Chicago isn't THAT Windy

Yes, there have been many moments where my hat has flown off in an unexpected wind gust while I walked around the loop.

The "Windy City" name does have its literal moments, as wind coming from the shores of Lake Michigan can be pretty intense! Those pop-up wind tunnels between the buildings really get you when you think a side street looks safe (definitely not speaking from experience here).

Lake Michigan, the big blue bowl of mystery and E.coli, can be cool... sometimes. During the summer, its a bustling place for relaxation and working out. As always, it gives Chicago a picturesque view against the backdrop of skyskapers. But in the winter, the lake never stops channeling its fierce energy onto the sandy shores.

If you make the journey to the lake in the cold months, you may spot ice shards that stick out on the beaches after a tumultuous winter storm! These spiky ice formations are both scary and marvelous to look at. Personally, I have not left the comfort of my apartment to see them in person. The cold is too much for anemic body to handle, so I prefer to stay indoors until the summer. Despite me being a grouch, so many others are way more motivated than me to take a peak. Photographers travel from across the United States just to get shot of the ice patches:

When the spring and summer months arive, the brutal winter air turns into strong breezes that veer off into the streets from the lakefront. No matter the time of year, Chicagoans can expect wind.

The actual name given to Chicago, "The Windy City", is speculated to be given by Charles A. Dana during the late 1800's. It is a play on the "hot-air" politicians of the city to describe the self centered traits of businessmen at the time. Some people argue that it is a combination of multiple origins: the World's Fair, a description of the actual weather conditions, and an old rivalry with Cincinnati. To this day, there seems to be endless explanations for the nickname.

Ironically, cities on the east coast of the United States experience much higher wind gusts than us. While our wind has its moments, I've never been carried off into the sky. It is certainly powerful, but it could be way worse.

Regardless, Chicago is forever doomed to bear the burden of wind. If you take away that factor, there are only a few majorly known spots of interest. Since I am used to this home, I have grown accustomed to its sights. Chicago has a lot to offer, as any major city does, but those attractions become part of the routine once you've been here long enough. If I happen to be venturing out by Millennium Park, I do still get a kick out of that large uncooked bean which mirrors your reflection. It wasn't until middle school that I learned it was called "Cloud Gate."

But like I said, the wind is still a thing even if it's not crazy. I'll have to continue to fight the trash tornados down State St. as they come.

Now, how about a ghost story?

Let's transition to the next chaotic factoid I have about Chicago.

Get ready to get back into one of my favorite hobbies: discussing the paranormal!

It is rumored that the Congress Plaza Hotel, located on Michigan Avenue, is one of the most haunted infrastructures in the city. Due to its extensive history, many are drawn to the legends and tragedies that haunt its aged halls. I have passed by this hotel so many times when running errands or going out to eat, but it never struck me as something evil. To me, I saw an old building that watched over the line of traffic forming on Michigan Ave. Like all of the other hotels, its silenced never stood out to me.

I learned that Al Capone owned the Congress Plaza at one point, and rumors from the staff say his ghost still lingers around the bar and lounge areas. Some of the more horrific history to the hotel include the unfortunate deaths of guests. An infamous spirit, "peg-leg johnny", is said to be spotted in the hotel reaching out from the walls. This spirit is said to trick guests by pretending to be a woman, or cause a lot of distress by his movements and noises.

If you dare to check it out for yourself, the 4th and 12th floors of the hotel are said to be the most actively haunted areas of the building. Many who have stayed in the hotel have noticed objects moving on their own, sleep paralysis episodes, hazy figures, and unexplainable noises.

Check out these unsettling reviews:

Do these reviews convince you enough to stay?

Maybe they are biased, but there is always the possibility you will run into a ghost or two. One of these days, I am going to book a room here to check out the haunted meter for myself. While I don't doubt the occassional scare reported from guests, I wonder if it has turned into a tourist trap?

The reviews here explain the secrecy and eerie feeling that the hotel leaves you with. Even if the ghost of Al Capone doesnt rip off the bed sheets right in front of your eyes, it could be a cool spot for halloween nonetheless.

In conclusion, Chicago has ice, beans, and mafia ghosts. Come visit!

Thank you to my Vocal audience for giving this a read! Hope you enjoyed!