Neighborhood Spotlight: Pilsen

The history of Pilsen is like the history of Chicago. A neighborhood marked by history and transformation.

Although originally settled by Germans and Irish by the 1800's, the area had attracted a large Czech community who came to work in the nearby factories and stockyards. They named their neighborhood after Plzen, a city in the Czech Republic. Their presence in Pilsen is still embodied in Thalia Hall (1892), which served as a community center and dance hall. Today, the building has been restored and hosts a new resturant streetside.


In the early 1900's, Pilsen experienced an influx of Polish residents, the most recent immigrants to Chicago. The community erected a Church St. Adalbert (1914), which continues to stand and dominate the Pilsen Skyline.

Since the 1960's, Pilsen became home to a large Mexican-American Community and today the Latino character remains vibrant in the neighborhood. The district is livened with large murals, authenitic little resturants and boasts the National Museum of Mexican Art (free daily except Mondays).


The most recent change in Pilsen has been the influx of artists and professionals, creating fears of displacement among the Mexican community. Galleries, boutiques and trendy bars are increasingly common in Pilsen serving this new community. On the 2nd friday of the month (Dec 11th) artist studios and galleries hold openings and receptions for the public. For more information click here.


Pilsen is highly accesible with the Pink Line's 18th street station taking you to the heart of the neighborhood. For more ideas on things to do in Pilsen click here or here.

Millenium Park

Opened in 2004, Millennium Park is certainly a necessary stop on any Chicago visit. As public space full of sculpture, architecture, gardens and people, a stroll along the promenades through this urban oasis will not disappoint. The park features the Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert hall design by famous architect Frank Gerhy, Cloud Gate, a lustrous modern steel sculpture (highly popular for reflection photos) and the Lurie Garden which will take you through a landscape of plants and trees. During the winter, the park also features a free ice rink.

Built over an old railroad yard, the park symbolizes Chicago's ongoing physical and cultural transformation as it enters the new century.

To get there: make a left as you leave the hostel, followed by another left on Michigan Ave.
The park will be on your right after the Art Institute.

For information on concerts and events at the park visit:
www.millenniumpark.org

Happy Thanksgiving!

Willis Tower

Willis Tower, formerly named Sears Tower, is a 108-story 1,450 feet (442 m) skyscraper that dominates the skyline of Chicago. From its time of completion in 1973 to 1998, it was the tallest building in the world. Although it has been surpassed by towers in Asia, it remains the tallest building in the United States and one of Chicago's most popular attractions.




With the Hostel International discount, it costs only 11$ to go up to the 103rd floor observation deck. On a clear day, the spectacular view stretches for over 40 miles! This past year the observation deck added four glass-bottomed balconies nicknamed "The Ledge" where you can straight down as if you were standing on thin air.


For more information visit:
www.the-skydeck.com/

Public Art!

106 headless and armless rusty bodies are wandering the south loop in Chicago. The stiff cast iron sculptures stand at a towering 9ft and create a solemn and almost eerie ambiance. Created by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowic, who was traumatized by World War II and the ensuing Soviet occupation, she described her work by saying, "They must be like one body that represents so many different meanings, it's the self against the whole world."

Stroll through the scattering of bodies and experience the work yourself! The exhibit is located off the intersection of Michigan Ave and Roosevelt St., a 5 minute walk from the hostel!


For more public art in Chicago visit:
http://chicago-outdoor-sculptures.blogspot.com/

Take the Train!

There is no better way to become acquainted with a city than by using its public transit. The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) runs Chicago's train and bus operation with over 650,000 passengers daily moving all across the city. Although Chicagoans often complain about the constant construction, delays and rising fares ($2.25 = one trip) taking the train is defiantly an urban adventure.

From people watching to the street performers to the intense rumble of the subway, the train is a quick, cheap and interesting way to get around in the city. The train lines are colored coded and most alternate between being above and below ground. The Brown Line, however, stays above ground its entire route and provides some fantastic views of the city and its neighborhoods. All the train lines have stops in walking distance from the hostel and the Blue and Red lines run all night.

you can plan you trip on the CTA right here:
www.goroo.com/goroo/index.htm

Peace, Love, & Hostelling Fundraiser at Delilah's

Philanthropic Partying!

Join us for happy hour to support the hostel's cultural awareness building educational programs! Drink, eat, and meet travel enthusiasts from around the city. Bring your friends!

Delilah's is a great punk rock'n'roll bar. $25 will enable more Chicago students to benefit from hostel programs AND get you 3 hours of drinking: 8 fantastic beers on tap, rail drinks, and a selection of 3 types of whiskey. In addition, a variety of international Chicago restaurants will be donating food. We'll be offering great door prizes as well, so don't miss out!Hostelling International mission: "To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling." Every year our downtown nonprofit hostel teaches 1500 local students to become caring world citizens.For more information about Hostelling International Chicago, check us out at http://www.hichicago.org/. Questions about the event? Contact Megan at mjohnson@hichicago.orgSee you at Delilah's!