Brad Ball Travel & Men's Fashion
Brad Ball Travel & Men's Fashion
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Chicago: Must Know Before You Visit
Why Chicago, despite it's flaws, is still one of my favorite cities anywhere in the world. But, before you pack you bags and head to the Windy City, I spill the secrets of Chicago... telling you the good, bad, and ugly.
0:00 Introduction
0:22 Skyscrapers
1:42 Architectural Boat Tour
2:43 Unpredictable Weather
3:30 River Walk
4:35 Chicago Food Scene
5:42 Fulton Market District
6:27 Jenni's Ice Cream
7:03 Expensive City
8:00 Loud and Noisy
8:38 O'Hare International Airport
9:14 Second City
10:02 Chicago Parks
10:58 Conclusion
First, you should know that Chicago is all about skyscrapers. It's the birthplace and epicenter of skyscrapers, with a rich history and a stunning skyline. Even though other cities may have more or taller skyscrapers, few match Chicago's architectural significance.
To see these skyscrapers, there are many great vantage points, like Grant Park or Michigan Avenue near the John Hancock building. However, if it's your first time, you must go on an architectural tour. These 90-minute tours take you along both branches of the Chicago River and are very educational, offering unique stories about each building. I recommend the tour sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center because it uses smaller vessels, which are less crowded. This might cost $5 or $10 more per ticket, but it's worth it for a more comfortable experience.
One thing I don't love about Chicago is the unpredictable weather. Winters are freezing, and summers are extremely hot. Spring and fall can have decent weather, but it's still unpredictable, often changing hour to hour. The lake effect means you could see a clear forecast, only to be rained on or hit by a windstorm later.
On a positive note, Chicago has developed its Riverwalk beautifully over the years. Inspired by San Antonio's River Walk, the South Bank of the Chicago River now features shops, restaurants, exhibits, and a Vietnam memorial. It's a great place to explore both day and night, offering a lively vibe and plenty to do.
Now, let's talk about food. Chicago is one of the best foodie cities in the world. You can't miss the deep-dish pizza. I recommend Lou Malnati's, a local chain with around 50 or 60 locations in the greater Chicago area. They serve delicious deep-dish pizza, and my wife swears by their salads, too. Another must-try is the Chicago dog, a hot dog with onions, peppers, tomatoes, pickles, and mustard, but never ketchup. You can find these almost anywhere in the city.
If you're looking to venture out of downtown, head to the Fulton Market District. This trendy area has lots of restaurants, including the unique Chinese restaurant Duck Duck Goat, which I highly recommend. Another cool spot is Time Out Market, a trendy cafeteria-style eatery with about a dozen different restaurants.
For breakfast, check out Stan's Donuts, famous for their cruffins, a mix between a croissant and a muffin. And don't miss Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, especially their brown butter almond brittle flavor. This place often has a line out the door, which is a good sign.
Another downside of Chicago is its expense. Hotels, parking, and Uber rides can be pricey. The sales tax rate is over 10%, which adds up quickly. Dining out can also be costly, with some places including gratuity and additional surcharges.
Chicago is also a loud city, with noise from emergency vehicles, motorcycles, and the L train. The sounds bounce off the buildings, making it noisy even in hotel rooms facing main streets.
O'Hare International Airport is often critiqued for being congested and busy, with traffic jams to and from the airport. However, it offers many dining options and flights to almost anywhere in the world. With an $8 billion revamp in progress, it could become one of the most modern airports by the end of the decade.
One must-visit in Chicago is The Second City, a world-renowned improv comedy club in Old Town. Many famous comedians, like Bill Murray and Tina Fey, started here. They have phenomenal shows every night, and you can even catch an afternoon show on weekends if you prefer not to stay out late.
Lastly, Chicago's parks are legendary. Grant Park is the city's "front lawn," with the beautiful Buckingham Fountain and ample space. Millennium Park, in the northwest corner of Grant Park, is home to Cloud Gate (the famous Bean). Lincoln Park, on the northern end of town, offers a huge green space along Lake Michigan.
Despite its flaws-expense, noise, unpredictable weather, and some violent neighborhoods (not in tourist areas)-Chicago remains an impressive city. The architecture, parks, food, and vibrant culture make it a place worth visiting. Even with its challenges, Chicago is one of my favorite cities, and I'm sure you'll be impressed if you give it a chance.
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Відео

