My Mini-Vacation in Chicago

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06-07-2009, 10:08 PM
Prairie Purrs

My Mini-Vacation in Chicago

I spent a few days playing tourist in Chicago with a couple of my Colorado friends. Here are a few highlights.

I discovered that one of the most spectacular views of the city is from the women's bathroom in the Hancock Building's 96th floor bar:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/58340b31.jpg

The renovation of Soldier Field really does look like a flying saucer landed right on top of the old stadium:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...95285d19-1.jpg

A boat tour on the Chicago River provides some unique views of the city's architecture:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/038a3733.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/627e4553.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/147035f5.jpg

(to be continued)
06-07-2009, 10:14 PM
Prairie Purrs

And we saw the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/8b92889b.jpg

We couldn't take pictures in the exhibition itself, but I was able to snap a couple shots of the Weasleys' flying car:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/c045816e.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...s/1c3a5fb1.jpg

The exhibition was made up of costumes and props from the Harry Potter movies. Very cool!
06-07-2009, 10:17 PM
Edwina's Secretary

Lucky you! To visit the BEST city in the US!
06-07-2009, 10:22 PM
Prairie Purrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary

Lucky you! To visit the BEST city in the US!

I love Chicago! I went to Northwestern many, many years ago, and I still have friends in the area.
06-07-2009, 11:35 PM
Seravieve

I'm so jealous! I'd love to see that exhibit! That sounds soo cool.

And I too love Chicago... we've made several trips up there since we moved to StL.
06-08-2009, 08:40 AM
Daisy and Delilah

Great pictures. Looks like a blast. I hope my good friend, Elyse(cassiesmom)is seeing these. :)
06-08-2009, 06:56 PM
Prairie Purrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seravieve

I'm so jealous! I'd love to see that exhibit! That sounds soo cool.

And I too love Chicago... we've made several trips up there since we moved to StL.

The HP exhibit was great fun! It was pretty neat to see the costumes close-up. On the other hand, I could have done without the "life-size" model of the giant spider. :eek:

This was my first Chicago trip since I moved back to Illinois (between St. Louis and Springfield, more or less). I definitely intend to visit whenever time and money allow!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

Great pictures. Looks like a blast. I hope my good friend, Elyse(cassiesmom)is seeing these. :)

Thanks! It was lots of fun. We also got to see a Cubs game and visited the Art Institute. There wasn't nearly enough time to do everything we wanted to do, of course!
06-08-2009, 07:11 PM
blue

My big bro lives in Chitown. The boat tour is very cool with history and architecture.

My brother went to grad school there and still knows all the cool places to eat and drink. And can usually get us free Cubs tickets.

The only place I make an issue about visiting everytime Im there is the Shedd Aquarium.
06-09-2009, 10:00 PM
Prairie Purrs

One more photo--this is a stitched-together version of the photos I took from the women's room near the top of the Hancock Center:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ipanorama2.jpg
06-10-2009, 07:03 AM
Medusa

What fabulous pix! The one and only time I was in Chicago was on business and I was sick the entire trip and didn't get to see anything. I still want to go back one day and now I know what I can expect. Thank you!
06-10-2009, 09:32 AM
Marigold2

Nice pictures, did you get any shopping in? I understand Chicago is great for that.
06-10-2009, 10:08 AM
Prairie Purrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marigold2

Nice pictures, did you get any shopping in? I understand Chicago is great for that.

My friends and I avoided shopping because the trip budget was pretty tight, so we settled for window shopping on North Michigan Ave. We just about had to drag one of my friends away from the Tiffany's window--otherwise I think she'd still be standing there staring at the sparkly diamonds. :D
06-11-2009, 12:46 PM
Suki Wingy

HOLY !@#$% I really want to see that exhibit! Maybe I can sneak a little weekend trip home just to see it? I knew it was coming but totally forgot about it!
06-11-2009, 12:54 PM
Prairie Purrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suki Wingy

HOLY !@#$% I really want to see that exhibit! Maybe I can sneak a little weekend trip home just to see it? I knew it was coming but totally forgot about it!

I think it'll be in Chicago all summer. Well worth the visit. I'd recommend renting the audio tour device to listen to comments from the moviemakers about the items in the exhibit.
06-11-2009, 09:37 PM
Marigold2

I bought mysefl a silver bracelet from Tiffanys in Seattle. I wear it to work and love it.
Window shopping is always nice. :D It gives me great ideas on fashion.
06-11-2009, 10:52 PM
Edwina's Secretary

Unquestionably the view from the John Hancock is the best -- including the Ladies Room.

I remember taking Barbara and Siegmar there. We watched a thunderstorm roll from O'Hare east toward the lake. It was incredible.
06-11-2009, 11:48 PM
Prairie Purrs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary

Unquestionably the view from the John Hancock is the best -- including the Ladies Room.

I remember taking Barbara and Siegmar there. We watched a thunderstorm roll from O'Hare east toward the lake. It was incredible.

That must have been amazing. I wish we'd had time to go back up during daylight hours, but there were just too many other things to explore. Something to add to the list for my next visit!
06-14-2009, 04:18 PM
Killearn Kitties

It was lovely to see your pictures. I spent a couple of days in Chicago a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Thanks to Pet Talk and having met Edwina's Secretary, I knew exactly what to go and see to make the most of my time there. I also loved the river tour, the Art Institute, and the view from the cafe/Ladies Room of the John Hancock. I would go again at the drop of a hat.
06-14-2009, 08:55 PM
Suki Wingy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prairie Purrs

I think it'll be in Chicago all summer. Well worth the visit. I'd recommend renting the audio tour device to listen to comments from the moviemakers about the items in the exhibit.

I am going home in two weeks to see it. :D