A Memorial Day weekend trip to the Windy City. I enjoyed some cooler weather - at least compared to Texas.
I stayed near the John Hancock Center at the Millenium Knickerbocker hotel which is one block from Michigan Avenue. Like the Intercontinental, the Knickerbocker is an old hotel in Chicago that combines historical charm with modern hotel luxuries. My room was small but had been recently renovated. There is free wi-fi in the lobby area and the piano performer is a very nice touch.
Activities:
Walked through the Water Tower - it is a large upscale mall but I was mainly there to eat at Wow Bao - a restaurant serving Asian buns and is a Chicago local. I like how the water fountains along the escalators periodically shoot out balls of water and people would try to catch them. I caught a few of those water balls.
Architecture boat cruise at night. I had taken the daytime version of this boat tour in a previous trip to Chicago but this was an opportunity to cruise along the Chicago River at night and see how the city buildings light up at night. As a bonus, we got a close view of the Navy Pier fireworks before docking.
Lincoln Park Zoo - exhibits are laid out very well and the zoo is free.
Bike tour of Chicago neighborhoods and along the Lakefront. A great way to get off the beaten path and understand the layout of Chicago. Biking along the lakefront was my favorite part of this tour.
Sears Tower - I had been up to the observation deck before, but I returned so I could check out the ledge. It can be scary at first but after walking on it you will get over it. I felt like I was walking in the air.
Chicago History Museum - a display of Chicago's past as well as its many industries. Check out the differences between a cell phone today and 25 years ago. I love the diorama section on the first floor. Visit this museum on Mondays when admission is free.
Bridgehouse Museum - located in one of the towers along the Michigan Avenue bridge, this museum is about the history of the Chicago River and its role in shaping Chicago's growth. There is also a view of the gears that operate the bridge.