Charles Tyrwhitt Performance Shirt Review
Переглядів 1,2 тис.Місяць тому
Charles Tyrwhitt has become a staple in menswear during the Internet era. What started as a mail-order company in the UK in the 1980's has now become one of the most popular brands for men's shirts. Until somewhat recently, Charles Tyrwhitt did not produce any performance dress shirts - specifically shirts with comfortable "stretch" blends. This has changed as the company has (in recent months)...
Best Menswear to Buy When in Europe
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
Visiting Europe this year? While shopping may or may not be on the top of your "to do" list... you may want to keep an eye out for some quality men's clothing. In this video, I show you what items you'll want to keep an eye on while visiting Europe.
goTIELESS Dress Shirt Review
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goTIELESS Dress Shirt Review
London Bus Tour and More.
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London Bus Tour and More.
Kathmandu and Mount Everest Flight. 18 Things to Know Before You Go.
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Kathmandu and Mount Everest Flight. 18 Things to Know Before You Go.
BEST PANTS for 2024. Ranking 12 Performance Pants.
Переглядів 152 тис.9 місяців тому
BEST PANTS for 2024. Ranking 12 Performance Pants.
Normandy Cemetery and Beaches. Avoid This 1 Mistake When Visiting the D-Day Beaches!
Переглядів 1,4 тис.10 місяців тому
Normandy Cemetery and Beaches. Avoid This 1 Mistake When Visiting the D-Day Beaches!
Vancouver. 15 Tips & Warnings for Tourists
Переглядів 2,4 тис.11 місяців тому
Vancouver. 15 Tips & Warnings for Tourists
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. 14 Mistakes People Make When Visiting.
Переглядів 36 тис.11 місяців тому
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. 14 Mistakes People Make When Visiting.
Hong Kong: 20 Things You Must Know Before Your First Visit to Hong Kong.
Переглядів 4,9 тис.Рік тому
Hong Kong: 20 Things You Must Know Before Your First Visit to Hong Kong.
Cappadocia, Turkey. 15 Things I Wish I knew Before My Visit !
Переглядів 67 тис.Рік тому
Cappadocia, Turkey. 15 Things I Wish I knew Before My Visit !
Tesla Road Trip. BMW Owner Gives Review.
Переглядів 889Рік тому
Tesla Road Trip. BMW Owner Gives Review.
Berlin, Germany. 20 Tips for Tourists and Families.
Переглядів 2,3 тис.Рік тому
Berlin, Germany. 20 Tips for Tourists and Families.
Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort. Which is Best?
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Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort. Which is Best?
Prague Family Travel Guide. 20 Tips + 2 Regrets.
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Prague Family Travel Guide. 20 Tips 2 Regrets.
Swiss Alps or Dolomites. Which is Best?
Переглядів 10 тис.Рік тому
Swiss Alps or Dolomites. Which is Best?
Venice, Italy. 20 Tips and 2 Mistakes.
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Venice, Italy. 20 Tips and 2 Mistakes.
The VATICAN. 10 Helpful Tips.
Переглядів 34 тис.Рік тому
The VATICAN. 10 Helpful Tips.
ROME FAMILY TRIP - 25 Tips and Facts Before You Go!
Переглядів 22 тис.Рік тому
ROME FAMILY TRIP - 25 Tips and Facts Before You Go!
Saturnia, Italy ~ 7 Things to Know Before You Go
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Saturnia, Italy ~ 7 Things to Know Before You Go
Italian Gelato: 17 Things to Know About Gelato in Italy
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Italian Gelato: 17 Things to Know About Gelato in Italy
Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano. Which town did our family like best?
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Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano. Which town did our family like best?
Cinque Terre… What Tourist Don’t Realize Until They Go.
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Рік тому
Cinque Terre… What Tourist Don’t Realize Until They Go.
Lake Como, Italy - 10 Things to Know Before You Go
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Lake Como, Italy - 10 Things to Know Before You Go
The Staubbachfalls at Lauterbrunnen. Waterfall Review.
Переглядів 4,2 тис.2 роки тому
The Staubbachfalls at Lauterbrunnen. Waterfall Review.
Paragliding Interlaken. Worth it? Even for Kids?
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Paragliding Interlaken. Worth it? Even for Kids?
Harder Kulm in Interlaken. Is the Restaurant Good?
Переглядів 3 тис.2 роки тому
Harder Kulm in Interlaken. Is the Restaurant Good?
St. Beatus Caves and the Wild Strawberry Controversy
Переглядів 9092 роки тому
St. Beatus Caves and the Wild Strawberry Controversy
Lauterbrunnen & Schilthorn: Best Views in Europe
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Lauterbrunnen & Schilthorn: Best Views in Europe

