I’ve visited my employer’s offices in Naperville, just outside Chicago many times over the years however I’ve never been able to get much free time to visit Chicago itself (besides a quick visit to the Sears tower in February 2000 and seeing the Cubs play at Wrigley Field in 2001). This time I had a whole weekend in Chicago!
I’d arrived in Chicago following my vacation in Pigeon Forge & Nashville and a few days in Austin on business.
Armed with an out-of-date travel guide I picked up cheap in a discount bookshop I took the train from Naperville to Chicago (a bargain at $5 for a weekend rail card). I arrived in Chicago just in time to watch the Adam Street bridge being raised.
A short walk to the Sears tower and I was soon up on the viewing level looking out at the sunny Chicago. This time I had a camera with me so was able to take a few snapshots, which can be found in the Photo Album.
Walking from Sears tower towards Lake Michigan I came upon Grant Park, where I sat and watched the world go by for a little while before walking to Navy Pier. Navy Pier is an interesting recreational area which was extremely busy this sunny June Saturday. After getting something to eat I took a boat trip that provided a relaxing way of viewing some of the impressive skyscrapers that Chicago is famous for.
More walking, this time to the John Hancock tower for yet more views of the city from above. After which I walked back to the train station to meet a colleague from Austin. A short taxi ride later and we were at Giordano’s, a pizza restaurant renowned for its excellent stuffed Chicago style pizzas.
Sunday was slightly more leisurely with a late departure from Naperville, a walk around Grant Park, then a walk out to the Zoo (which is actually quite a long walk). After lots more walking we ended up at the Taste of Randolph Street and saw a group my colleague recommended called “Toad the Wet Sprocket”.
A selection of photos can be found in the Chicago Photo Album