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Trip Report - Chicago - Thunstorms, Thunderstorms, Thunderstorms

Trip Report - Chicago - Thunstorms, Thunderstorms, Thunderstorms

Old Jul 29th, 2015, 07:26 AM
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Trip Report - Chicago - Thunstorms, Thunderstorms, Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms, thunderstorm, thunderstorms was the forecast as late a couple of days before the trip.

In mid-June we decided to visit Chicago for a few days (7/16/15 – 7/20/15 (arriving both ways in the evening).

We booked AA non-stop from FLL to ORD. Of course, the flight going was delayed a couple of hours. It made little difference since it drizzled on the way from the airport and all we did was walk around the block to get a feel for Michigan Avenue.

We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard on Ontario & St Clair. An excellent location as it’s a 5-6 minute walk to the River and about a 15 minute walk to Millennium Park.

Even with the ominous weather forecast, the only rain was about an hour late Saturday (7/18) afternoon before clearing to a beautiful evening.

On our first full day, which was Friday, we walked along Michigan Avenue, stopped at the River for a few minutes and continued on to the Cultural Center (the Old Library building). This is a beautiful building and worth a walkthrough. The Tiffany Ceiling is beautiful as well.

From there we crossed the street and walked into Millennium Park. A very nice place to relax. In fact, the fountain appears to be the primary location for playing in the water for many people.
Other than the fountain, the most popular attraction is Cloud Gate (commonly known as The Bean). Fantastic reflections!!!

Eventually we went into the Art Institute gift shop (the museum was planned for Sunday), over to the fountain in Grant Park and then to see the “new” library (very utility) before heading back in the direction of our hotel.

Oh, the weather was sunny all day and in the upper 90’s. There were heat warnings throughout the day.

For dinner we walk a few blocks north and had an excellent pizza at Gino’s East.

For Saturday we had the Architectural Foundation Cruise booked for 11:30AM (be aware that there are competitors calling their cruise the Architecture Cruise and while they may or may not be as good are not put on by the Architectural Foundation). The day started completely sunny and slowly started to cloud over. When we got on the boat it was almost totally cloudy with a very small patch of blue sky. Over the next 15 minutes, when the cruise was about to start, that blue patch took over the entire sky. That lasted the whole time of the cruise. Excellent cruise and the docent was excellent as well.

After the cruise we had a snack lunch and started walking north on Michigan Ave. I think the plan was to continue walking until we got to the Gold Coast Mansions but we ended up in a mall at the Water Tower as that one hour of rain hit. When the rain stopped we walked back down to our hotel to rest and get ready for dinner.

I would like to thank those who recommended Volare which was only two short blocks from our hotel.

We had a 7:30 reservation and arrived at about 7:20. We were told to sit at a high-top table near the entrance. Within two minutes the maitre’d came over, apologized for the delay in seating us (it was not yet our reservation time of 7:30) and brought us each a glass of wine after telling us he was buying us a glass of wine. I don’t think we looked like royalty but they treated us as if we were.

The food turned out to be excellent as well as the service.

On Sunday (another sunny and warm day) we decided to make our first trip on public transportation. We took the bus down to the Art Institute of Chicago for a very nice visit, had a snack lunch and took a train up to Division to take a self-guided tour of the mansions.

Beautiful homes so close to the downtown area. Among the homes we passed was the former Playboy Mansion. Too bad the high rise condos are sharing some of the space. We saw one condo building that had only one balcony about a quarter of the way up. Amusing.

From there we took a slow walk back to and down Michigan Ave. We made a short stop in Barnes and Noble and another at an outdoor sing along outside a restaurant.

After two evenings of Italian food I decided I felt like having a burger. We took the trolley over to Navy Pier and ate at Harry Carey’s. The burger was pretty good.

After a 20 minute wait for the trolley we decided to walk back.

I forgot to mention. I was up early each morning and out late in the evening to take photos. On Sunday morning I saw part of the Marathon and (an) Elvis with guitar was one of those running. I didn’t know he was in Chicago.

On Monday, our last day (we got spooked and decided to leave for the airport extra early – a little after 4PM) we just wandered around the stores.

Chicago is a lot nicer than I expected. Beautiful architecture and a river right in the middle of the downtown area.

Thanks to those who answered the last-minute questions and especially those who suggested Volare.
Myer is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 08:56 AM
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Myer-- I've enjoyed my times in Chicago as well, appreciating the architecture, the Chicago River and of course the majesty that is Lake Michigan as seen from the city! It seems I missed you by one day; I was there July 15th and walked to Millennium Park & Grant Park from the train station (where I was transferring trains). In June, I got to explore the Art Institute for the first time ever; they really have an incredible collection of impressionist paintings and Asian sculptures!

I'm glad Chicago surprised you; it was nicer than I thought too when I went for the first time ever in 2006.

Best wishes, Daniel
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Old Jul 29th, 2015, 12:57 PM
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Glad to stroll around Chicago with you. In and out over the years. Once was familiar territory especially like Art Institute. One week we roomed across the street at Chicago Athletic Club and toured a different gallery each day.
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Old Jul 29th, 2015, 01:12 PM
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I am so happy that your trip went well. Volare is consistently good and we always stop there for a meal if in the area.
And your warning about other commercial boat companies trying to lure customers from the much higher quality CAF tour is important.
You mention enjoying the River Walk but next time also include the lakefront walking paths.

Re: highrises in the historic Gold Coast neighborhoods. The historic homes are protected now. Too bad they weren't earlier when those highrises went up.
Thanks for your report.
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Old Jul 29th, 2015, 02:57 PM
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Happy,

We did get pretty close to the lake when we walked over to Buckingham Fountain.

Some of my walks were done quite early in the morning (before my wife was up) or late at night (when she was back in our room) so the lake was a little too far for me to get to. Next time.

Daniel,

Actually, we were a little disappointed at the Art Institute. We have a copy of Paris Street; Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte hanging in our house and hoped to see the original. However, it's out on loan.

On a previous trip to Paris we found the street in the painting and I took photos of it.

We concentrated on the Monet paintings as we'll be in Paris at the beginning of September and may finally get to Giverny.
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Old Sep 13th, 2015, 12:04 PM
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Hie, Myer, i miss your report as we were in Yellowstone and few moments on internet. A lot to do there...
Glad you have good moments in Chicago ...
I am here almost every year in June for a oncologic congress and find every year something new...
Next year i plan to go to Oak park for the Wright's houses. It is a long time i did't see them...
Hope you have good time in Paris and Giverny...
Erik
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Old Sep 14th, 2015, 05:04 AM
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So sorry the Paris painting was out on loan! I can sit and enjoy that painting and the big Seurat dot painting for extended periods of time.

The architecture cruise is fabulous! Soooooo many amazing buildings to appreciate. Glad the rain didn't spoil your trip.

Chicago is really a beautiful city! I'm 3 hours away by either car or train, so I get to visit several times a year.
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