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @gr8maker
    @gr8maker День тому

    If your ranking steaks Filet mignon is not the steak to choose

  • @sammiche
    @sammiche 3 дні тому

  • @Exploitiv
    @Exploitiv 3 дні тому

    I got two pairs of DKNY performance Fred tech pants from Nordstrom rack online. I walk 6-8miles while working everyday at the hospital lifting medical equipment bending down to check connections. They’re my absolute favorite to wear and I bought a second pair to go out in the town with they’re honestly the best I’ve ever worn. I’m 6’2, 210lbs muscular male 44 years old. Pants were $25, $33 with shipping.

  • @sharbelabuwarda5216
    @sharbelabuwarda5216 3 дні тому

    Great info man Thanks!

  • @tomatochild
    @tomatochild 4 дні тому

    Great tips! For the bike ride across the bridge and into Sausalito, would you recommend it if your kid isn't a strong cyclist?

  • @ralphprice2149
    @ralphprice2149 4 дні тому

    Probably by the road which he made the triumphant entry on the Mount of Olives!!!

  • @ralphprice2149
    @ralphprice2149 4 дні тому

    It didn't happen at any of these places!! Biblically it happened on the Mount of Olives. Where he faced the Father while looking straight into the entrance of the temple. And his burial site is in Pater Noster Church not far from the crucifixion site!!

  • @ASi-zp9yi
    @ASi-zp9yi 6 днів тому

    Hi! Do you go there often? If you do, could you please visit the Skull hill again, but this time climb up the hill itself. There is a Muslim cemetery on top of it called "A Sa'ira". That area must have similarities to round hill, since it's up on the hill too. But this is also close to the garden tomb.

  • @jbmiller3280
    @jbmiller3280 8 днів тому

    I also strongly recommend visiting the “Hospital de Sant Pau” historical museum complex within walking distance of La Sagrada Familia.

  • @maxgomez8941
    @maxgomez8941 8 днів тому

    Theo Von, the comedian, said if aliens show up on earth, we should send a Filipino to talk to them.

  • @marklong8608
    @marklong8608 8 днів тому

    One suggestion: None of those pants (other than lululemon) are not available in a waist over 42, most only go to 40. That leaves out probably half the population of men over 35. Thanks, I too appreciate the thoroughness of the review.

  • @ericwong4213
    @ericwong4213 9 днів тому

    friendliest? Philippine literally the most dangerous place in South East Asia. Even fellow South East Asians don't dare to travel there.

  • @TheCornerZoo
    @TheCornerZoo 9 днів тому

    True! My parents had a live-in Filipino lady for years. She was part of our family. They are very hospitable. I used to sell real estate and worked every holiday. Filipino families would come invite me to come and celebrate with them. When I couldn't come, they would bring food to my office. If every one was this loving and gracious it would be a much better world.

  • @JRA6439
    @JRA6439 9 днів тому

    Lived there in the early 90's and I can agree wholeheartedly. Wonderful & warm.

  • @didiwales5526
    @didiwales5526 9 днів тому

    I say wait until you reach as you can compare travel agency amounts. I went on June 12, 2024 and paid 80 Euros. Next couple of days after, it ranged from 100 to 150 Euros. Everyone I asked who were keeners and booked prior paid 250 Euros +. My advice is not to prebook, but wait until you reach here to book all the tours because you can also bargain down as a competitor may be cheaper.

  • @artwalker8812
    @artwalker8812 9 днів тому

    That's why I'm marrying one..

    • @claudewillner4474
      @claudewillner4474 9 днів тому

      Better be careful! I married one! Alls I’m gonna say is you better protect your assets!

  • @sarahballsmiles
    @sarahballsmiles 9 днів тому

    😂😂love it

  • @Bulldogarf
    @Bulldogarf 10 днів тому

    It looks like your time was only spent downtown and a few adjacent areas (understandable as Chicago is huge). But those are absolutely the most expensive neighborhoods because of the tourist population (we gotta pay for the river walk and The Bean, so cough it up). There are also dozens and dozens of other neighborhoods with so many interesting places, quirks and incredible diversity. Restaurants and culture that you won’t find in such quantity in most US cities. And those are the places where prices are lower, yet still interesting. It’s for more of a casual vs whirlwind experience when time is available.

