Chicago

The Windy City was not so windy for us. In the middle of summer it is hot and the humidity is high. They were worried about a heat wave hitting the area. The thunderstorm built during the day dropping a misting rain which added to the humidity. The weather did not keep us from visiting the “Tourist sites”. To find out what we needed to see we didn’t turn to the internet because it was too convoluted with adds, we turned to one of our Lyft drivers. About 50% were helpful and when they were helpful they were great!

The first driver we talked to told us that we needed to go to Wrigley’s field (we were on our way), “the bean” (what?? We were not in Boston), and the Navy Pier (we had been told the Navy Pier). As we looked around we added a couple of items so here is my list if you want to experience Chicago.

1. A Chicago Cub game at Wrigley’s Field. as we found out yes a major league game is differen. It was so much fun and worth the money.

2. The Riverwalk - It is free and gives you a lot of history and feel of the city. You can do a riverboat cruise but it is not necessary to see the city. People gather along the river at its bars, restaurant, and public areas to slow down at night and enjoy the river. Great for activities like kayakin, playing corn hole, or watching the city light up.

3. “The Bean” it’s real name is Cloud Gate. It is a sculptor by Anish Kapoor. It has been nicknamed “the bean“ due to its shape. It is very reflective and shows the skyline reflected along with the sky and people. Sometimes are more crowded than others we found that evening before sunset was perfect weather. The bonus was a classical symphony playing in the park drew a lot of the crowds away. The been is located in Millennial Park. If walking stop many places along the way like the AON center to see the water features and quiet reflective gardens.

4. Navy Pier - the Naval Boot camp is just outside of Chicago, but the pier itself did not have any Navy boats. In fact we found a Coast Guard ship with a flag along with lots of tourists boats, private boats, sail boats and even a pirate ship (tourist boat). The pier has bars, restaurant, shopping, a beer garden, a Ferris wheel, carousel and other carnival attractions, along with a Children’s Museum, Shakespeare Theatre, and music venue. We walked to the Navy Pier a few times and harbor. There is always something going on. Free concerts in the park and beer garden, people watching, or relaxing on the pier looking out on Lake Michigan and watching the boats.

They have gardens on the shore and a music venue which has free concerts the first night was Jazz. However on Saturday the gardens along with the pier drew visitor to watch the fireworks show over the harbor. On Wednesday and Saturday they set off fireworks to the delight of visitor and residents. You can charter a boat to view them from the water, see them from your hotel room or find a spot on the Navy Pier. The fireworks are beautiful. It is a fun time for families, couples, or single traveler. We did not feel unwelcome or unsafe.

5. The Willis Tower formerly known as the Sears Tower. The second tallest building in the United States. When you visit you go up to the 103 floor in 60 seconds in an express elevator to visit the Sky Deck. The view is breathtaking even to those who are not afraid of heights. We went at night an hour prior to closing. This was perfect timing because we missed all the crowd and had no waiting in line. It also gave us a night view which I believe is much prettier. It was a surreal experience to see planes and helicopters flying below are level in the distance.

There is so much more to visit in Chicago like Soldier Field and a Bears game, other sports teams, the Lake Michigan beaches, I could go on and on however the ones above are the sites everyone recognizes. Like our driver said if you have these pictures to show when people ask if you have been to Chicago this is what they will expect to see. Below are other fun picture.