Thanks for letting us know, Londonman.

Yes, Southern IL has great beauty. I just love the hills and creeks, amid forestland.

You saw quite a bit, really are a good sport!

Next time hit the dunes and the State of Michigan's sunset coast, if you can.

If you liked S.IL- you would love the wine country, hills of SW Michigan.

Londonman, I've been in Chicago a number of times before --- and think it's one of the world's great cities --- but can you elaborate -- what "bean" and what "bridge" are you referring to? (We'll be there for a short 2-day trip in a couple of weeks and would like to see what's new). In fact, if you have a good downtown restaurant recommendation (not in the "fancy" category -- we prefer not to dress up for dinner out), I'd love to hear it. thanks.

Londonman - thanks for the feedback. I love Galena. We've been there several times. Wow, you covered a lot of ground. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.

The bean is the street name for the large humongous "sculpture" in Millenium Park that looks like a large silver bean, its real name is "Cloudgate". I've never heard a news person call it other than the bean. It cost $40 million dollars BEFORE the welding/polishing which took another year.

The bridge is probably the one over the Chicago River on Michigan Ave. You will end up walking over it multiple times, I'm sure. When you do and right after you cross going North- look at the buildings coming up on your right. They will have pieces of other world famous structures put into their facades. ie- a piece of the Westminster Abbey etc.

The LOOP is actually NOT the same as downtown, and has meant different exact locations in different eras and still does to many people. It technically is the area within the LOOP of the el systems. Michigan Ave. at the bridge and straight North is the Magnificent Mile.

The "LOOP" designation to we Southsiders, has always been the real original LOOP - the downtown Chicago area bordered by Lake Michigan and South of the Chicago River and inland/westward for about 1 mile within the el LOOP. MM and Watertower are farther North than that designation.

Grant Park, Millenium Park are both right on the lakefront in the LOOP- all are easily walkable.

Get a map, and you won't get lost ever. If you are facing water vision blue on the horizon anywhere you know you are facing East.

Walk down the canyon of LaSalle St from the LaSalle St. station to Wacker, dmlove. It is a canyon. There were 1.75 million people standing in tickertape up to our calves (literally) and also hanging out of windows all the way up, and helicopters flying below the building tops and it was an unbelieveable memory when the White Sox came home to their parade in 2005. Even the el track running at a right angle had the trains stop to observe.

Also, an important feature to direction.

State and Madison are zero and zero for every grid address. It's a grid system. Everything South of Madison is SOUTH and everything North of Madison is NORTH. And all East of State is EAST and all West of State is West.

Napoleon grid system- the best there is.

JJ, I've actually been to Chicago a number of times before (have stayed at the Swissotel, Sheraton, Westin River North, Holiday Inn, and others.) so I know my way around pretty well, but haven't been there in 5 years, so Millenium Park will be new to me. Have walked many miles - up the Magnificent Mile, to the lake, along the Gold Coast, through Lincoln Park, around the "new Loop", etc. Have been to the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, every store on the Magnificent Mile (a client of mine owns several buildings on No. Michigan), Grant Park, Taste of Chicago, roller-bladed by the lake, Wrigley for a Cubs game, new Comiskey for a White Sox game, etc. We'll only have two days this time, though, and I want to spend time wandering Millenium Park, probably Sunday morning (we have plans Sunday mid-afternoon, and we're returning home Sunday night), so we have all day Saturday to explore. Thanks for all the "maps".

Tell me which buildings have pieces of other buildings in them, though, I'd love to see those (we near the Wrigley Building?)

I actually think the "bridge" that Londonman was referring to was the Metallic Overpass that was added in Milennium Park a few years back - very cool and modern looking. Crosses over a major street heading towards Navy Pier direction from the park.

Just got back from a three day visit in Chicago with wife and friends - absolutely LOVE this city. I have been to most of the "major" cities in the states, and Chicago is right at the top of my list - great night life, food, beautiful archeticture, easy to get around - on and on!

Russ, trip report please!! (where'd you stay, where'd you eat, and what did you do while there).

I had no idea that was the "bridge" and I've seen it. Thanks, russp.

At this time of year, if you have more time than dmlove has, I would always suggest a Chicago Arch. Found. on the River architectural tour.

I've been lucky enough in another age (1980's - right about the middle)to have a private tour down in a ship. One large enough that they had to open some of the bridges. Not all!

Once I got to lay on my back(on the very top level of the ship) and watch the spans of the bridge's underneath side from a distance that I couldn't believe, mere inches from my nose.

Aw, the days before liability became such a big issue.

You will enjoy Millenium. I have a 4 year grandson that just took the train last week with his Mom and 6 year old brother. He didn't care for seeing much of anything but the fountain.

One walk I like that few do, is the one up inside the Harold Washington Library. I love Italian marble- and there is a big room/ atrium type on the top - just for resting and some quiet. Higher you go up- more colorful the marble!