    • @bradball
      @bradball 9 днів тому

      Thanks for your comment. It’s truly an amazing city… I have spent considerable time in the metro area (though not as much in recent years). My video was just touched in a small list… a proper review would literally take an hour or more. In the end… I’m a big fan of Chicago… and constantly mention it as one of my favorite cities in the USA.

    • @GuiltyNoticer
      @GuiltyNoticer День тому

      What is the area where shootings happen at least once a week? I wanna experience some actual diversity.

  • @bookiester
    @bookiester 10 днів тому

    Chicago is not for pussies.

  • @fundip43
    @fundip43 10 днів тому

    Meat qualities factors 1. meat cut ( ribeye, fliet end cut ) 2. beef marbling score / gradeprime a5 etc 3. doneness ( rare medium ) 4. rendered jelly fat ( slow cooked) 5. crust 6. seasoning 7. herbs / compound butter 8. aging / aging method wet/dry 9. additional tenderizing ( mechanical or chemical ) 10. bone in 11. enhancements ( sauces ) 12. cows origin 13. cows feed 14. cows bread wagyu black angus Not all touchable here but could be something you could link or refer to Then you can get into cooking methods like reverse seared pan seared broiled

  • @dawnreneegmail
    @dawnreneegmail 10 днів тому

    I would say as an Illinois raised Shytown gurl our best feature is our neighborhood feel despite the skyscrapers!! Chicago is built on onion field swamps, did you know they had to raise ALL the building inches to feet to install the sewer system of the existing city? Weather? Really? I moved from there to 30 below and six feet o snow over four days in Colorado. Shy town weather is ugly winters but oh well. Our public transportation system is world class bar none. Lived inner city, no car needed! She's called windy which has absolutely nothing to do with meteorology, rather it's all about politics. Better than red hots? (hot dogs) One MUST try Italian Beef before going vegan, amazing and ABSOLUTELY NO KETCHUP on anything. Worst of O'Hare? The car rental located practically in Indiana!! Shy town food, sports, lake front,... find a local (like my friend Gene) and he'd show you all the best for dead cheap. cheers! (Go Cubs!) PS. Ear plugs, we're 24/7!!!!!

  • @sultanoftippoo3857
    @sultanoftippoo3857 10 днів тому

    Both look amazing places to visit but I have say the Alfa Romeo museum on the way to the airport from Milan is on another level (would heartily recommend visiting there if you are in town for the Grand Prix or just visiting Milan).

  • @jeffrhinesmith8261
    @jeffrhinesmith8261 11 днів тому

    I am wearing free fly pants right now. Light weight summer pants good stretch and stretch in the waistband only bad is shallow pockets

  • @tala1246
    @tala1246 11 днів тому

    I wish they had smaller intimate cruises.

  • @tala1246
    @tala1246 11 днів тому

    I guess I’m not an activity binger on vacation. I think I’m a beach bum, Boutique Hotel with history, culture, ambiance, romance, and quiet.

  • @totalbias6873
    @totalbias6873 12 днів тому

    Wrigley Field? What about legendary Wrigley Field?

    • @bradball
      @bradball 12 днів тому

      Can't see it all... Wrigley Field is very nice... another reason to love Chicago.

    • @dawnreneegmail
      @dawnreneegmail 10 днів тому

      raincheck!

  • @JackReacher92
    @JackReacher92 13 днів тому

    Bylt 2.0 are my favorite pants but you are right about the pockets! Wish they had shorter length options I’m 32/30 but only 5’7. They have tall models with the ankles showing like i Iike so I can show off my shoes more.

  • @user-fo8ev2rq4x
    @user-fo8ev2rq4x 13 днів тому

    Very happy with my CT shirts, but that"s just my opinion after all clothes are subjective.

  • @jeffbiederman9218
    @jeffbiederman9218 14 днів тому

    Maybe the best review I have ever seen on YT. THANK YOU

  • @TruthFLA
    @TruthFLA 14 днів тому

    i could not find one shirt with elastane. That is the reason i have not pulled the trigger on their dress shirts.

