Some cities in the United States are ideal for walking tours. Take Chicago, for instance. It is not only an extremely walkable city, but it is extremely accessible as well - accessible in two ways. First, it's accessible because you can actually get round the city and to the suburban areas by the bus. And 2nd, because, typically, that the bus system is physically available to individuals with mobility disabilities.
Absolutely not all Chicago walking tours are physically accessible. Some guides just not have the time or even the inclination to check out the accessible routes. John Sullivan isn't one of these guides; in fact, because the who owns Walk Chicago Tours, he ensures all his tours are wheelchair accessible. And John knows what he's referring to when he's referring to access. His daughter utilizes a wheelchair, so John truly understands that even one small step is definitely an access barrier.
John also knows Chicago, although he's not even close to what I'd call an average tour guide. This retired English teacher and part-time scout for that Boston Red Sox founded Walk Chicago Tours in 2005 following a long volunteer stint using the Chicago Greeter program. Today his motto is "There's a tale on every corner," and, because of the opportunity, John will explain them all.
I first met John after I subscribed to his "Tiffany Glass in the Loop" walking tour. The tour began in the Chicago Cultural Center, the industry hidden gem in itself. Built in 1897, this grand old building faced certain demolition until Mayor Daley stepped in and saved your day. Today it houses the Museum of Broadcast Communications, the Landmark Chicago Gallery and also the visitor information center with an memorial, theater, restaurant along with a concert hall. Obviously John was quick to indicate the real great finds of the building: a 38-foot Tiffany dome on the third floor along with a assortment of Tiffany mosaics close to the stairway.
Our tour quickly gone to live in the road, where John demonstrated the underground walkways, referred to as pedways towards the locals. They're readily available along with a fantastic way to get around in inclement weather. Next we popped into Marshall Fields for an additional hidden gem. John quickly herded me beyond the jewelry counter. "No time for shopping," he quipped once we headed onto see another Tiffany dome. And thus we continued for the following 2 hours, discovering treasure after treasure. And, as promised, John had a story about each one.
John offers other tours of the Loop, a few of which concentrate on art and architecture. He offers tours to Little Italy, Old Town and Wrigleyville, which use the bus. John seemed to be quick to brief me on the accessible L stops in the Loop, for future reference. Tours could be personalized to satisfy special interests, and, having a more eight people per tour, you absolutely get personal attention. All tours should be booked a minimum of 48-hours in advance.
If you can plan just a little further in advance, browse the Chicago Greeter Program. Introduced in 2002, this volunteer-based visitor service gives Chicagoans an opportunity to showcase their city. This free program is overseen by the Chicago Office of Tourism and it is staffed by 180 volunteer greeters.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Jeffrey Sullivan at 07162011
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