Day 1: Taste of Chicago 7/3/2011

Buckingham Fountain

I went on the last day for the Taste of Chicago, but it was extremely crowed and hot. For people who haven't been there: It happens every summer over the 4th of July weekend at Grant Park. You buy tickets in sets of twelve and as you move along the streets full of local vendors, you pay for your food in tickets.

Pros: Very close to the hotels in downtown Chicago, most of the food was good, walk while you eat so you don't feel fat sitting, local Chicago food, wide variety from soul food to cultural foods to desserts, a mist sprinkler to keep cool, free samples from drink companies like Sierra Mist and Crush, wine for adults, places for you to stop and eat, closed roads and patrols for pedestrians, family friendly, if you need more tickets there are multiple ticket booths along the way to buy more, leftovers are given to charity

Cons: Hot and crowded, many of the foods cost 6-12 tickets (expensive), some food was not the best (in my opinion), they check your bags before you go in

Advice: Open your bags before they tell you to keep lines going faster, walk around to see what you want before buying tickets, stop on the side of the vendors to eat to avoid being run over by crowds, stop by the huge water fountain, bring water if you fear the heat, wear sunscreen or hat

Overall: 3.5 of 5