    • @bradball
      @bradball 14 днів тому

      Here is the one I own… it’s a decent shirt, but I wouldn’t pay $100 (or even close to that). Honestly… while the CT performance shirts are decent… there are better options for the money (Truwear or Mizzen+Main on sale). www.charlestyrwhitt.com/us/non-iron-stretch-twill-grid-check-shirt---ocean-blue/FOB0734OCE.html?cgid=shirts-stretch-shirts&pf=browse#cgid=shirts-stretch-shirts&start=1

    • @TruthFLA
      @TruthFLA 14 днів тому

      @@bradball thank you. I don't know why that company will make it so difficult to find the shirts with actual stretch

    • @TruthFLA
      @TruthFLA 14 днів тому

      @@bradball fyi, this shirt is $40 today. That makes it a fantastic buy

    • @bradball
      @bradball 14 днів тому

      @@TruthFLA I would agree… a great buy at $40… not so much at $80-100

    • @TruthFLA
      @TruthFLA 14 днів тому

      @@bradball Thank you so much. this interaction has been great and your knowledge of the subject matter is excellent and has been very beneficial to me.

  • @TruthFLA
    @TruthFLA 14 днів тому

    Im surprised you didnt include Dockers and Lands End

  • @kolzjj766
    @kolzjj766 15 днів тому

    Because of your fantastic review, I decided to visit the top of the rock and the summit one vanderbilt last week. Loved both. First time in NYC. From London 😊

  • @mauricelamain1978
    @mauricelamain1978 16 днів тому

    If you prefer glacier terrains Switzerland wins

  • @liewpg2266
    @liewpg2266 16 днів тому

    are carparks easily avaible if we decided to rent a car?and are traffic heavy ?

  • @Arrowsmith86
    @Arrowsmith86 16 днів тому

    Thank you for this video, watched the performance pants video which was also great. Hope you keep these videos up. Last time i bought a shirt was in 2015, sadly time to update.

  • @AmazingChinaToday
    @AmazingChinaToday 16 днів тому

    Just ate at Ruth's Chris tonight (NY strip steak) , and am 250 bucks poorer. The New York strip steak at Longhorn is a bit better, and a fraction of the price (27 bucks including a fantastic salad and a phenomenal loaded baked potato).

  • @gregssoundroom5394
    @gregssoundroom5394 17 днів тому

    Excellent Review ! Very thorough. Thanks Brad

  • @ianmconie5891
    @ianmconie5891 18 днів тому

    Can anyone clarify as a man am i allowed to wear shorts that go down to the knee or do you need to wear full trousers

  • @charlieroldan79
    @charlieroldan79 19 днів тому

    I cannot believe how ignorant this video is. You have no understanding of where you went dude. Incredible, Coca Cola... ATMs... Convenience stores.... Internet.... Man travel next time to an all inclusive in the Caribbean instead.

    • @bradball
      @bradball 19 днів тому

      Charlie… the video is 5 years old. Before COVID many people were traveling to Cuba…. and Cuba was beginning to market themselves to American tourists. So I created two videos… things I liked and things I disliked. No ignorance… just pros and cons. Have you been? ua-cam.com/video/71gsD23QjeI/v-deo.htmlsi=siuI1YPzlkO9bjwV

  • @forgeustiss6667
    @forgeustiss6667 19 днів тому

    This is old video. You can't bike right next to the water around Stanley Park. Because it’s too crowded. And the candy shop at Granville Island doesn't have bulk candy anymore.

  • @johnmicoli2594
    @johnmicoli2594 20 днів тому

    This is one of the most thorough and helpful reviews I have seen. Job well done !

  • @seminarista12
    @seminarista12 21 день тому

    Barcelona:capital of Catalonia, please!!

  • @DeeinGermany
    @DeeinGermany 22 дні тому

    I was glad that the waterfall was beautiful during my visit and not like this...

  • @angc1456
    @angc1456 22 дні тому

    12:30 SO MANY PEOPLE IN THAT BASKET?? DANGEROUS !!

  • @theodoreperkoski1951
    @theodoreperkoski1951 22 дні тому

    in my area, Outback and Capital Grill, have the same steak supplier .

  • @xarvetx906
    @xarvetx906 23 дні тому

    This is a really helpful video. Thank you!

  • @yu-tinglo7384
    @yu-tinglo7384 23 дні тому

    So helpful! Thank you for making this video!

  • @BensonBMD
    @BensonBMD 25 днів тому

    LOL. I think that you have missed the point. Maybe this will keep the masses of tourists away. Thanks for that. :)

  • @joshuanesbit
    @joshuanesbit 25 днів тому

    what happens to all your drinks and duty free?

  • @slwiser1
    @slwiser1 25 днів тому

    Inseam size is hard to find. Does everyone 5-9” or less have to have their pants cut shorter so they will not walk on the ends of their legs?

    • @bradball
      @bradball 15 днів тому

      I would check out Woodies Clothing. I believe Bluffworks has some great options as well.