Day 1
Well, the Adventure didn’t begin as smoothly as planned…. We boarded the plane on time Tuesday morning, but then sat on the plane for almost 3 hours (time for a TV show, a movie, and a few walkabouts) as O’Hare was closed, then only letting limited flights land due to a major lightning storm. We were finally allowed to disembark with a $20 food voucher while we waited out the delay…which turned into a cancellation! After a lo-o-ong wait in line at the AC Customer Service desk, we got the flight rebooked for Wednesday morning….then had to go to another area to speak to a supervisor about accommodations…next, go through customs (even though we never left the country – love NEXIS – avoided a huge line), and finally get our luggage. Day 1 in a nutshell: after 8 hours in the airport, it is time for a couple of cold beers, some prime rib from Canyon Creek, and then bed.
Day 2
After an uneventful flight (thank goodness), we arrived in Chicago and took the Blue Train to Monroe Station (just down from our hotel – Hampton Inn Majestic). The Hampton Inn occupies 17 floors of the former Majestic Office Building built in 1905. The building was a mix of office space and a theatre (presently it houses the Hampton Inn and the Bank of America Theater). It is quite an interesting place with some of its original character preserved.
After check-in, we headed down to the waterfront and walked towards Navy Pier.
We turned to wander along the Chicago River in search of a spot to catch a bite and drink. …So excited to find Kona Longboard!
For dinner, we didn’t waste any time in trying Chicago’s famous Deep Dish Pizza Pie. We went to Lou Malnati’s (it was featured on “You Gotta Eat Here”). While not “pizza” as we know it (more like an Italian Pie), it was delicious! –lots of mozzarella on the base, fresh stewed tomatoes, mild sausage and mushrooms all on a butter crust.
Day 3
After a light breakfast, we walked down towards the water again, but this time wandered in the park towards the Buckingham Fountain. The mist offered a bit of a shower.
Once we reached the area of the Field Museum, Shed Aquarium, and the Planetarium, we turned back and walked the waterfront.
Sailboat upon sailboat waited for their outing.
Millennium Park was very interesting… We stumbled upon a symphony/opera practice performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The sound was amazing.
The Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) was much more than we expected. It is huge and every angle offers a different reflection of the city’s skyscrapers.
Look close and you will see our reflection several times ! It is very dis-orienting being under the bean and looking up at the distorted images!
The Crown Fountain offered entertainment for young and old.
We reached 10,000 steps before lunch. For lunch, we weren’t sure what we wanted and headed north along State St. A block after the bridge, we spotted a place of interest – Public House. The bar offered great food, refreshing beverages, and refuge to the rain that began to fall shortly after our arrival.
Day 4
Today, we planned some indoor activities due to the intermittent rain. We visited the Chicago Art Institute, figuring we would spend an hour or two….WOW! We spent over 4 hours wandering the various halls and getting lost in the works.
I took one Art History class in university, and I am amazed at what I remember. It is so exciting to see a painting and know who the artist is. I did a paper on one of American Impressionist Mary Cassatt’s painting which is part of the Chicago Gallery, BUT, would you believe it is currently on loan until the end of the month?!
They did have another of her paintings.
So excited to see paintings by so many famous artists, like Monet,
Degas,
Van Gough,
Picasso,
and so many more….
After hours of wandering the gallery, we took the Pink Line to Lagunitas Brewery. Little did we know Riotfest was in the same neighbourhood – the train was packed full of grunge music lovers. And when we reached the brewery, the taproom was packed too. The waitress said it was the busiest day they had seen since opening 1 ½ years ago.
We had a couple of beers (really thirsty from wandering around the art gallery) and shared some nachos while we waited for the tour to start.
The tour was quite interesting. The brewery is housed in the former Ryerson Steel distribution warehouse.There is many old cranes abandoned on their rails around the building.
They have capacity to do 600,000 barrels of beer. This past week, Lagunitas signed a deal with Heineken to allow global distribution. The owner, Tony Magee, insists business will continue as usual….
Most interesting fact from tour guide – “If you don’t test positive(drug test), you won’t get a job here.”
We ended the day returning to Macy’s to pick up a purse I saw on sale the day before (regular price was $79, on sale for $59.25). The register rung it up at $23.70! So excited!!! I quickly paid and whispered to Todd, “Let’s go…..”
