Stop number two in our "Where is Gerke Going?" series is Chicago! Paul Gerke is in the Windy City to showcase all the great things Chicago has to offer.
All morning long, Paul is visiting some of the city's most popular destinations. Be sure to watch Today in AZ from 4:30 to 7 a.m. to see what he's up to!
Here are some of the sights he'll see during his trip.
Navy Pier is a 50+ acre, 3,300-foot pier extending into Lake Michigan. It attracts nearly 2 million annual visitors, thanks to its many attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Towering above them all: the Centennial Wheel, an immediately-recognizable icon that stands out amongst the Chicago skyline. The Wheel offers 360-degree views of the city and the lake from 200 feet in the air!
Chicago’s infamous mob-related past is explored on a two-hour bus tour of old gangster hangouts. The “Untouchable Tour” features iconic stops including the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the Holy Name Cathedral, and the Biograph Theatre.
Paul Gerke dresses the part and joins the mob under the moniker “Paulie Peanuts,” helping the gang tell the stories that shaped Chicago’s history.
Are you familiar with the valley’s iconic high-end steakhouse, Steak 44? Perhaps its seafood concept, Oceans 44? Then you’ll find the best of both worlds (and a familiar venue) in the Windy City at Steak 48.
Prepare to be amazed at the Chicago Magic Lounge! A throwback venue re-introduces guests to a style of magic with roots in the Windy City. The lounge includes three “environments” and features magicians, cocktails, and small plates.
Two live stages. Strong drinks. Open until 4 a.m. What more could you ask for? Located in Chicago’s “Blues Alley,” the world-famous Kingston Mines Blues Club has been open since 1968 has hosted some of the greatest performers in the history of the genre.
Magic Slim, Koko Taylor, Sugar Blue, AC Reed, Junior Wells, and plenty of others have packed the oldest continuously operating blues club in the city. Guitarist Joanna Connor helps explain what makes Kingston Mines a part of history.
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper that establishes the ceiling of the Chicago Skyline. When it was completed in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world. It’s currently the 16th-tallest on the planet, 2nd-tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
It’s nearly three times as tall as the biggest building in Arizona- the Chase Tower. From its Skydeck, some 1.7 million annual tourists get a breathtaking view of the city. When it’s clear, views extend across Lake Michigan into Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Lou Malnati’s is home to the self-proclaimed best deep dish pizza in Chicago. The Malnati family name is sacred in the city; boasting 53 Chicago locations and three right here in Arizona! Lou Malnati founded what became a pizza empire, eventually passing the legacy down to his son Marc.
In this piece, Marc Malnati takes Paul Gerke into his kitchen and shows him how to make an iconic deep dish pizza while sharing stories of his career and business expansion into Arizona.
The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums in the world and boasts one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils. Among them: “Sue,” the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world.
Our tour guide shares what makes Sue so special, sheds some light on the history of dinosaurs, and introduces us to the largest to ever live: a titanosaur called Patagotitan mayorum (more affectionately known as Maximo).
For over 50 years, The Second City has been a leading brand in improv comedy. Famous comedians including Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, and Keegan-Michael Key have performed for the company, as have other “Saturday Night Live” cast members.
In this story, Paul chats with Artistic Director Anthony Leblanc about the importance of comedy, and then stops by the Chicago location to take a class and hone his improvisational chops. The world’s premier school of comedy hosts classes for all age levels, if you’d like to try it yourself!
ON YOUTUBE: More web exclusives from Paul's trip to Chicago!
Paul will reveal his next stop next Friday on Today in AZ! For clue and behind-the-scenes content, follow the 12 News Facebook page and Paul Gerke on Twitter.