With the Swipe of a Ventra Card

With the Swipe of a Ventra Card

Chicago is often seen as a city of diverse and unique neighborhoods, this is an understatement. Each of these neighborhoods are homes to different cultures, identities, and backgrounds that all make Chicago the city it is. One of the greatest perks of being a Loyola student is the Ventra card. This blue card, that is the size of a credit card with your photo and name, will allow a student to use any CTA “L” train line or bus throughout Chicago just by swiping your card. This opportunity allows students to further explore their Chicago classroom. Here is a link to see the “L” map: http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/maps/ctatrainmap_2013oct.pdf

Here are some places that you can explore all on the Red Line (from South to North):

  • Chinatown: With both food and culture, Chinatown is the place to have a true culinary/cultural experience that is a feast for the eyes. Starting in Chinatown square, the signs of the zodiac flank you and a cultural performance is usually put on the stage for both locals and tourists. Numerous restaurants and Chinese bakeries are very popular. These restaurants all serve authentic and traditional Chinese fare all for a good deal! In addition, the town has its own public library with books both in Mandarin and in English to accommodate its residents. http://chicago-chinatown.info/
  • Chicago and State: This stop is famous for both being the location of Loyola’s Water Tower Campus but also for the home of the Magnificent Mile, the Champs-Elysees of Chicago. Here, all  name brands (domestic and international) are found on this “mile” strip. Here, renowned restaurants, dessert shops, and cafes line the street as shoppers go about the stores. This place is both popular with tourists and Chicago residents. The Mile is an easy five minute walk from Water Tower Campus and is only two blocks away from the Corboy Law Center.
  • Lincoln Park: Lincoln Park is an area of Chicago that is the home for many young professionals and many recent graduates. This neighborhood has many restaurants, boutiques, and places for people to hang out. It is also the home of DePaul university (just off the Fullerton stop). In addition, Lincoln Park Zoo is popular attraction for many families. This zoo is one the last free public zoos in the country and is both known for its menagerie of animals as well as its annual Zoo Lights that come up during the holiday season. http://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods-and-communities/lincoln-park/
  • Lakeview: Lakeview is a general area that encompasses the neighborhoods of Wrigleyville, Boystown, and New Town. Wrigleyville is famous for being the home of the Chicago Cubs at the Wrigley Field. In addition, this stop has numerous restaurants and places for friends to hang out after a Cubs game, like the World Series! The Boystown neighborhood has one of the largest LGBT populations in the country as this was the first recognized LGBT village in the country. This area is known for both its annual Pride Parade during the summer and having cafes, bookstores, and like Lincoln Park sweet boutiques and shops. http://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods-and-communities/lakeview/
  • Argyle: Just a few stops before the Loyola stop, Argyle is also known as “Little Vietnam” that is popular with both pho and bahn mi sandwiches that are tasty and hearty. Like Chinatown, the food is of good quality and price and is definitely worth trying. One of the best places is a Chinese BBQ place that specializes with roast meats especially roast duck. This is one of the best places I have tried! http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/going-places/2013-summer/city/little-vietnam

ventra

Comments are closed.