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Chicago!
Except for driving through Chicago a few times and stops at O'Hare and Midway, we had never visited Chicago, one of the greatest cities in the world!
We decided it was time to go. We planned a trip and we met daughter Debbie and S-i-L Mike there for a few days of exploring, sight-seeing, and fine dining, and some not-so-fine dining! Here are a few photos and comments about our trip.
Getting There
Tuesday, September 8
Since it was only a few days, it was cheaper to park at the airport than to Uber, so that is what we did, taking this photo so we could remember where we parked.
The "On Time" was wishful thinking
The plane was at the gate, though.
Unfortunately we sat in that plane at the gate for an hour-and-a-half while they checked on some mechanical problem. Fortunately, we had first class seats and they brought us some refreshments to help pass the time.
Eventually we took off. As we circled around to head east, I took a photo of San Diego showing downtown, PetCo Park, and the southern edge of Balboa Park.
As we arrived in the Chicago area we flew past O'Hare and out over Lake Michigan before looping back over the city to the airport. I think O'Hare Airport covers more ground than the entire City of San Diego.
The Chicago skyline as we aimed toward O'Hare
We stayed at the Hilton Chicago Miracle Mile Suites.
It was an okay place in a great location.
We were on the 27th floor, which, by Chicago standards is not very high.
Our room faced east with nice views of the Lake
After settling at the hotel we strolled around the corner to the iconic Drake Hotel.
We sat at the bar and enjoyed a little wine and a nice light dinner.
We sat next to that guy in the middle
Wednesday, September 9th
View from our room. We woke to cloudy weather and a little bit of rain.
Not enough rain to keep us from doing some exploring, so we walked over to Michigan Ave to check out the neighborhood.
This guy was ready for the rain as evidenced by his golden shower cap. There were a few sculptures along the way, similar in style to this one - oversized and realistic.
Back at the hotel, we checked out the pool and workout rooms on the top floor.
It seems a little disorienting having a pool 30 stories high.
Back down at street level we found another of the sculptures. Funny that the first two we saw were of swimmers, appropriately soaked by the rainy weather.
We checked out Harry Caray's restaurant while looking for a place to have lunch
Harry couldn't make it in person but his larger-than-life bust was in the lobby surrounded by photos of VIP's and celebrities and me.
That's me. I love Chicago!
Deb and Mike arrived in the early afternoon after a roundabout train trip from Midway and a hike up Michigan Avenue.
After a quick lunch at Harry Caray's we walked down toward the river and stopped at D4 Irish Pub
A nice spot for a pick-me-up before our river cruise
The call it an "Architecture Tour" and now I know why!
There is a lot of "architecture" which in the language of Chicago means "Very tall buildings and a few that are not"
We were waiting to board at the top of the stairs.
We made it. I had to wear my hat backwards so I could see the tops of the buildings when I looked up.
Many low bridges.
Here are a few architecture photos. Fast forward if you want.
Not too fast, now.
Our tour guide was very good - entertaining and knowledgeable.
This is a video looking up river
I have lots more on my phone!
Back on dry land after the cruise, looking west from DuSable Bridge
View east from the London House Rooftop
Same spot
Thursday, September 10
Thursday was our "free" day to explore. We had no plans except a dinner reservation at 7:00.
So we walked over to the Lake and walked south to the Navy Pier to see what it was all about.
If nothing else, it was a nice walk and there were some good views of the city.
Unfortunately, the Navy Pier Beer Garden was not open :(
This is the lighthouse off the east end of the pier. And some flowers and a boat. And something else way out there.
Okay, the tallest building is missing three floors worth of windows and condos because the wind caused too much swaying before they were removed. According to our river tour guide, now the wind can zip right through and the building won't sway too much or fall down. (May not be her exact words.)
We stopped here for lunch. There is another Billy Goat Tavern, the original one over by Michigan Avenue, but this one was right there and we were hungry and thirsty, borderline hangry!
It didn't have much "tavern" atmosphere, but it worked for us.
Route 66 doesn't actually start here, it starts at Adams and Michigan, but every so often a new spot is designated as the starting point, and this is the most recent one.
Condos and Robert's on "Ogden Slip" and offshoot of the Chicago River.
In keeping with the Irish Pub theme, we stopped to relax along the River here at Lizzie's
We has some great weather and it was a nice quiet place to relax and re-group
Father and daughter
Inside Lizzie McNeill's
Our table
Next stop: Millennium Park
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Cloud Gate, otherwise known as "the Bean"
Bean heads.
Me in the middle of the bean.
Selfie with Debbie - see the reflection on the bean?
The Bean
The Bean from Cindy's Rooftop
Millennium Park, the Bean, Pritzger Pavilion, the city and Lake Michigan beyond.
Selfie from Cindy's
From inside Cindy's on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Assoc. Building
Dinner at Gibsons
The Gold Coast neighborhood.
Our table at Frank Sinatra corner
Dinner for the table next to us!
Lorri in front of Frank and friend. Who is Frank's friend?
Later we sat outside at the Tavern on Rush for an after-dinner drink.
It was a beautiful evening
...and a great day!
Friday, September 11
25 Years after 9/11. How quickly the time passes and yet how fresh the memory remains.
Day game at Wrigley Field!
We hopped a cab from our hotel to Wrigley
We had plenty of time to explore Wrigleyville.
The rooftop bleachers beyond the left field wall
We visited world-famous Murphy's Bleachers Bar
Murphy's is across the street from the real bleachers of Wrigley Field
It's spacious place but it was filling up fast.
Lot's of Cub's paraphernalia
Including a scale model of Wrigley Field
Selfie proving we were there
And so were Lorri and Deb
We shared a table with this friendly couple, Karen and Jeff, from Scottsdale, AZ, but they were Cubs fans!
Another view of the "Wrigleyrooftops".
In remembrance of 9/11. The flag covered most of the outfield.
Need I say anything?
Click here for a video of the view from our seats
Photo from the third base side looking back toward our seats
The Cubbies romped, 12-2!
We left a little early and went back to the Drake for espresso martinis and shrimp cocktail
Good day so far!
After a pause to refresh back at the Hilton, we headed back to the Gold Coast area in search of cocktails and dinner.
First stop, Dublin's Pub.
Selfie at the bar
I propped my phone against a beer tap and was using the remote on my Apple watch. I need to practice that move.
We opted for dinner at this place. They had a nice patio seating area and the menu looked good.
The view from the mezzanine looking out to the patio
Our table
Cheers!
After dinner out front
It was another great day in the Windy City - not much wind, thankfully, but lots of fun!
Saturday, September 12
Heading Home
Yes heading home, but since we all had afternoon flights we had one last breakfast together at the 3rd Coast Coffee House and Wine Bar
It was a nice cozy little place on Dearborn Street, again in the Gold Coast Neighborhood.
So it was farewell Chicago and thank you for a truly memorable few days, and thank you Debbie and Mike for helping to make it so!
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