view. The lobby is not too big but filled with stain glass art work that is eye catching. One can view the art from the first or second floor. Many Yelpers have already posted photos with great historical commentary. I'll just add a #metoo. No where to park around here unless you want to spend $30.00 ... I just jump on the CTA and pay $2.50 one way (or $5.00 round trip). Many of the buildings in downtown Chicago have fantastic art work in their lobbies. Most are free to explore. Welcome to Chicago !

It's a great way to see the whole city of Chicago from afar and there are beautiful pictures…read morestations and there's also a bar and a cloud walk. You also learn a few minutes of history of the Chicago fire and how the city regained its architecture. It's $40 per adult for the basic admission.

360 skydeck was gorgeous, the tilt was a gimmick. That being said, for a few dollars more, the fast…read morepass is absolutely worth it if you're not into waiting a bajillion years in lines. Bring snacks as you will still be waiting in a 30 min line for the tilt, which is 30 seconds of holding onto a grimy handle (if you want), the tilt is at most 30 degrees. The elevator up to Hancock Center is 39 seconds to the 94th floor where 360 skydeck sits.

We visited Willis Tower during our December trip to Chicago…read more We didn't book the ticket in advance because it was cloudy the day before. When we arrived in the morning, the cashier told us that we should wait in the afternoon and hopefully, the sky cleared up. So, we bought the 2pm tickets. Luckily, the fog was gone by 2 pm and the sky cleared up. There were lots of photo props before we entered the elevator. Once we were at the top, there were several spots to experience the Ledge but we had to line up. The line looked long but it moved relatively quick because each family was only given 90 seconds to take pictures on there. Yeah, it was way too little time but you can actually rejoin the line if you're still want to take more picture. Overall, it was a very cool experience to be standing on the glass floor on Ledge!

I last visit the Sears Tower in 2014 so it was nice to come back and see all that has changed! The…read morestaff were all welcoming and friendly. The food options located in the building are excellent and provide great service as well. I visited the Skydeck which was amazing! I enjoyed learning about the history of Chicago's architecture and taking in the views of the city from the skydeck.

If you enjoy being surrounded by nature ,park ,lake and skyline , this view will surely take your…read morebreath away. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this picturesque moment!!

Absolutely amazing view of the skyline with greenery! Perfect for a stroll in the park right in the…read morecity and short walk to the lake shore and beach. Great spot for the quintessential Chicago photo. Make your way over

Giddings Plaza is the center of Lincoln Square. It's an easy meeting place, and often functions as…read morea stage or entertainment hub for one of the festivals that take place in Lincoln Square. During the holiday season, Lincoln Square's Christmas tree is here and the tree lighting ceremony takes place in the plaza. I like that there are several benches around the perimeter so folks can actually gather here.

Summer concert!!!!! In 2018, it's on Thursdays, June 7-August 30, 6:30-9pm. There are sooooo many…read morepeople, it's dog and family friendly, oh, and of course that includes strollers! Here's what you need to do- ditch the stroller and bring a blanket. Go to the Farmer's Market on Lincoln & Leland first, less than a block away, order a pan of pizza, get some beer and wine, come back to the plaza (or have your family save your space), sit on your blanket and enjoy some pizza while listening to some live music. The music changes weekly and is a variety of live bands. There was a huge crowds of people- ages from infant months to 70s(?). There were many toddlers with working parents, whom seemed to come after getting off from work. If you're around, go visit!

No, this is not a new pizza place with a baseball theme...sorry!…read more A statue of Joe DiMaggio just steps from Taylor Street amidst carefully preened greenery and neighborhood fixtures perched on park benches. A gift from the City of Chicago to the Little Italy neighborhood in 1998 to celebrate the 'hoods strong Italian immigrant community, rich sports heritage and support system. Oh, and a Starbucks...but that doesn't fit in with this sweet little picture I'm trying to paint, but hell...that iced coffee did taste good while strolling through the "piazza," so I'll shut my little non-Italian mouth. Located directly across the street from the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (beautiful building). A nice little stop on a walking tour of Little Italy, show off your "local knowledge." No one has reviewed this yet!? I win! Ok, we all win. Please note: I do not think Joe DiMaggio ever grew up in Chicago or played in Chicago, but I could be wrong. Please correct me if I am. Better yet, please visit this little gem and then review it, and THEN tell me I am wrong.

