From Childhood Roots to City Heights: Exploring Chicago Anew


In August 2024, my family took a trip back to Chicago, a city that holds special meaning for us. I was born in a suburb just outside of the city, but this was our first time returning as a family to truly explore everything downtown Chicago has to offer. We spent several days sightseeing—riding the hop-on hop-off bus, walking through bustling neighborhoods, and experiencing the city’s energy both day and night. From iconic landmarks like the Bean and Willis Tower to reconnecting with family and friends, the trip blended nostalgia with discovery in the best way.

Chicago in Full Color


After a day of sightseeing aboard the open-roof bus, we found a perfect spot just outside the Adler Planetarium. With Lake Michigan stretching before us and the Chicago skyline rising in the distance, it was the perfect moment to capture the city in its full glory. Sitting on the lawn, I could finally take in the view I’d been searching for—a panoramic picture of the city I had yet to truly see.

Avenue of Angles

We were exploring the magnificent downtown of “The Windy City” by foot when I saw my moment. I had always admired those bold city shots taken from the middle of the road—framing traffic, architecture, and energy all in one. As the crosswalk countdown ticked away, I stepped out, lined up the towering skyline ahead, and captured the pulse of Chicago in a single shot.

Fries, Views, & City Vibes

After a long day of exploring, we found the perfect spot along the Chicago Riverwalk to refuel. The view? Skyscrapers above, the river below, and people enjoying the city around us. These crispy parmesan waffle fries hit just right — the perfect break in the middle of a full day in the Windy City.

Layers of the City

This frame just felt like Chicago — the contrast of nature and steel, public art and towering buildings, all in one shot. I didn’t plan it, but the way the silhouetted tree, the sculpted fence, the Bean, and the skyline layered together made it feel like the city was showing off every side of itself at once. A mix of calm and energy that’s so uniquely Chicago.

Above It All

One of my favorite views of the whole trip. From up here, the city feels calm — trees stretch below, a fountain rises through the green, sailboats glide across the bay, and Navy Pier reaches into the water on the left. It’s one of those scenes that makes you pause and take in how much beauty a city can hold when you see it all at once.

Chicago gave us the perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery. From iconic landmarks and busy downtown streets to quiet riverfront views and rooftop perspectives, every part of the city felt full of energy and character. Whether we were catching up with family or walking for miles with no real destination, there was always something to see — or something good to eat. It was the kind of trip that reminded me how fun it is to see a city both as a tourist and as someone who’s connected to it. We definitely made the most of our return.

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