Great Loop: Chicago!

Chicago!

There is nothing like the experience of approaching a major city from the water.  The skyline gradually comes into view on the horizon. It is similar to raising the curtain on a much anticipated theater performance.  You move closer until it's full majesty fills center stage and you just know this is going to be one terrific show as the city gleams in the light.

Chicago's opening act was welcoming and peaked our excitement as we speculated on what adventures and experiences awaited.  

Touring Chicago with Dick and Emily

Our friends Dick and Emily met us at the boat.  We had not seen them in several years and, as they were locals, we looked forward to touring the city with their guidance. 

One of the first stops, after a quick overview of the town, was a Greek restaurant for lunch.

We then visited a French Market

Chicago's Union Train Station

Union Station had recently been remodeled. 

The architectural details were impressive

 

Clearly the remodel returned the station to it's original glory

The original lighting invoked images of earlier times.

An Art Deco feature on one of the station fountains.

The business end of the station was quite busy.    Loudspeakers announce the arrival of both Amtrak and commute trains.

Green Mill Jazz Lounge

Our feet needed a rest so we stopped at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.  As it opened in 1910, it is the oldest continuously operating jazz club in the United States.  If you examine the history of the club, it was a speakeasy during Prohibition, and a popular spot for mobsters to relax.  Al Capone is known to have had a booth where he could watch both the front and back doors.  There is even a trap door, near the bar, which provides access to the tunnels through which coal and kegs were delivered and Big Al could use for a quick escape!

The stage where bands perform.

We enjoyed listening to jazz guitarist Andy Brown

The decorations create the lounge's sense of historic ambiance and continuity across generations

The gang is enjoying the music.

We were very lucky to spend so much time with Dick and Emily.  They know Chicago well and were very gracious to share their knowledge of the city and it's many attractions.  Plus they are just fun people to hang out with.  Thanks!

Chicago Architectural Tour

We rode our bikes from our marina, outside Soldier Field, to the Navy Pier so we could take a Chicago architectural tour.

At the Navy Pier you board a tour boat to travel though town on the Chicago River.

The seats on the boat are at a relaxed angle so you can lean back and enjoy the full profile of the Chicago Skyline

The Marina Towers as featured in Steve McQueen's 1980 movie, The Hunter.

One of the largest Art Deco buildings in Chicago.  A light show is projected onto it's façade at night

 

The buildings reach to the sky

Architectural styles for different periods coexist well.

Each of Chicago's bridges are well labelled

The mirrored windows of this building reflect the city's skyline

We returned to Navy Pier to continue our urban exploration

Beth at Navy Pier

The River Walk

The River Walk was our next destination.  We stopped at a Biergarten for a pretzel and cold refreshing drink!

The River Walk extends for quite a ways along the Chicago River.  It hosts many spots to eat, drink and be merry!

You can even rent a vintage boat to cruise the river

In the afternoon there is a sunny side and shady side of the river

It is a great place to walk and people watch

This boat is ready to party!

Touring Chicago with Beth's Cousin Bill and his Wife

We met Beth's cousin Bill and his wife, Melissa,  for deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno,

Chowing down on deep dish pizza

Beth and her cousin Bill outside the restaurant

Beth and Bill at "The Bean"

Bill and Melissa at "The Bean"

Mike and Beth at "The Bean"

Bill and Melissa at the Buckingham Fountain

An adult beverage sure tasted great after a full day of walking the city.  We really appreciated our guides' hospitality!  We benefited from their in-depth knowledge of Chicago.

Museum of Science and Industry

We checked out the static electricity display

Lightning bolts from my finger tips!

The U-505 U-Boat from World War 2 is now inside the museum

The forward torpedo room

The hydrophone

The engine room

The Aft Torpedo Room

One of the U-505's two propellers

Aft end of the submarine

The Conning Tower

Good Bye Chicago!

We left Chicago on a foggy, drizzly day.  The tall buildings disappeared into the clouds

Amy Marie travelled through a lock to gain access to the Chicago River.  We had a wonderful visit to Chicago and thoroughly enjoyed re-connecting with friends and family.  We especially appreciate the time and care people took to share their city.  It was clear they loved Chicago!

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Berthing Information

• We stayed at Burnham Marina adjacent to Soldier Field, the Field Museum, and the Aquarium.
• It was a good spot.  We could hear live music every night.
• Clean restrooms and showers.  They are heavily used.
• Phone:  312.741.3601