Chicago, home of the skyscraper, gut-busting steaks and the infamous gangster Al Capone, is also the site of some of the world’s greatest& and geekiest& institutions. The city’s museums, architecture and high-rise theatrics qualify the Windy City (named not for its famously gusty weather but for the city’s dishonest politicians) as one of the world’s top sites for nerd tourism. In addition to the historic modern architecture that infuses the city, most of which burned to the ground in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Chicago hosts a thriving university, arts and culinary scene& some of the city’s top restaurants are pioneers in gastronomy. In the end, Chicago’s most visible and potent characteristic is its built environment: institutions, places and spaces summoning vision, ingenuity and attention to detail. In short, the Second City is an unassuming and charmingly forward-looking city befitting the interests of a nerd like you. Just don’t complain about the winter weather& they already know all about it. – …
