Categories: Transportation
CTA: Chicago's Orange Line
Author: Emily Capdevielle
CTA's Orange Line project was announced in 1980 and became a part of Chicago's transit system in 1993. Citizens from the Southwest now have a rapid transit system to downtown much to their relief.
The Orange Line was the first to open with a color name and was built from scratch when former Mayor Jane Byrne decided to help finance the project. The Line connects tourists to many hotspots throughout downtown and convenient transportation for residents. Whether you are looking for entertainment or cultural outlets, the Southwest side has unique places to venture to around Orange Line perimeters.
Midway Airport
The Orange Line is recognized for its convenient stop shuttling travelers to and from Midway Airport. There's an Orange Line Midway Airport terminal that provides rapid access to downtown or the Southwest side. Midway is one of the few airlines that support a rapid transit system in the United States. The RTA Active Transit Stations Signs (ATSS) grants travelers to up-to-date information regarding the latest train departures, travel times to the Loop, fare information and any service disruptions. While the Orange Line does not have 24-hour service like the Blue Line has connecting to O'Hare Airport, it still has long operating hours. The Line operates Monday-Saturday 4:30a.m.-11:45p.m. and Sunday 7a.m.-11:45p.m. (Midway Stop)
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
This Lithuanian museum plays a vital role in Lithuanian culture as there is a vast collection of art, maps, cultural artifacts and archives to peruse in the museum that date back to the 16th century. The main exhibit, "Lithuania Through the Ages" displays the development of Lithuanian history to present times to delve into either your own culture or experience another's. The museum has one of the largest archival manuscripts outside of Lithuania. Thousands of books, pamphlets and periodicals make up the Research and Resource center, illustrating their culture and history. Another intriguing part of the museum includes the art that is displayed by Lithuanian and Lithuanian-American artists. The audio-visual room also brings life to the infinite amount of history throughout the museum. (Pulaski stop, 6500 S. Pulaski Rd.)
B.L.U.E.S.
For blues enthusiasts everywhere, this is the place to be with live blues music playing throughout the week. Voted best blues club on Chicago's north side, the club provides a small, friendly setting hosting local artists. For any individual who lives or works in the area codes of 60614 or 60657 will also get in for free on Good Neighbor Night on Tuesdays. Where first-class blues performances are a guarantee, this club is nothing short of an enjoyable night out. Not only will you be able to listen to local artists but you will also have the opportunity to strike up some conversation over drinks at the bar. (Halsted stop, 2519 N. Halsted)
Historic Churches of the Roman Catholic Achdiocese of Chicago
The St. Joseph and Holy Cross Roman Catholic Churches are both a part of the Archdiocese of Chicago and share Baroque style architecture designed by Joseph Molitor in the early 1900s. Baroque style architecture was a style the Roman Catholic Church adopted involving extravagant decoration and the dramaticuse of light and shade. Not only are these Roman Catholic Churches respected as places of worship, but as magnificent contributions to Chicago's architecture. Due to the recent population changes, mass is held in Polish, English and Spanish for the recent surge in immigrants from Latin America in the area. These places are worth a visit to gaze upon the architecture or to join in on mass. (Western Ave. stop, St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church: 4821 S. Hermitage Ave, Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church: 1746 W. 46th St.)
Check out places of interest near CTA: Chicago's Orange Line:
Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Serving breakfast and lunch, this sibling to the popular Wicker Park location serves omelets, breakfast burritos and upscale flapjack offerings such as the “Oreo cookie” for breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch, seasonally inspired salads and sandwiches highlight the menu.
Chicago Bicycle Federation
9 W. Hubbard St., Ste. 402,
Chicago, IL 60610
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation advocates for bicyclists' rights in all respects. One of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, this organization works to bring awareness to the biking community in all its many forms.
