It took me another 6 weeks, but here finally, is the low down on a lovely long weekend in Chicago. I think I want to call this a true walking adventure. Every one seems to be in to their steps these days, how about 58,791 in 4 days! What weekend in Chicago would be complete with out a trip to Harry Carey's. My friend and I had lunch there after a mid day arrival. It was a great atmosphere. Fun collectibles hanging around the building and as a bonus the food and the prices were good. That evening we went to the Second City Comedy Club and saw their political satire, "The Winner of our discontent." I thought it was quite funny.
Saturday, the big event was to go to the Memorial Day Parade. I've been traveling in a few cities on Holidays before and thought it would be fun to see how they celebrate. I wasn't disappointed. The parade was a long one. With many different bands and military groups past and future (ROTC) represented.
Saturday, the big event was to go to the Memorial Day Parade. I've been traveling in a few cities on Holidays before and thought it would be fun to see how they celebrate. I wasn't disappointed. The parade was a long one. With many different bands and military groups past and future (ROTC) represented.
After the parade we made our way down to the River Walk. The city has done a great job of creating a lovely area downtown with restaurants and pubs along the Chicago River where people can enjoy the environment and grab a water taxi if they need to.
We decided to go on a Architecture River Cruise. It was a great way to get to see the many different styles of buildings as well as hear stories about who had designed them and when they were built. There were many buildings that have been re-purposed. With the changes in manufacturing, what was once an old factory is now a much sought after apartment building. According to our guide, Mrs. O'Leary's cow didn't start the Great Chicago Fire.
Then it was on to Navy Pier. Situated on Lake Michigan it was a lovely environment. There were rides for kids and shopping for adults, all right along the Lake with a nice breeze and a fun environment. We went to a restaurant called Chango Loco for a late lunch early dinner.
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Our next day was our last full day, so we tried to fit in all kinds of things. Again with our feet as out primary mode of transportation we made our way first to Millennium Park to see "The Bean". It's real name is Cloud Gate. What an interesting piece of modern art. It's so interactive yet has no technology. Just a big reflective surface shaped like a bean!
From Millennium Park we walked through Grant Park to Lake Shore Drive to Shedd's Aquarium. The line was long so we decided to hop a taxi and go to the Museum of Science and Technology. There was so much to see! We hoped a taxi to Chinatown for lunch. Then just in the nick of time found a taxi back to our hotel to avoid a downpour! Phew! It was time to rest the tired puppies a little before we headed out again to peruse the Magnificent Mile. We went in a few places including The American Girl store, Ghirardelli Chocolates and the Garret Popcorn Store. We stopped at the Rock Bottom Brewery for a small bite to eat before calling it a night. What a day we had seen so much and walked just over 10 miles in ONE DAY!
I don't think I saw or did everything there is to do in Chicago. But I sure did have a great experience. I would highly recommend Downtown Chicago for a Spring or Fall long weekend. I think I'd skip it in the winter for sure!
I don't think I saw or did everything there is to do in Chicago. But I sure did have a great experience. I would highly recommend Downtown Chicago for a Spring or Fall long weekend. I think I'd skip it in the winter for sure!
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