Chicago Things to Do Tips by BeatChick

Tiffany Glass Mosaic in Macy's Museums Review

Having been charged with finding the Tiffany mosaic ceiling in former Marshall Field's Department Store from shrimp56's & Dab's tips, I set out to discover it for myself.

Firstly, I like anything Art Deco, which Tiffany does so well. Secondly, I like the penultimate in items; this falls squarely into that category as it's the largest (and unbroken) Tiffany favrile glass mosaic in the world. Thirdly, I like having to search for my Art Deco penultimate objects.

Walk into Macy's and ask for the Clinique counter. It's still there. The Clinique counter, I mean. I hasn't switched spots so you'll find the mosaic ceiling as you look up. Then head to the nearby elevators, take them to the 5th floor where you'll walk out squarely into the lingerie department and will presently see the ceiling. Enjoy!

Photos: November 2008 & March 6, 2008

Address: 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Directions: Walk into Macy's, find the Clinique counter and look up. Take the elevator to the 5th floor and walk directly into the lingerie department.

Phone: 312-781-1000

Picasso (Sculpture at Daley) Plaza Picasso Review

Placed on this square the year I was brought to this earth (1967), Picasso's untitled piece (popularly called, well, "The Picasso") graces Daley Plaza like some bull-skulled vulture hovering over this center.

I like it! It's huge. It's weird. And it's 3-dimensional! So all those fractured Picasso cubist pieces I've been trying to coalesce into a workable figure in my mind has come to fruition in this work. The piece may also be seen on a smaller level at the Art Institute.

Other people like it, too! Despite being a horribly gusty day (gusty? in Chicago? you don't say!) in 30-some-odd degree wintry weather (March 2008), some gutsy people were milling about the square getting their photo ops with this creature. When Ian & I stopped by on our way back to Union Station (we'd gotten turned around - LOL), the place was milling about with people then, too, with folks trotting around snapping photos.

Didn't take a photo of it (wouldn't ya know) but there is an entrance to The Pedway to the right as you face this artwork.

Just across the street is another Picasso so keep your eyes peeled for it (5th photo).

Photos: May 2009 & March 6, 2008

Address: Corner of Washington & Dearborn

Website: http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/3873.html

Glimpses of Sears Tower Everywhere You Go! Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower) Review

Since the demise of the World Trade Center in NYC, Sears Tower in Chicago again tops the list as the tallest building not just in the US but in North America, which makes it the 3rd tallest building in the world! Wonder how tall it actually is? It's 110 stories standing tall at 1,450 feet.

No doubt, you'll be greeted with this wonder as I was when arriving into Chicago from the east. You'll also capture glimpses of it as you're walking around the city. An amazing sight, it is!

Although there is a deck at the top which affords gorgeous views of the city, I took Dabs excellent advice and instead viewed Sears Tower from the bar of the John Hancock which is the 3rd tallest building in Chicago.

Photos: June 2009; March & May 2008

Address: 233 S. Wacker St, Chicago, IL 60606

Website: http://www.thesearstower.com/

Navy Pier Swings & Carousel Navy Pier Review

So my son suckered me into riding the Swings which at the time didn't seem so terrible. I used to ride them all the time and had no issues. In fact, I used to be a huge amusement park buff! But now that I'm older and have read horror stories of deaths on such rides I'm a bit more fearful. Hence, my terrifying ride on the swings. LOL - all I could think about was the chain snapping and flinging me, seat and all, into Lake Michigan!

If you time it right you can ride the Ferris Wheel and be off in time to watch the fireworks or, better yet, watch them from the ride itself! We purchased tix at about 9:15, rode the swings and then the Ferris Wheel and were finished an hour later. The 2-ride combo costs $18.

Navy Pier is easily accessed via their free Trolley system (easiest access is on Grand Ave across the street at the Red Line Grand station):
http://www.navypier.com/visit_us/pdf/trolleystoproute.pdf

Photos: May 23, 2009

Address: Navy Pier - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Directions: Navy Pier lies on the east side of Chicago along Lake Michigan on Grand Avenue.

Other Contact: 800-595-PIER

Phone: 312-595-PIER

Website: http://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/pier_park.html

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Navy Pier Review

Probably the first thing you think of when you think Navy Pier is their famous Ferris Wheel. Albeit, it's not the original Ferris Wheel invented for the Chicago World's Fair but it is a a fair representation.

The slow-moving ride lasts for 7 minutes once around. The large gondolas seat up to 6 passengers and provide glorious views of the Chicago skyline and of Navy Pier boardwalk below (please see 3-5). The 2-ride combo costs $18.

If you time it right you can ride the Ferris Wheel and be off in time to watch the fireworks or, better yet, watch them from the ride itself! We purchased tix at about 9:15, rode the swings and then the Ferris Wheel and were finished an hour later.

