Quote:
Originally Posted by IrishIllini
I agree Chicago needs to prioritize a massive re-branding initiative. Chicago is a very American city and I think that if we showcased the urbanism and lakefront along with all the other cultural amenities we're privileged to we can easily increase name recognition and opinions of Chicago worldwide.
IME, people from the east coast LOVE Chicago. I've met some jaded New Yorkers (and there are plenty of those here...same goes for DC), but essentially everyone else I've met from the east coast has nothing but positives to say about Chicago. Same goes for foreigners and international travelers. I meet with Asians, Europeans, or Australians on a fairly regular basis. Each time it's someone's first time in the city I make a point to ask them what they think. Here's a pretty typical response:
"It's so beautiful! I'm shocked by how clean it is. Much nicer than New York. The skyscrapers downtown are stunning. I love the L! The lake is HUGE! It looks just like the ocean! I love the Riverwalk and the old bridges. The pizza was heavy, but delicious!! Much nicer city than I expected!"
The fact that EVERYONE I've met has had a reaction similar to this is telling. Why is it that our reputation is so much worse than what real people have to say about the city?
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I concur with this and most to if not all international people that are not familiar with Chicago are usually in awe of the place,
esp the Lake. I have taken people from Chicago to Milwaukee and they said that looks like a similar lake by Chicago.
Than I have to explain to them its the same lake, actually Michigan-Huron since they are at the same level. A few months past I took a my yearly personal counterclockwise tour around Lake Michigan. Staying in Sleeping Bear, a few nights, staying in Traverse city [ cherries and wine country ] a few nights and than up the UP in Manistique on a awesome house on lake Michigan my extended family owns. It took us at leisure 9 days to go around it.
Perhaps Chicagoland and the Michigan's and Wisconsin's could suggest a similar tour agenda in the summer or fall or expand on Great Lake cruises.
Most international people have no idea at all how large these Great Lakes are.
And there is lots to do and see with a beautiful drive along the way. But we got to get them in O'Hare and stay down downtown first or last for a few days for it to pay off.
The great inland ocean is one of our greatest assets and may become even more important if future global weather predicts the risk of fresh water sources.