Recently, while in downtown Chicago with a little extra time, I visited some old familiar places. I spent a lot of time in the area, as I went to college and worked there for four years.

My first stop was a statue of Irv Kupcinet overlooking the river. Fittingly with a Sun-Times tucked under his right arm, the long-time columnist overlooks the river across from his old work place.

Irv Kupcinet

Of all the great views, one of my favorites is from any of the bridges over the Chicago River. If the timing is right, you can be on one bridge as the other bridges rise to allow a boat passing. I wasn’t lucky this day, but I still love the view.

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My next stop was Plaza of the Americas on Michigan Avenue, just north of the Wrigley building. On display on the east side is The Wings of Mexico, created by Mexican artist Jorge Marín. Two giant wings pay tribute to Chicago as a diverse city with people of unlimited potential. It is one of the most popular places for social media pictures.

On the other end of the plaza stands a statue of Benito Juárez, the first and only indigenous president of Mexico. Sculpted by Julian Martinez, it was gift to the city by the counsel general of Mexico in 1999.

Benito Juarez

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Crossing Michigan Avenue, I spotted the Jack Brickhouse statue. Shown from the waist up behind an announcing desk, the Hall of Fame sports broadcaster has his hand on a mic ready to call the action. On the front, in brass, is Brickhouse’s famous catchphrase, “Hey Hey.”

Jack Brickhouse

I ended this tour, as my final destination of Tribune Tower was mere steps away. As the warmer weather arrives, I will make more return trips to see other parts of our beautiful downtown area.

— John Wroblewski, online writer