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There are these two sculptures you see as you are entering or leaving the Congress expressway in Grant Park.
The subjects are Native Americans on horseback. One looks like he is throwing a spear...
There are these two sculptures you see as you are entering or leaving the Congress expressway in Grant Park.
The subjects are Native Americans on horseback. One looks like he is throwing a spear and the other looks like he is drawing a bow.
After you pass these guys a million times, in your car or walking, they sort of become a part of your subconscious landscape.
They are wonderful evocative sculptures that suggest the action without the actual presence of the bow or spear.
Art speaks!
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Have you ever been on a toboggan slide? If not, you have missed a lot of winter fun.
First you have to wait until there is enough snow, like 4 inches. And it has to be cold, like 20...
Have you ever been on a toboggan slide? If not, you have missed a lot of winter fun.
First you have to wait until there is enough snow, like 4 inches. And it has to be cold, like 20 degrees.
You either bring your own toboggan (if you are really hard core) or rent one. A big one will hold four kids and an adult.
You have to get in a certain way where you lock yourself together by essentially putting your feet in the lap of the guy in front of you.
Of course you have to earn your ride by climbing a zillion steps to the top. Then you wait your turn. Then you get in, weave yourself together, and off you go.
It is all over in seconds, but, hey its a thrill!!
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There are several competing boat tours you can take when you visit Chicago. Most of them originate from Navy Pier these days, although there are also some that start from under the Michigan Ave....
There are several competing boat tours you can take when you visit Chicago. Most of them originate from Navy Pier these days, although there are also some that start from under the Michigan Ave. bridge.
These guys have been around since 1939 and do it right. They tell you a lot of interesting Chicago history as you tour the downtown lakefront in the boat.
I remember taking this tour as a kid and I'm sure it would still be fun. Chicago's lakefront is beautiful and has a fascinating history so if you want to play tourist, this is a good choice.
http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/
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This is a special place devoted to peace. When you think of all the monuments and museums dedicated to war and its artifacts, you may realize how special this place is. It is dedicated to finding...
This is a special place devoted to peace. When you think of all the monuments and museums dedicated to war and its artifacts, you may realize how special this place is. It is dedicated to finding non-violent solutions to the world's problems.
Yoko Ono contributed one of John Lennon's guitars and there are other artifacts here you will find interesting.
They also have great programs for kids.
Mark Rogovin was one of the founders; he also is a great muralist. I have to mention my late mom because I found out that she encouraged Mark to create this place when he was first considering it.
http://www.peacemuseum.org/
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Newberry library sits just west of the glitzy mag mile facing a city park that locals know as bughouse square, where free thinkers used to give extemporaneous speeches back in the 30's.
It is a...
Newberry library sits just west of the glitzy mag mile facing a city park that locals know as bughouse square, where free thinkers used to give extemporaneous speeches back in the 30's.
It is a really impressive looking building that always had a special aura to me.
It was a mysterious place to me for many years. I knew that it was a library with a lot of famous old manuscripts, but I thought it was just for scholars and researchers, which is actually mostly true.
I finally got inside when I was invited to a memorial service being held here. I found that it had actually been bequeathed to the city by Walter Newberry. They hold lectures and seminars here. The mystery was solved.
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Navy Pier has become one of Chicago's major tourist attractions.
One of the jewels in this spot is a beautiful auditorium at the end of the pier. There is a major art show that comes here in May...
Navy Pier has become one of Chicago's major tourist attractions.
One of the jewels in this spot is a beautiful auditorium at the end of the pier. There is a major art show that comes here in May where galleries from all over the world exhibit their art.
It is a great setting for art, and when your eyes need a rest you can walk outside and chill looking at the lake and the boats and the skyline.
Anytime of the year though there is activity here, restaurants, shops, theaters, etc. It is worth a visit; even as a Chicago native I usually have fun when I come here.
Joe's BeBop cafe is just one of the many places worth visiting.
http://www.navypier.com/
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When they first built this building, I rented a great apartment in Old Town for $85. I helped the former resident move out from his 4 room space in Old town into the freshly built Hancock.
He...
When they first built this building, I rented a great apartment in Old Town for $85. I helped the former resident move out from his 4 room space in Old town into the freshly built Hancock.
He was moving into this 2 room cramped space up on a high floor of the Hancock. I think the rent was $475. I thought he was crazy.
It was eerie up there. We had to take two separate elevators. I was anticipating this great view, but because it was a cloudy day, when you looked out the windows all you saw was this fuzzy gray blanket.
The wind was whistling; I was aware of how high up I was. I had read that they had designed the building to sway a bit in high winds and I swear I could feel it swaying.
But I ramble. Go visit the observatory on the top on a clear day, or better yet, sit in the lounge up top and savor an overpriced drink and enjoy the best view in Chicago,
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"Do they still sing the blues in Chicago?" is the lyric from Steve Goodman's great song about his years as a Cub fan.
Cub fan or not, this place is worth a visit if you like baseball. It is a...
"Do they still sing the blues in Chicago?" is the lyric from Steve Goodman's great song about his years as a Cub fan.
Cub fan or not, this place is worth a visit if you like baseball. It is a great ballpark with ivy covered walls and rabid fans who fill the place, whether the Cubs win or lose.
After much controversy, lights were added a few years ago so now you can see night games too.
But there is still a traditional feel to the space, and it is surprisingly intimate for you and 40,000 or so of your closest friends.
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When they first built this place I was driving a cab nights so I went to check it out. You know, its the Ritz, legendary.
The lobby is not as you walk in; you have to take an elevator up to the...
When they first built this place I was driving a cab nights so I went to check it out. You know, its the Ritz, legendary.
The lobby is not as you walk in; you have to take an elevator up to the 12th floor (if memory serves). It is posh and elegant as you might expect.
There is a big fountain there. I just thought of the engineering of this when I first saw it and was impressed. Later, when I sat at one of the little tables and relaxed, I was impressed by the peaceful ambiance they had created.
They used to have a 24 hour restaurant there. It has been years since I visited, so I have no idea if it is still open all night.
But when it was, it was a great place to eat some elegant and surprisingly not-too-expensive food in the middle of the night.
http://www.fourseasons.com/
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This park stretches along the lakefront on Chicago's North side. Being the country's biggest urban park, it is an awesome resource that has more facilities and stuff to do than I can mention in this...
This park stretches along the lakefront on Chicago's North side. Being the country's biggest urban park, it is an awesome resource that has more facilities and stuff to do than I can mention in this short piece.
There are beaches to swim in if you dare to brave the urban water. There are miles of beaches to walk, big rocks to walk on along the lake, lovely lagoons with ducks, tennis courts, harbors full of boats, a cool place for dogs to play and swim, etc.etc.
Lincoln park is a large part of why the North side lakefront area is so desirable. It makes for good living to be able to head over and ride your bike or take a walk by the lake and have a little mini vacation.
I have spent countless hours of my life happily enjoying this park. It is a valuable healing space.
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