August 17, 2021
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Frank Sinatra sang it best: “And each time I roam, Chicago is calling me home, Chicago is why I just grin like a clown – It’s my kind of town!” Over 2.7 million people call Chicago home and find plenty of things to love about what the city has to offer.
Mary, an Admiral at the Lake resident, has called Chicago home for over 50 years, ever since she moved here in 1965 from Pennsylvania. Mary shares with us what made Chicago her home and her favorite things to do in the Windy City.
Favorite Aspects of Chicago
“What I love about Chicago is that it is a wonderfully compact city,” says Mary, “It is so easy to get around with the public transportation, you don’t even need a car.”
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation’s second largest public transportation system. The CTA provides buses with more than 100 routes in the city. The high-speed Metra Commuter Rail is a great option for people who live in the outlying suburbs of Chicago and taxis are also available. The Admiral at the Lake provides regularly scheduled group transportation and is conveniently located next to the Red Line and several bus routes.
Mary’s second favorite Chicago trait is that every neighborhood has its own unique personality. For instance, The Admiral at the Lake is located near Andersonville, a Chicago neighborhood known for its diversity and eccentric charm. It’s hard to find any national chains in this neighborhood as it is mostly made of independent, locally-owned businesses.
Must-Dos While Visiting or Staying in Chicago
Mary suggests while you are in Chicago, you consider a riverboat cruise, especially the Architectural Foundation River Cruise. This river cruise will take you on a tour of more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. You’ll find out how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world’s largest cities.
Another recommendation is to see a show while you are here. There are many large and small theatres scattered throughout Chicago, and you are bound to find a show you will enjoy.
Mary’s final suggestion is to enjoy the food. Her favorite place is the Blue Door Kitchen & Garden which is run by Chef Art Smith, who was Oprah Winfrey’s chef for ten years and has made several televisions appearances, including Top Chef. The Blue Door Kitchen offers a farm-to-table atmosphere and features American heirloom foods made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Midwest farms.
Why The Admiral at the Lake?
When it was time to downsize, Mary wanted to stay home, which for her is unquestionably Chicago. She was moving from a large home, so the decision to downsize was a little difficult. Out of the many choices of retirement communities, The Admiral at the Lake was the best choice.
“The Admiral is in the best location and economically arranged,” Mary says, “The Admiral also provides a resident-driven lifestyle with a broad choice of programs such as the movie committee, play reading and concerts that are all run by the residents.”
Another aspect that helped Mary make her decision was The Admiral at the Lake’s Quaker background and the distinct emphasis that everyone is treated equally. “You know everyone here by first name basis,” she added. “You meet different people and make new friends, and everyone is willing to help each other out.”
Mary also enjoys the many activities that are provided at The Admiral at the Lake, including the aqua exercises. She loves to pass the good word around about The Admiral if she knows of anyone looking to downsize.
Are you getting ready to downsize and start enjoying retirement in Chicago? The Admiral at the Lake would love to be your new home! Be Our Guest at the Lake and stay a few days with us to get to know the residents, staff and the everyday life of an Admiral resident. You can also contact us for more information.