and isn't it tragic that we have to have 'safe zones' now? Last night in text my daughter said she asked her Taxi driver for suggestions on things to see and do in Chicago and he said the same thing as you... stay in the 'safe zones".
I visited Chicago once, long ago. As you know I'm not fond of large cities but I certainly recognize they contain many entertaining and interesting sites. Of all the major cities I have visited I believe Chicago was my favorite... it seemed the most different to me, still hanging on to that mid-western charm... well, at least a little.