WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD of Chicago promotes culture and history through public exhibitions and educational programming. The outdoor Chinatown Square mall offers numerous cafes, boutiques, and a plaza surrounded by statues representing the 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. The most scenic way to get to Chinatown is via a Chicago Water Taxi ride from the Loop to the neighborhood’s idyllic Ping Tom Memorial Park , where visitors are invited to picnic, play, kayak, and enjoy the picture-perfect city skyline views. are invited to come together to showcase and develop their talents. Don’t miss the many murals and mosaics that line Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza , a small park that honors its namesake Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who valiantly fought in the Battle of Luzon, Philippine Islands in 1945. GARFIELD PARK Opened in 1908, Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world in its 12 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens. The nearby 345 Art Gallery is a cool, modern space that showcases local artists. Dine for a good cause at Inspiration Kitchens , a nonprofit cafe that doubles as a culinary training program to help lift people up from homelessness and poverty. Ping Tom Memorial Park Garfield Park Conservatory Little Village offers a vibrant glimpse into Mexican life in Chicago. Enter via the terracotta arch that reads “Bienvenidos a Little Village” and explore the neighborhood’s bustling two-mile stretch along 26th Street . There you’ll find tortillerías and passing paleteros (push cart vendors selling frozen treats). The OPEN Center for the Arts is a space where local artists Chinatown CHICAGO GREETER TOURS Set off on a free insider’s tour of Chicago guided by a friendly, in-the-know local. The immersive Chicago Greeter tours are customized to your choice of interests, neighborhoods, and language. Register at least 10 days in advance for a tour, which can run from two to four hours. Short on time? InstaGreeter offers hour-long guided walking tours of the Loop that depart from the Chicago Cultural Center year-round, with no registration required. Learn more about both guided and self-guided tours at choosechicago.com/chicago-greeter . 16 choosechicago.com TOP TO BOTTOM: CITY OF CHICAGO; ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY (2 PHOTOS) LITTLE VILLAGE
Chicago Visitors Guide 2022: Page 16
