Instead of spending a boring Saturday at home, spend it in downtown Chicago, Illinois, shopping, eating, or taking in the city by visiting the Chicago Skydeck.

Students can take the Amtrak train from Milwaukee into Union Station, Chicago. While aboard the smooth, quiet train, students can take a look outside the windows at the beautiful countryside.

Tickets for round trip are $48/per person. The Amtrak is located at  Milwaukee Intermutal Station and train departure times vary.

One of the many restaurants is T.G.I Fridays on 153 E. Erie Street right off of Michigan Ave. With a upbeat, loud environment, Fridays has reasonable priced food with a big quantity.  A classic cheeseburger is around $12 and huge chicken tender pieces for $10.

“The food is really quick.” said junior Miranda Schilse.

Another feature of downtown is the cupcake bakery, Sprinkles. People line up around the corner for blocks to taste a delicious cupcake decorated right in front of them.

The shopping locations are endless. Water Tower Place is a great destination. With seven floors of stores that range from Forever 21 to Prada. Nordstrom Rack is also a place to shop for sale items.

The Disney and Hershey stores, located on Michigan Avenue, are places to reclaim a small piece of your childhood while in Chicago.

Be aware of street dealers who persuade a person into purchasing items on the street.

Taxi drivers are like flies during the summer. Scurrying from lane to lane and from place to place. Speed limit signs are nowhere to be see in Chicago by the blind eye but drivers seem to know they exist. Do they abide by them, probably not.

Take a break from walking in the beautiful, quiet courtyard of Fourth Presbyterian Church on 126 E.Chestnut Street.

The Chicago River is a sight for sore eyes when the sun is setting. Students could even take the boat cruise for sightseeing from the river while hearing about the city’s history. Those tickets are $37/per person and is a 75 minute cruise.

Chicago can be a place to spend some time, even a day, away from the struggles and headaches that come along in high school.