Have you ever wondered where the studios that first recorded blues are located? Or which hot dog stands serve the best Chicago-style dog? How about where your favorite scenes from movies like The Blues Brothers or Ferris Bueller’s Day Off were filmed?
On Tuesday, the Chicago Office of Tourism made it easier – and more fun – to scout these locations. The tourism office partnered with Foursquare, a mobile application that rewards people for “checking-in” at designated sites, to launch a series of mobile treasure hunts. Participants earn special badges by visiting locations related to one of three Chicago themes: Chicago Blues, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Chicago film locations. At each location, users also receive historical facts and trivia left by Explore Chicago and other users, and have the option of leaving tips of their own.
In a region full of historically and culturally significant places, this new application is a great way to explore all Chicagoland has to offer. For more tips on great places in the region, check out MPC’s map of some of Chicagoland’s best public spaces, or read inspiring true stories about some of Chicago’s gems in MPC’s Placemaking Chicago case studies. The map and case studies are part of Placemaking Chicago, aimed at creating and enhancing quality public spaces in the region. By working with public agencies and elected officials, advocating for policies that support public space planning, and engaging residents early and often in the planning process, Placemaking Chicago is working to make the region a better place to live – one place at a time.
Sign up for Chicago Foursquare and learn more about Placemaking Chicago.
