I've recently taken these pictures when I made a return to my old stomping grounds in Chicago's North Side. It gave me an opportunity to preserve those moments in snapshot form. There are unexpected surprises in store for those willing to venture out and around.

I've dreamed about this city for so long, I was concerned it wouldn't live up to my expectations. Can someone please tell me WHY was I worried? I have no complaints, except one; the days were only 24 hours long!

This was a business trip made into leisure, I added a couple of days at the beginning, getting to Chicago Friday afternoon. The Crowne Plaza Allerton was my home for 2 nights (I've written a review, including pictures). The Allerton was right on the Magnificent Mile, very convenient location to get almost everywhere.

Armed with my visitor's pass, I hoped the "El" and visited Greektown, enjoying every bite at Pegasus. Later that evening, I made my way to Millenium Park, I had a date with the Cloud Gate sculpture (my new love), it doesn't seem to matter what time of day you see it, it's always a delightful sight. I wondered around Michigan Avenue, caught a few cool shots over on State and enjoyed the windows at Marshall Fields.

Off to an early start Saturday morning; I must confess, I found the city's layout a bit confusing, it took me about 1.5 days to get my bearings and understand exactly where I was standing in relation to the river (which seems to be the most important thing). Again, down Michigan Avenue, I got shots of Big John, the Hershey's building, Water Tower and just every space which spoke to me.

Make it a point to stop by the Chicago Cultural Center, not only is it visually beautiful, but you'll find the Visitors Center where you can get a ton of useful information and maps to the area. David, one of the extremely helpful attendants, set me up with a good map and suggestions for places to eat, drink and be merry, 'true Chicago places, not the touristy ones'. I followed his advice and had a blast!

I had a Sidecar martini with a lovely view at the Signature Lounge (96th floor on the Hancock Bldg). Deep dish pizza at Giordano's, a meatball sub at Potbelly Sandwich Works. Joined the Wendella Tours crew down the lake and river. I walked and walked, shot picture after picture, and found myself mesmerized time and again by this magnificent city.

All of this happened by Sunday afternoon, when I headed out to Renaissance Chicago O'Hare (you'll also find a review for this one). Sunday evening, I headed over to Andersonville for a meal and beer at Hopleaf (look for my rave on this one). On Monday, I made it over to Gino's for a thin crust pizza, and on Tuesday, I made it back into the city, for some barbecue at Carson's and a farewell walk through the city as I tried to find Buckingham Fountain, which was off, I think because of the gusty winds that night (about 40 mph).

I said goodbye Wednesday morning, as the snow flurries hit the windows of my shuttle bus and I promised Chicago another dance.

Spend 2.5 week in this great city (July-Aug 2005) with my family (2 + 2/21yr 14yr) and had a great time. After several business trips in the past I decided to show the place to my family and every second of the stay was enjoyable (even the muggy rain on one night!).

Hotel on E Ohio street close to the Magnificent Mile and even more close to this very enjoyable Ohio Street Beach (just 2 blocks); walking distance to the Navy Pier something like 10 mins.

Like I wrote above, you can have it all: Adventure, leisure, techology (museum), culture (music, architecture, ...), nature (beach, parks, lake), ...

I shall not try to rewrite one of those excellent travel guides about Chicago here, just go to any good bookshop and buy the latest edition of a Chicago guide that fits best your interests + Buy A Street Map!

Ask the hotel concierge for the concierge guide + their local recommendations .. that's for free!

Some interesting things you can do:

Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum*, Museum of Science & Industry (2x)**, Sears Tower Skydeck.

*) Special exhibit about China excavations;
**) Special exhibit with German WW II, U-505, submarine; walk through the submarine!; .. be sure to book your time slot early .. for they are filled up early, by noon usually;

The Navy Pier is one km of fun, shops, food and a lot of other interesting things for all to see and do; the Crystal Garden on it (near the Ferris Wheel) is a nice cool place with tropical trees where you can sit freely and enjoy your own food & drinks.

Take one or more of these boat tours, the one with architectural guide is great, but packed with loads of information ..

The water taxis gives you a nice and speedy transport across the water ..

Some great places for dinner (but of course there are many more): Riva (at Navy Pier; $$$$), Red Lobster (Ohio St), Dao (E Ohio), ...

Have lunch at 95th floor of Hancock (waiting time may be 15-45 mins) with splendid views (if the weather permits) .. take your time to enjoy the buffet and to take pictures, .. or just look ..
Hancock Observatory by night .. it has an open air area ..

Great with kids who are fond of mini golf: A glow-in-the-dark mini golf in total darkness with fluorescent balls and scenery .. (Norridge Commons, near Harlem Rd & W Forest Drive: Putting Edge)

Bike rental, something like $ 10 per day or $ 40 per week, can be found at various locations, a/o near the entrance of Navy Pier.

Free trollies serve a great part of the city, but you must be prepared that sometimes the coach just is full, so you have to wait another half hour (but it's free, you know..); every line has its distinct colour; maps are available from the city's Visitors' Desks (a/o Navy Pier)

Cheap & fast connection from O'Hare to downtown is the Blue Line from Terminal 2 which brings you to Clark & Lake for $ 1.75 in something like 35 mins, which often is the fastest means of transport also (faster than taxis even);
at O'hare a free circular shuttle train connects all terminals;

As a Texan I would like to comment on your city. In addition to the many attractions in Chicago, the thing that really caught my attention was just how clean and attractive the city of Chicago is. I noticed, also, that the citizens all are very proud of this fact and all seem to work at keeping it clean.
I've lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston. None compare to your beautiful city. Thanks so much for a very enjoyable visit.