Navy Pier is easily accessed via their free Trolley system (easiest access is on Grand Ave across the street at the Red Line Grand station):
http://www.navypier.com/visit_us/pdf/trolleystoproute.pdf

Photos: May 23, 2009 (some photos taken by Ian, my son, on my camera)

Address: Navy Pier - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Directions: Navy Pier lies on the east side of Chicago along Lake Michigan on Grand Avenue.

Other Contact: 800-595-PIER

Phone: 312-595-PIER

Website: http://www.navypier.com/things2do/rides_attract/pier_park.html

Navy Pier Navy Pier Review

Navy Pier at night provides a carnival-like atmosphere with its rides (Ferris Wheel, Swings, Carousel), Fireworks, and sightseeing tours which makes it a great place to bring the kids. It's also a place that allows outdoor drinking along the pier (alcohol not allowed outside Navy Pier entrance) so keep a sharp eye on those kidlets!

Navy Pier is easily accessed via their free Trolley system (easiest access is on Grand Ave across the street at the Red Line Grand station):
http://www.navypier.com/visit_us/pdf/trolleystoproute.pdf

Photos: May 23, 2009

Address: Navy Pier - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Directions: Navy Pier lies on the east side of Chicago along Lake Michigan on Grand Avenue.

Other Contact: 800-595-PIER

Phone: 312-595-PIER

Website: http://navypier.com

Union Station's Beaux Arts Interior

Many visitors to Chicago are bound to come through Union Station either via Amtrak train or by bus (Greyhound or Megabus). While there, take a moment to stroll inside to the Great Hall to check out the exemplary Beaux Arts elements dreamed up by famed architect, Daniel Burnham.

If you enter Union Station via the main entrance (directly across from the Art Deco entrance on Canal Street), just walk downstairs, take a right and keep going straight. You'll pass underneath the street and enter the Great Hall.

Hang your head back to notice the architectural features on the ceiling and to view the aspect of the skylight - gorgeous!

Also, inside is a food court with wifi; not free, it costs $3 for 30 minutes. Even if you purchase food it doesn't count towards the cost, it's separate.

If you come into town and need to power up your cell phone (provided you've brought your charger), you may either use the plugs in the restroom or in the food court.

Be forewarned: Union Station's luggage lockers are emptied at midnight! I called ahead of time to find out & because I wasn't staying overnight was forced to bring just a few things in a carryon bag (one I bought at the BHV in Paris - thanks, madaboutparis!)

Photos: May 14, 2008

Address: 210 South Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Directions: At the intersection of Canal & Adams Streets

Phone: (312) 655-2524

Website: http://www.chicagounionstation.com

Aon Building - 2nd Tallest in Chicago

After reading Dab's tips about the tallest buildings in Chicago (and because I have photos of the other 2 on my page), when I came across the building I had to snap a photo of it. I sort of stumbled across it on my way to see the Bean but really it's not hard to miss.

According to Dabs, one cannot climb to the top of this one for views but it's impressive nonetheless to view it from the outside.

Photo: March 2008

Address: 200 E Randolph St, Chicago, Il 60601

Website: http://www.aon.com

Union Station's Art Deco Exterior

Visitors to Chicago, if they're nearby Union Station, should stop to check out the art deco facade dreamed up by famed Chicago architect, Daniel Burnham. The building was completed in 1925, squarely in the art deco period, and contains fine examples of that era.

Take a moment to walk around and notice the details. I found some gorgeous accoutrements on the Adams Street side in a frieze and details at the top along the roof!

Photos: May 14, 2008

Address: 210 South Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (312) 655-2524

Website: http://www.chicagounionstation.com/

Wendella Boats - Combined Lake & River Tour

After brunch at NoMI, Callavetta, her 2 clever daughters Lornabug (Lorna) & ScienceTeacher (Jill), and I cruised on a 90-minute architectural boat tour provided by Wendella Boats, called the Combined Lake & River Tour. This tour highlights the architecture of Chicago along the river after first heading out via the locks to Lake Michigan where you see:
1) how the locks work
2) Navy Pier
3) Fountain made famous in Married with Children
4) Lighthouse

I had a great time hanging out with these 3 ladies. Callavetta I've known for several years and I call her a great friend of mine. Her 2 lovely daughters I call clever because they posted this fabulous puppet show on youtube.com.

At $22, the tour lasting an hour and a half is a real bargain and you learn loads of information to boot! The tour also provides drinks and snacks if you're so inclined.

We were graced with excellent weather that fine Sunday afternoon after a morning that threatened an overcast day.

I took so many photos that you'll have to see the rest on my Chicago and Illinois travelogues (be forewarned - it's a total of 80 photos) but I'll post 4 photos here.

Travelogue 1
Travelogue 2
Travelogue 3
Travelogue 4
Travelogue 5
Travelogue 6
Travelogue 7
Travelogue 8
Travelogue 9
Travelogue 10

Photos: September 2007

Address: 400 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Directions: At the Wrigley Building on N Michigan Ave. Just go to the river, climb down the stairs to the docking area where you can buy your tickets.

Other Contact: 312-222-9225 FX

Phone: 312-337-1446

Website: http://www.wendellaboats.com/