Colleen C. pretty much summed this one up aesthetically and Jerad T. hit the minuses (I would also…read moreadd the rat poison in the soil as a minus as a dog owner). If Starbucks cleaned their patrons trash from the plaza, it would help a ton with that rat problem as well. I happen to really like this little gem. I doubt too many public works are planned for the neighborhood in the near future, so enjoy it people. The fountains offer a nice mist when the wind blows during a hot summer day as well. I agree that Joltin Joe didnt play for Chicago, but I believe it stands appropriately considering he is one of the greatest Italian American athletes ever and as Colleen C. mentioned, the statue is "Located directly across the street from the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (beautiful building)" The only thing left to say is why he would be considered one the greatest Italian-American athletes. I reference Wiki here for the facts, so if they are wrong take it up with the rest of public blogging world that encompasses Wiki. Joseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio (November 25, 1914 - March 8, 1999), nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an Italian American Major League Baseball center fielder. He played his entire 13-year Major League Baseball career for the New York Yankees. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. DiMaggio was a 3-time MVP winner and 13-time All-Star (the only player to be selected for the All-Star Game in every season he played). In his thirteen year career, the Yankees won ten pennants and nine world championships. At the time of his retirement, he had the fifth-most career home runs (361) and sixth-highest slugging percentage (.579) in history. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak (May 15-July 16, 1941), a record that still stands.] A 1969 poll conducted to coincide with the centennial of professional baseball voted him the sport's greatest living player. Giuseppe and Rosalia DiMaggio were among the thousands of German, Japanese and Italian immigrants classified as "enemy aliens" by the government after Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japan. They had to carry photo ID booklets at all times, and were not allowed to travel outside a five mile radius from their home without a permit. Giuseppe was barred from the San Francisco Bay, where he had fished for decades, and his boat was seized. Rosalia became an American citizen in 1944; Giuseppe in 1945. On September 17, 1992, the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, opened, for which he raised over $4,000,000.[14] Yankee Stadium's fifth monument was dedicated to DiMaggio on April 25, 1999, and the West Side Highway was officially renamed in his honor. The Yankees wore DiMaggio's number 5 on the left sleeves of their uniforms for the 1999 season. He is ranked #11 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was elected by fans to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. An auction of DiMaggio's personal items was held on May 19-20, 2006 by the adopted daughters of DiMaggio's son. Highlights included: the ball hit to break Wee Willie Keeler's hitting-streak record ($63,250); 2,000th career hit ball ($29,900); 1947 Most Valuable Player Award ($281,750); uniform worn in the 1951 World Series ($195,500); Hall of Fame ring ($69,000); photograph Marilyn autographed "I love you Joe" ($80,500); her passport ($115,000); their marriage certificate ($23,000). The event netted a total of $4.1 million.

The Chicago Riverwalk was one of our favorite things to do in Chicago. It was also very convenient…read moreto reach from our hotel because we were on the Loop and our room faced the Riverwalk. We got some great photos! Be sure to put this fabulous and popular activity on your List of Things to Do. There are many wonderful restaurants, bars, shops, great architecture buildings, great views, as well as the river cruise boats to see as you walk along. There are benches along the way as well as people sitting stairs to rest. It is about a mile + to walk. The Chicago Riverwalk starts at Lake Michigan (near Lake Shore Drive) on the east and ends at Lake Street on the west. It takes between 20 to 30 minutes to walk it without any stopping.

Very chill and relaxing. With much to see and get some nice steps in…read more Certainly recommend if you're looking to cut back on just spending money everywhere you go.